ACTION STATIONS!
THIS EMPTY GREEN WILL BE FULL AGAIN NEXT MONDAY - HOORAY
Bowlers are looking forward to getting back to regular action at Stamford Indoor Bowls Club in Exeter Gardens from Monday (May 17) when government restrictions are eased to allow indoor sporting facilities to re-open after more than five months of inactivity because of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Some regulations involving social distancing, sanitising of equipment and the wearing of face coverings will still be held over from December 2020 but at least bowlers will be able to get back in the swing of their beloved sport, meet their friends, socialise and bowl competitively again.
Up to six spectators per session can also be accepted at a facility much missed by those keen to follow the sport and regain companionship after months away from it. Bowlers will also be able to re-use their lockers again under controlled conditions on the way in and on the way out of the building.
Initially the club will re-open for pre-booked roll-up sessions from 10 am to noon on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week, while the summer league will operate until early September on Monday and Friday evening (6.30pm), Tuesday (1pm) and Wednesday morning (10 am). Spare rinks for pre-booked roll-ups at these sessions may also be available, so alternatively call 01780 756452 during sessions from May 17.
Catering facilities will be open each morning from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays for Snacks, Sandwiches and lunches.
The club is also keen to attract new bowlers to its Saturday morning sessions (10-noon) where coaches John Little and Keith Rippin are available to introduce prospective players aged from nine to 90 to a sport in which the club has a history of county, national and international successes. A major recruitment scheme offering free taster sessions is also being launched shortly.
Introductory sessions must be pre-booked by contacting John and Keith respectively on either 01780 754187 or 01780 754274.
It is hoped that by June 21 indoor sporting facility restrictions will be eased further and the club will be able to operate almost as normal for the first time in more than 13 months.
Commented one member anxious to get back to bowling at the club's first class stadium: " I am sure I speak on behalf of every bowler that we have desperately missed the opportunity not only to bowl competitively but to meet our friends again in a bowling environment.
"Bowls is a game for all ages, whatever your ability and I cannot stress more strongly that it not only keeps us active but is so important from a companionship perspective, even just to be able to go along to the club and watch when it suits us."
For further information or for members to book a rink on line with their personal passwords, visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk