Hillary BC Launches Ramsden Memorial

The memory of a beloved club figure was honoured in the most fitting way on December 6 and 7, when Hillary Bowling Club hosted the inaugural Mark Ramsden Memorial Tournament. Twenty-eight trips teams took to the greens to celebrate the life of Mark Ramsden, a vibrant and committed club member who passed away in October 2024.

Mark joined Hillary Bowling Club more than twenty years ago and quickly became part of the fabric of the club. He served multiple terms on the club committee and as a selector, including four terms as Club President and his influence was felt both on and off the green.

A respected competitor, he played a pivotal role in Hillary’s success in the PNB league and went on to represent Port Natal Bowls in the district Veteran side. His leadership style was marked by humility, energy and a commitment to developing the game for others.

Mark’s passing followed a late diagnosis of Amyloidosis – a complex and rarely understood disease, often diagnosed only in advanced stages. With little public awareness of the condition, Hillary BC used the tournament as an opportunity to contribute to medical research.

Before the start of play on Sunday, the full field participated in a charity spider, raising R2 260 for Amyloidosis research, in the hope that future cases can be identified earlier and treated more effectively.

In a gesture of love and support, Mark’s wife, Aileen Ramsden, sponsored more than R50 000 in prize money, ensuring the tournament reflected the generosity and enthusiasm with which Mark approached the sport.

The event format saw each team compete in five pre-drawn 18-end games, and the competitive spirit on the green was a testament to Mark’s belief in bowls as both a sport and a community. Remarkably, the top three teams all finished the weekend with five victories, leaving the final placings to be decided by shot difference.

The winning trio of Wayne Roberts, Roger Boulle and Dougie Bashford secured first place and R24 000 with a score of 10 plus 71. In second place were Don Oliphant, Peter Garret and Antoon Classen, earning R12 000 with 10 plus 52, while third went to Gerdus Beukes, Warren van der Sloot and Jarryd Ramsden, who achieved 10 plus 43 to claim R9 000.

As the prize-giving brought the weekend to a close, the sense of camaraderie and celebration was unmistakable. It was announced that the tournament will become an annual fixture in the Hillary BC calendar, ensuring that Mark’s legacy continues to inspire bowlers for years to come. A new trophy – the GRIPPIN’ STUFF Trophy, donated by Roger and Samm Boulle – will honour the champions each year.

In a sport built on friendship, loyalty and shared moments, the first Mark Ramsden Memorial Tournament was more than a competition – it was a heartfelt tribute to a man who embodied everything bowls stands for.