August Update No. 1

Summer School

Those of you who are following our FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/biddendenbowlsclub will have seen updates from the last 2 weeks about the Biddenden Summer School which is being run by Sports Route Coaching. We had the chance to be involved and offer taster/fun sessions alongside football, cricket, squash, softball, badminton, tennis. So far we have had 7 sessions at the green with over 45 children and the 3 Sports Route Coaches. Activities have included spider, target bowls (with new age bowls), bowling with Taylor Ace Junior Bowls, bowling to a grid, knock over the water pot (!) and some really good pairs competitions. Also the provision of a mister spray to cool all the participants down and the shade of the veranda were particularly important as temperatures soared to 30+. 5 sessions to go. 10 members plus 2 granddaughters have helped run the sessions in the high temperatures and even rain on the first day!!.

Club Shirts

Our new stock of club shirts has arrived from China!! We now have available shirts sized from Small to XL in both ladies and mens styles. Price has gone up by £1 and so cost of a new shirt is £18.50. Also one mens large which is an extra 2" long. If you would like to purchase one please let Kim or Barbara know.

COVID 19 Competitions

These are progressing really well and have been very well supported. Many of the games have been extremely competitive and it has been great to see many of last years new members playing in the singles and doubles competitions. We know people are looking at the results on the website to see how people have done.

We have now reached the semi final stage of the COVID Bowl and the Mixed Singles and these have been scheduled for Sunday 16th August 2pm to 5pm. The pairs scrambles are taking place as follows: 12th August 1pm, 13th August 2pm, 14th August 2pm (2 matches), 17th August 3.30 (2 matches). Spectators are welcome but are asked to book in advance as the maximum number of people we can have at the club remains at 24 although we are hoping to agree an increase to 30. Also, "we must ensure that distinct groups of no more than six people and social distancing are maintained ."

Finals Weekend will be as planned on 29/30th August and will include the Fixed Jack Yardstick, Drawn Pairs, COVID 19 Bowl, Mixed Singles and Pairs Scramble and a Ladies Yardstick. We are hoping that we will be able to have a simple BBQ and a couple of fun events during the Finals Weekend but this will be subject to Government Guidelines. It is also clear that members are getting withdrawal symptoms from a lack of the normal raffles and so one will be held over the finals weekend. Look out for the finals schedules and confirmation of what will be happening!

Let's Roll - Bowls England

BE has launched a new initiative to encourage people to try bowls to try to encourage new members and make the most of the fact that unlike many sports we are OPEN.

"Bowls is an uncomplicated and accessible sport, which anyone of any age can play. It’s also both a real challenge to get those competitive juices flowing and a relaxing way of spending an hour or two, with players always enjoying the social side of the sport. With thousands of bowls clubs up and down the country, there’ll be a place to play near you, and clubs have sets of bowls for beginners to give the game a try."

Biddenden Bowls Club has signed up to the initiative although we have been offering free tasters and introductory coaching for several months. To learn more visit https://www.bowlsengland.com/lets-roll/ and do encourage friends, neighbours, family to take part. All ages very welcome.