Newsletter Issue 65

Hello everybody,

So thrilled to tell you that our membership numbers have now reached 300+ (not all playing members but the majority are) and there are still new people coming in asking about coaching and membership.

This is such welcome news since many clubs have had to close due to the pandemic. If you see a new face, don’t forget to introduce yourself and offer some friendly words to help them feel welcome and comfortable. Indeed, we pride ourselves as a club, in being friendly and respectful.

As I’ve said many times, we are all members here for two reasons – to bowl and to socialise. Everyone doing a job is aiding in the smooth running of the club for everybody’s mutual benefit. Always remember to treat people in a courteous manner. Do not criticise unless you’re willing to step up to the mark and offer your services. Two people only are paid – Kath and Mark. Every other task is undertaken by volunteers.

Our first quiz after lockdown was very successful and extremely well- supported. Norman Hancock was the quizmaster and, not only had he compiled a varied selection of questions, he handled the whole evening very well.

Other folks helped with different aspects of the evening from setting out the tables and chairs, ordering and collecting the food, preparing the food, clearing away and washing up the dishes, collecting the money, running the bar, running the raffle, etc. and then the final putting the rooms back ready for normal service to be resumed on Monday.

But all that would have been wasted had we not had the support of those who donated the raffle prizes and above all attended. Many thanks to all of you.

The next quiz will be on 13th November when Sheila Kingswell and Steve Bluck will be the quizmaster and assistant. Keep your eyes open for the list and notification of its posting here (for the locals who support our quizzes).

In the afternoon, we held our first friendly since lockdown. It was refreshing on both occasions to see the club full and buzzing. It was played in a lovely, friendly manner as friendlies should and, I think, enjoyed by all.

The final score is almost irrelevant since the friendlies are meant to be just that. However, Steve Bluck has informed me that MidGlos scored 140 and Dowty 69.

Obviously, indoor bowling is a different game from outdoor and many of the Dowty bowlers are used to outdoor only.

While still on the subject of bowling against outdoor clubs, the Wednesday night Interclub begins this Wednesday. If you’re free and not bowling, why not come along to support? As I said in my last newsletter, the bar will be open.

Unfortunately, one of our long-standing members, Terry Barham, has had to give up bowling due to ill health. He has kindly donated a generous amount to the club in recognition of many enjoyable years spent at the club. Our thanks to him; we wish him well and hope to see him up at the club from time to time.

He is always welcome.

As a safety issue, when you have finished bowling, please remember to place the pushers back in their designated parking slots which are clearly marked.

There could be a very nasty accident if someone were to trip over one.

Take care and stay healthy,

Linda.
Linda Watkin-Jones.
Director (PR & Marketing)