Right -girns first! Small stones have been discovered on the greens recently. This can only be the result of members and visitors wearing their bowling shoes in from the car park. PLEASE refrain from this habit.

Secondly: an old one. If you feel like following your bowl up the green after delivery – you should be the far end by the time your bowl arrives. Plus- if you must walk proceed up the centre of your own rink and not up the side where you could possibly interfere/annoy bowlers on the nearby rink.

Thirdly: some male members are ignoring Club rules by wearing jeans in league games. They are in danger of being asked to leave the rink. We are not prepared to see our standards regarding dress slip.

Coaching: The Monday night coaching for Beginners is going well but there is still room for more who wish to start the sport or improve their game.  Coaching sessions are on Monday evenings from 7.15 – 9.15.

Rinks Afternoon: Similarly, the Wednesday afternoon rinks games are also going well. These are open to all members, no matter what their ability, and is somewhere you can come and have a friendly game of bowls for a couple of hours from 4pm.

Corporate Event: On Wednesday November 6th we hosted an afternoon of fun bowling with Just (or Hub Financial Services) Belfast who brought over 30 employees for some bowling and a bit of crack. The afternoon turned out be splendid with some very competitive bowls being played; with a buffet to finish off the evening I can safely say the day was a success. If any members know about a firm or club wanting to do a corporate day out speak to Richard.

Monthly Lottery: The first Draw for our Monthly Lottery was held in October and this month’s winners are posted in the foyer. It is interesting that the top prize of £400 was won by a rink, not an individual so that is worth thinking about. Next month’s draw will be on the 28th of November.

The last Man Standing competition is also running at this point.

Changes to Rinks: As a reminder once again – if you make any changes to your rink, please inform the Duty Office, so the staff can update your entry form.

Xmas Dinners: It is the time of year to book your annual dinner in the restaurant; maybe your Short Mat club? The Christmas menu will be available very soon!  Also I have an appeal on behalf of the caterers – if you have any Christmas decorations that you no longer use and are in good condition, then they would like to use them to decorate the restaurant.

Coffee Morning: Just to remind everyone that our Annual Charity Morning is on Wednesday November 13th from 10am. The Charity is Cystic Fibrosis. Please come along and support this worthy cause.

Regional Academies: These were set up earlier in the year and were run very successfully at 8 outdoor clubs. They are now in the process of turning to the three NI indoor stadiums. In our case the BIBC academy is meeting on Sundays (usually afternoons).  If you are under 30, or know someone who is, and who are looking to bowl or improve their bowling, then speak to Sandra for more information.

Health & Safety: Health and Safety is always with us. The changeover time at 11.30 am is a pressure point with so many bowlers coming off the green and so many going on. Members are asked not to leave their bowling bags at the end of the rinks which create potential tripping hazards.  Please use the changing rooms.  We appeal to members to be as considerate as possible when either starting or finishing a game.

Dates for your Diary:

Sat 23rd & Sun 24th Nov  Men’s Inter Stadium – Belfast 1 play their 3 x home matches

Sun 8th Dec                     Mens AIIB Fours Last 16 & Quarter Finals

Sat 14th Dec                    Music courtesy of “Drive” – from 9pm till late

Editor

Ken Armstrong