On Saturday 1st August, 2026, Duxford Bowls Club hosted the David Catton Tribute invitation Triples to celebrate his short life by playing a highly competitive but friendly match in almost perfect conditions. Rob Drew and Richard Catton persuaded many of David’s old friends and playing colleagues to participate with the prospect of generous cash prizes donated by the Catton and Drew families. It is customary to hold a Plate competition for the losing third placed teams. This was dedicated to John Drew, who was a keen Duxford player.

This event has been a year in the planning. A steering group of Mike Boagey, Peter Dixon and Tina Creek with considerable help from David Baker and Geoff Creek, set about ensuring the best possible outcome, including accelerated improvements to the clubhouse and greens. The Peter McDonald Terrace was completed in good time, thanks to many of our members, and has since proved to be a huge asset both as a social outdoor space but also as a viewing platform.

The attendant Raffle, sponsored by The Plough, and Tombola raised valuable funds for the Royal Papworth Charity. This effort resulted in a donation to the hospital of over £3000. Duxford, Hinxton and many of the Bowls Clubs around the county were happy to support this. The three main prize winners came from Isleham and Duxford.

All who attended will remember this tournament as a joyful, well organised and sometimes emotional day filled with laughter and goodwill. David Catton would have loved the whole thing, especially when his Mum, Valerie, drew her own ticket for the first prize in the Raffle – she could not have put it back quicker!

We can be proud that Duxford Bowls Club rose to this challenge and has since been inundated with a barrage of sincere compliments from our guests.