End of an era: Coaching couple to retire

GEORGE AND Helen Randall (pictured left), for years the driving force behind Stamford IBC's much-admired coaching and introductory player schemes, are to retire. The couple, previously from Sutton in Surrey, announced the decision in a letter to the management committee and directors in which they said: "We have coached hundreds since we have been in Stamford, many of whom have gone on to represent the club and county. "But with coaching entering a new phase we believe it is the right time for coaching at the club to pass into new hands." George (85) and Helen (84) are already life members of the club, having moved from Surrey in 1992. He is a former club chairman while Helen, the club's only E.B.C.S. grade three coach, is an ex Lincolnshire county coach. They will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in October. Another couple who are giving up their club duties are Terry and Jean Baxter, who have been organising popular midweek bowls drive sessions since the club opened in 1991. The pair are both life members and Terry celebrated his 91st birthday last week. Women bowlers from the Stamford club competed in the final qualifying stages of the Lincs Rinks at Boston on Sunday. Margaret Andrews, Peggy Birch, Glenys Edwards and Flick Rogers beat Lincoln C 29-17 but lost to Scunthorpe in the quarter finals.  The rink of Christine Barnes, Margaret Bloxham, Rose March and Elizabeth Wallace lost to Gloria Haney's Spalding quartet 16-24.