This weekend saw the MBC Club Doubles Comp (2019) played in lovely sunshine with the forecast heavy rain failing to materialise (don’t mention this to Steve Oliver). As per the previous weekend, the quality of bowling was very high with all games being very close, however not all games were nip & tuck, some pairs enjoyed big leads only to have the margins trimmed with some great comebacks staged to make it a very interesting comp. After being 13-6 down, Ian Christopherson & Paul Drabble scored on five consecutive ends to take the lead but Neil Fletcher & Dillon Christopherson held their nerve to retake the lead and see out the game to win 21-18. Both pairs had tough previous games with Neil & Dillon overcoming Jack & Nick Clarke 21-15. After a close start, Neil & Dillon stole a lead and unfortunately Jack & Nick couldn’t quite pull it back; whilst Ian & Paul had a scare against Dean Missere & Liz Burkhill as they were in front 19-18 after being 18-5 up but some great bowling on the last two ends saw them claim  the win at 21-18. In the other semi-final Mick Swift & Lisa Christopherson enjoyed a healthy lead but were pegged back by Mel Hobson & Debs Holden but some great leads from Lisa & back woods from Mick ensured their passage to the final with a 21-18 win.
Mick Swift &Lisa Christopherson raced into a 8-0 lead in the final but Neil Fletcher & Dillon Christopherson hit back to go in front themselves at 9-8. In what was arguably the turning point in the game, Mick had the last wood lying three down but his hit turned into one up in his & Lisa’s favour which then saw them to score three on the next end. The jack passed hands several times but the difference being that Neil & Dillon were reduced to scoring ones whilst Mick & Lisa pegged threes. Having said that a couple of threes brought Neil & Dillon back into the game, but Lisa lead superbly once shed’ got the jack back in her hand whilst Mick ensured no more points were conceded with some tidy bowling to run out deserved 21-17 winners.
A great afternoon’s bowling in lovely conditions, competitive but friendly games made it a pleasurable & enjoyable occasion. Thanks to everyone who turned up to make it so with extra thanks to Lisa, Ian & Jack for ensuring players & spectators were kept well watered! Congratulations to Mick & Lisa, commiserations to everyone else, but don’t worry, it’s less than two weeks before we play this years comp so who knows, it may just be your turn this time round?

2020 Club Comp Dates

Sat 5th Sept – Club Doubles Sun 20th Sept – Club Handicap Sat 26th Sept – Club Championship Sunday 4th Oct – Tomlinson Trophy (Round Robin)
To enter please contact Phil Holden on 07507730066

This weekend saw two of our outstanding club competitions played from last season from which Liz Burkhill & Jack Clarke were worthy winners.

On Saturday it was the Club Handicap which saw quite a few closely fought matches, a number of which that  involved Liz Burkhill in her progress to the final, which included a 21-19 victory over Mel Hobson in her semi-final. In the other half of the draw Ian Christopherson put up a fine showing in his semi-final to overcome Jack Clarke 21-12. In what was a great final Liz eventually got the upper hand over Ian to deservedly win 21-15.

Sunday was Club Championship day and despite the awful weather people’s competitive edge & enthusiasm wasn’t dampened with some excellent bowling all the way through the competition. Again we had two good semi-finals, at times looking like they could go either way. As it turned out it was Ian Christopherson making his second final of the weekend after beating Neil Fletcher 21-19, whilst Jack Clarke beat James Higgins 21-16 to book his final spot. It was top quality stuff in the final and despite a great game & effort by Ian Christopherson, he simply was no match for an impressive Jack Clarke who ran out a deserved 21-11 winner.

So congratulations to Liz & Jack and hard lines to Ian on what were two enjoyable days of bowling which also afforded us  a chance to catch up with friend we haven’t seen in a while. We go again this coming Saturday, 22nd August for the Club Doubles Comp (2019), be there for 10.45am for an 11.00am start. It would be nice to catch up with a few more of you  so if you haven’t done so already, get your name down by contacting Phil Holden on  07507730066 or Andrea Ainley on 07557332168

The most recent BCGBA guidelines for use of greens, now permits clubs to risk assess the number of players / blocks permitted on their own green at any time. After some discussion MBC have now revised their capacity limit. We are now permitting a maximum of 10 people onto the green during each available session. The number of people on the green at any time will be permitted to play in the format of their choice (Doubles, singles, etc) but there must be no more than 4 blocks on the green at any time. Any questions or queries please contact committee members who will be happy to discuss.

The social league are aiming to run their annual merits for 2020. I have received the entry forms that are below this morning, the closing dates are quite soon so if you wish to enter, please call or text club secretary Andrea Ainley: 07557332168 or send your entry by email: meersbrookbcsecretary@gmail.com and you will be added to the entry sheet. All of the competitions are pay on the day. To be eligible to play you must have been registered to play in the social league and played a minimum of 2 league games during the 2019 Social league season. You are also required to be registered to South Yorkshire for the 2020 season.

The dates have been set for our annual Vets internal competitions. Please let Brian Dickinson know if you are able to play on: 07732642606

There are now dates in place to play the outstanding competitions from the 2019 season and also dates for this years internal competitions to be run. Competitions Secretary Phil Holden (07507730066) and Club Secretary Andrea Ainley (07557332168) will be taking entries by telephone or text. You will also be able to add your name to the entry list located above the signing in book under the tea hut. If you do intend on playing, please ensure you enter by the above channels. This will allow us a clearer picture of numbers prior to the competition date, if there is little or no interest in playing we can then remove the booking from the green. Any queries or questions please get in touch with one of the above.

** Please note there is a typo on the day that the 2020 club doubles is to be held – the correct info is: Saturday 5th September 2020

After much discussion by the bowls committee and the board, the decision to open the green has been made and will happen on Saturday 20th June 2020. With this in mind there are guidelines that will need to be followed and are outlined below. If you intend on using the facility please ensure you have read what is required from our members to enable us to open the green during this time. A copy of the guidelines and the BCGBA risk assessment will be displayed at the club for all to read. Take care and stay safe.

Covid 19 Green Opening Guidelines MBC

• Members only will be permitted to play on the green
• If you haven’t yet paid your subs please contact Peter Tomlinson – 07984419110 to arrange to do so prior to booking on to play
• All players are required to sign in and out of their booked time slot – the book will be located under the tea hut. This is to assist with the track & trace system we have to have in place in order to open the green. Any issues with signing in / out please contact the club secretary Andrea Ainley – 07557332168
• All players must book a time slot with the club secretary (text or phone call) – No booked time slot = no play Contact – Andrea Ainley – 07557332168
• Slots must be booked with 24hr notice
• No block bookings will be taken
• If you are unable to attend your booking you should notify the club secretary Andrea Ainley – 07557332168 at the earliest opportunity
• There is no use of club facilities available currently including toilets
• Members should where possible not use hand rails / benches / seating etc to reduce the risk of infection
• Maximum of 6 people allowed on the green at any time
• If you intend on playing with another person(s) – the person(s) must be named when booking on and should not change unless the secretary is notified prior to your time slot
• Players are unable to use club blocks – you must use your own equipment
• Players are encouraged to wash equipment prior to and at the completion of play
• Wash your hands as often as possible and use sanitiser where and as often as you can
• Any person suffering symptoms of Covid 19 must notify the club secretary at the earliest opportunity

Booking Slots available Monday – Sunday as follows:

• 10am – 11:15am
• 11:30am – 12:45pm
• 1pm – 2:15pm
• 2:30pm – 3:45pm
• 4pm – 5:15pm
• 5:30pm – 6:45pm
• 7pm – 8:15pm

Any persons found to be acting outside of the above guidelines will be brought before the committee.

As we are unable to hold a meeting this month I have tried to write
a news letter to share whatever information we have.
Both Terry and Gary have added to it and I will post a copy to David
who I believe is making good progress now and I am sure we
continue to wish him well.
Obituaries
As is customary at our meetings we will start by remembering the
bowlers who we have lost.
Ken Wild of Nether Edge, Barry Clinton of Thorncliffe and Jim
Holloway of Ecclesfield all passed away before our March meeting.
Roger Garbutt – who was 82 years of age passed away at the
beginning of May Everyone will remember Roger as competitions
secretary for the Association a role he filled with enthusiasm and
hard work for many years. As a metallurgist Roger worked in
Redcar, Rotherham, Tinsley Park and Stocksbridge. When he
retired he joined Stocksbridge Bowling Club and became a stalwart
member of their committee. Later in life he decided to join a club
nearer his home in Whiston and that was when he joined Catcliffe
where again he was a hands on member.
His funeral is at Rotherham Crematorium on Tuesday 19 th May.
Mourners at the funeral are restricted to immediate family and two
bowling friends who have been invited
The family feel it would be nice to have flowers to make up for so
few people being allowed to attend. They are also hoping to
arrange an Ashes Scattering Ceremony at a later date when
charitable donations may be made.
Flowers can be sent through “Forget Me Not Florists” at Rotherham
Phone 01709 829204
Keith McSloy – aged 71 Keith was secretary of Sheffield & District
Social Clubs Bowling Association for many years running their leagues and competitions. He started bowling in 2001 when ha
retired from the police force and continues to play at Niagara for
Intake, when that club folded he played in the Vets team at Colley.
He became involved with S&DSCBA when he started helping Mrs
Knowles who used to run that Association. He was a formidable
opponent on the green.
His funeral will be held at Grenoside on Thursday 28 th May at 3.30,
Frank Ellis has been invited to represent bowling. The cortege will
be leaving his home on Wellbeck Rd Walkley at approximately
2.45pm If anyone wishes to stand at the kerbside as a mark of
respect.
Trevor Brown a long time member of Longley Park BC playing in
their Vets A Team until the end of last season. Trevor was taken ill
on holiday before Christmas and died on the 10th March.
Harry Gillott of Firth Park died on 31 st March aged 88. He had not
played for several seasons due to ill health which he fought
valiantly. He was a lovely chap who always followed the progress of
Firth Park in the leagues.
Ruth Noble – also of Firth Park who died on 5th April aged 80. She
used to play at Abbeyfield and came to Firth Park with her friend
Maureen Barraclough. We had many good times with her and she
played until last season when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Albert Bedford – a life member of Middlewood Park BC Aged 93 he
had been playing until last season. A former President of the club
and a real gentleman.
Tom Shepherd – a member of Grenoside Bowling Club passed away
on May 2nd aged 89. He was still playing up to last season and was
well known on the circuit for his bowling skills, his sportsmanship
and friendliness. Many members will remember him as in his old
age he had a distinctive shuffle across the green but despite his age
he was a formidable opponent.
He was a farmer from the Worrall / Bradfield area and he will be
sadly missed for his stories, poems and singing.

Roger Dunne – a member of Bradway Bowling Club. Sadly Roger
was in hospital and succumbed to Covid 19. He was a Vets B team
player on a Wednesday and Friday.
Tina Mullins – who died on the 6th May a member of Meersbrook
Bowling Club. She was a regular member of the Wednesday
evening team and the Saturday C Team.
Michael Gaughan – a member of Crookesmoor Bowling Club. He
had been a member of their B team but had been unwell for a while.

It is so sad these bowlers have all died at a time when their bowling
friends were not allowed to attend their funerals as part of the
bowling community.
If memorial services or commemoration of life meetings are to be
held in the future I will if asked, pass on the details to members of
the Association.
As the national lock down is beginning to be lifted some bowling
greens are opening to allow play. This has to be carefully planned
and guidelines issued by BCGBA must be closely followed at all
times.
Their guidelines still state there must be no competitive play and
most County Matches and Competitions will be rolled over to next
year. The 2020 Handbook will be rolled over to next year and
addendum’s sent out as required. They will try to complete the 2019
ladies Champion of Champions later in the year.
S&DPBA Champion of Champions which should have been held on
the 8th May was cancelled but I will try and run it if possible later in
the season.
Several clubs have applied to Sport England for a grant to cover
affiliation fees groundsmen payments etc. The application has to be
done on line and before Thursday.
Please keep this years handbooks as we may be able to roll them
over to next year, but this has not definitely been decided.

The only funny story I got back from my email last week was that
Joan Ramage thinks she looks like Shirley Temple now she hasn’t
had her hair done for such a long time.
I really can’t think of any thing else to mention except that David is
beginning to feel stronger which is good news.
Gary is standing in for him at the moment and doing an excellent
job.
Terry is chasing up your monies from the council and regularly
speaking to Andy Philips in the Recreation Dept concerning the up
keep of the greens and any other matters.
Thank you and Keep Safe Jennie

NOTICE TO MEMBERS:

MBC are aware of the directive that has been issued by BCGBA to all secretaries regarding the re-opening of greens.
Members are advised that the bowls committee are considering the process required for our facility to re-open and will advise members once this has been finalised.
Until such a time as this is published the green at MBC will remain closed.

Stay safe everyone.

To County Secretaries, Management and Officers, Leagues and Members.

Following the Government announcement this afternoon it is with great sadness that we now have to suspend all bowling for the foreseeable future.

Based on the advice announced we need to avoid all mass gatherings and sporting event as these will no longer be supported by the emergency services.

If anyone within your household has symptoms then the whole family need to isolate for 14 days.

Limit social contact wherever possible and encourage working from home.

At risk groups – those over 70 and those with medical conditions need to take additional care.

All BCGBA meetings should now be postponed as un-necessary travel should be avoided. Contact in Pubs, Clubs and restaurants to be avoided.

Taking this all into account all leagues should now suspend matches until such time as we are given an all clear to resume competition.

All BCGBA and BCGLCC Competitions are now suspended until further notice this should include all qualifier events.

As a Bowls community we need to look after our members and I encourage you to follow the advice being given and support those we are able to at this very difficult time.

I will add links onto the website / face-book as these are updated.

Please take care of yourself and stay safe.

On behalf of the Management Committee BCGBA
Chris Hasselby (BCGBA Chairman)
Mark Bircumshaw (CEO)