LLANDRINDOD Wells Bowls Club was the venue for the British Isles Visually Impaired (VI) Singles from June 13-16.

For several of the players, this was the next major competition following the Gold coast and the Commonwealth Games.

Although we may not be in the Southern Hemisphere we were confident of quality fast greens and hopeful that the weather would be kind ( if not Australian!)

On the morning of June 14 all nations assembled ahead of the opening ceremony where the visiting dignitaries led by the Mayor of Llandrindod, John Williams, warmly welcomed everyone to the wonderful venue and wished all good bowling (pob lwc a bowlio da i bawb).

For the next three days, the competition was intense with titles and medals fiercely contested. What a wonderful sight to have the three greens full of top quality bowlers.

The ring of ‘umpire‘ could be regularly heard and our thanks go to Eddie Williams for organising our valued team of umpires over the three days.

For Wales, it was great to have several new players receiving their first Welsh Cap. Val Chard, Donna Livoti-Green, Gordon Harries (first outdoor cap) and Steve Whitmore (first outdoor cap). They all showed their potential with a bronze medal for Steve Whitmore.

Team manager John Wilson said: “I was delighted with the improvement and potential shown by all players involved. There is no mistaking this developing team has a promising future “

With Wales securing its best results in this competition for 20 years, finishing runners-up in the overall Team Trophy (albeit with a small team) his comments are justified.

He added: “Toby Warren who achieved a silver medal in a very strong field was among the pick of results along with the magnificent achievement of Julie Thomas winning all her games with a 57 shots difference to the runner up, incredible. She now has the remarkable honour of having retained both the indoor and outdoor UK B2 Ladies singles titles.

“Managing a team of this calibre and potential makes me very proud. They all did themselves, their country and me very proud”

The Wales team won five medals in total: Gold – Julie Thomas (B2) with director John Wilson; Silver – Toby Warren (B4); Bronze – Sheila Kinch (B3), Madeline Roberts (B4) with director Geoff John; Steve Whitmore (B3) with director Olwyn Whitmore.

The closing presentation led by the mayor Jon Williams and other dignitaries brought to an end a fantastic tournament. John Wilson wishes to place on record his gratitude for the support given in organising the event to Ken Price, president of Llandrindod Wells Bowls Club and to all the officers, members and volunteers who so ably assisted us.

It was a pleasure to host this event and what an event it was.