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TRY INDOOR BOWLS FOR FREE!

SATURDAY, 7th JANUARY, 2023 – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

NEW BEGINNERS COACHING COURSE – STARTS 14th JANUARY 2023

Bowls is a great social sport and an excellent way to get some exercise, get out of the house and meet new people, whatever your age or ability. You can play at your own level and at a time that suits you.

DON’T WORRY IF YOU MISSED OUR OPEN DAY ON 7TH JANUARY

The BEGINNERS COACHING COURSE starts on Saturday, 14th January from 9.00 am – 11.00 am and you are welcome to come and have a Taster then. Alternatively, if Saturday mornings are not convenient, we can offer coaching on Mondays at 5 pm. The course consists of 10 x 2 hour sessions for just £25 for a maximum of 3 months.

So please come and give bowls a try, whether you are new to bowls or perhaps you can no longer play your sport, but you’re still competitive.  All ages (over 9 yrs) and abilities welcome. Full disabled facilities. Equipment provided, no booking required, just bring flat soled shoes.

Need to chat, then please call Angela on 07729 183373 or email

TOO HOT TO EXERCISE OUTSIDE?

Have you thought of taking up indoor bowls? A great game of skill you can play all year round in superb air conditioned premises.

You don’t have to be an athlete, anyone can play bowls regardless of age or ability. Taking up bowls is a great way of making new friends whilst enjoying gentle exercise. Or maybe you can no longer play your chosen sport but you are still competitive and enjoy a challenge? Whatever the reason, you can play indoor bowls at a time and level to suit you. Indeed we have recruited over 80 new members since re-opening after the pandemic in May 2021.

So why not come to the club, have a look round, see what we have to offer and have a go for FREE!

Update: Our coaches are having a break so the last Saturday morning coaching session of the summer season will be on 3rd September.

A new Beginners 10 session course starts on 1st October after Open Weekend on 24th and 25th September, 2022.

Further details: or call Angela on 07729 183373

Indoor bowls is an ideal way to make new friends whilst staying active and healthy. Our next Open Day will be held on Saturday, 8th January 2022 from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm.

This is a FREE Taster Session open to any member of our community over the age of 9 years who would like to try their hand at indoor bowling. No booking required. Equipment provided, just bring flat soled shoes and wear comfortable clothing. Full disabled facilities, including electric wheel chair, ramps, bowling aids etc.

A new 10 week Beginners Coaching Course will then start on Saturday, 15th January from 9-11 am.

Interested? then please email or call Angela on 07729 183373 for more details.

(Formerly 12 Ends Club)

Is money coming your way? Congratulations to the following £50 winners of the West Berks Monthly Members Draw.

We have now caught up from October 2020 and all prize winners will be notified. A full list is posted in the club on the Social noticeboard.

October 2020 – Judy Wright

November 2020 – Keith Dyson

December 2020 – George Withers

January 2021 – Rachel Brothers

February 2021 – Beryl Reynolds

March 2021 – Gordon Vivian

April 2021 – Alan Stephens

May 2021 – Ed Clarke

June 2021 – Terry O’Neill

You gotta be in it to win it! 

BACK TO BOWLS

Getting closer – we are planning to re-open on 17th May

We hope this Newsletter finds you and your family well.

We’ve all been through a long hard winter, locked down at home and unable to meet with friends and family, but our thoughts are for those who are no longer with us. Thanks to lockdown and the vaccination programme the pandemic is in retreat. The Covid-19 virus hasn’t gone away but at least we are fighting back and it no longer rules our lives.

The Board of Directors has continued to meet during lockdown to review the advice from the Government and the EIBA, and to deal with the day-to-day administration of the club. The Bowls Committee and the Directors are working together to open the club as soon as it is safe and financially viable to do so. We can’t wait to welcome you back and put some sort of ‘normality’ into our lives.

UPDATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND EIBA

On the 12th April England moved into Step 2 of the Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown.

The next stage will be Step 3 – but ‘not before 17th May’. Peter Thompson, Chief Executive of the EIBA, has stated “Under Step 3 Indoor Bowls Clubs would be able to open under the rule of 6 individuals and provide indoor hospitality. The EIBA will issue further guidance in relation to Step 3 when appropriate.”

CLUB RE-OPENING 17th MAY 2021

In anticipation of moving to Step 3 of the Government’s Roadmap, the club intends to re-open on Monday, 17th May, initially with limited sessions. At the time of writing, we do not know what the Government and EIBA conditions will be but we are ready to adopt some or all of the previous ‘Covid’ regime ie social distancing, temperature checks on arrival, wearing of masks when not on the green, sanitisation of mats and jacks and a maximum of six per rink. We are fortunate in that the club has an extremely efficient air conditioning system which far exceeds current guidelines. We will update you on the conditions of re-opening as soon as we are advised by the EIBA.

From 17th May – 21st June (or earlier) the sessions will be:

FIVE MORNINGS 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

TOP TEN (Tues, Wed and Friday) Thanks go to Christine Smith for co-ordinating the Top Ten.

ROLL-UPS (Mon and Thurs).

TWO EVENINGS 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm.

ROLL-UPS Tues and Thurs

If there is a demand for more sessions in these opening weeks, then we are flexible and willing to consider them. Normal session fees will apply.

The Bar will be open during the above hours and current Clubcard holders may still enjoy the 10% discount.  Why not join us, even if you’re not playing, for a glass of your favourite tipple, morning coffee or tea, seated indoors or outdoors when the weather is fine?

21st JUNE CELEBRATION!

Step 4 of the Roadmap. By this date we hope the nation will have kicked Covid-19 into touch so let’s celebrate! Details to be announced.

SUMMER BOWLS PROGRAMME FROM 21st JUNE (OR EARLIER)

All being well and we move to Step 4 of the Roadmap, we plan to run a Summer Programme from 21st June or earlier if circumstances permit.

Morning Top Ten and Roll-Ups will continue and we plan to start an Evening League programme from 7.00 pm.

Tuesday and Thursday will be ‘Triples Leagues’ and Wednesday night ‘Australian Pairs League’.

We will be contacting all those who previously bowled in the summer and any new bowlers to find out if they wish to join in. Thanks go to David Stoneman, our Summer Bowls Co-ordinator, who will be organising this.

REDUCTION IN SUBS FOR YEAR 2021-2022

We started the 2020/21 season in October with cautious optimism. We had a strict regime to keep members safe but it was not to be and the Government closed our doors on 4th November. This has resulted in a great loss of revenue for the club but we have been sustained by Government grants. The Directors wish to be fair to those members who paid their full subs in the 2020/21 season but obviously have been unable to bowl. They confirm that there will be at least a 50% reduction in subscription fees for current Members renewing their membership for the 2021-22 season by 31st October ie £45 for the year instead of £90.

WINTER LEAGUES 2021-22 SEASON

During Lockdown a small Working Party of 6, made up of Bowls Committee officers and Directors, has been meeting to look at ways of moving the club forward post pandemic. The main change we would like to implement is to move the 6.30 league back half an hour to start at 7 pm. This will allow more time for those who work. We then have a more useful session from 5 pm – 7 pm affording the opportunity for the Summer bowlers to continue their league programme through the winter season. The League Secretary will be in touch shortly with all Team Captains regarding putting in a team for the 2021/22 winter leagues. Peter Sweeney has a difficult job in these uncertain times so please give him your full support.

CLUB COMPETITIONS 2021-22 SEASON

To remind you that we were able to complete the 2019-20 club competitions, apart from the Fours. The results are on the website and the Honours Boards will be updated accordingly. We were unable to hold any competitions in this 2020-21 season, but thanks go to Trevor Mortimer, our Competitions Secretary, who put in a lot of work to no avail. Looking forward, we encourage members, particularly the ladies, to think about entering competitions next season.

2021-2022 WINTER NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

With the positive news that we have a pathway to a return to normality the EIBA are planning that a full programme of competitions can take place next season.

The entry forms and rules have been sent to clubs. Participants can either enter via their club or on the EIBA website. The closing date is Monday, 7th June 2021.

The EIBA have also published the proposed dates for the rounds of the various National Championships and Team Competitions for the 2021/22 season.

The rounds of the Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours are planned to run from 17 October 2021 with Finals on 6 March 2022. The other competitions, including those for the Under-18’s and Under-25’s, will run in a similar timescale although their Finals may be earlier.

The Team Competitions, i.e. Denny, Yetton, Mason etc., are planned to run from 9 October 2021 to 9 April 2022.

WEST BERKS MONTHLY DRAW

We haven’t been able to hold the monthly draw since October 2020. We will have catch up draws when we return in May so good luck to all participants. The Office will notify the lucky winners.

RECRUITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS

We dread to think how the pandemic has affected membership, not just in this club but in Bowls clubs all over the world. At West Berks we haven’t been able to hold an Open Day since January 2020 so we haven’t had the intake of new bowlers coming through to sustain our numbers and revenue from rink fees.

It is so important to the future of the club that we recruit new members. Do you know of anyone who might be interested? Post lockdown perhaps they are looking for regular exercise, getting out of the house, making new friends, meeting socially? Maybe they are younger, competitive and looking for a new sport? The first Taster session is always free. If you know of anyone, then please contact Angela on  or 07729 183373.

If we all recruited just one new member then we would double our membership!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The smooth running of the club relies on members volunteering their free time to help in a variety of ways. Our sincere thanks go to all our current volunteers, but we always need more!

We are short of stewards and now that the club is cashless you would not be required to use the till.

Maybe you have a particular skill or you think you can help in another way. We want to hear from you. The more volunteers we have, the lighter the load. If you think you can give a bit back, then please contact Ruth Barringer, Office Secretary, in the first instance.

AGMs – BOWLS COMMITTEE AND WBIBA

As you are aware, under Government restrictions we have been unable to hold the AGMs. The Bowls Committee AGM usually takes place in April and the Association in October. We hope to hold the Bowls AGM in the early part of next season, or possibly hold both on the same evening, Government guidelines permitting.

UNIDENTIFIED BAGGAGE IN THE CHANGING ROOMS

In order to decorate the changing rooms, bags, bowls, shoes etc were moved to one side. Some of these are old and dusty and may not belong to current members. We would like to tidy up the changing rooms so ask for your help in identifying the owners when you return.

GET FIT FOR BOWLS

We have been hearing that many of you are suffering aches and pains that you didn’t have before lockdown. All the joints have joined in; knees, hips, shoulders and backs. A sure sign that you are probably not doing enough exercise and need to get back to bowling. A brisk walk up and down the bowls green is the answer but why is it that the word exercise sounds a lot like extra fries?????

Finally, none of us has a crystal ball. We can only deal with what is in front of us and plan accordingly. In these Covid times things may change, and we must all remain flexible. As HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, would say ‘Just get on with it’ so we are!

If you have any comments/suggestions regarding this Newsletter or any other club matter, then we’d love to hear from you. Please email 

Stay well, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

The Directors

The Bowls Committee                                                                                          20-04-2021

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE CLUB WILL OPEN AGAIN FROM MONDAY, 10th AUGUST FOR PRACTICE ONLY

• FREE ROLL UPS TO 30TH SEPTEMBER
• ADVANCE BOOKINGS ONLY
• RESTRICTIONS APPLY

Below is a letter from the Directors welcoming West Berks Members back to bowling.  It is on a restricted basis so please read the information carefully:

Dear Member

The Directors have carefully studied the EIBA and Government guidelines and feel able to re-open the club on Monday, 10^th August, albeit on a restricted basis.

We know members have lost over four months of indoor bowling during the Coronavirus pandemic and the Directors have generously agreed to waive ALL roll-up rink fees from 10^th August until 30^th September.

I am sure this will come as good news to many members, but we do understand that some of you may be cautious about returning indoors.

For your safety we have worked hard to make the club a clean and Covid secure environment. Each day the club, including the new bowls carpet, will be sanitised with a specially purchased “fogger” sanitation machine which lowers the risk of infection and the spread of flu and the Coronavirus for 24 hours. In addition, your temperature will be checked before entry. Mats, jacks and touch points will be sanitised and one way systems are in operation. PPE will be worn by staff and you are free to wear your own face covering although it is not mandatory.

Whilst you have been away we have also been busy improving the fabric of the club. The dining room and changing rooms have been decorated and the new green carpet has been fitted. We will post on the website a pictorial record of how the Greengauge fitters removed the old carpet and underlay down to the boards. How they loose laid and taped the new Formula 1 underlay and finally how the new carpet was laid, stitched and marked up ready for your return.

The Club asks all players to please abide by the following rules and to play your part in keeping the Club and fellow Members safe.

We look forward to welcoming you back.

 The Directors                   3^rd August 2020

Please read the following information fully and carefully:

Booking a Rink

• In the initial phase running up to 30^th August there will be only two sessions each day from Monday to Friday. Playing time will be limited to 1 hour and 45 minutes each with 15 minutes allowed for changeover. The sessions will commence at 9.30am and 11.30am.
• Bookings may be made up to 7 days in advance by calling the office on 01635 34840 between 9.30 and 13.30 weekdays. Bookings can also be made between 10.00 and 12.00 on Friday August 7^th.  Rink availability can be viewed on the Club website (wbibc.co.uk) by clicking the Bowlr tab.
• Rinks 2, 4 and 6 only may be booked.
• Bookings may be made for up to six named members per rink. It would be helpful if you could book in groups of four plus.
• We request that members restrict their bookings as only a few sessions are available each week, and we would like as many members as possible to benefit.
• If you can’t find a roll-up partner(s) please let the desk know, as there may be other members looking for a partner(s).

Arriving to Play.

• You will not be allowed access to the green unless you name is already in the booking system. All names will be held for 21 days for ‘track and trace’ purposes.  Non-bowlers must also sign in with the office.
• Arriving members will enter through the normal entrance and proceed to the lobby where their temperature will be checked. They should also sanitise their hands. Anyone failing the temperature check will be refused admission.
• Members are asked to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their session time, and to be dressed ready to play, except for their shoes which will be changed in the Dining Room. Casual dress is acceptable.
• Please follow the signage to enter and exit the green.
• There will be no access to the Ladies or Gents changing rooms except for members to collect their equipment on their first visit. Ladies will access their changing room from the marked door on the right of the green.
• Members are required to take their bowls away with them at the end of their game.  Bowls are not to be left in the Dining Room or Lounge areas.
• Drinks will be available from the water and coffee machines, but members are required to bring their own cups or glasses. Any items left will be discarded.
• Only the Disabled Toilet will be available. Members are asked to re-sanitise on leaving.
• Members will exit the building via the door from the dining room into the car park.

Playing your Game

• All Mats, Jacks and handrails will have been sanitised.
• The mat position is FIXED on a ‘T’ at three metres from the ditch and must not be moved during play. This will allow extra space behind the mat for social distancing.
• Player numbers are restricted to a maximum of 6 per rink.
• The Jack will not be cast but will be placed by the winning skip using his foot, at a length of his choice.
• For play, those booking rink 2 will play up rink 2 and will return by playing down rink 1. Those on rink 4 will play up rink 4 and down rink 3; those on rink 6 will play up rink 6 and down rink 5.
• This will mean that neither mats nor jacks will need to be touched by hand during the session. Please only hand touch your own bowls.
• This procedure will also help to even the wear on our new carpet.
• Jacks entering the ditch or leaving the rink will be re-placed on the ‘T’ after being re-sanitised. Ditched woods should be left for their owner to remove after the end is completed.
• Pushers will not be available.
• If you wish to mark a toucher, use only spray chalk.
• Scorecards will be available but Skips should bring their own pens. Cards should be binned on leaving the Club.
• Measuring is allowed but care should be taken not to touch the bowls or jack.

The scoreboard and chairs behind the green are not to be used

**PRESS RELEASE**

Heartstart Thatcham have been helped by a number of individuals and organisations since being established in 2013. One of those organisations is West Berks Indoor Bowls Club (WBIBC), Newbury. The team worked with Angela Blades-Moore who set-up training sessions and fundraising events.

The WBIBC Christmas raffle was organised by club member Annie Gain with the help of fellow members Maria and Chris Bastin. Together they raised £1100, and £350 of which the club has donated to Heartstart Thatcham. This makes a total of more than £2,000 raised by the club for Heartstart Thatcham since 2016.

Director, Angela Blades-Moore commented, “I would like to thank Annie, Maria and Chris for their hard work and also our members for their generous support of Heartstart Thatcham. We are always looking for new members and if anyone is interested in taking up indoor bowls, then please contact me on 07729 183373.”

Heartstart Thatcham, together with WBIBC, have not only trained dozens of people with CPR and defibrillator skills but as scheme coordinator, Nick Young, notes “support from WBIBC has not only allowed us to place a defibrillator in the local community that is available 24/7 but has helped support us with maintenance, consumables and other ongoing costs. In short, their support is helping to save lives. We cannot thank Annie, Angela and everyone at WBIBC enough for their ongoing support.”

The Heartstart Thatcham team teach a number of skills including CPR and how to use a defibrillator. To find out more visit the website at www.heartstartthatcham.info or email .