Club must maximise its financial opportunities during regulations

Post date: Sep 8, 2020 9:44:15 PM

Stamford indoor Bowls Club has revealed that it has lost between £30,000 and £40,000 in green fees and other revenue since the Covid-19 pandemic led to its initial closing in March.

Yet it still must meet its financial obligations to its landlords as well as paying its utility bills.

Although the club re-opened in a limited capacity in August, revenue has been restricted because of regulations imposed by the government and the game's governing body, demanding face coverings and social distancing. Rink space has been reduced to only 30 bowlers in the building at any one time - a maximum of six players on each of five rinks.

A knock-on consequence is that in its efforts to maximise activity and generate funds, the club needs to fill all available rinks to meet demand which can lead to a mixture of skills and personalities.

While encouraging its members to return and to pay their annual subscription which are due, the club is appealing to its members for patience and understanding.

Commented a spokesperson for the management committee: "Bowlers are being asked to book on line, or by phone which means we can't always reserve a rink for just one to five people.

"The club must maximise its opportunities to fulfil its financial obligations so we are asking players to be flexible with their requests while we are facing these difficult times and occasionally accept strangers on their rink to make up the numbers."

After a month of trial roll-up sessions, to test stipulated regulations in which masks are mandatory, the club will be starting competitive domestic leagues upto six days a week from Monday afternoon (September 17) through to Christmas. Some spare rinks will be available throughout each week for online and telephone bookings.

Players can also participate in casual roll-ups from 10 am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings if they book in advance. A series of internal friendly matches are also available on Wednesday mornings (10 am - 11.55 am) and can be booked through the organisers (tel: 01780 721411).

The first of these is on Wednesday, September 16 (see diary booking for names of those already committed, but not in team positions) and then names will be accepted for subsequent Wednesdays on a first come first served basis.

For all rink bookings visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk/diary or telephone club reception any weekday morning or evening (01780 756452). BW