Club News
11 August: President's Gala Day
This year's Stamford League President, Rita Downs, held her Gala at Blackstones Bowls Club last weekend, 11th August. Twenty two teams competed for the cup on a day which, after weeks of variable weather, produced perfect blue skies and summer sunshine; it was enjoyed by everyone.
The competition was won by one of the four teams entered by Blackstones Bowls Club: Adam Warrington, Jon Earl, Mike Humphreys and Martyn Dolby. The runners-up were also from Blackstones BC: Wayne Morris, Darren Middleton, Darren Russell and Mal Mitchell. Graham Patrickson’s team from Stamford Town Bowls Club (last year’s winners) were third. The Gala raised over £600 for the President's chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, so a big thank you to everyone who took part. Thanks are also due to President Rita Downs and Blackstones Club steward Tony Gibbons, his wife Julie and the rest of the catering staff.
Every day, around 750 seriously ill children and young people from all over the UK are seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital. One of those children is Mason Sallis – son of President Rita Downs’ god-daughter, Laura, and the inspiration for her choice of charity for both years of her presidency. Mason has a rare genetic disorder – osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis, or OS-CS for short. Great Ormond Street Hospital saved Mason’s life on two occasions when he was younger and the hospital continues to care for Mason and to support his family. This year Mason has had cleft palate surgery. He is looking forward to a summer holiday in north Cornwall and, in September, he will be joining his older brother at Welland School.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity supports the hospital and its patients by funding four key areas: Rebuilding and Refurbishment, Support for Families and Children, Research into Children’s Health and Life-saving Medical Equipment.
