‘BIBC NEWS’ – 2016 February
Quiz: Fundraising is key in the Club at present - the Ladies section are first off the mark with an absolutely magnificent drinks basket for raffle (plus two others). They are also running their annual Table Quiz on Friday February 12th. This event is always well supported so enter it into your diary!
Jersey: As part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations Belfast has been invited to participate in a tournament in Jersey in April. Five of our up and coming youngsters, accompanied by John McCullough will represent the Club on the island. They too are looking funds to help with the trip.
Honour: I am delighted to report, for those who do not know already, that Elizabeth Cameron, one of our lady stalwarts, has been awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours list – many of you know that Elizabeth is heavily involved in the Ulster Scots movement. If you want to know anything about Robert Burns, you know who to ask!
MAJOR NEWS!
Our Club over the weekend of 15-17th January won 8 out of the 11Irish titles available at the Baker Stadium!
Chloe Watson was the star performer, winning 5 titles- Junior Singles, Senior Singles; she teamed up with Sandra Bailie to win the Pairs; Marie McCord joined them to win the Triples; Allana McKee joined those three to win the Fours. So well done ladies!
Chloe is the first lady in history to win all 5 titles in one season!
Also in the news is Cliodhna Eadie who was bowling at Potters in mid January; she played really well, considering she was playing under TV lights, and recovering from bringing baby Sam into the world. She was beaten in the semi-final.
On the Men’s side Simon Martin won the Singles; Simon and John McCullough teamed up to win the Pairs; and Scott Jess won the Junior Singles title. Our Men’s Triples just lost out by a shot and both the Fours and Senior Fours also lost out, but what a weekend for the Belfast Club!
The Men’s Senior Irish team has been selected, and Belfast has 13 players on the team, with new caps for brothers Stephen and Robert Kirkwood.
Club Finals: weekend is February 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th. Please come and support!
Club Dinner: Advance Notice: the 2016 Club Dinner will be on Saturday April 2nd. NB All cups and money prizes will be distributed on that night. We have booked the Black and Gold band who were so popular at the 50th Anniversary dinner. There will be a late licence. We expect a good number and tickets will be on sale shortly.
Before that we have a late licence and dance on Saturday 30th January. Music is by Russell Dunbar.
Short Mat: the IIBA Junior Inter-Zone will be here with us on Saturday February 13th; the Saturday League will be split into 2 sessions.
Club Shop News: look at the noticeboards for New Year deals, and the rails in the Foyer.
The Beginners Pairs League got off to a good start on Monday Jan. 18th.
The draw for the Magee Cup (for Pan Disabled players only) has been made and the first matches should be played in the week beginning February 8th.
Bowls and Law: several people have asked recently about starting the final end. The jack MUST be delivered from a correctly placed mat for a start. It matters not if the jack goes off the side or into the ditch – the end is to be played. So – if the bell goes before the jack leaves the hand, the end is NOT to be played.
Dress reminder (yet again!) – JEANS of any colour are not permitted in league games. For ladies, predominantly white collared tops are required.
EMAIL ADDRESSES: Another reminder! If you have an e-mail address and have not yet informed the Office PLEASE do so, as we need this info for sending out the summer packs. Thanks in advance.
Ken Armstrong
Editor