Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club

Newsletter 1^st May 2021

Dear Member,

I am writing on behalf of the Management Committee at Falkirk Indoor.

With all the improvement in vaccination and reduction of cases we are delighted to announce:

Opening on Monday 17^th May 2021

Opening the club:-

This will allow members who wish to participate throughout the summer. The opening will be further announced on Facebook and on the club website.

Given the time of year we are often quiet, however we will run summer leagues dependant on demand.  We aim to make it possible also for beginners or those new to Indoor bowling to play throughout the summer allowing us to develop the leagues for the commencement of 21/22 season in September. There will therefore be no subscription required until the new season starts (in September) – only rink fees.

What about Safety?

We have in place:-

*  New ventilation and extraction systems which exceed government requirements for the playing area 

*  Upgrade of ventilation in toilets    *Temperature monitoring             * Screening of service areas

*Sanitisation with both wipes and gel             *Club fogging with sanitiser regularly

* A one way system                *Cleaned mats                  * Individual jacks

*Continued use of masks requirement when moving around the club and social distancing. No masks are required while playing or seated in the restaurant.

Remember to the view our videos on Facebook and on our website

What is on Offer?

The cost will be £3 per 2 hour game and this will include a tea or coffee and a scone, or biscuit. This will be served after around 50-60minutes of play. Provision of a free can of juice will be included for evening games. There will be limited additional catering which can be purchased and this will be developed through time. This may include a pre-order service for take-away baking and steak pies.

We have developed our activity, (please see over), for Indoor Bowling, for the summer. I would ask that you consider these proposals and give us feedback on whether you would wish to play. Initially we will be operating a drawn 3 bowl pairs system, and may be able to move to triples. We believe that playing rinks (4) is some way off. New players and beginners will be most welcome, of any age. The activity will very much depend on uptake and we will adjust opening according to demand.

Summer Opening

We are happy to consult on preferences for evening opening, which may differ from above. Other competitive options can be explored according to members’ wishes and viability.

Para League

FIBC is delighted to offer this activity to include physical, learning and visual disability, including wheelchair users. We have recently purchased headsets which allow coaches to speak quietly to players.

Coaching

Coaching will be available throughout this time and will be provided on an evening and a weekend afternoon should there be enough interest. Coaching will be available to all regardless of age or ability. Whether you are new, need a couple of refresher sessions, need help with a specific problem, or have a disability, we are there for you. The coaching will be total inclusion sessions with experienced coaches who can provide one-to-one sessions when required.

We look forward to hearing from you and please let us know if you plan to play over the summer. We would also be happy to hear from you if there are any other suggestions for activity over the summer. We certainly hope to see you back as soon as possible.

 The Management Committee along with Margaret will manage opening to suit members.

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Looking ahead

The club would like to have as many members as possible with an email address, even if this is one of a close friend or family member who can pass on messages. We will endeavour to gather this over the following months. This will allow for better information flow to our members. Information is available on Facebook, as is FIBC web page or via messages in District 10.

The AGM

This is due for the first Wednesday in August, in the evening, and I greatly hope that we can have this as usual within the club lounge. There will be a number of very important decisions to be made, including posts within the committee. The committee members have continued this year via Zoom meetings to ensure that there was continuity. Election of posts will require AGM confirmation.

Crucially the AGM is an opportunity to review the financial situation of the club, which is without doubt in a significantly healthy position. This will allow the committee to bring forward options to look at reduction in the subscription costs and also look to use incentives to encourage new members. Membership is the most important aspect that requires attention at this time. The steps taken to enhance the club funds through member donations; access of grants and cutting running costs have all added to this positive position.  Make sure you encourage your friends to join us.

Next Season

SIBA intend to run all the competitions as normal, depending on what may change regarding travel and contact rules. This will allow us to complete the senior ties, from last year, for representation in the Scottish.

Following a Zoom meeting which included many of the local clubs, we have been asked to consider running a league for outdoor clubs over the winter. It has been suggested that this is a Sunday slot. We would be more than happy to organise this and will be in touch with outdoor clubs to develop.

We will also listen to any reasonable request for access and competitive activity.

David Fairweather

President

Feedback

Please let us know if you plan to play over the summer by return the slip below to the club or by contacting the club by email, phone or message in Facebook messaging.

The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by leaving a message on the office answer phone on 01324 638417.

Facebook link is accessed by typing Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club into Facebook search

The club website is Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club - Home

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Name _________________________________

Do you intend to play over summer                                                                                         Yes/No

What days might you play (if known)      _______________________________________