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Club Update re Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

By Richard Bowen Barry Athletic Bowls Club

Wednesday, 18 March 2020

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barry Athletic Bowls Club Contributor

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Club Update in light of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

The club committee have been discussing our intentions and plans in light of the deteriorating situation in the UK and further afield and have made a number of decisions that take in to account the current advice from Government and medical practitioners. We are now letting all club members know what our current position is and what we will be doing in response, but, and it is important to understand this, we remain ready to reconsider any decisions should the prevailing situation regarding the spread of the virus change in any way.

The first point to note is that the clubhouse will be closed until the end of April; no gatherings will be allowed under any circumstances to prevent the inadvertent transmission of the virus which can remain on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours in certain circumstances. This measure is aimed at protecting the health of all our members. All matches and events scheduled during April will be postponed or cancelled. Please do not use your keys to access the clubhouse during this period.

The second important point is that the green will be open to members subject to certain conditions from the 18th April as planned. This has been a carefully considered decision within the committee, but the majority feel it is the correct thing to do given the current advice. The green will be maintained during this period, and cut probably two to three times per week and we are seeking volunteers to help us with this - Peter Rogers is the contact if you are able to help.

The use of the green for members is dependent on a number of conditions:

  1. please observe and respect the social distancing advice from Government and remain over a metre away from other members. It is recommended that one player per rink is probably the best way of doing this.
  2. the virus can be transmitted on equipment if suitable precautions are not followed so please ensure that you thoroughly clean any equipment before and after use such as mats and jacks, perhaps use disposable gloves initially, particularly when opening the equipment shed to minimise the risk of accidental transmission.
  3. cleaning and disinfecting equipment before and after use is your personal responsibility, so please work out how you are going to do that before arriving at the green.

Medical opinion from various experts is showing that the ability to be outside, taking moderate exercise is good for physical and mental well being during this period, and we wanted to allow those members that feel fit and well to be able to use the green should they wish, albeit subject to the conditions above. We will of course keep this option under review should the prevailing circumstances change.

We are asking all members to pay their membership fees for the season as soon as possible; this decision has not been taken without a great deal of consideration but our financial position requires us to be able to pay our bills, and this will be our sole source of income during this period. When the restrictions are lifted, hopefully later in the year, members will expect a good playing surface that is ready for them to play on and this requires investment, investment that can only be made through the payment of membership fees. To provide greater context on this point our memberships bring in approximately £6k per annum whilst our expenditure on the green costs us over £10k per annum and without your membership fees we will be unable to pay for the winter work on the green later in the season. We know this is a big ask, and to recognise this, the committee is prepared to consider a reduction in fees next year when the financial position is more stable. Payments can be made online and please contact me for bank details if required. Alternatively cheques can be posted or handed to the secretary at any time.

We are not concerning ourselves with any decisions relating to our leagues, other fixtures and competitions; these decisions will be taken by other associations and national governing bodies and we will update members as and when we receive information.

We will also keep the overall situation under continual review; the next committee review of our club position will be in mid April when we will make decisions that cover the month of May. However, it is important to note that with the unprecedented scenario that we face, we may have to take other, more bold decisions to protect our health, well being and the future of the club.

Our news and updates will be circulated in a number of ways; the posts will be on our official club website (www.babc.co.uk) and Facebook page; emails will be sent to those that have indicated that they require this form of contact and letters will be sent to those that have indicated that they can only receive information in this way.

Finally, I hope that everyone stays safe; please take heed of the advice coming from the experts and limit social contact especially if you or anyone within your family unit is feeling unwell. If anyone has any questions or concerns then please message me by email, or facebook messenger.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Richard Bowen

Club Chairman

richard.bowen04@btinternet.com

Mobile: 07971 994552

18th March 2020

Contact Information

Tim Morgan

Find Barry Athletic Bowls Club

Off Paget Road, Barry Island, Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan, CF62 5TQ

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Additional Information

The pavilion and green are situated across the causeway on Barry Island, just off Paget Road and the promenade