Welcome to this edition of your Club Newsletter.

May I start by wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

A big crowd of 54 BIBC bowlers and fans head off to Potters on the 14^th. We wish them all well.

Irish Finals: We are hosting the men’s Irish Finals this year from Friday 31^st January to Sunday 2^nd February.  The ladies will be heading to Ballybrakes on Friday 10^th, Saturday11^th and Sunday 12^th January to play in their finals.

We wish all our Club members well in these Finals.

Men’s Trial: The third and final men’s international team trial will be held here on Sunday 19^th.  Good luck to al the Belfast bowlers involved.

Club Shop: John tells me there will be some good offers coming up later in the month.

Lottery: December Lottery Winners: £400 to John Erskine and Trevor Murphy.  £50 went to Michael Fay and £50 to Andy Bailie.

This month’s draw will be on the 28^th.

Cancelled Matches:  Now to the serious stuff: the total number of cancelled matches up to Dec 31^st was 219.

Of those games, 91 have been played, but 26 matches were awarded walk overs, so the income lost so far is £468.  There are still 102 matches outstanding at a potential loss to the club of over £3000.

Wally Taylor Memorial Match: Every year we welcome our friends from Dublin and they will be here on the 24^th, 25^th and 26^th January. There should be minimal disturbance to our leagues.  On the Friday evening we will have friendly charity match v the Dublin bowlers, in memory of our colleague and friend Wally Taylor.  We will be looking for 20 players, of any ability to take part – watch the noticeboard for details.  The cost will be £5 per person to play, which includes a light supper, with all monies raised going to charity.

Quiz Night: The now annual ladies section quiz night will be held on Friday 28^th February.  All welcome as usual!!

Pan Disability Cup: Entry forms are now out for the Magee Cup Pan Disability club singles competition.  The closing date for entries has been extended to Friday 24^th January.

Beginners: The Beginners Pairs League starts on Monday 13^th January.

Club Finals: Our club finals weekend is scheduled for 21^st, 22^nd & 23^rd February!  If you are still involved in any of these competitions, don’t schedule any holidays for that weekend just yet!!!

Membership: If you know anyone looking to join the club, we offer a reduced rate from 1^st January of £35 for a Full membership, valid up to the AGM date in August.

And finally:

Some thoughts for 2020:

Don’t whine –win.

You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,

Some people dream of success…. while others wake up and work at it.

And some excuses!

‘Brought the wrong shoes’

‘Someone moved’

‘Opposition is putting me off’

‘Forgot my glasses.’

‘Bumped my hand on the floor.’

‘My trousers are too tight!!’

Interestingly I saw a bowler use a spray on the jack instead of the bowl!

Editor