On a starry Saturday evening worthy of any red carpet, the clubhouse was transformed for our 2024 Club Awards Ceremony – and what a night it was!
With glitz, glamour, trophies, trifle, and throwback tunes, this was an evening that had everything. We came together to celebrate the battles fought in the heat of summer, relive our finest bowling moments, and honour those who etched their names into the club’s legacy.
🍽️ A Feast Fit for Champions
Before a single trophy was lifted, there was one clear early winner — Karen Ayris’s legendary strawberry trifle. With showstopping presentation and flavour to match, it might just go down as the night’s first “ooh” and “aah” moment. Alongside husband Daron Ayris, the duo served up a delicious dinner for the whole club, setting the tone for the evening ahead.
With stomachs full and spirits high, Club President Brenda Anderson stepped forward, trophies gleaming, as Karen Ayris took up the mic to MC the evening — and what a host she was! With running commentary that brought every final back to life (in vivid, often hilarious detail), we relived all the highs, the heartbreaks, and the heroic shots that defined our 2024 season.
🏅 The 2024 Champions – Legends of the Green
One by one, our champions made their way to the front, soaking up well-earned applause as they lifted the prestigious silverware they fought so hard to earn. From thrilling pairs to tense singles showdowns, here’s to the bowlers who made 2024 unforgettable:
- Ladies Two Wood: Bev O’Hara
- Ladies Pairs: Mary Martin & Bev O’Hara
- Ladies Handicap: Karen Ayris
- Lilley Cup: Joe O’Hara
- Mixed Pairs: Roz Booth & Daron Ayris
- Mixed Triples: Jain Garrod, Mark Petty & Martin Gammage
- Golden Oldies: Ray Newman & Howard Butler
- Eddie Neal Trophy: Steve Menzies
- Bill Wicks Shield: David Scaresbrook & Carol Crowford
- Roy Gilbert Cup: Dave Beattie & Mary Martin
- Men’s Two Wood: David Scaresbrook
- Men’s Pairs: Mark Petty & Joe O’Hara
- Men’s Handicap: Daron Ayris
- Men’s Champion: David Scaresbrook 🏆
👏 Standout Stories & Stellar Stats
- David Scaresbrook defended all three of his titles from 2023 — a masterclass in consistency, control, and calm under pressure. His triumph in the Men’s Championship was especially poignant, marking the 100th anniversary of this prestigious trophy, first contested way back in 1925.
- Joe O’Hara added more silver to his cabinet, lifting the Lilley Cup for the fourth time, and bringing his total trophy count at Denham to a staggering 26.
- The Handicap trophies will be kept safe (and likely polished daily!) in the Ayris household, as both Daron and Karen took home the men’s and ladies’ prizes respectively.
- Steve Menzies finally got his hands on the Eddie Neal Trophy after coming heartbreakingly close in previous years — including a runners-up finish. 2024 was his year, and no doubt he’ll have his eye on more silverware as we head into the new season!
- Legends Ray Newman & Howard Butler returned to their winning ways in the Golden Oldies, taking their ninth title together – adding 2024 to previous wins in 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, and 2007. Could 2025 bring a historic 10th title? We’ll be watching!
💃 From Silverware to Saturday Night Fever
Next, we moved onto the raffle, as members and guests drew out some fantastic prizes, adding another layer of excitement to what was already a brilliant night.
And it was the night that just kept on giving…
With the final trophy handed out and cheers still echoing around the room, the lights dimmed, the drinks flowed, and DJ Luke took over the decks. A 70s-themed dance party soon erupted – flares, funky moves, and a few suspiciously wobbly moonwalks made an appearance.
Let’s just say… some members clearly haven’t lost their groove.
The music kept pumping late into the night. There may have been sore heads the next morning, but they were matched with big smiles and unforgettable memories.
🥂 Here’s to the Next Chapter
The 2024 Awards Night wasn’t just a celebration — it was a reminder of everything that makes Denham Bowls Club so special: community, competition, and the kind of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else.
🏆 The new outdoor season is just around the corner. And who knows — next year, your name could be on one of these trophies.
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