Calne Bowls Club

We have now been given permission by Bowls England to open the rinks for bowling.  However this will not include competitive bowling and will be for  members only, open to just 6 bowlers playing on only 3 rinks at one time – rinks 1, 3, 5 or 2, 4, 6, with a maximum of 2 bowlers per rink

Details will be sent out to members shortly and there will be a booking system to eliminate disappointment.

The main clubhouse and both changing rooms remain closed but essential maintenance will continue, adhering to the 2 metre social distancing,  so please don’t shout at our maintenance manager (this happened recently whilst he was operating within Covid-safe guidelines, not a member I am glad to say)!

Plans are in hand in the hope that we can start a pairs competition if restrictions are further relaxed in July.

Work is continuing on the green as you can see below and advertising boards are now up.  A big thank you to Martin G and his team,who are now going to work on the ditches, as well as Ley who looks after the green/various bits of equipment.

It would also be wrong not to mention our sponsors, who have stuck with us, even though they have had their own problems. The club secretary would like to personally thank Pete at 3D computers in Chippenham for getting his PC back up and running – a pleasure to support you, Pete.

It is with a great deal of sadness that we advise you that Margaret passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning in hospital after contracting the Covid-19 virus.

Margaret was the widow of Jim Wilkie (Calne Bowls Club President 2011-13) and had been a great supporter of the club, helping to start and support the Jim Wilkie Memorial Day Trophy, which is played for by teams from neighbouring clubs on an annual basis. Unfortunately, she was not well enough to present the trophy in 2019, so her daughter Fiona deputised in her absence.

Margaret was always willing to volunteer to help with anything, and was also an active member of the WI, organising whist and skittles events.

Margaret joined the Calne Short Mat Bowls Club last year and soon became a very popular member, as well as a good bowler.

She will be missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time, especially with the current restrictions.

We now have our own letterbox, thank you for yet another job done, it is appreciated Martin.

Whilst we haven’t moved we now have our own postal address.

Calne Bowls Club

off Hillcroft

Anchor Road

CALNE

SN11 8DX

Having now received all the documentation, we can now confirm that with effect 30th March 2020 Calne Bowls Club has become a Private Limited Company by guarantee, with Barry W as a Director and Stuart as Company Secretary, all members have been informed and also told the reasoning behind the change, namely that it was needed to allow the Calne Town Council to grant us the lease for the Bowls Club and enable it to grow.

With regard to the running of the club, nothing changes as the Articles of Association allow the Directors to delegate the responsibility of running the club to the current committee.

In these times of difficulty a good news story is always welcome and the Club is now on a firmer funding for an exciting future.

To all those who are reading this, we hope that you are keeping well and always remember we are just not a club but a family who will support each other when needed.

KEEP SAFE, see you on the green eventually.

Thanks to Ley for keeping eye on the green for the members, it’s a credit to all involved thanks for the hard work, we may get a game in before the end of the season, it would be a shame to waste the effort

It was very sad today putting up the signs saying that the Club was closed until further  notice. Only greenkeeping and essential maintenance will be allowed, as this can be done by a single person.

There is spray and paper towels in the clubhouse for use to ensure areas are kept clean.

Bowls England have cancelled all National Competition and Bowls Wiltshire have cancelled all County Games until 1st July, this will be reviewed in June.

We as a club will be hoping to have Open Days later this year, whilst the Sponsors Day and Gala Day may also need to be moved to later this year

The skittles have been cancelled, however it has been moved to the club pavilion where the membership renewal will take place in, with refreshments!

Please note all membership fees are due by 1st April 2020, whilst competition entries must be made by 2nd May 2020

We are holding open days on the above dates, so why not come along and see why the sport of bowls is so enjoyable.

Gates open at 10.00am until 3.00pm, refreshments will be available as well as helpers to show you how it all works.

For any further details please see below.

TWIT and TWOO have done a good job in keeping the pigeons off the seed, so its looking good.

Green after the first real cut of the season.

We were fortunate enough to be given a ‘new’ second hand kitchen.  As you can see Martin and Steve are hard at it – the old kitchen is out and the new one is half in.  We will have a larger working surface, along with a much larger fridge/freezer and more cupboard space. This will make all catering in the clubhouse easier

Thanks lads, it is appreciated.