Saturday April 24 saw the Hunters Carpet Bowls Club hold their annual charity tournament, and this year's charity was The Essex Air Ambulance Service.

75 teams took part playing on 15 rinks. The first round was played on a round robin basis, the 15 winners, plus the best runner-up going into the knock-out stages.

The hosts had their best ever tournament, team 'B', comprising Bill Amos, Mike McDonnell, Bernie Godfrey and Shane Chapman (skip) reached the last eight.

Team 'C' went one better by reaching the semi-finals. This comprised of Jill Wilson and Bob Wilson and Sandy Pattenden and Geoff Pattenden (skip).

Both lost to Walton-on-the- Naze who then beat Kelvedon by four shots to two in the final.

Participating clubs and individuals donated raffle prizes, including Ridleys Brewers, Essex County Cricket Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, Colchester United Football Club and Southend United Football Club, donations for which the Hunters Club are most grateful.

A lot of time and hard work goes into organising these tournaments and the club members did another fantastic job, which was justly rewarded by raising a total of £1,121.09 for their chosen charity.

A presentation evening was held at Rayne Village Hall on Friday May 21, where club president, Bernie Godfrey, presented the cheque to paramedic Keith Charlwood, who was representing the Essex Air Ambulance Service.

Mr Charlwood, in reply, thanked the members of the Hunters Club and said how grateful the service was for their contribution.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.