Early Season update May 5th

Well, the season is underway and although the green has been running a little slow a lot of members have been down to enjoy rollups and we have won our first Mermaid League Match v Iden.

The OPEN DAY went really well and we even had sunshine!! 9 adults and 8 children had a proper “taster session” and even better we now have 5 new senior and 2 new junior members and hope that a few more will be joining. Thank you to the 16 members who came along to help on the day.

Next up is Bowls Big Weekend – we are taking part on Sunday 28th May 10-4 Have a look at Bowls England BBWE to get a feel for the national picture – locally our publicity etc will begin to go out next week. Can you help us to organise the event or come along on the day to help?

A couple of challenges which members should be aware of . They both highlight the work of our volunteers and the need for ongoing fundraising in all its guises (subs, green fees, competition fees, donations, socials, raffles, Ladies Days etc etc)

The mower! We have a team of 5 (Paul B, Norman, Ralph, Gavin, Jim) who volunteer and cut the green 3 times a week during the playing season and at least once a week in the winter. It should take about 1 ½ hours but problems with the mower mean it is clogging up and taking nearly 4 frustrating hours. Efforts are being made to find a fix but this may not be cheap.

Irrigation – whilst watering the green may not be at the front of our minds, due to all the rain, once we have a dry spell and the sun shines, we will be watering again. (Especially the new turf around the green edge). However, the pump (which is many years old) has packed up and the large green water tank has been leaking for several years and despite the best efforts of the green team is past repair. A new tank and pump plus a new hose and sprinkler have been ordered and will be fitted over the next few weeks at a cost of just over £3500!

Competitions

The drawn triples is on 13th May from 10am to mid/late afternoon (need to get there for 9.45 to check in). This is a great first competition ensuring balanced teams with a mix of new and more experienced bowlers. It will be played on a round robin basis. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day. As of yesterday, we had 14 entered and it would be great to get 4 more so that there would be 6 triples. It is not too late to enter – put your name up at the club house or email Martin on salmart13@btinternet.com

Don’t forget the knockouts. The entry date has been moved back to 13th May and more entrants are needed!!

Ladies Day – 10th August 2023 – we have 24 triples entered plus a reserve triple which is brilliant so early in the season. Barbara and the team are busy planning. Please “Save the Date” as lots of helpers (male and female) are needed on the day.

Friendly match tea rota

All those who take part in friendlies are expected to put their name down to do teas for a home fixture. (It’s quite straightforward now as we just do “tea and biscuits”.) The rota is in the clubhouse so please add your name if you have not already done so.