April Update Number 3

A message from Jeannette

The bowls club is secluded by hedging, with a glimpse of the church and playing fields. On a fine day it can offer the sense of a break in the country, without a long journey or cost. The luxury of space, at a bargain price!! Sadly this will not be the case for the forseeable future but, I would like to thank you all for your understanding at this very challenging time and once again thank the commitment of the team of members who are working (whilst at all times respecting the government guidelines!!) to ensure that the green and surrounds are maintained and playable when the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, I hope you all keep safe and well.

When can we bowl?

With the latest extension of the lock down and the likelihood of further restrictions beyond the 3 weeks, the committee has decided to cancel all May friendlies and postpone the Drawn Triples and Yard Stick Competitions. The committee will meet again mid May to review the position.

Back in March we had hoped that it might be possible for members to come along to the green for individual rolls ups however sadly this is not possible. We received the following guidance from Bowls England:

“Advice from Bowls England received 14th April 2020 in response to email enquiry

When the lock down started, it was unclear as to whether our bowlers would be able to go and have a roll up at their clubs as long as they obeyed the ruling about social distancing and followed Government Guidelines, and used their own common sense. However, the Government has now deemed that all sports and recreation venues and club be closed. So, the answer to your question as of now is no. However, once the lock down starts to be relaxed, we will update things as and when. It might be at this time that we will be able to say yes, you can go for a roll up in the circumstances as you enquired about below."

So please keep doing your exercises and practising at home and enjoy the Captain’s quizzes.

BOWLS ENGLAND LAUNCHES WORKOUT VIDEOS FOR BOWLERS Click here for video

CAPTAINS CHALLENGE – Part Two - See full quiz on the website - click here

….” Let’s get underway” …

HERE IS A TASTER

It`s multiple choice this time with one or more correct answers provided for each question ..

1. When does a Bowl become a toucher?

• At any time, it touches the Jack
• If a bowl is knocked onto the jack
• If it touches the jack in its original course
• All of the above options

2. When should a toucher be marked with chalk?

• As soon as it comes to rest
• Before the next bowl is delivered
• Before the next bowl comes to rest
• All of the above

3. What is the minimum distance from the centre of the mat line for a bowl to be in play?

• 10m
• 12m
• 14m
• 16m
• 18m
• 20m
• 23m
• 25m

Visit the website for a full set of questions (and answers in a couple of days!!)

Guardians of the Green (GOTG) VOLUME 2 – A Tale of Super Heroes

To fully appreciate this tale, you might like to check out – Guardians of the Galaxy “Think of them as good guys… with an unconventional approach to the Super Hero business”

The story so far ……..

With members still unable to visit the green (aka 'Planet Green') due to the Global Attack, Biddenden Bowls Club continues to receive support from GOTG.

The GOTG are maintaining patrols and activities to protect “Planet Green”. Leader Robin is attending daily and has recently reported the following:

There was a suspicious yellow item in the ditch but upon investigation it was found to be an innocent sprinkler head – no further action taken.

Undercover operation has taken place to check for any underground enemy activity under the guise of recovering some of planet greens surface (aka seeding a few patches). No evidence of the deadly “leatherjackets” but more areas of the planet will be checked over coming days to decide if a major force of “nematodes” will be needed.

Leader Robin reported a blip a few days ago. Returning after a short absence Robin realised, as soon as he entered the danger zone, that there had been an incident. A Foxy Heinkel had made a deposit on the sacred area, the first enemy success since the commencement of the official outbreak. Obviously it had escaped the notice of our eagle eyed Spy Geese squadron. GOTG member, Bandit, was deputed to remove and dispose of the said the deposit which he did with inspirational use of an old plastic sign.

Several pigeons have been observed in oak tree corner but we can confirm they have been reminded of how valuable the surface of the planet is and they know the seed is not for them and they must keep clear.

We can remain happy in the knowledge that all GOTG remain vigilant and continue to keep Planet green safe

The reports from GOTG are co-ordinated by our undercover operative codenamed Bandit.

"THE EXTRA END PODCAST"

Bowls England is putting up a series of podcasts on YouTube They are quite interesting and worth a watch!!