Bowling News

FEB 21 - FROM BCGBA

This is a shared statement with Bowls England and Disability Bows England and further information will be distributed once the full guidance has been issued by the Dept. of Sport

BRITISH CROWN GREENBOWLING ASSOCIATION LOOKS FORWARD TO THE START OF THE 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON

Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables BCGBA, counties and affiliated clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from 29th March.

Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country. The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to bowlers and the sport in general.

Whilst the overwhelming majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:

· ‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs

· Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs

· Online booking

· Promotional material and funding advice

We also aim to facilitate as much domestic competition as possible. We have developed a series of Covid-contingency scenarios and, with the information now available, will look to reshape our national competition schedule.

The National Open Weekend 28th May 2021 planning will continue and we believe there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun, family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience.

We have been in discussions with our partner organisations to ensure a safe return to play, with the Prime Ministers road map we look forward to clubs being able to open safety within government guidelines

We will be working in partnership with all stakeholders, notably affiliated clubs, to navigate through any challenges and, whilst mindful to retain a level of caution, are very excited about the outdoor bowls season beginning soon.

We understand today’s developments will provoke a range of questions and we would ask people to bear with us as we work through the various implications. As soon as we can, we will be issuing more detailed guidance on the BCGBA website.

Feb 21 - Bill Jenson

We regret to inform you that long term member Bill Jenson passed away in January. Although not playing in recent years left hander Bill, who had joined in 1997, had been a member of various teams playing in Mid Shrops & South Staffs leagues and will be well remembered. Our thoughts are with his family.

Feb 21 - AGM 2021

We did say in an earlier note that we had a contingency plan to use Zoom for the AGM but our experience with the Committee suggests that might be a bit ambitious.

We have therefore decided to wait until we can have a physical meeting. The possibility of the Club being able to hold such a meeting in the near future is looking less and less likely so the Committee has decided to put all the documentation for an AGM in the Members section on the website. This includes not only the documentation from last AGM to endorse but also the reports from the Captain, Secretary and Treasurer for year to October 2020.

This will enable members to ask questions and officials to answer them when things are reasonably fresh in their minds. If you would like to ask a question please do so through the website and the responsible officer will get back to you.

All the Officers of the Club and Committee members with the exception of Ken Tonkiss will in light of the past years events put themselves forward for re-election. Stewart Lee has indicated that he would like to stand for Committee so in the meantime we shall invite Stewart to our Zoom meetings

Once we can hold meetings we can formalize everything as needed.

Don't forget you will need a password to access Members section on website. If you do not have one you can apply through the website

Jan 21 - Carol Preece

It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of Carol Preece after a long struggle against cancer on 20 January 21.

Although not a bowler Carol loved sitting in the sun, watching & supporting Lol, and having a good chat with others & putting the world to rights. Our thoughts are with Lol & her family at this very sad time. She will be sadly missed.

Planning for AGM

As you know our rules require the Club to hold an AGM once a year prior to the opening of the bowling season. Normally we hold the AGM in February but in the circumstances we are delaying naming a date until we have a clearer picture of the likely restrictions on meetimgs. We are all hoping that we will start bowling again in April but at this moment we are not sure when we will be able to meet to hold an AGM. We are therefore preparing a contingency plan to enable us to hold a virtual meeting using the ZOOM platform. To participate in the meeting the Club will need to know your email address and you will need to download the Zoom app. onto your computer or smart phone. Its free ( https://zoom.us/ ). If you need any help in setting up Zoom, or you would like to have a trial run contact the Club through the website.

Just to remind you, to access the members page on the website you will need your username and password.

Resolutions for AGM

Any Full or Life member wishing to move any resolution at the Annual General Meeting relating to any other business must provide details to the Secretary before December 31^st.

Committee Members

We do need more members to make up the Committee. If anyone is interested in joining the Committee to help with the running of the Club please contact the Secretary, Bill Meredith, through the Club website.

BCGBA:

British Crown Green are setting up a database of members see https://www.bcgba.org.uk/membership/. https://www.bcgba.org.uk/privacy-policy/. So you can access the database and update your personal information the Club will provide your email address to BCGBA to enable them to issue a password.