They planned to re-lay some of the slabs on Monday and it rained. So they changed the date to Friday and unknowingly chose the hottest day of the week 28c/30c, but they have made a start and have done the essential work.
So a big thank you to Martin G, Steve M, Steve P and Les – a good job well done and then, after they thought they had finished, some miserable old secretary came along and asked them to please move 14 unused slabs from A to B. Did they moan? No, well not much anyway! It is great to be associated with such a friendly and forward thinking club.
We are very pleased to be able to confirm that we are having 2 open days in August, namely:
SATURDAY 8th AUGUST 2020 and
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST 2020.
both days starting at 10am and finishing at 3pm
These were planned for April 2020, but unfortunately circumstances have been against us.
However as restrictions have been eased we are now able to go ahead with our plans, so if you are interested (or even just curious) about lawn bowls, we would be very pleased to see you at the green on either of these days. It is a chance to get involved in a game you may have considered for a while but never had the chance to try.
We will be able to introduce you to the game. You only need flat shoes, or trainers and we will supply the rest of the items that are needed (duly sanitised).
Due to Bowls England’s instructions with regard to the number of people allowed at the club at any one time, we would prefer to know in advance if possible when you would like to come and see us. It only takes about 45 mins to get used to the game, so all we need is the day and time and we will do the rest.
If you would like to call either of the following:
Men’s Secretary Stuart on 01225 706972 or
Ladies’ Secretary Janet on 01249 816954
Alternatively you can contact us on our website Email – see contact/find us shown below left, leaving your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Last year we had over 40 people visit us over the 2 days and nearly 50% have taken up this great game, so don’t be shy, come and give it a try.
Due to social distancing the committee had, what is probably the first ever outdoor meeting
As we had to socially distance, we held it in a field, first time ever I think, hope this does not continue until December, could be a little cold out there!
All the benches and chairs are out, with sprays to keep the Covid at bay.
The kitchen has been completed and deep cleaned by the ladies.
The surround has been weeded and various bushes, etc have been pruned.
Members are enjoying roll-ups and the Aussie Pairs competition has been great fun, throwing up some surprise results.
The club competitions are about to start, with lots of participants and a short time for them all to be played.
Here are some photographs, with apologies for any names I have left out, but a big thank you to all those taking part, what ever they did.
Too busy to take many photos but here are Rod and Steve M, helping getting benches out. There were a few others – Steve P, Bryan, Barry, Josie, Sheila, and now I will be in trouble for missing someone!Here is Ley, our chief green keeper, tidying up the ditches. There was a rumour that our pet hedgehog was gobbled up in our leaf blower, but on investigation this proved to be false – relax Sheila!The kitchen, nearly finished, looking good. Thank you Martin G, Steve M and Bryan, also the ladies Ro, Jan and Pip , not forgetting the hoover wizard Mayumi for getting the kitchen deep cleaned and smart.The outside flower border after Barry K and Lesley had got at itThe railings now looking tidy, thanks to yours truly.
Since we opened this season, members have been enjoying roll-ups every day and over 45 members have taken part in approx 35 sessions every week.
In addition to this our Competition Secretary has organised an Australian Pairs competition, in which 12 teams are playing in 2 leagues to decide the winners. Once members got their heads around the rules, all appear to be enjoying the experience, with some surprising results along the way. Look under Members, Club competition, Mixed if you want to see the leagues/results.
The next step is the Club Competitions. Entry forms have been circulated and must be returned next week, The draw could be very interesting as we have a lot of new members entering competitions for the first time.
During the recent hot spell the sprinkler system was in full use but just as the hot spell ended it decided to complain and stopped working.
Fortunately, with a quick phone call to Declan from Delta he was on the case very quickly. Luckily for us it was not the pump but the capacitor that had ‘burst’ (non technical term) and, as a plus, the weather decided to change and allow some rain to fall.
Within a few days the replacement part was ordered and fitted, so roll on the next hot spell as we are now ready for it.
A big thank you to Declan (not the first time he has helped us out).
Due to B.E. restrictions only 6 people are allowed in the club at any one time, normally there would be club members and visitors, unfortunately we had to make do with 6 of the committee, Jan Payne, Ladies Secretary is self isolating and was unable to attend.
Below this is the article from the Gazette and Herald.
Barry Wicks Chairman, delivers the first wood. L to R Josie Campbell, Treasurer, Yvonne McColl, Ladies Captain, Martin Grugeon, Maintenance Manager, Paul Mackie, Club Captain and Stuart Beard, Club Secretary.
Calne Bowls Club re-opens its green on Saturday for members to get some practice
MEMBERS of Calne Bowls Club are looking forward to getting some competitive games played in August and September after re-opening on Saturday May 30 following the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown.
After restrictions were lifted on sports activities such as bowls, golf and tennis, club chairman Barry Wicks bowled the first wood for the green opening ceremony, with onlookers outside the gates showing their appreciation.
For the next few weeks, until the coronavirus lockdown is completely lifted, the club will use the green for its 55 members to get some social bowling practice.
Following the success of 2019, when the club’s membership increased and promotion was achieved in the Men’s White Horse League, as well as narrowly missing promotion in the Mid Wilts Triples League, the club was looking forward to building on this success.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, it has had to cancel its open days for now and postponed the usual club green opening ceremony until Saturday May 30.
Mr Wicks said: “The green is in its best condition for several years, despite the dry weather, and was bowling very well so it was disappointing not to be playing matches in the leagues.
“I would like to thank the members that have put so much work into getting the club ready for the opening.”
Mr Wicks said bowls is still a great way to exercise and meet people, adding “the previous image of old men in blazers has now been all but banished, with a variety of ages and abilities welcome.
“We are open to both club members and the public but, currently, there are restrictions issued by Bowls England on the total number of bowlers allowed on the green, so a booking system is in place.
“Whilst we are hoping that the restrictions will be lifted before the end of the season, with an opportunity to hold an open day, anyone wishing to have a roll up or wanting more information about joining the club should contact our secretary, Stuart Beard.”
The club, which was founded in 1914, is hoping that the coronavirus regulations will soon be less restrictive, and members are looking forward to getting some competitive games played in August and September. Planning is already in place for the 2021 season.
The club is off Hillcroft, Anchor Road, Calne, and its season usually runs from April to September. Members compete in men’s, ladies’ and mixed leagues within Wiltshire.
In addition, there are various inter-club friendly matches, both in Wiltshire and with teams from other counties. There are also club and county competitions.
All you need to play is a pair of flat-soled shoes or trainers and your first three sessions, together with coaching if required, are completely free.
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the regular club nights on a Tuesday have been cancelled.
The club officially opened for the season today, however for the next few weeks it will be just for social bowling, to get practice in.
The Gazette and Herald was in attendance today and as soon as a photograph is received it will be posted on this page.
In the meantime here are some photos from todays event, many thanks for the members who came up (socially distancing) to watch the event.
Yvonne sending down a wood, with Paul and Barry looking onNice tight head for the first woods down the green!Many thanks to Siobhan (Gazette and Herald) for trying bowls, it reached the end of the rink, via the side ditch. It was her first ever attempt though, well doneDue to restrictions only a few people could be involved in the ‘getting ready’ of the club this year. L to R – Bryan, Steve (legs) M, Martin G and LeyThanks to Barry for this picture, taken this evening.
Work continues to get the club ready for opening on the 30th May, it would appear that it is becoming the fashion for the men in the club to start sporting very fetching beards, will they survive the eventual return to normality – we shall see?
These 2 photographs shows the work yesterday, Bryan appears to have dropped his spare paint brush from his left hand, while Martin G is marking out the first side of a rink. Not sure what Barry was doing, hehe.
Your secretary spent his time putting notices up, let’s hope we can take them down soon.
We have now been advised (by the CTC) that we can make places available to the public, therefore we are very happy to confirm that non-members are able to bowl under the same restrictions as members. We anticipate:
1) Experienced bowlers who just want a roll- up
2) Anyone who wishes to know more about the great game of bowls and would be interested in joining the club
In both instances, they will be required to be accompanied by a club member and will need to give 48 hours’ notice. This can be done by contacting the club secretary, Stuart Beard
Telephone number and Email link are on our ‘Contact’ page on this website
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