PENKETH BOWLING CLUB 2019

 www.penketh.bowls-club.co.uk

Dear Member,

Happy New Year to you all, I hope you are looking forward to another bowling season.

Firstly, the AGM this year will take place on Saturday 9th March, 2 p.m. at The Olive Tree, Penketh. As usual a reminder that this is your club. A lot to discuss please make sure you attend.

The weather last year was REALLY warm but unfortunately, whilst we all enjoyed it, the green suffered greatly. So a great deal of effort has been put into getting things back to a good playing surface. Mike Nencini and Les Mason have undertaken most of this work by consulting with groundsmen from other clubs and has come up with a plan of work that will hopefully prove effective. Mike Nencini has also initiated a new web site which I am sure you will find very informative. It is on here that he will keep you updated on the treatments and progress on the green. Please take a look, the new address is at the top of the page.

This plan of work is going to cost a considerable amount in the first year but is forecast to reduce in subsequent years to less than it has cost in previous years. In order to carry out the plan investment has had to be made in new equipment. We discovered that the mower we bought only recently, having been told it was suitable for purpose, was not. After lengthy discussion the manufacturers agreed on this and carried out some repairs. It was then decided to part exchange said mower for one that is more suitable. We will still need to replace some of the older equipment when funds permit. In the meantime John Twigg has been repairing items where he can.

Another change that has taken place is in the kitchen. We had a kitchen donated to us and we were hoping to get some funding to cover the cost of fitting it, or even replacing with a completely new one. This was not to be, so a group of volunteers have worked extremely hard to refit the kitchen. A job well done, I am sure your tea/coffee will taste much better. Thanks to Les Mason, Mike Nencini, John Twigg, Brian Russell, Pat Mason, John Crosby, Ron Green.

The never ending job of keeping the borders and paths weed free is mostly down to Pat Mason and Jim Benbow. I am sure they would appreciate some help. Pat is usually at the green Wednesday and Thursday mornings. If anyone can give an hour of their time they would be made most welcome.

The day trip to the Waterloo bowling club in Blackpool was very much anticipated but nearly became a wash out. After a very sunny couple of months it had rained and the green was unplayable on arrival. Fortunately by lunch time it had dried and bowling could go ahead. Everyone that played enjoyed the experience of having played on the ‘Waterloo’. A great deal of planning goes into these days but we hope we can arrange more.

During the winter months The Whist and Dominoes (Mondays) and Short Mat Bowling (Thursday & Friday) keep the community spirit going. Whilst well attended I am sure Fred Williams will welcome new players. Please keep this in mind for the end of outdoor season.

This year quite a few competitions were held and as usual enjoyed by all who took part. There were a few changes to the format of some so inevitably some teething problems. Mike Nencini, as Competition Secretary, had taken on this roll never having run bowling comps. He has asked if anyone would be willing to help set up a calendar and some guidelines . Please contact him or any other committee member.

Safeguarding Policy – It is now a BCGA rule that all clubs must have a Safeguarding Officer. This is to help those who feel they have been approached, treated or abused inappropriately by a club member. Anita York has offered to take on this role as she already has a DBS certificate. (this is the new version of the CRB check that is necessary when working with children, vulnerable adults etc.) In order to fulfil this role it is necessary to attend a training workshop. This will be done before the AGM so she can then explain fully what the role entails.

Two members of the committee have resigned, Ron Clarke and John Royle. Thanks go to both of them for their input and hard work. So we will be looking for new committee members at this year’s AGM. Volunteers PLEASE.

As proposed at last year’s AGM the fees this year will increase to £30 and will rise by £5 for the next two years. This of course is always under review and change if necessary.

Annual Subscription 18yrs and over £30
Annual Subscription under 18yrs £15

Members attaining the age 0f 80 years before the end of September 2019 and who have been members for at least 10 years will become Honorary Members and will no longer pay subscriptions. But any donation will be gratefully received.

Please note that due to work taking place on the green it has been decided to open the green on Saturday 6th April with our usual Social Bowling.

Mike and Anita will be at the green from 11.30 a.m. on the 6th April and the following two Saturdays to take your fees. A reminder to all that fees are due not later than 20th April 2019.
Cheques should be made payable to Penketh Bowling Club. If sending a cheque by post please enclose a self addressed envelope for the return of your membership card.

A reminder to take a look at the new website and perhaps pass the address on to friends and other bowlers in the hope they like what they see and will join us. A warm welcome awaits.

Here’s hoping that you can shake off any winter aches and be fit and ready for the new bowling season. See you on the green.

Anita York
Secretary.

Mike Glass, Treasuruer
9 Bembridge Close
Gt. Sankey, Warrington WA5 3RH