March 2021 - The New Season

One month to go to the green opening and 2021 Season!!

A captain’s newsletter is being issued concurrently with lots of information on play, matches and information sessions. This newsletter is intended to fill you in on other “bits” which are happening.

Firstly, and most importantly we expect the green to open on 22nd April 2021.

We are still awaiting detailed guidance from Bowls England but this is due very shortly and will cover things such as: ‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs, Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs, Online rink booking and cashless payments, Promotional material and funding advice. As soon as this is received, we will see how it will impact and guide our plans at Biddenden and a follow up newsletter will be sent.

Biddenden Easter Trail – The club has sponsored an Egg which will be put up near the top fence or hedge and will form part of the village trail. This is an initiative by the John Mayne PTA. The egg has been painted by Jim and Jeannette’s granddaughter, Emma, and on the reverse, we will have some promotional flyers. So, if you are out dog walking around the recreation ground over the Easter Weekend look out for our EGG.

Membership renewals are due by 31st Match 2021. Everybody should have received an email or a form through the post so please contact me on 01580 291154 if you have not received anything. The take up is promising and we look forward to welcoming our new players to the Green as well as our existing members. See you all soon. Linda

Development Plan Thank you to everyone who sent in a SWOT analysis or their thoughts/ideas. We are looking at the responses to help us identify club priorities and plan forward. - Jeannette

Pre-season Meeting – This was due to take place on 18th April however in view of the restrictions on numbers gathering, this has been cancelled in its normal format. Instead, membership cards, tea rotas, sign up for early friendlies, other briefing etc etc will be covered on 22nd April roll up afternoon/early evening or in the information sessions (see Captain’s newsletter) or during the weekend following.

Open Days and Taster Sessions - We will not be holding the Open Day which normally takes place at the end of April but instead will advertise taster sessions upon request on an ongoing basis and focus on the Bowls England BIG WEEKEND 28th May to 31st May 2021. It is planned to run events at the club over the Big Weekend to encourage new members of all ages.

Biddenden Bowls Club is a Dementia Friends Organisation

Dementia Friends Organisations seek to create dementia friends amongst their membership to improve understanding and put in place action to support those living with dementia.

To take part in this initiative and become a dementia friend go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk click on: Join - Organisations - Watch our Videos for Organisations. You will be prompted to enter your details and the club’s unique code Bid0982. The total number who become friends using the unique code is kept but not the names of the individuals. It would be great to get 30+ new friends registered.

You have to watch at least 2 of the videos to become a friend. The committee have all taken part and feedback has included “I have watched three of the videos, which I found interesting and emotional” and “I think they are useful to all and everybody playing bowls or not ….in reality people are not as kind and helpful as they are in the videos but if it makes us think and be more understanding that can only be a good thing”

Visit the "Dementia Friends" , subpage under Accessibiity and Inclusion on our club website to find out more about Dementia Friends and other activities. If you have any ideas or thoughts on how we can make the club more “Dementia Friendly” and/or inclusive/accessible please speak to one of the committee or email [email protected]