July Update No 4

A really good month on the green with a number of bowlers returning for the first time. 2 metre social distancing still applies of course and we have all got used to applying our somewhat sticky hand sanitiser.

BIDDENDEN SPORTS WEEKS

Today we will be hosting the first of the bowls sessions for juniors taking part in the Biddenden Sports Week in liaison with Tom Swain/Sports Route Coaching. Over the next 4 weeks youngsters will be coming along to the green for sessions of 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The green diary has been booked out for these sessions but there is still loads of space for members. Activities will be a mixture of targets, skittles, grid and of course a "metre Stick" competition. This is a great chance for us to welcome a new generation to bowlers and spread the word that bowls is fun. If you would like to help out at any of the sessions please let Jeannette or Kim know.

COVID 19 Competitions

The competitions have been going extremely well - full details including draws and results are up on the COVID 19 competitions page. However here is a quick summary:

Short Jack Yardstick - reaching the semi-finals stage last Friday. Ralph came up against a dynamic Veronica who scored an amazing 31 points with no end scoring less than 2 and then David had a good win over Norman.

Drawn Pairs - Semi-finals are taking place on Thursday 30th July with Mike & Norman v Jim & John and Ralph & Roland v Barbara & Paul. There have been some excellent games with close scores although Kim and Linda are keen to forget the 28 - 2 loss to Ralph and Roland!!

COVID 19 Bowl and Mixed Singles- games are well underway with the winner of each group plus the best second place progressing to the semi-finals. Mike is the first to qualify for the Bowl semis. Ralph and Paul battled it out in the rain on Sunday afternoon with marker Jim. All ended up very wet!!

Pairs Scramble - The draw has taken place and is up on the competitions page. Games may take up to 3 hours with the three games of 6 ends. Some bowlers will need to take a break between games as none of us have played the 18 ends which we would in normal friendlies etc so please allow the time and do not try to "rush" people through the games. There are 6 groups with the 6 winners and best 2 runners up going through to the semis. Games are due to start in early August!

What competitions next? We have had a few suggestions. A Ladies short jack yardstick to be played over an afternoon (following a very enjoyable Ladies afternoon last week), a handicap competition for newer bowlers, some sort of teams competitions (adaption of a Top Teams format)? Any other thoughts. What sort of competition would you like to play?

Booking a rink

It is still essential to pre-book if you are coming along to the green to bowl, mark, coach or watch. This is to ensure that total numbers keep within the guidelines and to enable us to provide information for Test and Trace if needed. With the latest review of guidelines, up to 12 people can be on the green (maximum 4 on each rink) and up to 12 spectators so 24 altogether. When sitting around the green between games or watching please keep your groups at a maximum of 6 people - there are plenty of seating areas available.

With hot weather forecast it may be worth booking later in the afternoon/early evening when it may be a bit cooler with some shade available.

Cleaning and work crew

Barbara has put together a cleaning rota for the accessible toilet, the chairs and other surfaces "touched".. If you are willing to join the rota please let her know. The work crew continues its mowing, brushing, clearing, seeding, trimming etc. However, we still have several days where no one is available for brushing and the slabs and surrounds (including the new bank) could all do with TLC. Can you help?

Sue J’s Kitchen

Sue has already raised over £50 for the club with her excellent cakes and pastries. Have a look at her page to see what's available and how to order. Highly recommended!!!