WG Grace – master of lawn bowls
AS the summer sports season arrives it is worth noting that WG Grace, Downend’s most famous son, was not only an exceptional cricketer: in his latter years he also represented England at the sport of lawn bowls.
WG Grace was born in 1848 in Downend House on North Street, when Downend was a fairly modest rural community.
In 1850 the family moved a couple of hundred yards across the road to another house called The Chestnuts, where the current BT building now stands.
When the family first moved in, there was an orchard in front to the house, much of which was removed by his father Henry Grace to create a cricket pitch, and it was here that WG honed his skills as a cricketer, on what is now the Co-op car park!
By the time he had reached his early 50s Grace had given up playing cricket for England and showed an increasing interest in lawn bowls.
He was instrumental in creating a bowling green next to his cricket club in Sydenham and established the London County Bowling Club.
He did much to formalise the game in England and, in 1903, set up the English Bowling Association, of which he became the first president.
This has evolved in recent years into Bowls England, the governing body for the sport of lawn bowls in this country.
Grace was appointed England captain in 1903 and so became one of those comparatively rare sportsmen who have represented their country in two sports.
There is a plaque in Christ Church recognising his contribution towards the sport and, across the road in the parish hall, the Downend Short Mat Bowls Club is continuing to keep the spirit of bowls alive in the very heart of the community in which WG Grace grew up.
Mike Parsons
Card gives peace of mind
DO you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without your help?
If so, a Carers Emergency Card is essential – and it’s completely free to apply for.
This card gives peace of mind. If you’re taken ill or have an accident, it’s used to alert a 24-hour emergency call centre, so steps can be taken to ensure the person you care for is safe.
Carers discounts are also available to card holders
Make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected: find out more at www.carersbsg.org.uk/CEC or call CarersLine on 0117 965 2200.
Adrian Robson
Carers Support (Bristol & South Gloucestershire)
Book’s good cause
I HAVE had epilepsy since I was little, so understand the challenges it brings.
Willow is my seizure alert dog and gets lots of attention wherever we go.
I have just published my latest book about Willow, a cheeky but sweet Labradoodle.
It raises money for Tia’s Treasures, a wonderful not-for-profit organisation that helps make learning about epilepsy engaging, supportive, and accessible for children and families, and for epilepsy awareness too.
I’ve been busy fundraising and making epilepsy information packs and donating them to local primary schools and libraries. One school was very grateful, as a child had just been diagnosed with epilepsy and could give the pack to her family.
The packs have the Willow book inside, as well as my eldest child’s epilepsy book for kids, and lots of leaflets and stickers too.
You can buy the book by searching for ‘Willow The Little Helper Dog’ on Amazon.
Sarah Reid
Enjoy a concert
THIS year the Cleeve Singers’ summer concert is on Saturday, July 4, at Lincombe Barn.
Starting at 7.30pm, our programme is light and happy, with songs from well-known past shows interspersed with favourites like Fats’ Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin.
Tickets to the concert cost £6 and are available from Downend Card & Gifts (cash only), from Downend Folk House and on the door.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available during the interval.
Patricia Holmes
Secretary
Visit our garden
THE beautiful gardens at St Peter’s Hospice will open to the public this June.
Our annual Open Gardens Day, which last year sold out, is taking place on Sunday June 7, when you can enjoy the much-loved gardens in bloom.
Refreshments will also be available including home-made cream teas.
Our gardens are created by our community, for our community. Volunteers, staff and supporters make them a welcoming, therapeutic space for patients and visitors.
Every ticket purchased and every donation made helps local patients and their families get the care they deserve. It’s so important for patients and visitors to look out and see a beautiful environment, or to be able to come outside for some peaceful reflection. Events such as this make all the difference in helping us to provide that.
St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice providing in-patient care as well as community support to those with life-limiting illnesses.
For more information or to book tickets visit tinyurl.com/y2rhe672.
Anneke van Eijkern
Head gardener