Past Bowlers

 


Nell Rumble nee Evans


Nellie Coulsdon Evans was born in Liverpool, the eldest of nine children. She met and married Albert Rumble during the war, working for her father-in-law inn the family’s business – she mentioned that he was very good about letting her have time off to play in County Competitions. Nell and Albert had three children, Sylvia, Dennis, and Leslie.

 

In 1953, aged 38, Nell joined our club. She had been walking by, when she was invited in, and was told she had natural ability. Soon she had become a ‘County Player’ earning her County badge, and playing in quite a few games for the County. She won some County Honours and this information can be found on the Honours boards at the Club.

 

Amongst her other achievements was becoming President of the North Hants Women’s Bowling Association in 1977.

 

Nell won our club’s ladies’ championship three times, in 1975, 1977, and 1988. She also became the first person to win the Toucher, the Simpkin and Ladies Champ trophies in the same year, 1977.

Nell was also ladies’ President at our club six times, in 1964, 1965, 1975, 1976, 1984, and 1985 (this was of course before the constitution was changed to President/Vice President of the club)

 

Nell was ladies’ Captain twice, in 1970 and in 1993. She was ladies Secretary for 7 years, 1977-1983 inclusive.

 

1993 marked Nell’s 40th anniversary with the club, and not only did she work very hard as Ladies’ Captain that year, even playing 14 games in 10 days when we were in difficulties with numbers, she also presented the Club with the trophy which bears her name.  The first Nell Rumble Trophy was played for that June, with Nell and Albert helping with the wonderful buffet we have always had on this day. Nell, during her life-time, then also generously paid for the cost of the trophies. Although Nell and Albert (with a different member each year) didn’t actually win a round in this competition, they used to thoroughly enjoy the day, with Nell taking great pleasure in presenting the trophy to the winners.

 

Albert joined the club on his retirement, and really liked playing, although he didn’t have the same success as Nell achieved. Only a few weeks after celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Albert suddenly died, early in 2001. Nell died just 10 months later, also in 2001.