President Sue’s 2025 tour to Scarborough

Weds 3rd   – Sunday 7th September 2025

On Wednesday 3rd September the tour group of 39 players and guests were met by Mark the Daish’s coach driver and departed for The Daish’s Esplanade Hotel in Scarborough. Following a coffee and comfort stop at Blyth Services we arrived at the hotel in mid-afternoon.

Thursday 4th Holwell Sports Tourists v Pickering BC.

An interesting drive to the venue past some of the wildfire damaged moorland. Evidence of the scale of damage and the involvement of the Emergency Services and local landowners was apparent in the firebreaks created to help contain the damage. Smouldering peat was still apparent in isolated places. The coach journey included a trip through Thornton le Dale and the auction house of Matthewson’s Classic Car Auctioneers made famous by the Bangers and Cash TV series. On arrival, the weather was unsettled but the welcome was warm. The hosts were surprised that a decorator had arrived that morning to repaint the bar area which meant that space was restricted. Bob Penny was Captain for the game which due to the uncertain weather forecast was reduced to 15 ends mid game when rain became heavier. An already heavy green became a challenge for several players. The final score was a defeat 46 to 99 with the highest (only) winning rink of Jen Keegan, Ros Carter, Clive Underwood and David Keegan winning 16-9.

Pickering BC Captain Robert was presented with a bottle of wine, a pennant and Holwell Sports BC equipment bag by President Sue. Holwell Tourists winning and highest losing rink were presented with mementos from President Sue.

Friday 5th  Holwell Sports Tourists v Burniston & Cloughton BC.

A charming local community centre providing sports and community facilities for these local villages. 5 rinks of players and supporters were welcomed. Much more settled weather was enjoyed and the match result was also much more favourable. An 85 – 63 win with 2 winning rinks and 3 losing rinks. Fred Thorpe was Captain for the day. Highest winning rink (21-5) was Jen Keegan, Mark Cregan, Claire Cregan and David Keegan. A feature of the highest winning rink was “the shot of the tour” from Claire who delivered a back toucher when facing a complex head with the opponents’ holding shots and shot  bowl just a small distance in front of the jack. Highest losing rink was skipped by Fred (8-18). Burniston & Cloughton BC was presented with a bottle of wine, a pennant and Holwell Sports BC equipment bag.

Whilst the game was taking place the players and spectators were unaware of an incident unfolding in the car park of the Village Hall. Coach driver Mark was assisting North Yorkshire Ambulance Service in delivering a baby girl whose expectant mother was in the car park.

 

Saturday 6th Holwell Sports Tourists v Seamer BC.

A sports ground with a narrow access that demonstrated Mark’s driving skills. A cricket match was taking place during our time of arrival. Careful parking of the coach avoided any damage from potential “sixes”. Perhaps the quickest green of the 3 during the tour. 5 rinks were played and great thanks to 3 Holwell tourists who filled gaps in the Seamer lineup due to players being committed to the Scarborough Open tournament which was at its final stages. The overall result was a win for Holwell Tourists 78-75. Highest winning rink (27-7) was James Cregan, Jen Keegan, Geoff Rudkin and David Keegan. Highest losing rink was skipped by Bob Penny (7-23). Seamer BC was presented with a bottle of wine, a pennant and Holwell Sports BC equipment bag by Vice President Fred who was presented with a Seamer BC pennant.

After dinner at The Esplanade Hotel the group met to announce the results of the tour “Sweepstake” which had been rolled over for 2 days. The winning score was shared between Pat and Angela. Prize money was also presented to the 2nd places (Carol & Ros)

The group went on to thank President Sue for her very enjoyable tour and for her work (along with Arthur) in making it such a success. Sue was presented with gifts from a collection derived from all tourists. Sue responded and generously presented Arthur and Bob with bottles of wine in appreciation of the help and support they had provided in the preparation of the tour and brochure. Later that evening there was a grand firework display on Scarborough Beach to note the end of the holiday season and to raise funds for the Air Ambulance. This event was linked to a mass gathering of Honda Goldwing motorbikes that were parading on the Promenade.

 

Sunday 7th Holwell Sports Tourists return home.

9.30 departure. Comfort break at Blyth Services. Arrival back at Melton early afternoon.

 

MATCH SUMMARY

3 games played - 2 matches won, 1 lost

16 rinks played - 6 rinks won, 10 lost

Shots Holwell Tourists 209 – Opponents 237

 

A selection of photographs taken by President Sue