09/05/2026
Alcobowlics Crowned First Ever Champions at Serious About Events Weekend in Ilfracombe
A fantastic weekend of skittles, camaraderie and celebration marked the launch of a brand-new venue for Serious About Events, as 32 skittles teams from across the skittling counties gathered at the North Devon Resort in Ilfracombe for a memorable weekend of competition.
Emerging as the first-ever champions at the new venue were the impressive Alcobowlics, who produced a consistently dominant performance throughout the tournament.
“It felt fantastic to win the tournament, consistently scoring over 400 in each game and especially being the first winners at the new venue,” said team member Wendy Campbell.
The Alcobowlics may now compete under a new name, but the team’s history stretches back many years. Originally formed to compete in the British Championships, only two original members remain in the current line-up, Andy Hayward and Wendy Campbell.
Over the years, the team has enjoyed repeated success at Serious About Events weekends under both the SSH and Alcobowlics names, winning the tournament several times.
Unlike many teams, the Alcobowlics are not drawn from one single side. Team members compete across a variety of Gloucester leagues, including the City League Premier Division and Division 4, Charity League Division 1 and the Ladies League Division 1.
Their success, however, comes down to much more than just skill on the alley. “We all get on well together, enjoy each other’s company and encourage each other to do well,” said Wendy.
The squad is also full of personality, with every player known by a nickname as well as their official name. Family connections also run through the team, with Wendy joined by her son Darren and daughter-in-law Kylie.
One of the team’s traditions adds extra excitement to every game is whenever a player scores a spare, every teammate pays them 50p. “A good weekend can be had with lots of spares—and of course lots of spares win games!” Wendy joked.
The victory helped make the inaugural Serious About Events weekend at North Devon Resort a huge success, with teams travelling from across the traditional skittling counties to take part in the competition and celebrations.
About Serious About Events
Serious About Events has been organising competitive and social sporting weekends across the UK for 32 years, bringing together teams from all backgrounds for professionally run tournaments in a fun, friendly atmosphere. With a strong focus on community, camaraderie, and memorable experiences, these events continue to attract loyal teams year after year. Over the years, participating teams have also supported the company director in her challenges for Cancer Research UK, helping to raise an incredible total of over ÂŁ153,000.
Funds raised during this weekend’s event for Cancer Research UK totalled £647.00 further adding to the ongoing fundraising efforts supported by teams attending these events.
Photo Caption – Alcobowlics Team (left to right):
Back row: Andy Hayward (Stripe), Dean Banks (Slug), George Trigg (Trigger)
Middle row: Darren Campbell (Dopes), Wendy Campbell (Stato), Andy Tranter (Trants), Jan Miller (Splash), Dave Ewers (Judith), Alan Newman (Grubby)
Front: Kylie Campbell (Jezzer)
Gloucester City Ladies Skittles League Gloucester Charity Skittles League Gloucester
