CALIFORNIA BOWLS CLUB
SPONSORED BY CAMEL SAND & GRAVEL
SPONSORED BY CAMEL SAND & GRAVEL
2021 NEWSLETTERS
Newsletter 2021/05 2nd December 2021)
To round the year off 3 events of note took place, first we held a very successful quiz with 14 teams taking part and once again thanks to those who attended who were not California BC members, indeed several were not even social club members, just friends & colleagues of members. With all the effort involved in putting the event on, it was good to hear Ian announce a decent profit for the evening, thanks to Ian in particular along with Deb A, Merv & Joyce for their help in staging the event and to those who brought draw prizes.
Next up was the AGM, first of all the committee knew I was standing down at the AGM without going into detail it was a very difficult decision to make, with someone from my family involved at Committee level for about 45 years and me personally 35 years plus. There were several reasons why, but surface to say the two mains ones are not being able to bowl (hand) and I have no positive feelings towards the current elected committee members of CSC which may not help in the future.
I had every intention of chairing the AGM, but when the President of the Social club turns up (unannounced and uninvited) I was not prepared to allow him to attend OUR AGM, after he indicated he was staying put, I felt I had no option but to finish there and then. In the event he did leave, after I had left the room, Vice Chairman Mick chaired the meeting and agenda was dealt with efficiently.
Some members had been asking for changes, well they certainly got that by the bucket full, we have a new Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, ‘A’ team Captain, BE Captain & Ladies Rep namely Mervyn Thomas Chairman, John Calver VC, Stuart Walsh Secretary, ‘A’ team Captain Steve Allum, BE Captain Dick Kennedy and Janet Paternoster Ladies Rep, as for Editor/Fixtures, to help out I’m going to do what I’m asked to do in respect of this job including keeping the website up to date, but I don’t wish it to be a Committee post and should someone else wish to take the roll on then please do, in addition this will be my last newsletter and hopefully Stuart will take this task on and perhaps he may find some happier members. Five other Committee positions remain as per last year; Treasurer Deb A, Social Secretary Ian P and Captains ‘B’ team Keith, Triples Maria & Samford Dennis. I hope and trust all new and re-elected committee members will get strong and honest support from members.
The last of the 3 events was our 60th annual dinner & prize giving, (pictures will appear on the website shortly under the “events” & “events gallery” tabs) again time for change this time though it was enforced with our caterer Dot very sadly retiring through ill health after 15 excellent years. One or two alternatives were looked into, but eventually it was thought best to use Cali SC new in house caterer Ashley. Ashley admitted he had never tackled such a large number and multi coarse meal before, on the night there were a few issues which after a debrief with Ian the following day Ashley took on board some issues that needed addressing if he was going to do 2022. Social Secretary Ian was keen to give him another try and if I remember correctly when Dot took over from the previous caterer I was Secretary and in the first year we had a few issues to resolve. Dot dealt with these and the second year went smoothly and it was a very slick operation in subsequent years. For a first try I thought the meal was pretty good, you will never please everyone, the beef was excellent although it could have been served hotter and a few more staff would have helped in this regard and sped the whole process up. As for the rest of the evening Chelsea Francis was her usual excellent self with guest appearances from Elvis and Glen Campbell complete with his horse, giving a sort of surreal feel to that part of the evening!
Thanks to all those who donated draw prizes and to those who sponsored our club competitions again all of which were covered this year. Talking of sponsorship further heartfelt thanks must go to Rob from Camel Sand & Gravel for his ongoing support of the Bowls Club and it was as always good to see both Carol & Rob at the dinner.
As for our club competitions it was the Brooks & Green show in the main, they did however allow a few others to get a look in, but it was inevitable that one of them would win the Victor Ludoram and / or Player of the Year, in the event Gary Green cleaned up both awards. Members also voted for our Member of the Year and this year the award went to our now former Secretary John Calver, in my opinion the award was well and truly deserved especially this year with all the Covid related work along with the normal Secretarial work load he undertook on all members behalf.
Over the year the green has stood up to the rigors of play pretty well and our usual thanks must go to both Sammo & Mick for their tireless hard work around the bowls club, we shall be instigating a help rota for work both on and around the green again next year. Neither Mick or Sammo are getting any younger so some new “young blood” is a must this year and I have 4 names of those willing to come up a carry out all types of task from green cutting to systems maintenance, a few more names would help lighten the work load, please still contact Chris on this matter if you could help.
All that remains is for me to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Safe, Happy and successful New Year. As indicated earlier this is last newsletter I will undertake, I’ve fully enjoyed doing some 85 plus updates, over a 12 year span, yes I’ve sometimes been at bit controversial, thought provoking and outspoken, but I’ve always tried to be honest and as I have always said this a personal view not necessarily those of California Bowls Club. If I’ve annoyed or upset anybody I’m not proud of the fact, but I does at least mean you have read the article.
All the best
Come on the Cali
To round the year off 3 events of note took place, first we held a very successful quiz with 14 teams taking part and once again thanks to those who attended who were not California BC members, indeed several were not even social club members, just friends & colleagues of members. With all the effort involved in putting the event on, it was good to hear Ian announce a decent profit for the evening, thanks to Ian in particular along with Deb A, Merv & Joyce for their help in staging the event and to those who brought draw prizes.
Next up was the AGM, first of all the committee knew I was standing down at the AGM without going into detail it was a very difficult decision to make, with someone from my family involved at Committee level for about 45 years and me personally 35 years plus. There were several reasons why, but surface to say the two mains ones are not being able to bowl (hand) and I have no positive feelings towards the current elected committee members of CSC which may not help in the future.
I had every intention of chairing the AGM, but when the President of the Social club turns up (unannounced and uninvited) I was not prepared to allow him to attend OUR AGM, after he indicated he was staying put, I felt I had no option but to finish there and then. In the event he did leave, after I had left the room, Vice Chairman Mick chaired the meeting and agenda was dealt with efficiently.
Some members had been asking for changes, well they certainly got that by the bucket full, we have a new Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, ‘A’ team Captain, BE Captain & Ladies Rep namely Mervyn Thomas Chairman, John Calver VC, Stuart Walsh Secretary, ‘A’ team Captain Steve Allum, BE Captain Dick Kennedy and Janet Paternoster Ladies Rep, as for Editor/Fixtures, to help out I’m going to do what I’m asked to do in respect of this job including keeping the website up to date, but I don’t wish it to be a Committee post and should someone else wish to take the roll on then please do, in addition this will be my last newsletter and hopefully Stuart will take this task on and perhaps he may find some happier members. Five other Committee positions remain as per last year; Treasurer Deb A, Social Secretary Ian P and Captains ‘B’ team Keith, Triples Maria & Samford Dennis. I hope and trust all new and re-elected committee members will get strong and honest support from members.
The last of the 3 events was our 60th annual dinner & prize giving, (pictures will appear on the website shortly under the “events” & “events gallery” tabs) again time for change this time though it was enforced with our caterer Dot very sadly retiring through ill health after 15 excellent years. One or two alternatives were looked into, but eventually it was thought best to use Cali SC new in house caterer Ashley. Ashley admitted he had never tackled such a large number and multi coarse meal before, on the night there were a few issues which after a debrief with Ian the following day Ashley took on board some issues that needed addressing if he was going to do 2022. Social Secretary Ian was keen to give him another try and if I remember correctly when Dot took over from the previous caterer I was Secretary and in the first year we had a few issues to resolve. Dot dealt with these and the second year went smoothly and it was a very slick operation in subsequent years. For a first try I thought the meal was pretty good, you will never please everyone, the beef was excellent although it could have been served hotter and a few more staff would have helped in this regard and sped the whole process up. As for the rest of the evening Chelsea Francis was her usual excellent self with guest appearances from Elvis and Glen Campbell complete with his horse, giving a sort of surreal feel to that part of the evening!
Thanks to all those who donated draw prizes and to those who sponsored our club competitions again all of which were covered this year. Talking of sponsorship further heartfelt thanks must go to Rob from Camel Sand & Gravel for his ongoing support of the Bowls Club and it was as always good to see both Carol & Rob at the dinner.
As for our club competitions it was the Brooks & Green show in the main, they did however allow a few others to get a look in, but it was inevitable that one of them would win the Victor Ludoram and / or Player of the Year, in the event Gary Green cleaned up both awards. Members also voted for our Member of the Year and this year the award went to our now former Secretary John Calver, in my opinion the award was well and truly deserved especially this year with all the Covid related work along with the normal Secretarial work load he undertook on all members behalf.
Over the year the green has stood up to the rigors of play pretty well and our usual thanks must go to both Sammo & Mick for their tireless hard work around the bowls club, we shall be instigating a help rota for work both on and around the green again next year. Neither Mick or Sammo are getting any younger so some new “young blood” is a must this year and I have 4 names of those willing to come up a carry out all types of task from green cutting to systems maintenance, a few more names would help lighten the work load, please still contact Chris on this matter if you could help.
All that remains is for me to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Safe, Happy and successful New Year. As indicated earlier this is last newsletter I will undertake, I’ve fully enjoyed doing some 85 plus updates, over a 12 year span, yes I’ve sometimes been at bit controversial, thought provoking and outspoken, but I’ve always tried to be honest and as I have always said this a personal view not necessarily those of California Bowls Club. If I’ve annoyed or upset anybody I’m not proud of the fact, but I does at least mean you have read the article.
All the best
Come on the Cali
Newsletter 2021/04 5th October 2021)
That’s the season over and done with, with thanks to those who sorted finals day and the drive. Looking at the results the club finals were very much a family affair “ The Brooks & Green show” congratulation to all winners, despite the low entry I hope you all enjoyed the games. Also to add something different to the end of the season Stuart arranged a “friendly” under lights with Norbridge and I believe all went well with this and hopefully we could feature a couple friendlies or so next year.
In general the league season proved forgettable, the only real success was the BE Men’s Triples winning the Ipswich Area. They drew Ipswich Runner Up Ipswich BC in the playoff semi final and came unstuck, IBC are strong and for one reason or another we did not have our best team on paper out, so the result was not that surprising and incidentally IBC went on to win the final.
For once the cup competitions did not prove to be a saviour either, they too were a disappointment and those who entered county comps had some near misses but ultimately “close but no cigar.”
There is the usual remedial work on the green to be done, thanks to those who have offered their help, many hands etc. Over the season Mick & Sammo have done a great deal of work, I often think their efforts never get praised whatever members think of the green without those two people things would almost certainly be worse.
At the end of every season there are the usual rumours and stories, I think much of the uncertainty was cause by the social club has only added to the rumour mill, although one can never be sure things seem to have settled down and no doubt some damage will have been caused. Other issues haven’t helped, Covid certainly played and is still playing a part, Secretary John and his group of helpers worked tirelessly on keeping us safe, even then some people were not happy. As someone who has been and still is very worried about catching Covid, I can’t thank those involved enough for all of their efforts even though I did not feel safe enough to be involved.
We have a Quiz night coming up on Sunday 31st October, an entry poster is already up in the social club, with the prize giving and dinner on the 25th November, we have had to change caterer this year as “Dot” the lady who had been cooking our meal for many years has not been very well and has effectively retired. So as you can see from the poster John has put up for names the Social clubs own caterer Ashley will be providing the meal this year. It’s vitally important that members support the two social events especially this year, a draw prize or two would help at both occasions. Our AGM is scheduled for the 18th November, but this date is TBC as the social club do not generally open on Thursday evenings, there will be some major changes for next year, so don’t all shy away from taking responsibility the bowls club need your help more than ever.
Come on the Cali
Chris
That’s the season over and done with, with thanks to those who sorted finals day and the drive. Looking at the results the club finals were very much a family affair “ The Brooks & Green show” congratulation to all winners, despite the low entry I hope you all enjoyed the games. Also to add something different to the end of the season Stuart arranged a “friendly” under lights with Norbridge and I believe all went well with this and hopefully we could feature a couple friendlies or so next year.
In general the league season proved forgettable, the only real success was the BE Men’s Triples winning the Ipswich Area. They drew Ipswich Runner Up Ipswich BC in the playoff semi final and came unstuck, IBC are strong and for one reason or another we did not have our best team on paper out, so the result was not that surprising and incidentally IBC went on to win the final.
For once the cup competitions did not prove to be a saviour either, they too were a disappointment and those who entered county comps had some near misses but ultimately “close but no cigar.”
There is the usual remedial work on the green to be done, thanks to those who have offered their help, many hands etc. Over the season Mick & Sammo have done a great deal of work, I often think their efforts never get praised whatever members think of the green without those two people things would almost certainly be worse.
At the end of every season there are the usual rumours and stories, I think much of the uncertainty was cause by the social club has only added to the rumour mill, although one can never be sure things seem to have settled down and no doubt some damage will have been caused. Other issues haven’t helped, Covid certainly played and is still playing a part, Secretary John and his group of helpers worked tirelessly on keeping us safe, even then some people were not happy. As someone who has been and still is very worried about catching Covid, I can’t thank those involved enough for all of their efforts even though I did not feel safe enough to be involved.
We have a Quiz night coming up on Sunday 31st October, an entry poster is already up in the social club, with the prize giving and dinner on the 25th November, we have had to change caterer this year as “Dot” the lady who had been cooking our meal for many years has not been very well and has effectively retired. So as you can see from the poster John has put up for names the Social clubs own caterer Ashley will be providing the meal this year. It’s vitally important that members support the two social events especially this year, a draw prize or two would help at both occasions. Our AGM is scheduled for the 18th November, but this date is TBC as the social club do not generally open on Thursday evenings, there will be some major changes for next year, so don’t all shy away from taking responsibility the bowls club need your help more than ever.
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2021/03 2nd August 2021)
Starting with an email Secretary John sent round just the other day, it’s more than a bit sad & annoying when someone who has put in a massive amount of work on our Covid protocols ends up with being hassled by small but loud group of members about stopping the sanitizing. I know some places haven’t bothered at all, some have given lip service to the issue, that’s up to them John backed by the committee have taken a robust view of what is required for the sake of a few more weeks lets continue to be careful for the sake of you, your guests & the social club. To those moaners who don’t even have to do much as someone else will do most of the work give John some respect.
We as always need to thank Sammo & Mick for all the work the do on the green & surrounds, I understand there has been some complaints about the green as a non player now it’s difficult for me to judge, all I know it is not an exact science and a awful lot of work, those who do the work should be thanked for their effort rather than bickered about behind their backs.
Charity day is definitely on, as scheduled on the 22nd August, again much of the uncertainty is down to the social club, with a new “chef” in the kitchen which has been hired out and is being used for Sunday lunches this cause issues on the Charity Day. As the bowls club is doing its best to work alongside the social club I would ask all our bowler members to come along and support this event, especially in this year.
Turning to playing matters congratulations must go to both Phil & Dick (see picture)for their efforts in the SCBA Senior Pairs County Final, oh so near but yet so far!, regretfully nothing for runners up, losing out to the last bowl bowled in the final which is horrid, you have no reply. Additionally well done to Hanna and Ian W, only missing out by just 2 shots in the Area Final of the Mixed Pairs and to Ian P for reaching the Area S/Final and Phil the Area Final of the 2 Bowl Singles.
My last news letter for once provoked a couple of responses, it’s nice to know someone reads them, I have thought to myself in the past I wonder if these are read by anyone. One member telephoned me and was not happy that I suggested players were not committed, maybe I could have clarified that better, I was not refering to those who actually have been available to play, it’s those who haven’t been available all too often and indeed having to concede the Quinton Bowl because we could not get more than 14 male players bore this out. Secretary John and myself have had to contact people regularly this year and twist arms, beg and plead to get 9 player s out for some league games, John will back me up on this it has happened all too often. The other response to the last newsletter you will have all seen via email, for me some things I would agree with “keeping in house” other not, on this occasion rightly or wrongly I did not and as It states on the web site they views expressed are not necessarily those of California BC they are my views and I put my name at the bottom and yes I do know what WWW means
Come on the Cali
Chris
Starting with an email Secretary John sent round just the other day, it’s more than a bit sad & annoying when someone who has put in a massive amount of work on our Covid protocols ends up with being hassled by small but loud group of members about stopping the sanitizing. I know some places haven’t bothered at all, some have given lip service to the issue, that’s up to them John backed by the committee have taken a robust view of what is required for the sake of a few more weeks lets continue to be careful for the sake of you, your guests & the social club. To those moaners who don’t even have to do much as someone else will do most of the work give John some respect.
We as always need to thank Sammo & Mick for all the work the do on the green & surrounds, I understand there has been some complaints about the green as a non player now it’s difficult for me to judge, all I know it is not an exact science and a awful lot of work, those who do the work should be thanked for their effort rather than bickered about behind their backs.
Charity day is definitely on, as scheduled on the 22nd August, again much of the uncertainty is down to the social club, with a new “chef” in the kitchen which has been hired out and is being used for Sunday lunches this cause issues on the Charity Day. As the bowls club is doing its best to work alongside the social club I would ask all our bowler members to come along and support this event, especially in this year.
Turning to playing matters congratulations must go to both Phil & Dick (see picture)for their efforts in the SCBA Senior Pairs County Final, oh so near but yet so far!, regretfully nothing for runners up, losing out to the last bowl bowled in the final which is horrid, you have no reply. Additionally well done to Hanna and Ian W, only missing out by just 2 shots in the Area Final of the Mixed Pairs and to Ian P for reaching the Area S/Final and Phil the Area Final of the 2 Bowl Singles.
My last news letter for once provoked a couple of responses, it’s nice to know someone reads them, I have thought to myself in the past I wonder if these are read by anyone. One member telephoned me and was not happy that I suggested players were not committed, maybe I could have clarified that better, I was not refering to those who actually have been available to play, it’s those who haven’t been available all too often and indeed having to concede the Quinton Bowl because we could not get more than 14 male players bore this out. Secretary John and myself have had to contact people regularly this year and twist arms, beg and plead to get 9 player s out for some league games, John will back me up on this it has happened all too often. The other response to the last newsletter you will have all seen via email, for me some things I would agree with “keeping in house” other not, on this occasion rightly or wrongly I did not and as It states on the web site they views expressed are not necessarily those of California BC they are my views and I put my name at the bottom and yes I do know what WWW means
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2021/02 29th June)
I will start with about the only bright spot I can see, four of our ladies have done very well in reaching the Area Finals in five competitions. Debbie A in the 2 Bowl Singles, C of C & 2 Bowl Triples, Maria in the 4 Bowls Singles, Hannah in 2 Bowl Triples & U25’s and Janet in the 2 Bowl Triples. We wish then all the best of luck next weekend at Hadleigh BC starting at 10am, if you can go and give them all some support, it always helps.
Other than the above the season has been a disaster, out of all cups except the Stan Wright & the Quinton Bowl and as far as I can see except for the ladies mentioned earlier all the county competitions before June is out is unheard of at Cali, it takes very little to turn a strongish club into a average one, yes several mitigating circumstances, with some good players not available, may be a lack desire to win as most of the leagues are basically being run as friendly affairs, makes it easy for all you bowls to become uncompetitive. I can’t help feel to some degree the problems are self inflicted. It’s easy to have negative thoughts about all that’s going on with the pandemic and difficulties at the club, but all said and done its basically the same players.
Looking forward there really should be no excuse for people not playing their club competitions on time, in these again many members did not enter perhaps now with the lack of team matches they wished they had!.
On the Covid front, the national rules have relaxed at bit since we opened for that we should be thankful, I make no apology that we at Cali have stuck to the rules as best we can, from our members visiting other clubs it would seem many are not so diligent which is rather typical. I hope the 19th July will prove to be the end of the compulsory regulations and we can all get back to near normality.
Returning to the poor form as a club we have generally had this year, I can only hope we can right the ship in the future, all members need to work together in a constructive way, be a little more committed otherwise we are heading down the slippery slope to mediocrity and I for one do not wish to see that. To start to turn things around, the first thing that comes to mind are the 2022 county competitions, we need an upturn in people entering to start with, last year was woeful, get yourselves organised don’t leave it to someone else. Hopefully we can write this year off as a one off perhaps it already is a one off in many ways, let us hope so!.
All the best for now, trust we all keep safe and well
Come on the Cali
Chris
I will start with about the only bright spot I can see, four of our ladies have done very well in reaching the Area Finals in five competitions. Debbie A in the 2 Bowl Singles, C of C & 2 Bowl Triples, Maria in the 4 Bowls Singles, Hannah in 2 Bowl Triples & U25’s and Janet in the 2 Bowl Triples. We wish then all the best of luck next weekend at Hadleigh BC starting at 10am, if you can go and give them all some support, it always helps.
Other than the above the season has been a disaster, out of all cups except the Stan Wright & the Quinton Bowl and as far as I can see except for the ladies mentioned earlier all the county competitions before June is out is unheard of at Cali, it takes very little to turn a strongish club into a average one, yes several mitigating circumstances, with some good players not available, may be a lack desire to win as most of the leagues are basically being run as friendly affairs, makes it easy for all you bowls to become uncompetitive. I can’t help feel to some degree the problems are self inflicted. It’s easy to have negative thoughts about all that’s going on with the pandemic and difficulties at the club, but all said and done its basically the same players.
Looking forward there really should be no excuse for people not playing their club competitions on time, in these again many members did not enter perhaps now with the lack of team matches they wished they had!.
On the Covid front, the national rules have relaxed at bit since we opened for that we should be thankful, I make no apology that we at Cali have stuck to the rules as best we can, from our members visiting other clubs it would seem many are not so diligent which is rather typical. I hope the 19th July will prove to be the end of the compulsory regulations and we can all get back to near normality.
Returning to the poor form as a club we have generally had this year, I can only hope we can right the ship in the future, all members need to work together in a constructive way, be a little more committed otherwise we are heading down the slippery slope to mediocrity and I for one do not wish to see that. To start to turn things around, the first thing that comes to mind are the 2022 county competitions, we need an upturn in people entering to start with, last year was woeful, get yourselves organised don’t leave it to someone else. Hopefully we can write this year off as a one off perhaps it already is a one off in many ways, let us hope so!.
All the best for now, trust we all keep safe and well
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2021/01 19th April)
Since my last newsletter No. 20/05 of early December national lockdowns have come and gone, let’s all hope we are really moving in the right direction now. I was thinking just the other day when I last saw ‘X’ or ‘Y’ from our bowls club, for some it was the end of season, others the AGM or the Dinner all in 2019 which is an age ago. Thankfully most of us will be able to see other friends and members again shortly, regrettably there are one or two who we will not see again, Covid has left many scars for many people, our thoughts are with you all.
By this date we would normally be open, but this is no normal season, Secretary John has being doing his best to keep members abreast of the new protocols re playing bowls and various other bits of information, believe me it’s an ever moving target which gets more complex as we go. Headline organised sports (Bowls) can start on the 29th March “they said”, yes but then the do’s and don’ts start to rain down from Department of Media Culture & Sport, to Sport England, to the Bowls Alliance to the Bowls National Bodies who disseminate the information to Counties and then they in turn to clubs, a process which is ongoing as our lockdown is hopefully eased. To that end National, County Competitions and Leagues etc. have all been modified to some extent; again there are still some issues to be sorted. Some fundamental changes include no leagues to start prior to 17th May, no promotion and relegation & some BE events have different numbers of bowls & ends. Just by the way of complicating matters “Roll Up’s” are considered “non organised sport” so they come under a different set of “rules” (Rule of Six). When you consider all this both John and myself agree we must be seen to do everything possible to follow the protocols, should any kind of Covid outbreak occur the Social Club could be forced to close again and if the source found to be the bowls club who had not followed the protocols we would not be very popular, SO NO CORNERS WILL BE CUT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
Yesterday we had a small (6) subcommittee meeting to go over what is required and what we need to get to a point to be able to open the green on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May with the club Triples as we can only have a limited number of people playing at any one time, the triples will be 2 sessions 11am & 1.30pm limited to 12 per session or if oversubscribed 18 and 12 (book your entry with John for now or Merv), the times are to allow first session players all to leave before the second session arrives. Due to the laid down protocols there can be NO SPECTATORS this applies to all sessions until 17th May at the earliest. ALL rinks will have to be booked in advance with Chris and only certain times will be available for play to start with until the Social Club is fully open, 21st June if all goes to plan on easing of the lockdown. Available session days / times info will be supplied on opening day, along with just a fixture / info card this year, any county / national handbooks and paper work you may get, again this year cards handbook books seem to have gone into the bin of History for just now. Specifically to keep members Covid safe you will also get a set of “rules” governing what you need to do and what is possible and not possible in relation to people in the pavilion, jacks, mats, score boards etc. and sanitizer, someone will be on hand to run each session, they will be in overall charge and have to take details of all those on each rink for contact traceability. In addition we have some other problems to resolve with the social club as regards access (loos) and some members will have to sort out transport issues as car sharing is not allowed.
Now to some more “normal” bowls matters, firstly as Stuart Walsh will not be involved on opening day and as he cannot attend as a spectator he asked could the following be added in to the next newsletter (see below) Stuart intends to have a roll up after opening to see how things go! :-
“Could you therefore give my thanks and or put a piece in the next newsletter for all the good wishes I and my family have received during the last 18 months they mean so much are very much appreciated. I would also like to put on record my sincere thanks to yourself and John in particular along with the Bowls Club and social club committees for all the hard work behind the scene, not forgetting Mick, Salmo and anyone else who has helped with the green and surrounds.”
I’m also please to say after some very rough health issues both Barry Forsdike & Brian Green will be giving it ago this year, sadly we understand Ray Whitman is not at all well at present and we wish him all the best from the Cali.
Secondly we as always must thank Mick & Sammo for keeping the green, pavilion and surround in good order over all these lockdowns and restrictions, the green looks very well, but could do with some rain! Now who would have thought that would be the case back in Jan & Feb of the year.
Thirdly if all goes to plan there should be some cup matches this year our draws are detailed below:-
Junior
Ipswich BC - Away
4th June
Senior
Margaret Catchpole - Home
21st May
Durham
May be run depends on other events
Bert Edwards
Stone Lodge - Away
5th June
Norton
Sudbury - H & A
30th May
Quinton
Margaret Catchpole - Home
12th June
Millennium
Wenhaston - Home
By 7th June
ND4’s
Cornard Away
By 4th July
Finally on the admin front, we are still looking for a ‘B’ team captain, later this week I hope to update the club website with all 2021 info, you should all receive a letter before opening day, with details of what you owe (if any), a club competition entry form and other important info.
May I ask you all to help us run the club in these difficult times by following what guidelines you are given, they may not be perfect but we must work within the rules.
In conclusion I look forward to seeing members once and trust we are able to enjoy the upcoming rather odd season
Come on the Cali
Chris
Since my last newsletter No. 20/05 of early December national lockdowns have come and gone, let’s all hope we are really moving in the right direction now. I was thinking just the other day when I last saw ‘X’ or ‘Y’ from our bowls club, for some it was the end of season, others the AGM or the Dinner all in 2019 which is an age ago. Thankfully most of us will be able to see other friends and members again shortly, regrettably there are one or two who we will not see again, Covid has left many scars for many people, our thoughts are with you all.
By this date we would normally be open, but this is no normal season, Secretary John has being doing his best to keep members abreast of the new protocols re playing bowls and various other bits of information, believe me it’s an ever moving target which gets more complex as we go. Headline organised sports (Bowls) can start on the 29th March “they said”, yes but then the do’s and don’ts start to rain down from Department of Media Culture & Sport, to Sport England, to the Bowls Alliance to the Bowls National Bodies who disseminate the information to Counties and then they in turn to clubs, a process which is ongoing as our lockdown is hopefully eased. To that end National, County Competitions and Leagues etc. have all been modified to some extent; again there are still some issues to be sorted. Some fundamental changes include no leagues to start prior to 17th May, no promotion and relegation & some BE events have different numbers of bowls & ends. Just by the way of complicating matters “Roll Up’s” are considered “non organised sport” so they come under a different set of “rules” (Rule of Six). When you consider all this both John and myself agree we must be seen to do everything possible to follow the protocols, should any kind of Covid outbreak occur the Social Club could be forced to close again and if the source found to be the bowls club who had not followed the protocols we would not be very popular, SO NO CORNERS WILL BE CUT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
Yesterday we had a small (6) subcommittee meeting to go over what is required and what we need to get to a point to be able to open the green on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May with the club Triples as we can only have a limited number of people playing at any one time, the triples will be 2 sessions 11am & 1.30pm limited to 12 per session or if oversubscribed 18 and 12 (book your entry with John for now or Merv), the times are to allow first session players all to leave before the second session arrives. Due to the laid down protocols there can be NO SPECTATORS this applies to all sessions until 17th May at the earliest. ALL rinks will have to be booked in advance with Chris and only certain times will be available for play to start with until the Social Club is fully open, 21st June if all goes to plan on easing of the lockdown. Available session days / times info will be supplied on opening day, along with just a fixture / info card this year, any county / national handbooks and paper work you may get, again this year cards handbook books seem to have gone into the bin of History for just now. Specifically to keep members Covid safe you will also get a set of “rules” governing what you need to do and what is possible and not possible in relation to people in the pavilion, jacks, mats, score boards etc. and sanitizer, someone will be on hand to run each session, they will be in overall charge and have to take details of all those on each rink for contact traceability. In addition we have some other problems to resolve with the social club as regards access (loos) and some members will have to sort out transport issues as car sharing is not allowed.
Now to some more “normal” bowls matters, firstly as Stuart Walsh will not be involved on opening day and as he cannot attend as a spectator he asked could the following be added in to the next newsletter (see below) Stuart intends to have a roll up after opening to see how things go! :-
“Could you therefore give my thanks and or put a piece in the next newsletter for all the good wishes I and my family have received during the last 18 months they mean so much are very much appreciated. I would also like to put on record my sincere thanks to yourself and John in particular along with the Bowls Club and social club committees for all the hard work behind the scene, not forgetting Mick, Salmo and anyone else who has helped with the green and surrounds.”
I’m also please to say after some very rough health issues both Barry Forsdike & Brian Green will be giving it ago this year, sadly we understand Ray Whitman is not at all well at present and we wish him all the best from the Cali.
Secondly we as always must thank Mick & Sammo for keeping the green, pavilion and surround in good order over all these lockdowns and restrictions, the green looks very well, but could do with some rain! Now who would have thought that would be the case back in Jan & Feb of the year.
Thirdly if all goes to plan there should be some cup matches this year our draws are detailed below:-
Junior
Ipswich BC - Away
4th June
Senior
Margaret Catchpole - Home
21st May
Durham
May be run depends on other events
Bert Edwards
Stone Lodge - Away
5th June
Norton
Sudbury - H & A
30th May
Quinton
Margaret Catchpole - Home
12th June
Millennium
Wenhaston - Home
By 7th June
ND4’s
Cornard Away
By 4th July
Finally on the admin front, we are still looking for a ‘B’ team captain, later this week I hope to update the club website with all 2021 info, you should all receive a letter before opening day, with details of what you owe (if any), a club competition entry form and other important info.
May I ask you all to help us run the club in these difficult times by following what guidelines you are given, they may not be perfect but we must work within the rules.
In conclusion I look forward to seeing members once and trust we are able to enjoy the upcoming rather odd season
Come on the Cali
Chris