Late May Update

May has flown by and with 6 friendlies and 4 league games already played it is beginning to feel a bit more like normal. It has been good to catch up with everyone and welcome people back who we missed last year. Several of our new members have already played in the friendlies and club knockouts and the league teams have also seen a number of league debutants. All the results are up on the website but win or lose it has been good to be back playing.

This newsletter is a general update on lots of bits and some pleas for action!!

Tea Rota for friendlies – We are now providing light refreshments for our friendly games in the form of tea/coffee and wrapped biscuits/cakes. Jeannette has covered the first 3 friendlies to test the system which has worked well. Veronica has now put up the tea rota on the club house wall and all those who play in friendly games are asked to put their names up as soon as possible. The home game against Loose on 6th June urgently needs cover! Any queries please speak to/WhatsApp Veronica.

Green Keeping – Thanks and HELP!!

A Special and big thank you to Brian. Although he is not playing this year (he is a social member) he has stayed on the green keeping team – he brushes every Saturday, has been covering on the mowing rota, monitors and checks the complex water supply, works at the green every Tuesday and continues to repair and service equipment and buy the petrol. This is a very special contribution to the club – Thank you Brian and we hope you are back playing before too long.

The grass is lush and growing well on and off the green. Edges need trimming/clipping, weeds need removing and as the weather warms up watering which was not needed in May (!!) will need to start again very shortly. It goes without saying that the week-on-week work done by all our brushers and mowers who help keep the green in good condition and the cleaning crew who are keeping the toilets etc glistening is vital and much appreciated. However last Tuesday on the main work crew day, only Jim, Paul and Brian were at the green and they do need more help to maintain the green edges, banks, pathways, surrounds etc. Even if you cannot help on a Tuesday can you do some bits on another day?

We are having problems with the pressure release valves on the water heaters in the toilet block. Have we got any retired plumbers or someone with plumbing skills who could have a look??

Anyone can help with “spot” watering on areas of the green. If you can spare a couple of hours to either use the hand-held spray or place and move the sprayer (great chance to sit and read or enjoy the quiet of the green) it will be much appreciated. Obviously, this needs to avoid key bowling times but it will have to be done to maintain the green in good condition through the season and allow the bank and its flowers to bloom. Please talk to Paul or Jim if you can help so that when the watering is needed, they can liaise with you.

Club Competitions

The 4 knockouts are well underway. Details are on the website and attached to the club house. Over the next couple of days Sue J will be coming out with dates and details for the club one day competitions. Special request to put finals weekend in your diary as we hope this can be a real celebration that bowls is back – it is the 4th and 5th September with a BBQ for members and families on the Sunday afternoon.

Big Bowls Weekend

We are all set to open up the green on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st. Publicity around Biddenden, High Halden and other local villages as well as in the village primary school will hopefully ensure we get a good turnout. Thank you to those coming along to help and those bringing along friends and families. If we can attract a few new members (including a few juniors) and let the village know that bowls is fun and social that will be a positive result.