Report by Debbie Ewins.

Today, as part of our BDA (Bowls Development Alliance) programme, eight club members attended a Club Helpers workshop, hosted by Conor Grogan.

The purpose of the workshop was to provide guidance in welcoming and introducing potential members at Open Days and club nights.

Split into two groups of four, we went through some examples of how we could introduce new bowlers to our sport, using games equipment provided by Conor. This proved to be very useful, and highlighted points that we had missed, or could improve.

Although we are unlikely to hold an Open Day this season, the lessons learnt should stand us in good stead next year, and whenever potential members come to the club.

Conor goes throuh the aims of the workshop

Richard introduces Len to the sport

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Here’s a heartening tale!

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/bowls/steve-bacon

Here’s a photo from Facebook, sent to me by David F, of Guildford Bowls Club in 1923. From the background, this looks as though it might have been taken at Castle Green, unless you can suggest otherwise.

Hats appear to be de rigeur!

Here’s a short video showing how both the Village and Bowls Clubs are handling social distancing. Apologies for the shaky parts.

At last! Friday’s Covid league matches had their first dry evening since we started playing. Let’s hope for a few more!

We have a new club league!

Thanks to David E, we have a new Friday singles league, open to all paid-up members. The rules are quite simple, and follow the guidelines issued by the Government and Bowls England.

We have eight players in the league; seven men, and one lady. Each player is assured of seven matches, and the result of each match will be recorded, contributing to a league table. There will be seven rounds, and I’m sure much pleasure will be gained from playing competitive matches again.

Watch this space for progress reports, and the final results!

The skills you’ve honed over a lifetime of sport will make you a star on the green, and that green’s just up the road at Merrow Village Bowls Club.

If you know anyone who plays a different sport, and who may be interested in finding out more about bowls, show them this video and get them to contact David Ewins.

Thanks to David and Debbie, bowls is back on the agenda. At present, access to the green is limited to two sessions per week, bookable in advance as mentioned in the email you will have received.

On Tuesday 19th, the first of the sessions got underway under a blazing hot sun. Thank heavens for the shade provided by the trees. Everything ran very smoothly, with Lorna and me (David R) playing on rink 3, Tony O on rink 2, Tony R on rink 4, and David and Debbie enjoying themselves on rink 1. There is a gap of 4.5 m between rinks, and we have a Green Steward present to help members comply with guidelines.

Here are a few photos to mark the occasion.

From our President

“To all members of MVBC, a message from your President.

With the exceptional impact of Covid-19 on the whole country, many of us thought that bowls this year was not going to be possible. But, people like David and Debbie, The NHS, and scientists, etc., have awakened the bulldog spirit of the British people. I thank them all for their positive outlook and dedication to get us on the green to enjoy our free time, and play the game of bowls again.

Please respect the new rules, and the people around you, at all times. I also thank the green stewards for helping you all through this new part of bowls. I hope you all enjoy Merrow Village Bowls 2020.

There is a long journey.

David Matthews, President.”

Guidelines

At this time, as we come to terms with the new COVID-19 guidelines, we are only opening the green to paid up members of the bowling club. However, if you are interested in joining the club or would simply like to try the sport, then please get in touch with us through our Contact page, and we will be in contact with you very shortly.

The Official Opening

David Matthews kindly volunteered to officially open our green on Sunday, 17th May, some time after our original plans. A short video of the event is available on the MVBC WhatsApp group. If you would like to join the group, please contact David Raison.