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West Moors Memorial Bowling Club

CURRENT NEWSLETTER No 35

Spring 2010

A selection from the articles:

Club President’s Message  

Here we are again at the start of a brand new seasons bowling. But with a difference, this being 2010 is the club's Diamond Jubilee year. To help celebrate this a President v. Vice President match was held on Saturday 25^th April.   The Ladies wore plenty of Bling ! (Diamonds - real or fake). Gentlemen posh shirts and bow ties, made it a really good day.  

           With the continuing decline in membership the club is making every effort to turn this around. To this effect we arranged an Open Day on May 9^th, to encourage as many people as possible to come and have a go at bowling. A lot of work and preparation went into this project and we were delighted at the successful outcome.    Please read Val Baxter’s report in this newsletter.  At least 50 club members came out to help on the first cold Sunday morning.   It was wonderful to see such good co-operation.   My congratulations to Val for organising everything so well.  

According to the weather experts this summer should be warm and dry, ideal for bowling, the green is looking good, and with a full programme of matches and competitions everyone should be getting plenty of bowling.

Lets make sure that whilst the summer lasts we all go out and enjoy ourselves to the full, and support the club in all its games and activities wherever and whenever possible.

Have a great summer - Don't have regrets.

 Editorial

Since the Millennium, I cannot remember such a good start to the season after a dark and cold Winter.   We had our troubles as John Jepson’s report shows.  However with great support from the Green Team so much was accomplished.   The club owes a great debt to them.

 Sid reported a significant fall in membership.   The Men’s committee had to remove two of our teams from the leagues due to lack of playing volunteers.   All were concerned whether the green would be playable since so much had to be done in the early Spring this year.   At last the clouds lifted and everything seemed to be coming right.   The Diamond Jubilee match was fun – see some of the pictures!   Then came the excellent Open Day with more than 50 visitors and at least 30 signing on for coaching – the tonic just what the doctor ordered!   Our members also turned out in force to welcome and encourage the potential new members.   This was very well organised by Val Baxter.

Now the season has started and no complaints about the condition of the green!   Things really must be looking up!

A new item is included in this newsletter called “Have Your Say”.   I hope it will become a regular item used by members to improve our facilities and rules.   Don’t just moan about wrongs – write to put them right!

Membership

 Yet another season is upon us. Let us hope that after last years disappointing summer, it is not going to be the same this year.

           The numbers joining or rejoining this year were, to say the least, very disappointing. The total membership now stands at 12 Hon.Vice Presidents, 72 Men Playing Members, 38 Lady Playing Members, 44 Men Social Members and 57 Lady Social Members. There has been a steady decline in our numbers dating from 2006 when we peaked at 302. This figure has slowly gone down since then. In 2006 we had 302, 2007 we had 283, 2008 was 263, 209 was 240 and up to May 9th this year the figure was 223.  After a very successful Open Day on May 9th. the membership has increased so far by six. Equally important is the fact that upwards of two dozen people have indicated their interest in having lessons on the three following three Sunday mornings. Let us hope that this results in a good few more members  joining, from this exercise. You can also help increase our numbers by trying to persuade your friends (or your enemies if you have any) to join us

As I made very clear at the A.G.M. last year, this will be my last year as your Membership Secretary. I have done this job since November 2004 and so feel that is long enough for now. I do not want to keep doing just because no one else will take up the reins.  If you feel you would like to give it a try, please contact me and I will be glad to show you what I do. Of course you will no doubt have your own ideas, but if I can be of help at any time, I will be available if needed.

As this is likely to be my last contribution to the Newsletter, I would like to thank all those who have helped me over the last six years. First Tony Chant who showed me what was needed to do this job, various Men and Lady Captains and last but not least, Val Burton who has corrected numerous of my little errors before they became big errors

Treasurer’s Notes 

Quite a lot has happened since my last report. We have received the annual subs and have had several fund raising activities, Spring Fair,Scrabble, Bingo,etc. as well as the income from the bar and short mat sessions. Unfortunately we have also had a very heavy couple of months with expenses.           

As you all know the greenkeeper left in the middle of February and was paid his wages to the end of March (£2000), we have since paid him a further £3000, as advised by our solicitor, to cover his termination agreement with us.

Our green has had a good overhaul, stones removed in ditches, lawnmower serviced etc. at a total cost to date of £2147. I would like to thank the group of men members who worked very hard in the cold weather putting the green edge back to the original position and to John Jepson for looking into all the details and requirements for this project.

As I mentioned at the AGM we have been given a substantial donation and it was decided by the Management Committee to buy new chairs for the bar area .. A discussion was held a couple of years ago about the bar area and we ended up with secondhand chairs, very heavy and not in the best of condition. A request was made for "NEW" furniture and not "pass-me-downs" again. 

       Welfare News 

I have just survived my first period as Welfare Officer for the club.  It has been a long cold winter and several members have not enjoyed perfect health.

3^rd December - a get well card was sent to Alan Bishop.

17^th December - Margaret Rayner has been in hospital for a couple of weeks.  A card was sent wishing her a speedy recovery.

29^th December -  Marion Miles was admitted to hospital and has had an operation on her shoulder. She is now back home and- improving.

5^th January – Sadly  we heard of the death of John Lemon who had been in hospital for some time. Until a few years ago John had been a very active member of the club. A condolence card was sent to his wife Ruby and family. Details of his funeral were posted on the Notice Board and several members of the club attended. In the late 1980s he had served as Club Secretary.

10^th January -  Sid Hasling has been in hospital and had a hip operation. He returned home after four days and worked very hard to regain his mobility. 

5^th February -  A card has been sent to Mike Briggs who underwent a big operation. He is now back home and regularly seen at the club these days. Nice to have you back Mike!

18^th March -  A card was sent to Brian Burton who has been laid low with a bad back and has been told it could take a while for him to recover.   No keeping him down, he is back playing again faster than expected.

28^th March. Spring Fair. - It was nice to so many members especially the ones who have not been too well over the winter also a very nice event to end this letter.

 Doris and Ron Brown celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 1^st April and Olive Freeman - President of the Ladies ,presented Doris with a flower arrangement and card from the club to mark the occasion and wished them many more years together.

 A Summer of sunshine is promised!!! I wish all members a successful and happy Summer Season, and please continue to keep me informed of any news of members

Short Mat News                      Les Irvine

I would like to thank all Short Mat bowlers for their support on my first season   I would also like to thank my committee:

Val Burton (Treasurer) Mike Roberts (Comp. Sec.) Linda Light (Secretary); Jean & Jack Goodman (Refreshments)   June Simmons & Frank Billett (Reps) and the four Team Captains: Brian Tester (Wolves); Terry Simmons (Kestrels); Bill Leworthy (Badgers); Jim Taylor (Rovers).   Also the stewards (Brian Miles; Bill Leworthy; Terry Hester; Ray & Marge Gardner; Doreen & John Bascombe; David Paget; Brian Tester; Val Burton; Frank Billett; Albert Hewitt; Mike Tate and Jim Taylor.

On Finals Day 26^th March, the results were as  

follows:

Men’s Singles Brian Tester 

Runner Up          Colin Mills

Ladies Singles Shelagh Rundle 

Runner Up          Margaret Alley

Pairs Linda Light & Colin Mills

Runners Up Joan & David Paget

It was followed by an American Buffet to finish off a lovely, well supported afternoon which I hope was enjoyed by all.

This season we welcomed new members: Di & Ian Millis; Ken Winfield, John Paige, John Cooper & Don Marsland.

Men’s Captain’s Report    John Riddington

Well here goes with foot in mouth.  I have a view that when one joins a club of ANY sort it is to make use of the facilities and share a like interest with others and this great club of ours is no exception.  The Club make use of a wish list for league play, and, based on the uptake of this list your committee makes a judgement on league viability for the coming season.  It was our view this year that we may struggle to fulfil our existing commitments with those members wishing to play.  It was, therefore, reluctantly decided to withdraw a team from the B & D and Dorset leagues.  (I repeat all this for the benefit of those not at the Spring Meeting).  On the subject of wish lists this is all they are, a wish to play.  If and when one is selected to play for the club it should be considered an honour and a privilege.

It has been suggested that the wish list for 2011 season be available this September to give next year’s committee plenty of time to address shortcomings.

Hopefully with the success of our Open Day we will have a number of new members to boost our playing base.

With regard to this year’s leagues we seem to have got off to a shaky start (with the exception of B2) but we are hoping for better times.

Bowls Dorset Report                        John Jepson

           Last year was monumental for County Bowls. Unification was completed.  On Thursday 12^th November 2009 the Dorset County Bowling Association together with the Dorset County Women’s Bowling Association were dissolved and Bowls Dorset became the unified governing body for outdoor, level green bowling in Dorset.

The Constitution of the new association is pinned to the notice board and has been for some months now.

The structure of Bowls Dorset has been set-up as follows: -

AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPRISING: -

ASSOCIATION CHAIRPERSON - Nancy Bennett
ADMINISTRATOR - Joseph Burdett
ASSOCIATION TREASURER - Barry Males

THE COUNCIL COMPRISING: -

 BOWLS DORSET EXEC. COMMITTEE
- IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTS      (both Codes)
- TWO REPs  FROM EACH AFFILIATED CLUB.  (1 Women and 1 Man)

- THE WOMEN’S CODE

- THE MEN’S CODE

So how will it affect us?   Well first of all it will cost us money.

- New Bowls Dorset blazer badge, new Bowls Dorset tie and new Bowls Dorset shirts to be worn for all County representative games.   Blazer badges will be available at a cost of £4.00 for first year only. Then £6.00 there after.

- New county shirts will cost £16.00 for the first season only. (white, green and gold)   New County Ties at £8.00 and Lapel badges at £3.00 each.

You are advised to order shirts etc now and not wait until match day to purchase.

Some aspects of the Dress Code have been changed.   When representing the County in representative games, you will now be required to conform to the following: -

- Travel in navy blue or National blazer, New  

- County shirt and long grey trousers.

- White shirts and ties will no longer be the formal Dress Code for matches.

- Play in long white trousers with white belt (if worn, braces must not to be visible), New County shirts, white socks and white bowling shoes.

For those of you who have a Dorset County BA badge or indeed any other honours that have been earned over previous years and are wondering how this will affect you. The Bowls Dorset directive is “Continue to wear it with pride”.

                               Open Day – Sunday 9^th May 2010                    Val Baxter

           It was one cold dark day in December 2009 when the first plans for an open day were hatched. During January and February 2010, the design for the flyers and car stickers were finalised. Brewer and Brewer, our club sponsors, kindly agreed to print 30 flyers (A4 size), 80 car stickers and 500 flyers (A5 size) at no cost.

Once a design for a banner was completed, a company in Ringwood was commissioned to produce it at a cost of £99.88. The design enables us to re-use it for future open days without incurring any extra cost.

The West Moors Directory placed an advert in their April and May issues at no cost. Radio Solent was asked to broadcast a message to advertise the open day, again at no cost to the club.

On April 16^th the A5 flyers and car stickers were made available for everyone to distribute. On April 25^th, everyone at the President v Vice President fun game was asked to help with a leaflet drop. All 500 A5 flyers were distributed. Jill Archer, Colin Mills and myself distributed 45 A4 flyers to local businesses in West Moors, Ferndown, Holt, Verwood, 3 Legged Cross and Ashley Heath. 71 car drivers displayed a car sticker.

In order to promote the Social Section’s activities, Ann Savage created 2 excellent displays of pictures which had been taken at various social events. One week before the open day the banner was tied to the roadside hedge by Bill Archer who was ably assisted by Arthur Baxter, Jill Archer and myself. Also John Price placed signs near the roundabout as you enter West Moors from Ferndown.

The weather on the open day, Sunday 9^th May, was cold, cloudy but dry. This did not seem to deter the visitors as 43 walked through our doors. Chas Wake and Olive Freeman, our 2 Presidents, initially greeted the visitors and then passed them on to a member. The member took care of the visitor by helping them to be kitted out with bowls and shoes. The visitor then had a go at the outdoor bowls and the Short mat bowls. The introduction to the outdoor bowling was led by our 2 coaches Derek Warner and Peter Langford. The Short Mat was lead by Les Irvine. Free tea, coffee and biscuits were available and the bar was open for anyone who wished to purchase a drink. The visitors were given a tour of the clubhouse and told about our very active Social Section. There was a great hive of activity both on and off the green and both the visitors and members seemed to be enjoying the whole experience.

Many of the visitors commented on how friendly the club members were towards them and I am sure this has been reflected in the fact that 31 signed up for the 3 free coaching sessions, 3 joined as full members (2 men and 1 lady) and 3 joined as Social members (1 man and 2 ladies). 3 people who did not visit on the open day have also signed up for the coaching, making a total of 34. All of this could not have been achieved without the help and support of the membership, so well done everyone.

The 3 sessions of coaching have been arranged for Sunday 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th May at 10.30am for about 2 hours each session. It is hopeful that more people will join the club on completion of their coaching. All members are asked to help make new members feel welcome and to help them integrate into the club. The Monday Line-ups will be an excellent way for them to try out their new found skills and meet some of our membership.

Once again, congratulations to everyone for making the open day a great success.  

Club Developments                                             John Price

           All developments during the Winter months have been the green and surrounds.   As you all know Bob Gray left us in February and we have contracted Adam Carter and the Greenside team to carry out the Spring and Autumn preparation work as well as supervise and carry out necessary work during the season.   Our own members are now cutting the green 3 times a week this also includes brushing and rolling as part of the weekly preparations.   There is a team of 6 persons now involved in this work.   More members, including George and Cyril carry out much of the other external work, such as watering the new edges of the green etc.   Our teams are co-ordinated by Dave Dixon and seem to be operating very efficiently.   Just compare the state of the green last season with the improvements now evident.

During the Winter months the ditches were fully re-furbished by the Green Team and I feel they have done an excellent job.   The watering system has been completely renovated and now reaches those parts it missed before.   This has been a costly exercise but worthwhile if we end up with a green to be proud of.   It will still take a season or two to reach a standard of excellence, that is removing all the bumps and runs but we are heading in the right direction.   Our thanks to all who have been involved in this arduous work.

Shortly you will find some new comfortable chairs in the bar area, a gift from a member.   Our club is very lucky to have such persons who feel deeply about the future of the club and are willing to spend their own money to improve

Men’s Secretary's Report   

The Clubs Management Committee being aware of a short fall in control of green activities, asked whether the Men’s Section would take over responsibility for control of Green Maintenance and Upkeep. We discussed this at some length in committee and agreed to take it on, subject to approval by the ladies. Jean Anderson subsequently confirmed that they were in favour.

The task we were faced with was a large one, the green was and still is, in a poor state, the edge boards had to be completely reinstated, the section of green that had been cut out had to be filled and returfed and the clock was ticking. To be honest I seriously doubted that we would be in a position to open the green at the end of April; but by careful planning, the harnessing of latent expertise and experience that exists within the club and a lot of hard work it looks as though we might have succeeded.

The edging boards have been moved back and reinstated on top of the concrete upstand curb that runs around all four sides of our green. The edge boards are now stable and secure.   We have removed a lot of stones from the ditches, tamped the remainder down, added a layer of pea shingle and topped this off with rubberised dimpled matting. The grass scrub in front of the hedge at the back of the green has been removed and washed stones put back in its place. The idea is to place flower tubs on top of the stones to make this area altogether more pleasing on the eye. Edge boards and back boards have been painted and some repairs to same have been carried out. Some moss has been removed from paving slabs along the back of the green. Paving slabs have been laid in the area at the end of rink one that was hitherto broken concrete. Also general weeding and clean-up of the surrounds has been carried out. However there is still much to do.

It was around the middle of February when work on and around the green was started. It took almost a month to complete the heavy work, a lot of it in appalling weather.  I would like especially to thank our Green Rangers Cyril Martin and George James who together with a working party comprising, Mick Burfield, Peter Langford and John Riddington have worked incredibly hard to achieve what I believe to be a very professional job. We have also had assistance from Peter Cookson and Dave Dickson. Our club owes them all a debt of gratitude.

David Dickson has agreed to Coordinate the activities of working parties carrying out all work around the green. Dave has accepted the position of Coordinator and it will be he who will select the working party team from those who have shown a willingness for this particular duty.

Now to the Bowling Surface itself.   During February the club carried out an intensive competitive exercise to find a suitable person, persons or company with the expertise and capability of providing West Moors with the quality of bowling surface that this club once enjoyed and which we desire again.   As a result of that exercise we have entered into contract with Green Side a company who specialise in turf care.   Our arrangement with Green Side is clearly defined. They will be responsible for everything associated with the bowling green. Their remit will include the watering system, pest control, weed control, aeration, scarifying, top dressing and any turfing or seeding that is necessary. Everything that is except the cutting. This will be carried out by Dave Dickson’s team under the guidance and direction of Adam Carter of Green Side.  Green Side have been responsible for looking after. New Milton (started in 2003); Ringwood (started in 2006); Reduced work package for Electric and some work carried out for Wessex.

 Social Matters

          Spring has arrived once more and the end of our Winter programme. We did our usual tried and tested events and a few new one's this time.

Haloween, falling on a Saturday, was too good to miss but we were disappointed by the amount of people who didn't bother to dress up, even a hat. Folk dancing was only supported by 41 people but was a great success and our efforts at ‘Call-My-Bluff’ proved a hilarious evening so we have 2 events to repeat sometime. The new fish and chip owner provided us with a delicious supper so they can remain as a regular.

After being invited to a skittles evening in the Memorial Hall, we decided that we could do this in the club house and hired to portable alleys. What a great evening and our apologies to those who applied too late. It has to be restricted to 60 for reasons of space so get your names down quickly next time as this will be a popular event.

Once again thank you for your ongoing support and all our regular helpers. The Spring  Fair results were disappointing - we can't raise the money without you!

We don't have much of in our forthcoming events at the moment except our July trip to Beaulieu.   The Macmillan Coffee Morning is Friday 24^th September at 10 AM and the Presentation Lunch is Saturday 16th October at "Bentleys” restaurant at the Dudsbury Golf Club.

  Please keep looking at our notice board for these and future additions to the programme. have a good summer and good bowling  

End