News from the Chair June 2026

With a forecast of some warm weather on the way the bowling season has really arrived.

I mentioned last month that the Management Committee would be reviewing the results of the member's survey and some highlights are:

• New members would like to see some form of 'Buddy' system to help them understand how the club is run and how they can join in

• Feedback regarding social events, particularly in the winter, needs further consideration and will be discussed towards the end of the playing season

• The Management Committee have been asked to consider having a representative of Social Members on the Management Committee. This is a suggestion that will be taken forward for someone to represent the views of Social Members in a non voting position.

• Coaching sessions to be made available during the season and the 4 Club Coaches will be meeting to take this further in 2027

• Some members feel the membership need to be made aware of how much it costs to run the club. At the AGM in 2025 the Treasurer reported that the basic cost of running the Club was in excess of £300 per member. Clearly the cost of annual membership does not meet this hence the need for the Club to run the fundraising events that we do.

Rich Thomas is looking to run a Corporate day on 16 August. This is an opportunity for people who don't play bowls to take part in a day of fun and bowling against other non bowlers. Teams are to be made up of 4 people at a cost of £10 a head. The winners will share a hamper of goodies. If you know of family or friends who would like to join in please let Rich know asap.

Last month I mentioned that we would be hosting a cycling group of visitors from the USA. They will be arriving at the Club at around 4 pm on Monday 6 July if you would like to come and say hello.

Our 70th anniversary party will be taking place on Sunday 19 July and more details will be sent regarding this from the subcommittee of Mark, Heather and Chris Bridgeman.

I have been asked to make an etiquette request to all playing members. When finishing a match can players please wait until all players have finished before partaking of any refreshments.

Our final Open day for this year will be on Saturday 4 July, from 10 am until 4 pm. If you know of anyone wanting to try their hand at lawn bowls please encourage them to come along on this day.

Some exciting news on the sponsorship front. Upton Mill Care Home is a new sponsor of our Club and I will be sending information about their sponsorship in a separate email. Basically we will be able to offer all current playing members a Club jacket at half price. More information on how to order yours will follow soon.

Best wishes, Keith.

Chair, TBC.