News 2020
GREEN OPENING - SATURDAY 30TH MAY
The green was belatedly opened today by a small number of socially-distanced members led by President Peter Hobbs who spoke of the recent sad loss of Hamie McRobert.
The first jack of the season was cast by the club's senior member Jean Taggart. See the Photos 2020 page.
GREEN OPENING ON SATURDAY 30TH MAY
A Message from the President, Peter Hobbs
Posted 28th May 2020
Hi All
You are no doubt all aware that the First Minister said that subject to confirmation on Thursday, 28th May, bowling greens may at the discretion of each club Committee reopen from 29th May subject to a number of restrictions. Our Committee has met, discussed the matter, and decided to open the green on Saturday morning, 30th May at 10.00am.
This is a welcome return of our sport but I regret that it will not be bowling as we know it. Copies of the Guidance to Clubs and Members together with FAQs are available here. Basically we will only be able to use three rinks during any one session i.e. rinks 1, 3 and 5 or 2, 4 and 6 and to ensure adherence please note in the diary in the pavilion the time when you hope to play; a maximum of four people per rink ensuring social distance; no competitive games to be played either internally or against external opposition; half hour gap between session to enable all items touched eg mats, jacks, bowls to be sanitised before reuse and the safe departure and arrival of bowlers; clubhouse including bar facilities and toilets should remain closed. Full details are contained in these documents. The Committee realise that these are not ideal rules under which to play bowls but they at least allow us, or following the exact letter of the “Guidance”, some of us back onto the green!
Keep safe
Peter Hobbs
President
Coronavirus Update - a message from the President
21st May 2020
I am sure most of you will be aware that the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament today that she hopes to be able to begin easing lockdown restrictions from the end of next week. It was great to hear that bowls is one of the outdoor recreations that will be included in the first phase when it goes ahead. The Committee will have a virtual on line meeting next week to firm up on the arrangements and requirements for the green opening that were discussed at our meeting last week. When it is known for certain when play can begin the detailed arrangements will be circulated to members.
Unfortunately one thing that will not be available for use from the opening is the clubhouse. This is a great pity because it is now looking tremendous after its facelift and alterations with much improved facilities and heating.
From a financial perspective the club is secure for the future thanks to a grant received from P&K and also the payment of subscriptions. Around 98% of playing members have paid and this shows a tremendous level of commitment by the membership to the future existence of the club. To the remaining 2% please be aware that use of the green will only be open to members and anyone unpaid by 1st June is in terms of the Constitution no longer a member.
I hope to be able to circulate the opening and playing arrangements to all members in the very near future.
Keep safe
Peter Hobbs
President
Coronavirus Update - a message from the President, Peter Hobbs
25th March 2020
Dear Member
After discussion with Committee Members the following sets out the actions we have decided to take to deal with the current unprecedented situation and ask for your help and support at this difficult time.
Main Clubhouse.
I was hoping that the clubhouse could remain open and the green possibly available for informal use however the announcements yesterday by the UK and Scottish Governments preclude this so with immediate effect the clubhouse will be closed for all activities. A full stock take will be taken and held by the committee. Any violation of the bar closure could jeopardize our drinks licence, which would devastate the club's future.
Opening of the green.
This will be delayed until the “lockdown”restrictions are lifted as gatherings outdoors are currently forbidden.
Competitions
No doubt you are aware that all Bowls Scotland and Perthshire competitions are cancelled already. Similarly at a local level, Hat Night, the Try Bowls, Mens Outing etc and all club competitions are cancelled until further notice. Friendlies for the early part of the season have been cancelled and we must await events to see if any towards the end of the season can take place.
Subscriptions.
This is a very difficult area of discussion and as such I propose; There will no charge for Social members, and if any have already paid they will be reimbursed. Full members, these are difficult times and it is likely that at the very best we will only see half of the season available for any play. The club is still required to pay for energy, water, cutting of the green etc, these do not come cheap and are in excess of £12,000 per year. I cannot insist that in these difficult times every member should pay their membership fee which was set at £80 at the AGM. All I will ask is that every member looks at their own circumstances and contributes accordingly and any additional donations will be most welcome. Any shortfall between income and expenditure will require to be made up from reserves if we are to survive until another year. It should be remembered that anyone not paying the subscription will have to reapply for membership the following year and maybe faced with a joining fee as well as a subscription to help replenish club funds. Subscriptions should be paid as soon as possible by BACS to Account No 00101485, Sort Code 80-05-22 with your name in the details or if this is not possible by cheque to the Treasurers home address 23A Dunkeld Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AA.
I hope that this virus will at some stage be beaten and that the Club can reopen and return to normality. Until then please keep safe and think of how you can prevent this horrible virus from spreading.
Peter Hobbs
Presentation Night 14th March 2020
The Presentation Night for trophies won in the 2019 season was held on 14th March. It was held over from last year because of the refurbishment of the clubhouse. A montage of the prize winners receiving the trophies from President Peter Hobbs can be seen on the Photos 2020 page.
Aberfeldy Bowling Club AGM and Prize Giving
The Annual General Meeting of the Aberfeldy Bowling Club will be held in the Clubhouse on Sunday 23rd February 2020 commencing at 2.00pm.
Papers can be downloaded from the links below.
The Prize Giving will take place in the Clubhouse on Saturday 14th March at 7.00pm. If you intend to be present at the Prize Giving please advise me at the AGM or before the 4th March to enable the necessary arrangements to be made.
J Adams
Secretary
