Tag: Covid-19

Club News

Trentham Bowling Club Road Map

This road map is meant as guidance only and will always be subject to both Government and Bowls England directives, but we thought it would be a good idea to share the outlined plan so we can all have something to look forward to.

8th March

Government (Step 1): Schools re-open. Care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor. The Stay-at-Home requirement will remain, but people can leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household.

Bowls England: BE will be attending a Sport England briefing on ‘Return to Play’ with sport-specific guidance expected from the government by Monday 29th March.

Trentham: No Change. Club remains closed except for maintenance work with social distancing measures still in force, Greens are closed.

29th March

Government (Step 1): Outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed. Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, will be allowed to reopen, and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports. At this point, the Stay-at-Home order will end, although many lockdown restrictions will remain.

Bowls England: BE expect affiliated clubs to be able to open and play to return based on the ‘Rule of 6’.

Trentham: No Change. Club remains closed except for maintenance work with social distancing measures still in force.

First Two Weeks of April.

Signing-on will take place during the first 2 weeks of April as usual, and fees can be paid by various methods, please see below for details. A schedule of planned matches for the rest of the season should be available.

12th April

Government (Step 2): Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen – but only for use by people on their own or with their household.

Bowls England: outdoor catering to be allowed on site, changing rooms to be open and the easing of travel restrictions.

Trentham: Provided that Greenkeeper approval has been given, Club lawns to re-open for pre-booked singles and pairs roll-ups only, as last year, with every other rink in use for practice purposes, last year’s on-line booking system is available and the link will be circulated nearer the date. Clubhouse remains closed except for toilets and changing rooms. (Possibly a triples contest, within the rules of 6 – details later).

17th May

Government (Step 3): Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – although we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

Bowls England: Larger groups should be able to gather at clubs and inside catering to take place with restrictions.

Trentham: Club House fully reopens, bar opens, return to tables of 6 and allowing drinking at tables only. Distancing and ventilation still in force inside the Club. Rink play allowed on all rinks ,internal competitions can be run, friendlies can be organised.

28th to 31st May

Club open weekend. This coincides with Bowls England ‘National Open Weekend’. More details closer to the date.

21st June

Government (Step 4): All legal limits on social contact can be removed.

Bowls England: Easing of all restrictions.

Trentham: Return to normal play, leagues, friendlies, internal competition and social activities will be arranged and life returns to near normal!

Signing On 2021

Signing on will be the first two Wednesday evenings in April as is traditional, that is the 7th and the 14th this year. Payments can be made anytime during the first two weeks of April, and the following methods, in order of preference, are available:

(Preferred) Direct bank transfer
Details:
Bank NatWest
Account Name TRENTHAM BOWLING CLUB
Account Sort Code 60-17-21
Account Number 15881571

Please use your surname as reference so that I can identify your payment, I would also appreciate a follow-up email to myself at treasurer@trentham-bows.co.uk confirming your payment and your preferred contact phone number and email address, this is to check our contact details are up to date. I can then email a receipt of payment to you.
By card over the phone, please call me on 0771 529 5878, with your card details and post code, I will then enter these details direct into our point-of-sale machine.

Cheque by post

Made out to Trentham Bowling Club, and posted to Rick Hough, 9 Cambrian Way, Calcot, Reading, RG31 7DD. Please enclose your contact details as in 1 above.

Contactless

In person at the Club House, the current limit is £45 but it may possibly be £100 by April.

Chip and Pin

In person at the Club House.

Cheque

In person at the Club House.

Cash (Least preferred)

In person at the Club House.

Please do not send cash through the post, and it is preferred that cheques are not posted to the Club.

When visiting the Club House, unless the situation changes, please wear face masks, keep the recommended separation, use the sanitising gel and observe the ‘Rule of 6’ at all times, as these measures will probably still be in force.

Payment

The annual subscription is unchanged this year at £90 for Full Membership and £10 for non-bowling Associate Membership. However, due to the uncertain nature of the season, the Club is again asking for a minimum of £45 to be paid in April, and providing that bowling restrictions have been considerably eased, the remaining amount to be paid week beginning June 28th. If you prefer however, full payment can be made at the beginning of April as normal. First time bowlers, who have not been members of another Club are entitled to a 50% discount in their first year of membership. Please contact me for Junior/Student memberships.

Keep safe everybody, it’s not over yet, but we can see lights flickering in the distance!

Bowls England, Club, Club News, COVID-19

PRESS RELEASE: 01 Jun 2020

Sports England Grant to help Trentham Bowling Club during current COVID-19 pandemic

 Trentham Bowling Club in Purley on Thames, Berkshire has been awarded a grant of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund towards essential ongoing maintenance of the bowling lawns and Club during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses as of March 23 has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty.

In response, on March 31 Sport England announced a £195m package to help the sport and physical activity sector through covid-19. Within the package is a £20m Community Emergency Fund, of National Lottery money to deliver immediate funding to those who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but are experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the impact of coronavirus.

The grant will allow Trentham Bowling Club to cover regular outgoing commitments for utilities and to ensure maintenance costs for the upkeep of the Bowling Lawns and premises are covered over the coming months.

Rick Hough, Honorary Treasurer of Trentham Bowling Club said:

“Finances for the coming months are stretched as our sources of income during the summer, playing fees, and social activities have ceased, but our regular commitments still have to be paid.  This grant will ensure that our bills will be paid, and that the playing surfaces will not be allowed to deteriorate and will be playable as and when the restrictions ease, this will benefit all our members.  We are very grateful to Sport England for their support”

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said:

“As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future. The £20m Community Emergency fund, made possible by National Lottery players is part of a multimillion pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation’s health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Trentham Bowling Club to help it through these extremely challenging times.”

***ENDS ***

 

About the Sport England Community Emergency Fund

Part of Sport England’s overall £195m support package to help the sport and physical activity sector through COVID-19, the £20m Community Emergency Fund aims to deliver immediate funding to those most in need. It’s specifically targeted at organisations, including those not currently supported by us, who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but who are experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the ongoing crisis.

Awards will be between £300 and £10,000, and in in exceptional circumstances we’ll consider awards of more than £10,000. The types of organisations eligible include local sports clubs forced to close at short notice but who are facing ongoing costs around maintenance and utility bills, and voluntary and community sector organisations who deliver or enable sport and physical activity.

This £20 million fund of National Lottery money is designed to complement other sources of funding from the government, such as funds targeted at small businesses.

Further information on the Community Emergency Fund – including seeing if your organisation is eligible and the application process – can be found via https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/community-emergency-fund.

 

About National Lottery

National Lottery players raise £30m every week for good causes, funding arts, heritage, sports, voluntary and charity projects around the UK. For more information on good causes in your area go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

 

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.

www.sportengland.org

Club, Club News, COVID-19, Information

COVID 19: Regulations for Resumption of Play at Trentham Bowling Club

IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL MEMBERS TO FOLLOW THESE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THEMSELVES AND FELLOW MEMBERS.

These regulations do not supersede or replace any Governmental instruction or guidance which takes precedent over these regulations.  The physical and mental well-being of our bowls members are of paramount importance and is our main concern.

These regulations are written with consideration to the current guidelines issued both by the Government and by Bowls England.

The Club will reopen from 12:00 Thurday 21st May for roll-up and practice sessions only, and the below regulations must be followed at all times, until rescinded.

Please note, only current Club members will be allowed on site, no visitors, guests, or spectators will be permitted at the Club.  Anyone who is displaying ANY signs of infective illness, (or has a household member who does) should NOT attend the Club for ANY reason.

Pre-booking of a rink is essential, and members should not enter the grounds without a confirmed booking, unless on essential Club business.  Social distancing rules must be strictly adhered to; you must remain at least two metres apart from other bowlers (who are not part of your household) at all times.

All members intending to use the Club will be asked to sign a declaration stating they have read and understood these regulations.

Play arrangements – booking a rink

  • Rinks can be booked for a maximum of 2 hours, but there will be a minimum of 20 minutes between allocated time slots to enable players to arrive/depart safely. Dependent on demand, the maximum time allocated may be reduced.
  • To book a rink call Rick on 0118 9678808, Joan on 0118 942 5269 or Shirley on 0118 327 1523 between 10:00 and 14:00 only, where you can arrange a rink and a timeslot.
  • Do not arrive at the Club more than 10 minutes from the start of your allocated timeslot.
  • Ensure you have left the Club no later than 10 mins after the end of your allocated timeslot
  • Play on the rinks will be alternated i.e. rinks 1, 3, 5 and 7 on one day and 2, 4, 6, 8, on the next day, direction of play will be at the discretion of the Greenkeeper.
  • Maximum of eight players on club premises at any one time (assuming average of two people per rink who are not from the same household).
  • Depending on usage, the number of occasions a player can book a rink each week may be capped to ensure that the available capacity is distributed fairly.
  • If the Greenkeeper declares the greens unplayable, due to adverse conditions or wear, all bookings for that day will be cancelled.
  • Shared equipment, jacks and mats must be sprayed or washed with sanitiser before and after use. You are recommended to bring your own spray antiseptic, as there may be none available at the Club.

In advance

  • Dress appropriately before you get to the club to avoid the need to change clothes – flat shoes must be worn on the greens, change shoes immediately before and after your game.
  • Travel to the green on your own or with members of your own household only – do not offer a lift to, or accept a lift from, anyone outside your household. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your allocated booking time.
  • Travel to the green on your own or with members of your own household only – do not offer a lift to, or accept a lift from, anyone outside your household. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your allocated booking time.

Clubhouse and Facilities

  • The Clubhouse is closed, and the lounge area, bar, kitchen and changing rooms are not to be used by players. However, limited essential access (for example to use the toilets and hand washing facilities) is allowed.
  • We will provide sanitiser if possible, but all players are advised to supply their own and this must be used for cleaning hands and equipment both before and after playing.
  • Take any food or drink you might need with you.
  • No rubbish bins are in use at the Club – players must take any rubbish away with them
  • Sanitise padlocks, keys and door handles before and after your use.

Playing Formats 

  • Individuals playing bowls on their own on a single rink.
  • Two individuals from two different households playing on a single rink (no markers allowed)
  • Two members of the same household on a single rink (no marker unless from same household)
  • When changing ends, all players must always walk down the left-hand side of the rink.

Equipment

  • Players may only use or touch their own woods, sharing of woods is not permissible.
  • Two mats and two Jacks will be used, (one of each at both ends). Jacks will always be placed and not rolled.
  • Scorecards (these should be retained by one person only if required) Bowling arm/lifter (for use by one person only if required).
  • Gloves, own gloves only must be used.

 To minimise the risk of infection, any other equipment is not deemed essential equipment at this time and should not be utilised. This includes:

  • Scoreboards
  • Bowls pushers
  • Ditch markers
  • 2m distance sticks
  • Chalk

Playing the game

  • You should only play with people from your own household or by yourself or, as long as you stay two metres apart, with one other person from outside your household. Groups of more than two people must all be from the same household. This means you cannot have two or three people from one household plus one person from outside the household playing together.
  • Do not shake hands before, during or after a game.
  • Do not ‘high-five‘ or ‘hug’ other players to celebrate shots or a win.
  • Please respect other players and help keep the social distancing.
  • Only one player should handle the mat during the session.
  • Two jacks (one at each end) should be used and this should be set by one player only throughout the session.
  • Do not measure for shot/s, this is not allowed.

When you leave

  • When you finish playing, change your shoes and leave the club within 10 minutes – ensuring that you have sanitised all equipment used and that the club is secure (as applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

What games can we play?

All activity should be consistent with the government guidance regarding health, social distancing and hygiene. That means that participants and others can maintain a safe two metre distance, that good hygiene practices are in place, that equipment is disinfected regularly, and that it is clear that anyone who is symptomatic or suspects they have been exposed to the virus does not take part and remains at home.

What about competitions within our club?

The Club will not be holding any type of competitions at this time.  The primary purpose of bowling activity at this time is for physical and mental well-being.

Can clinically vulnerable people (such as people aged 70 and over) participate in lawn bowls?

The advice for clinically vulnerable groups remains the same.  If you are in this group you are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if you do go out, take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household. If you are living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at and exercise at home. 

Can I receive coaching?

One on one coaching is permitted if outside and remaining a minimum of 2 metres apart.

Are we going to open the club bar and kitchen?

No – Bars and kitchens, including any food or drink facilities inside a clubhouse must remain closed until further notice.

Can we use the club toilets?

Yes – toilets and throughways may be kept open, but guidance on hygiene should be followed.

Can we use the changing rooms?

No – all indoor facilities, apart from toilets and through-ways should be kept closed.

Can we share equipment?

We recommend that you limit sharing of equipment, for example you should use your own bowls.

What if people don’t follow the guidelines?

We will have to consider withdrawal of use of the facilities to individuals not complying with these regulations.