Membership

We have seen several clubs disband, teams cease to exist and yet against a tide of falling numbers playing bowls our membership has once again increased. It has been great to see new members at the club, taking part in our various league teams, round robin or simply enjoying the green on a social basis.

On the Green

It has been a phenomenal achievement to have a total of seven summer teams and one winter team, playing in six different leagues. Of pleasure to me has been seeing the teams come together, embracing new players and individuals clearly enjoying each other’s successes and feeling able to contribute to the team.

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Whilst we have not had any promotions, all teams have comfortably held their own, which after some recent promotions and league reorganisations is a great outcome.

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An important measure for me and one which defines us as a club is that we rarely field anything less than a full team. Indeed, I think it has only occurred on two occasions this season and right at the end of the season when absences are high.

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The above reflects well on all the captains, the role I do not underestimate, getting the balance right when oversubscribed or chasing around to get a replacement player when someone drops out at the last minute can be challenging and thankless.

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Thank you to the captains of all our teams.

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Within this section I want to comment upon the Round Robin. I get all sorts of feedback, not all favourable, but when people talk about Round Robin it is always positive. The organisation under Bill's guidance, the atmosphere and the enjoyment as pairs battle it out for the eggs. If I see someone on a Tuesday afternoon or a Thursday, they invariably greet me with a Round Robin update and who won the eggs. It’s a great part of our club and thanks Bill.

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The Green and Surrounds

The feedback from our own players and those visiting has generally been that the green has improved markedly on how it was last year. As seems the way with bowlers, some will always have a comment;   ‘it has lost some of its marks, its not as fast as it was, bowls pick up dressing’ and of late ‘ the worms’.  At the end of the day we are a small club, possess limited financial and physical resources and as such are not going to have a green like Owley Wood or Castle Private. That said we can have ambition and the focus this winter will be on consolidating what we have achieved whilst working on those areas that are not on a par with the wider green. Going forward it is my ambition to have a rolling three-year plan that will reflect our budget constraints but deliver year on year improvement.

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We took the big step of purchasing a fully refurbished/reconditioned mower in mid-July, replacing the Ransome mower which I believe was produced in 1950. This has not only benefitted the green but also assisted us from a health and safety perspective. As part of our culture of continuous improvement I am keen to review existing equipment, establish what we need to aid our green maintenance and assist in achieving a better green year on year.  

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I have referenced before that much work was done in the winter to improve the wider bowling experience. I hope you will concur that not only do we have one of the more picturesque greens but also one where the surround is as neat, tidy, and cared for as any you visit. We also have a flower display which stands us a part.

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To all those who helped on the green during the year and in improving the surrounds many thanks. A special thanks to Brian Swann for his floral designs which are much admired by our membership and opponents alike.

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Smooth Operation

A special mention to our treasurer Maggie Coats and our secretary John Coats. It goes without saying that the serenity a swan displays above the water hides the activity below. That is very true at our club and the efforts of both treasurer and secretary should not be underestimated. The number of teams, different leagues, cup competitions both internal and external etc etc all create admin for the treasurer and secretary.

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A thank you also to the committee and indeed everyone at the club for the support you have given me during this my first year.​

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Dates – Help and Assistance

• The Green Closing – As referenced the last league match at home is a Mid Cheshire League match on 4 October. With no other league matches and Round Robin moving inside the green will remain open until the conclusion of that match. However, it will not be cut as regularly as it has been, with such dictated by the weather.

• Green Maintenance – We are hoping to undertake some green maintenance over the weekend of 5 and 6 October. This is obviously weather dependent, and the proposed date may move. Further ongoing work will take place in October and over the winter. If you are willing to give some time to assist with the green, please let me know. Any help would be much appreciated.

• Surroundings – Last year we had a small but industrious workforce tidying up and improving the surrounds. This year we would like to do the same and other jobs that arise. We met the first Wednesday of the month, depending on the weather and as with ‘green maintenance’ there is not an expectation you will attend every month. There is always a hot drink and biscuits to compensate for any damp and cold. Again, if interested and you wish putting on the list let me know. 

• Suggestions – If anyone has any suggestions as to how they feel the running of the club can be improved then please contact me.  

• Dates :

  • • Green formally closed after Mid Cheshire League Match 4 Oct but will only be sporadically cut from now until then.

    • Presentation Evening – this is to be confirmed but please add a hold the date of 15 November to your calendar

    • AGM – will take place in January. Date to be confirmed.

Finally, thank you everyone for making this a special club. I will look to keep you updated on relevant matters as they become known/confirmed.

Alistair