Published: 03 April 2021

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Indoor Committee Report from the Chair - April 2021

The Indoor AGM is scheduled for April 8th, 2021. However, in view of the current circumstances we are not intending to hold a public meeting. Instead I have composed the following statement which I hope will inform members of the situation for indoor play at the club. 

With the non-event of the indoor season for the 2020/2021 year and the cancellation of the Indoor AGM last year the preparation of this report feels remarkably hollow. Obviously, external events have taken things somewhat out of our control and everything is focussed on meeting health and social requirements relating to corona-virus. Slowly, things are looking more positive and we can only hope that the coming year will be more favourable for our activities. EIBA have outlined how the current government easing of lockdown may affect indoor bowls allowing for things meeting requirements at the various target dates, and their document is available to be viewed on the club webpage. 

Since last April the indoor play area has had a good spring clean, though another one is probably due; the playing area has been marked up as five rinks to allow extra social spacing for players; the access and walkway areas have been marked up for social distancing; hand sanitiser provision has been placed around the hall; a fogging machine for quick and efficient spraying of sanitiser solution was purchased; and new and improved ventilation provision has been arranged for the playing area. All of this merits a huge thank you to the members who gave their time to assist with these things and who continued to offer their services with regard to the planning of the measures deemed necessary to enable play to have occurred should this have been possible.

League play and friendly games against other clubs all had to be cancelled in the past season but the League Secretaries and team captains did a terrific job in keeping contact with their teams so well done and thank you for all the efforts. 

It is still uncertain what will happen in the next winter season but we shall soon be planning, on paper at least, the league arrangements for the coming year. Please can members and team captains respond as quickly as possible when requests for information are made as delays make it extremely difficult to plan playing schedules and late information leads to much inconvenience in rearranging these schedules. One must think positively about such things so let’s hope we can progress successfully.

In the same way, a programme of summer play may be devised so that this can be put in place as soon as is permissable and to be in conjunction with whatever play takes place outdoors.

When the time comes for indoor play to resume, it will be essential for all members to remember that precautionary measures like social distancing, hand washing, sanitising and mask wearing will still be important aspects for play, so, stay alert and let us progress safely in these uncertain and difficult times.

As part of our requirements to ensure safe play we consider it important that whenever there is organised indoor play, then there will be present a non-playing member to act as a ‘supervisor’ to encourage people to keep socially distanced and to ensure safety procedures are followed. This arrangement is intended to keep everyone present safe and also so that the club can remain open in the long term. Please bear with us in this connection and if you can offer any occasions when you would be prepared to act as an observing ‘supervisor’, please let any member of the committee know. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. 

On a personal note, I shall be leaving the indoor committee as private demands are occupying much of my time and, as these must take precedence, I feel that I cannot give the effort to manage bowls requirements as well. I must thank enormously the members of the indoor committee who have been a fantastic support over the past couple of years I have chaired this group. They are a wonderful team who from my perspective, have worked extremely well together and have given freely of their time, ideas and effort. Frequently, they exist in the background and especially in the past year they have dealt with, and continue to deal with, all of the issues that this totally unexpected covid situation has forced upon us. While committee decisions may sometimes seem a frustration to members, please remember that this small group are trying to act for the best interests of many so please support them in what they do.

Gary and Jacky Gray also will be stepping down this year from the Indoor Committee. For many years, these two have been responsible for organising amongst other things, the Men’s and Women’s Indoor Club competitions and we give them much thanks for their considerable efforts in making these competitions such successful and fun occasions.

Earlier in the year the Indoor Committee Secretary, Gill Scott, had to step down for personal reasons after three years in this position. Again, very many thanks to Gill for her record keeping and for ensuring that we were reminded to fulfil our commitments resulting from our decision making. 

The remaining members of the Indoor Committee will be Jeanette Berry, Annie and Clive Bristow, Lorraine Gaskins, Mike Hine, Vera Logue, Rosemary Phelps, Sam Watts and Denise Whitehead.

The Indoor Committee will need a few more members to join this group to help share the work load and decision making about all aspects of indoor play. This is a great way to find out about what is involved in planning the everyday activities of indoor bowls. If any club member would be prepared to consider becoming a committee member then please let me or any of the above members know before the end of March. Your time and effort will be very much appreciated. The present remaining Indoor Committee is at only a little over half strength meaning that they have to do much more than is fair to ask of them. Remember that in order for all the club activities to take place, that these have to be organised and administered by volunteers. It is vitally important that some of you step up to help in this way so please, give it some thought and have a go. 

Thank you to you all for your support and my very best wishes to you all. Take care and stay safe.

Allister Smith

EIBA statement regarding Indoor Bowls

Following the Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament this week on how the Government propose to ease lockdown restrictions and offer the Country a route back to a more normal life, the EIBA can summarise what this means for the sport of Indoor Bowls in England: -

Step 1   No earlier than 29th March 2021               

• Indoor Bowls Clubs to remain closed, unless Clubs have arrangements with schools for pupils to participate in after school clubs.

Step 2   No earlier than 12th April 2021

• Indoor bowls clubs will be able to open and have individuals or people from the same household play on the same rink.
• Club shops will be able to open.
• Club bar and restaurant only able to serve people outside via table service.

Step 3   No earlier than 17th May 2021

• Indoor bowls clubs will be able to allow up to 6 bowlers from different households or members of 2 households on a rink.
• Club Bar and Restaurant will be able to serve people indoors via table service for up to 6 people or members of 2 households.

Step 4   No earlier than 21st June 2021

• It is hoped that all limits on social contact are removed and Indoor Bowls can return to normal.

At all stages the Government will make decisions on specific restrictions such as social distancing, face coverings, vaccination certificates etc so these will need to be factored in the planning prior to any re-opening.

Please note that the provisional dates for each step may change if the government believes it is not safe to move to the next phase.

The EIBA will continue to update its Clubs, Counties and bowlers once more details are received for each step.

Peter Thompson

Chief Executive

NB

This can also be viewed on the EIBA website www.eiba.co.uk/news/2021/road-map-feb-2021.php

Published: 11 March 2021

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Published: 11 March 2021

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or 'Click' on the Banner above to be taken straight there!

Published: 19 February 2021

Hits: 162

Published: 05 February 2021

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Published: 02 February 2021

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Hi one and all, it's the Chief Prattler again!

What's new this Week?

Snowdrops are out and I have seen loads, I have a crocus out, daffs are nearly there but not quite.

Now it's February we should start seeing lots of new growth in the garden, and hopefully less rain.

Thanks to those people who phoned to say they would be available to play out-doors on Monday mornings, I have a list of about 18 currently & remember.... the more the merrier. Please let anyone know who does not use the Web Site.

If anyone has any ideas about fund raising please let me or a member of the management committee know as we need to continue to raise money to ensure the long term future of the club.

As you will be well aware the club has lost all income streams from matches, leagues and the bar.  I am quite happy to work with you or run a Fund Raiser, if you have an idea just let me know. (01865 434006)

Enough from me just remember Keep Safe Keep Well

Sandy

Published: 02 February 2021

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Published: 02 February 2021

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Published: 21 January 2021

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Hi one and all.  How is everyone holding up, good I hope.  

PLEASE LET US BE ABLE TO BOWL OUTDOORS.  I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE WHAT THE WEATHER IS JUST LET'S BE DOING SOMETHING.

This year COVID RULES permitting I will be running the OUTDOOR Wednesday roll up from 10am to 12 and probably one on Mondays same time same place if I can get enough support. 

Ring me on 01865 434006 if you are interested in a Monday roll up, it will give me a feel for numbers.  If you ring and I do not answer just leave me a yes and telephone number, I can then contact you when we start.

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I have been enjoying the artistic talents of our members, I am really jealous I struggle to draw a straight line. Keep the pictures coming in please.

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I am on the scrounge for 3 or 4 inch flower pots for my Sobell tomato plants.  If anyone has some let me know please.

 What have I been doing over the past week or so made quite a bit of Marmalade as I keep a few folks in the village supplied.  A few of us have a system where by we swop plants and jam and various homemade produce.  David had pickled eggs a few weeks ago, disgusting things.

Lets hope for better weather and some good news for the outside season in the mean time

KEEP FIT KEEP WELL

Sandy

Oh, and here's an extra for you to make you smile....

A Poem by Pam Ayres

I have a little Satnav, it sits there in my car.

A Satnav is a driver's friend it tells you where you are.

I have a little Satnav, I've had it all my life.

It's better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife.

It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive

"It's sixty miles an hour", it says, "You're doing sixty five".

It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brake.

And tells me that it's never ever, safe to overtake.

It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to green.

It seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene.

It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rear.

And taking this into account, it specifies my gear.

I'm sure no other driver, has so helpful a device.

For when we leave and lock the car, it still gives its advice.

It fills me up with counselling, each journey's pretty fraught.

So why don't I exchange it, and get a quieter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I'm properly fed.

It washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed!

Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoff,

I only wish that now and then, I could turn the bugger off.

Published: 20 January 2021

Hits: 187

Published: 14 January 2021

Hits: 139

Published: 10 January 2021

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Welcome to 2021.  I am still a prattler !!

One of our Christmas presents this you was a book of jokes put together by the children of the grandkids school so be prepared for some very corny jokes at the end of this prattle.

Yesterday I bought my first bunch of daffs it is a sign of Spring.  Has anyone got one out in the garden?  I have some in bud. The Winter Jasmine is out in flower all signs we are moving towards outdoor bowling 👍we hope.

I expect quite a few of our bowlers will be looking forward to getting the Covid jab, let's get rid of this bug and get back to normal.

This morning I planted shallots and garlic not just any garlic this is a jumbo garlic we will see!!

First Corney joke. 

WHAT DO YOU CALL A DEER WITH NO EYES

NO EYED-DEER

WHY DON'T SCIENTISTS TRUST ATOMS

BECAUSE THEY MAKE EVERYTHING UP.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A HANKERCHIEF DANCE

PUT A LITTLE BOOGIE IN IT.

Enough enjoyment for one day remember Keep fit keep healthy 

Sandy

Published: 10 January 2021

Hits: 142

Published: 07 January 2021

Hits: 131

Published: 03 January 2021

Hits: 129

Published: 29 December 2020

Hits: 121

Published: 22 December 2020

Hits: 111

Published: 14 December 2020

Hits: 145

Published: 02 December 2020

Hits: 143

Published: 07 October 2020

Hits: 268

Published: 23 September 2020

Hits: 182

What a great little painting of the Oxford City & County Bowls Club Paignton Tour in September. 

Many thanks to Oxford City & County Bowler and artist Lesley Robinson!

Published: 22 September 2020

Hits: 203

Published: 17 September 2020

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TUESDAY VOLUNTEERS at WORK!

 A good mixture of skills on display: those giving the orders, those disobeying the orders, those leaning on virtual shovels, those between jobs and yes, those doing a bit of work! Well done to Colin again for organising and bringing together an enthusiastic  group of volunteers.

Published: 30 June 2020

Hits: 296

GUIDANCE FOR LAWN BOWLS PLAYERS AS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

The club house, changing rooms and ladies and gent’s toilets will be closed.  The drinks machine and water machine will not be available for use.   The disabled toilet will be open for emergency use only.

NO SPECTATORS TO ATTEND THE CLUB

SOCIAL DISTANCING MUST TAKE PLACE AT ALL TIMES

We are implementing a “Cloud” based on-line booking system, you must pre-register to be able to use this system, email the Club Office by using the 'Contact Us' link at the bottom of the Website Main Menu. Title your email “Cloud booking” and ensure that your name is clearly shown in the body of the mail. Instructions will be emailed back detailing how to register and how to use the booking system. 

WHEN BOOKING PLEASE BOOK AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE YOU WISH TO PLAY

Before Play:  

• Maximum 2 players per rink unless from the same household.
• Arrive dressed to play and bring your bowls, shoes, drink and any food with you.  All rubbish should be taken home and not left at the club.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your allocated slot and wait in the car park until you are invited to enter through the main entrance
• Use the hand sanitizer provided inside the front door and then proceed straight through to the outdoor greens (avoid touching anything on the way) where you can change your shoes.
• Please sanitise before commencing play. 

During play:

• Do not use pushers, sticks or chalk
• Do not hug, shake hands or “high five” anyone 
• Keep 2 metres apart at all times.
• Do not touch each other’s bowls.
• Only one player should handle the mat
• Two jacks to be used, one at each end and these should be positioned by one person only.
• Avoid measuring.
• If scoring, one person to use the scorecard – scoreboards will not be available

After Play:

• Change your shoes
• Sanitise the mats and jacks – place them in the marked containers
• Leave the club immediately.

Hand wash and sanitiser is available throughout

Published: 29 May 2020

Hits: 600

The Youngsters enjoying a Saturday Morning Coaching session at

Oxford City & County Bowls Club

If you know a prospective Young Bowler that would like to become a good Club Bowler or graduate to becoming a National or International Bowler, then Contact Rosemary Phelps or Graham Kerr who would be pleased to help with Bowls Coaching.

Photo of Rosemary and Graham with a few of the Youngsters enjoying their training

More Photos in 'IMAGE GALLERY' in the Main menu under the year 2019

Published: 02 February 2019

Hits: 543