BATCHWOOD HALL BOWLING CLUB – PRESS REPORT 17th August 2026

At the weekend Batchwood played Potters Bar at home in the semi-final of the Bob Vise Trophy. The Bob Vise Trophy is a Men’s District knock-out competition.

Bob Vise was an active lawn bowler, and a well-known local watercress grower in Redbourn, part of a rich local heritage tied to the River Ver chalk streams. Historical archives place him firmly in the community’s mid-20th century agricultural landscape. His legacy is locally commemorated through the annual Bob Vise Trophy managed by the St Albans & District Bowling Association.

Noel Godman was one of the Founding Members of Batchwood Bowls Club in 1966 and was their President; he is still a member of Batchwood. Bob Vise, and his wife Mary, were members of Batchwood in 1967 when Noel was Captain. In 1967 Batchwood won the Bob Vise Trophy.

The semi-final did not go Batchwood’s way. Congratulations go to Potters Bar who won on all four displicines. They will play at the St Albans & District Final on 31st August and will play at Potters Bar Bowls Club.

Batchwood Men played their Friday District Triples against Townsend. The home team of Joshua David, Eddy Clark and Mark Trembling won 17 – 9, the away team of John Bell, John Turkentine and Brian Parkes won 17 – 15. Batchwood are through to the semi-finals with one game in hand.

Batchwood ladies played in the County League and have come third in their division of 6 teams. They did exceedingly well considering how few ladies were available to play this year.

A mixed triples match was played away at Hertford Castle. Batchwood won by 6 shots.The winning rink was Rosemary McDonagh, Jackie Bell and Skip Sue Swain.

Tricia Gascoine

Press Officer