The following is an extract from a message from Chairman Alistair Dalzell, which was sent to all members on 16th March 2025. Hi Everyone, I hope the good weather has got you thinking about the forthcoming bowling season which will soon be upon us. I thought I would drop everyone a quick line. Apologies to those who attended the AGM as some of what I will cover you will have heard before. Teams / Club Offering We will be starting the 2025 season with eight teams, this an increase of one, following the decision to accommodate a team in the Mid Cheshire Ladies League. I am particularly pleased to have a Ladies team as one of my primary aims is for the club to be as inclusive and welcoming as it can be. I believe that we now afford members the ability to play serious competitive bowls, competitive bowls but with an emphasis on fun, early / first exposure to league bowls and, via the Round Robin, the opportunity to play for a “prize” but in a very fun and friendly environment. Our membership levels are good but if you know anyone who would a) like to take up bowling or b) enjoy being a part of our club then do please encourage them to get in touch with me or John Coats. Surrounds Winter is a key time for us to improve the Club environment and you will notice that on the far side of the green, trees etc have been cut back to let in more light. There has been a general sprucing up of fencing, benches etc and repairs undertaken to the floodlights. The clubhouse has had a deep clean and been decluttered. We have been asked by the Village Hall to assist with keeping the wider footprint neat and tidy, principally this will involve cutting grass and once/twice per year the hedges. If anyone would like to form part of a working group to assist in keeping matters shipshape, then please have a word or drop me a line. Green Having spent quite a lot of money on a contractor at the end of the 2023 season and purchased a new mower in 2024 we adopted a conservative approach to the end of season green programme. The green received a deep scarification; parts were top dressed and seeded with a particular emphasis on the area from the bus shelter on the far side to the two tip up/down benches. Throughout the close season the green has been swished, worms really have been a pain and as appropriate the green has been cut and aerated. As I write this note we have today completed a verticut, further 8mm cut and applied some additional top dressing. I may be biased but the green looks as good as I can recall and will hopefully play well when opened on the weekend of 29/30 March – this is slightly earlier than was targeted but I am mindful that there are some matches planned for the end of that week. Weather is a factor and so whilst 29/30 March is the target, I will arrange for an E mail to be dispatched confirming the opening. Finances Those who attended the AGM will have heard the update from Maggie and my own philosophy regarding the club’s finances. It is worth remembering that our membership fees and playing fees are not increasing and remain some of the lowest around. In addition, there is the added benefit of free tea and coffee!! My aim is to continue investing in the club/ green and as such I align the income from match fees with the league and bowling association costs, membership income contributes towards green costs and is supplemented by Round Robin income with other income sources i.e. refreshments, competitions, hosting of matches forming a “sinking fund” to assist with capital items. Ideally, we will also secure grants in the future. Our finances are in good shape, despite a loss last year due to the acquisition of a new mower and the “Bonus Ball” organised by Simon Barton is proving both popular and a strong fund raiser with £500 raised since its inception. It is £1 per week, paid by standing order with the pot split 50/50 by way of prize money and in support of the club. If you are not enrolled, then I am sure Simon would be happy to hear from you. Refreshments Ahead of the season the fridge has been stocked, crisps and chocolate purchased. Whilst I appreciate that for matches in the afternoon tea and coffee is the norm can I urge those playing in the evening to make use of the wider refreshment facility. This is not just from a personal usage perspective but also as good hosts. Membership As referenced above, the membership fee for this year remains unchanged at £20. I know some pay their captain or hand the funds to Maggie, but could I remind those who intend to pay by bank transfer but have not got round to it that the bank details are : Crowton Bowling Club Account number : 67262899 Sort code 601529. Other Stuff We are very reliant upon a small group of individuals to ensure the smooth running of the club and maintain/improve the facility. We could do with support in the following areas : Website/Facebook – someone to take on the maintaining of both, with a free licence to be innovative and creative!!!! Maintenance – with us taking on the maintenance of the village hall footprint I am keen to grow the small team of volunteers who assist with winter maintenance. The primary focus during the playing season will be to establish a rota to cut the grass surrounding the hall and to assist in cutting back the hedges twice a year. Please let me know if you are interested in assisting. Continuous Improvement – this is your club and I am keen we take on board any observations / suggestions you have for improving the club. As such there will be a suggestion box placed in the club. Ideally you will feel able to add your name to a suggestion in order that we can discuss further but we will give equal focus to anything suggested anonymously. I believe we are in a good place ahead of the season and that is due to the small number of people who have given freely of their time during the winter months. Thank you for all your hard work in getting us to this point. If anyone wishes to volunteer for any of the opportunities referenced then please do drop me an E mail, call me on 07771367329 or grab me at the club. All that remains is for me to wish you an enjoyable 2025 Bowling season and I hope to see you on the green. Ali Tel 07771367329