A life steeped in Bowls

The Club was recently presented with a Bowls Royce electric wheelchair kindly donated by the family of David and Marion Collins and their son Andrew. The Club were both delighted and very grateful to receive such a generous gift and sincerely thank all the family for their generosity.

Below is a letter written by Nicholas on behalf of the family.

In 1963 David and Marion were introduced to the game of bowls via Woods of Colchester interdepartmental competition after work. Together they were on the committee that organized the Woods Social Club.

My brother and I made good use of the sports ground while mum and dad played on the green.

That year we moved to Wivenhoe and while talking to the farmer Claude Watching who was mending his fence at bottom of our garden, he introduced David to Wivenhoe Bowls Club. Claude was a founder member of this club.

Dad went on to be: President, Group one executive, Captain, Greenkeeper, Treasure and Honorary Secretary and in recognition of this he was awarded a life membership.

Mum was President, Captain and Secretary for the Lady's.

Dad and Andrew both had indoor and outdoor County badges

Our holidays where taken in Yarmouth, Bexhill and Leamington Spa so that dad could take part in their open tournaments. We had day tips to Felixstowe to take part in that open tournament.

In later years Andrew and I played as well. Mum watched every game.

When I lived in Luton playing for Leaside we would meet up in Welwyn Garden City in order to take part in an open tournament, now joined by my wife Claire.

While growing up Andrew, Jeanette and myself played in and around all the local clubs whiled dad played. Mum watched him on the green.

Indoors he played at the Pavilion in Clacton until a new green was opened at West Mersea. He played in the indoor league enjoying some success later joined by Andrew.

Mum watching from the sidelines with her youngest Jeanette.

Also Susan and Anne, my children, playing games or doing their homework while grandad played.

When I joined Southward in Colchester, Claire was made guest of honour and most welcome at West Mersea this was a mixed fixture: Claire used to play as the only lady in our team.

After mum died in 2011 dad stopped playing but still took an interest in the game

Sian Collins, Andrews widow, Peter Collins his son my sister Jeanette Lewis and myself, Nicholas Collins, wish to a denote a Bowls Royce powered wheelchair in memory of all these happy days.

In loving remembrance of

• Marion Collins who passed 26/1/2011 aged 75
• Andrew Collins who passed 26/1 2 /2021 aged 63
• David Collins who passed 3/3/2025 aged 90

to encourage people of all abilities, to take part all year round in the game they loved.