Leagues: All the leagues are now up and running. Please keep an eye on the fixtures as they may change i.e. rinks withdrawing from leagues! We are still looking for a couple of pairs for the new Intermediate League we are looking to run on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. If you are a novice, beginner or inexperienced bowler, this could be the league for you. Also, we are going to try and run a pairs league on a Thursday evening from 7.15 – 9.15pm. Entry forms are available now and we would need 8 entries to run the league.
Changes to Rinks: If you want to add someone or change someone from your rinks, please see the office staff. It is important that we have the correct people named on your rink at all times.
Coaching: This season’s Coaching for Beginners starts on Monday October 14th at 7.15pm. Please try to bring along, or propose any potential new members. The Club offers excellent incentives. Only by increasing our membership can we even try to keep down costs. The cost will be £4.50 per person per session.
Inter-stadium Matches: Both the men’s and ladies teams are in action this month.
The ladies Inter-stadium team are at home against Co Antrim on Sunday 13th October 10am – 1pm, then away to Ballybrakes on Sunday 20th.
Both Belfast men’s teams are in action at Co Antrim on Sunday 6th October. Belfast 2 team are at home to Belfast 1 on Sat 19thOctober, then Co Antrim and Ballybrakes on Sunday 20th October.
Irish Competition Qualifiers: Both the men’s and ladies Irish Qualifying competition’s have been drawn. Please check the relevant noticeboards for details.
Subscriptions: A quick reminder that all subscriptions are due to be paid by Tuesday 15th October. A late fee will be applied to anyone paying after that date.
Reminder: Short Mat dates:
Saturday October 5th – Champion of Champions
Saturday October 26th Club Championships (3 rink)
Saturday November 2nd (Club Championships (2 Rink)
Green Stretching: Both greens will be stretched on Tuesday October 8th. The leagues should not be affected, but casual play will be restricted at certain times.
Cancelled Matches: Sadly, as of September 24th we have already 27 matches cancelled or postponed. We lost over £4000 last year due to this and despite warnings at the AGM that this would not be allowed to continue, some members are still cancelling. PLEASE TRY TO REPLAY THESE MATCHES AS EACH LOST MATCH COSTS THE CLUB £36 (£18 for PAIRS MATCHES).
Restaurant: Our new restaurant owners are also up and running and I have received nothing but positive comments. If you have any suggestions for food you would like to see, please have a chat with them.
Staff Wanted: Speaking of the restaurant, they are looking for part-time catering staff. The hours of work will be Mon – Fri, 11.30 – 2.30, plus some Saturday work. Duties involve taking orders, food preparation, serving customers and general kitchen duties. Speak to Carl or Dorta if you are interested.
Fundraising: Hopefully you will have noticed the large blue posters around the Club advertising a new venture: a Club Lottery. Entry costs £10 per person (or £2.50 if you enter as a rink!!) and a monthly draw will take place for the top prize of £400 with the first draw scheduled to take place on October 28th. You can enter at reception and it is hoped this will run until March next year. It is open to members only so someone in the club will win a nice sum of money.
Another fund-raiser for the Club is Last Man Standing - a football based competition where you pick a Premiership team each week and if they win you pick a different team the following week and so on, until we have a winner – the Last Man/ Woman Standing. If your team loses or draws – you are out. The cost to enter is £10 – entries closing on October 18th. See John or Richard for more information.
Coffee Morning: This year’s charity coffee morning will be on Wednesday 13th November and will be in aid of Cystic Fibrosis.
Editor
Ken Armstrong