Twenty bowlers join first trial session
Post date: Aug 17, 2020 4:21:41 PM
David Howarth (on the mat) in action against Bernie Crouch.
Indoor bowls returned to almost normal on Monday, when Stamford Indoor Bowls Club re-opened for play after a five month closure because of the Covid-19 pandemic
The new 'normal' demands that bowlers wear face coverings, keep a two metre social distance from their opponents and team mates and follow a series of indicators on and around the green to keep them safe from possible infection.
But that didn't seem to stop the 20 bowlers who took advantage of the first chance to bowl indoors since March 17.
The club management committee has been working tirelessly to ensure its members return to bowls at the first opportunity but follow the long list of protocols for safety introduced by the game's governing body, the English Indoor Bowling Association.
And most of those who attended the first session back since lockdown, were feeling very positive about the future of the game, despite the slight irritation of wearing a face mask and not being able to leave their bowls and shoes in the club lockers.
Carolyn Gray: "Everything is well organised and safe. And I have been so impressed by how we have been kept regularly informed throughout the closure."
Added Linda Cave : "It's lovely to be back using this great facility and I haven't been put off by having to wear a mask. Once you get into bowling again you forget it's there.
"It is good to be able to bowl on the new carpet and to socialise with other bowlers after being in our own bubble for weeks on end. Bowlers have no need to worry and I am sure we will soon get used to playing wearing a face mask."
" I would certainly encourage our members to come back to bowl. The club could not have done more to make it safe and user-friendly for us."
Commented club president Ian Hall, who has had to miss out on many of his duties but is looking forward to continuing in the role: "It has been an incredible effort by a small group of people - directors and management committee - to get the club up and running again so soon.
For a trial period until September 11, members can book a roll-up rink for up to six players from Monday to Friday from 10am-12 noon and from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Book by email (stamfordindoorbowls@btconnect.com) by telephone (01780 756452 during the twice-daily sessions) or on line by visiting www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk/diary.
Once they have collected their bowls from their locker for their first session players should bring their bowls and bowls shoes with them on each subsequent visit.
Payment will ideally be by contact less card or by providing the exact session charge of £3.20 per person. Up to six spectators will be allowed for each session provided they provide contact details for tracking.
Domestic Leagues are scheduled to start from Monday, September 14 with some Saturday morning sessions available from September 19, subject to certain protocols to be put in place. BW
DEATH OF NANCY CORBY
The club is sad to announce the death of Nancy Corby, widow of Jerry Corby who died in July.