ROTARY CLUB OF CHURCH AND OSWALDTWISTLE
AFTER a tense crown green bowling match with Ribblesdale Rotary which was the last match of the season, a victory was the outcome which meant Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary were crowned champions of the South East region of Rotary clubs.
This league is very competitive, with the champions of last year, Darwen, falling behind in the final month.
Clitheroe on the other hand ran neck and neck with Church and Oswaldtwistle and if victory against Ribblesdale had not been attained then Clitheroe would have become champions.
This crown green bowling league was set up by the late Fred Pickering who was a member of Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary and has now been in operation for over 20 years.
Administration of the league continues to be carried out by Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary, with Mike Hindle being the organising officer as well as being the club’s bowling captain.
This bowling competition really shows Rotary at its best. Although keenly contested, the friendship that takes place before, during and after the match which brings fellow Rotarians together translates in a common bond of close understanding.
Any Rotary clubs not in the league are invited to take part in next season’s competition which starts in early May 2018.
Contact person is Mike Hindle on 01254 493037 or mobile 07710 596735.
Mike Hindle said: “Without doubt this bowling competition is hugely successful, and I wish to thank all the players especially the sports officers who ensure the fixtures are carried out according to plan and who send in their results promptly.
“I would be delighted to see a further club or two to sign up for next season which would strengthen the league even more.”
For the last three years volunteers from Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary have turned up every Saturday morning to improve the appearance of their local railway station.
One of the ongoing tasks is to keep the very long platforms free of weeds, and in the endeavour to bring them up to their original state both a strong weed killer and cleaning fluid has been used, which is giving excellent results.
On the approach to the station an unsightly large area of overgrown weeds, shrubs, bushes and small trees is currently being removed, and the intention is to lay down a membrane and fill the area with stone chippings. Without doubt this action will completely restore this area to its former glory.
The subway to the station has been a real eyesore, especially with the many pigeons roosting in the roof.
Thanks to Carillion and Network Rail the whole subway has been painted a brilliant white with steel meshing being installed to signal the end of roosting.
Power washing of the approach steps to both platforms is carried out on a regular basis, and this involves additional work as the station does not have electricity or water facilities.
The planting of begonias on both platforms has given a brighter effect, which will be followed by daffodils in spring. Hopefully with the help of the railway authorities more planters will be provided, which next year will see more flowers being planted.
Painting of all the handrails is currently underway. These handrails cover a large area as this is a very large station especially with the long disabled ramp. Carillion are undertaking this task.
There is still plenty of work yet to undertake, especially the areas adjacent to the ramp where overgrown weeds and grass requires attention.
In the meantime we have made a request via our local contact to have the unsightly weeds removed that are growing between both sets of rails in the station.
Members of Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary are pleased to be involved in improving the railway station and wish to thank Carillion, Network Rail and Brian Haworth, the Community Rail Development Officer, for their help and co-operation that now takes place.