Aunt Sally

On Saturday 21st June, a delightfully balmy summer evening, the Faringdon Bowling Club played host to a truly memorable event steeped in history and local tradition and no small amount of laughter, our much-anticipated Aunt Sally night. Around 45 members and guests gathered to take aim (sometimes wildly) at the elusive white doll perched atop her plinth, armed with hefty wooden sticks and high hopes.

Aunt Sally, ever the stoic target, withstood wave after wave of enthusiastic, if occasionally wayward, throws. “Higher! Higher!” came the chorus from the crowd, a spirited mix of encouragement and gentle ribbing as one valiant attempt after another went astray. But when that magical clunk rang out, timber striking doll, cheers erupted like England had just won the Ashes.

Aunt Sally is a traditional pub and fairground game, particularly in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The game involves throwing wooden sticks at a wooden doll balanced on a metal post. Sustenance came in the form of hearty sausage rolls and burgers, gratefully received by hungry players between turns. The bar was in full swing too, offering a variety of refreshments that kept the spirits high and the storytelling lively.

It may be a game that looks delightfully daft to the untrained eye, but make no mistake: this was serious business, and the competitive spirit was alive and well, tempered only by peals of laughter and a shared sense of summer fun.

Thanks to everyone who helped keep this curious and cherished tradition alive. Aunt Sally may have taken a few knocks, but the real winners were those that enjoyed a truly wonderful evening … also Sobell House, our chosen charity for 2023, who will receive £81. Profit made by this evenings catering and a generous donation by a club member.