2021 - Looking Backwards and Forwards

2020 - well, that was a year to forget.

When the background is a global pandemic, job losses or furloughs, sickness or worse for many, then being able to play bowls, quite rightly, is of little importance...or is it?

Speaking to a number of people both inside our club and from other clubs in the county there were various views about this.

There were those that were shielding or who had other concerns who, quite rightly, didn't want to risk mixing with others, especially during the early days of the pandemic. Others saw the cancellation of County Competitions and Leagues as a way of recharging their "bowls batteries" by taking a season off. There were also those who took the opportunity, as clubs became "Covid Secure", to play social bowls and remarked how good it was for their mental well-being

There is no right or wrong to any of the above, they are all valid view points of people in their own situations which we must respect. So why am I writing this? Because it is the first few days of 2021 and we look to it with the apprehension of a mutated virus that spreads more easily but also with the hope brought by two vaccines which are becoming more widely available as each day goes past.

Our National Associations, County Association and club are all planning for the season ahead. We all hope for a full season but that may not come to pass. It may be a season of socially distanced bowls, who knows?

Everything we do at Roundwood will be regulated by Government, led by advice from our Associations and, with your help and co-operation, will be done in as safe a manner as possible. If at all possible, bowls will be here for you to enjoy in some way, shape or form

Happy New Year everybody and I hope to see you on the green in 2021

Dave D.