Cold Weather Warning
I’m sure you are all aware that the weather is turning colder. Consequently, our heating system will struggle to maintain an optimum temperature during this cold snap. I urge you all to dress appropriately for the weather, adding thin layers to ensure that you are comfortable when attending the club. We have a big open space to heat; and, when outside temperatures plummet, it is extremely difficult to retain heat in this vast area. Please remember this before complaining about the heating.
National Comps/Other Leagues
- Masons Trophy: The ladies play West Berks in the next round on Friday January 19th. Team selection and other details are on the notice board. ‘Away’ team, please note that refreshments will not be provided at West Berks this Friday, due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the coffee machine is available and takes £1 / 50p coins, etc.
- Wessex League: North Wilts is currently at the top of the league table for the Central Region in the Wessex League. We play Bristol next on Sunday 21st January. Please check the notice board for the team selection. Following this, the next match will be against Clarrie Dunbar on Sunday 4th February.
- WIBA: Details of WIBA county fixtures are now on the noticeboard. Any men interested in taking part in these county fixtures should contact Dave Williams. Fixtures taking place in January are:
- 20th January: Vs Dorset at North Wilts
- 27th January: Vs Westlecot at Westlecot
- WCWIBA: Details of the WCWIBA county fixtures ae now available on the noticeboard. Please add your name to the various availability sheets, if you would like to be considered for selection. Forthcoming fixtures are:
- 28th January: WCWIBA President’s Charity Day
- 30th January: Vs Hampshire at Chawton Park
- 4th February: Top Nine Competition
- 11th February: Vs Dorset at Dorchester BC
Mixed Friendlies
- Our next friendly is on Sunday 21st January against a team from Yate & District BC. The team sheet is now on the notice board. Please tick your name off to confirm availability.
- The following week, Saturday 27th January, we will be playing Keynsham again. The availability sheet is now up on the notice board.
- Our final friendly for the season will be played on Sunday 25th February at Home against Glos VP BA. The availability sheet is now up on the notice board
Indoor Club Leagues
- A reminder: We still have a large number of postponed / unfulfilled fixtures that need to be rearranged – 37 in total! The fixtures that need to be re-arranged are currently being held in the rink booking system against September 1st and 2nd should you need to check. Can I ask all team leaders to rearrange any outstanding fixtures as soon as possible – ideally, within the next 2 weeks? This doesn’t mean that it needs to be played within the next 2 weeks; just re-arranged. Please confirm all arrangements with the office so that we can ensure the relevant scorecard is available for your games.
- Looking ahead to the 2024/25 winter season, will all team leaders please check, confirm and re-register their teams using the attached form? We welcome any new teams that would like to register for many of the league sessions – the more, the merrier! You will need a minimum of 6 players for Fours leagues; 5 players for Triples and 2 players for Pairs. However, based on the number of postponed fixtures we have experienced this season, it would be advisable to recruit more than the minimum for your teams. The deadline for team registration is Friday 15th March.
Other Bowling News
- North Wilts will be hosting an Invitational Pairs Event on Saturday 3rd February. Please come along and watch some talented bowls players.
- Open Singles Circuit: North Wilts will be hosting the Open Singles Circuit over the weekend of 16th and 17th March. A fantastic opportunity to see some of the top bowlers in the country in action at your club!
Deaths & Funeral Notices
Bob Pratt sadly passed away on Wednesday 10th January. Bob played for Trowbridge Westbourne and was known as a strong competitor in County leagues until illness forced him to quit. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Mary Pratt, a member of this club, at this very sad time. Bob’s Funeral Service will be at West Wiltshire Crematorium on Tuesday 23rd January at 2.45 pm. Following the Service, there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Bob's life at The Farmhouse Inn, Southwick, Trowbridge.
Dates for your Diary:
- Kitchen Opening Hours: Please note that the kitchen will be closed Tuesday 23rd January. My apologies to members for not informing them in advance that the kitchen was closed last Friday, 12th January.
- The Outdoor section will be holding their Annual Pre-Season Meeting on Thursday 29th February in the Restaurant at 7pm. This meeting is open to all existing members of North Wilts’ Outdoor Bowls Club as well as those who are looking to join our outdoor section. Please arrive by 6.30pm as we will be taking membership payments for the upcoming season on the night. Membership fees for Outdoor only is £75 per person for the 2024 season; joint outdoor and indoor membership for the 2024/25 season is £140 per person. During the meeting, we will be electing officers and committee members as well as discussing the coming season
- Club Finals Weekend will take place over the weekend of 5th to 7th April.
- Our Annual General Meeting is planned to take place on Sunday 14th April. Please make every effort to attend this very important meeting. A formal notice, agenda and minutes from the last AGM will be published week commencing February 26th. The purposes of the AGM are: (1) to elect members to various offices required for the running of the club; for example, Captain, team selectors, committee members, etc.; (2) to consider and, if approved, confirm any alteration to the Constitution and Rules; and, (3) to consider any previously notified propositions. If you have a proposition that you wish to raise at the AGM, you must present this in writing to the me, the Club Secretary, not less than 28 days before the meeting.
