‘BIBC NEWS’ – 2015 September
AGM: Back to August this year – the AGM is now behind us, and as usual there was a poor turnout. Several new members have joined the Management Committee ie. Jim Magee, Nan McBride and Roberta Hughes. We wish them well for the future.
Footnote on the AGM: once again I am appealing for your e-mail addresses. This year we posted about 275 packs, and a fair number were collected at the Club (thanks to the members who did this) so we are getting there!
Summer Leagues: The Summer leagues went well and due to the dismal weather,we can see next year possibly running more leagues. Congratulations to Billy McConkey & Derek Brown for winning the Tuesday Morning & Friday Evening Leagues and to Alan Graham and Paul Fisher for winning the Thursday evening league.
Leagues: This season’s leagues begin on Monday 14th September. If any of your rinks have any new members in them, remind them that their subs must be paid and have joined the club BEFORE they play any league or knockout matches.
Subscriptions: Subs must be paid by all members before Thursday 15th October. Any subs paid after this date will incur a £5 late fee. You have been warned!
50th Anniversary: lots of things are being planned, but ADVANCE NOTICE!- a celebratory Dinner will be held on Saturday November 28th. As well as the dinner, there will be first class entertainment and a dance. Now, places will be limited so booking will be essential. Details will be posted early in the season.
Bowls Raffles: As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, we will be raffling off a set of bowls each month during September, October & November. Tickets will be £1 per strip, but will only be valid for the draw in the month they were bought! First up for the September draw are a set of Drakes Pride bowls, black, any size and any type. The draw will be made on the 30th September so Good Luck!!
Maintenance: You will have noticed the new carpet in the entrance hall – please wipe your feet carefully on entering the building. A lot of painting has been done to refresh the whole building – (to tone in with our blue carpets!) thanks to Billy, Tracey and Gary.
Live Sport: BT Sport has arrived- we will be showing BT Sport this year and this season will include about 30 Premier League games as well as Champions League and Europa Cup matches mid week.
Open evenings for Club Members: Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th September from 4-11pm.
Short Mat : A. The Short Mat Players Tour folk are here annually now and the two days they have booked are 19th and 20thSeptember.
B. The Irish Short Mat will host the Masters Pairs on Saturday 26th September and the Champion of Champions (Singles and Rinks) on Saturday October 3rd, (Pairs & Triples ) on Saturday 17th October.
League Fixtures: League fixtures will be ready for collection from Friday 4th September. As always please keep an eye out for any changes to them that sometimes occur, due to rinks / pairs pulling out!!
Postponed games: Games postponed at the start of the season between 14th – 30th September can be re-arranged and played before November 1st. Games postponed during the Christmas period between 14th- 31st December can be re-arranged and played before 1st February.
All other games have ONE MONTH from the date postponed to be played.
Reminder to skips: if you are forced to make any changes to your rink, you must inform either Richard or John in the Office.
Coaching: Coaching classes begin again on Monday 12th October at 7.15. They are open to all – new bowlers and experienced. It is great to see so many of last season’s attendees entering our leagues this season!
Duty Officers: Finally, Cliodhna has (temporarily) left her role as a Duty Officer, as she and Chris (Competition Secretary) are expecting their first child in October. While we wish her good luck on the forthcoming arrival, we have appointed her replacement(s). Sandra Bailie – (some of you may know her!) will cover the office on Wednesdays and Sophia Patterson will cover Thursdays & Saturdays. We wish the both of them all the best for the coming season.

Editor