2018 Autumn Update

Dave Long has circulated an Autumn Update via email but it was also felt that it would be useful to repeat it here

The Roundwood Record Autumn newsletter 2018

I think there was a film released once called the “The Long hot Summer?” Well with what we have experienced this year if there wasn’t, I’m sure there will be soon. The weather, although nice if you weren’t doing anything, played havoc with our bowls green & made playing most uncomfortable. As we enter autumn, we are still getting some hot days but fortunately the green has been able to recover somewhat & playing is more comfortable.

Our results on the green have been disappointing with a few exceptions. This is a conundrum that is hard to fathom out being that we have largely the same players we had when we had a team in Div 1 of the Men’s Triples. It has been said that if games were only 15 ends long we would have won more often as it is in the last 3 ends we seem to get beat. So what’s the problem? Concentration, tiredness or what? In the last few weeks of the season we are finishing off club comps & preparing for Closing Day on Sept 22, The Annual Dinner (date to be agreed) & the AGM on Thurs 6th Dec. Please note these dates.

With regard to the club itself, a lot of hard work has again been put in by some members. This includes site clearance for two brand new green-keeper’s sheds, new fencing, improvement to the ditches around the green, vastly improved gardens & a host of other jobs. Not to forget of course the work done by our ever diligent green team

As mentioned, we already have a band of hard working members who work so hard at the club on Mon, Weds & Fri mornings all year round; but we desperately need help with the bar. With Terry’s sickness, the limited help Paul can now give & Howard working full time, Mick Bassett is often left to stock the bar, prepare it for weekend events & clear up after the event single-handed. Anyone that feels they could help him on a regular basis notably on a Friday & Monday during the season especially would be most welcome

Our Open Evening, which included a “Thank You” to our sponsors, was well attended and we have recruited at least two new members & obtained a brand new sponsor. Thanks to all club members who turned up to meet with the visitors on the night.

I would like to remind members that there are to be two significant retirements from the club Committee at this year’s AGM. The first is that of Peter Dunn who has been the green team leader for a number of years & given sterling service. The recent recruitment of Ken Calderhead to the team will help with this loss so thanks Ken. On my own intended retirement as secretary, I’m pleased to announce that Bill Knowles & I are discussing ways that he can take further jobs off me as I move up to Club President. My thanks go to Bill & also Malcolm Bartlett who is still accepting “secretarial” type work from me.

Dave Long (Editor)

Postscript:

It is a few weeks ago that I wrote & had proof read the attached Newsletter & already there is more to report. We are now in receipt of our 2nd new green-keepers shed which, although being delivered not 100% as we wanted it, will be modified by the suppliers soon.

With regard to theon-going maintenance work, any time soon we will need help to carry out the annual top dressing which is a very labour intensive task & as there are a few of us with various ailments, it would be nice to see members pop in to lend a hand. The exact date when this work is to be carried out is still to be announced but when it is you will be notified. We are all aware of the battering the green has had this year by the long hot dry summer and of course by our failed watering system so it is important that this work be carried out so it is gets back to its very best for next year.