‘BIBC NEWS’ – SUMMER 2012
A lot of work has been done in the Stadium to freshen the place up for your arrival in September. Sadly, I have report we did not get the contract for the Firemen and Police Games next year in Belfast, although we are in reserve!
We have applied for a Big Lottery grant to replace our two carpets in the next couple of years, but no word as yet. We have also had an Energy Audit undertaken in the hope of receiving a grant which would help to lower our energy bills.
Taster Days: this year they are : Thursday 30th August and Friday 31st – for new members, or accompanied by present members from 4pm until 11.00pm. For those new members who join on those nights there will be a £10 reduction in Club fees. Members Open Evenings this year fall on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th September from 4pm until 11.00pm. The usual incentive for members who introduce new members remains at a voucher for 4 free 2 hour bowling sessions.
Note for Lady Members: it has been obvious that lady membership has been declining over recent years, and as a result we are now down to two afternoon leagues only. Monday afternoon remains a strong league, but please do not let Thursday afternoon league collapse. So: please treat this as a plea to support your own leagues.
We will also try to run a Wednesday evening league for ladies, but again it depends on you giving it your support.
New League: we are hoping to re-introduce the Sunday Pairs league (from 4-6pm).
League Entry Forms: We ask that you try and return your completed league entry forms by Friday 10th August. The leagues will be compiled by the Manager week commencing Monday 3rd September and should be on display from Friday 7th September. The new league season starts on Monday 17th September. If any leagues are oversubscribed, preference will be given to rinks that entered the previous year.
Subs Lists: If you are not part of a rink and would like to be, you can add your name to the subs list for that particular league to indicate your availability. The lists will appear on the notice the league notice boards. Similarly, there will be a sheet on the reception notice board for any rink looking for players. Remember, each rink can have 2 named subs on it.
Coaching: will occur on the usual Monday evenings. We had a great turn-out last year with over 30 regularly turning. This year: starts on Monday October 8th for 8 weeks at 7pm.
Restaurant: congratulations to Brian and Alberta on their forthcoming wedding on September 1st. I trust you will agree with me that we are truly well served in the Club by Alberta and her staff. We wish them well. Reminder that the opening hours for the restaurant over the summer are Monday to Friday 10am until 2pm.
Club Shop: is now going well, as the accounts illustrate. So – see John or Richard if you require anything and help your club out.
The Club’s AGM (our 47th) will be held in the Clubhouse on Tuesday 14th August at 8pm. There will be the usual incentive of a year’s free subscription for one lucky person. Once again, I would appeal for a good turnout – amongst other things will be the question of increased rink fees. So come and have your say and don’t just girn about it all in September!
Rink Fees: Advance Notice- after five years’ delay the Committee has been forced to increase these to £3.50 per 2 hours; £1 from 4 to 6pm remains.
Note: no private ballots are to be sold within the Club without prior Management permission.
We have increased our summer mailshot to many of our members via e-mail, as this process saves us a lot of money. May I thank all the volunteers who have offered to deliver by hand many of the ‘brown envelopes’. Again, a great saving in money.
The Club recently hosted a touring party from the famous Potters Club who were royally entertained here. A good day’s social bowling and craic was had.
Editor