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Author Archives: Ron Holt
BCGBA LOOKS FORWARD TO THE START OF THE 2021 SEASON
Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables BCGBA, counties and affiliated clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from 29th March.
Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country. The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to bowlers and the sport in general.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:
‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs Online booking. Promotional material and funding advice
We also aim to facilitate as much domestic competition as possible. We have developed a series of Covid-contingency scenarios and, with the information now available, will look to reshape our national competition schedule.The National Open Weekend 28th May 2021 planning will continue and we believe there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun, family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience. We have been in discussions with our partner organisations to ensure a safe return to play, with the Prime Ministers road map we look forward to clubs being able to open safety within government guidelines
We will be working in partnership with all stakeholders, notably affiliated clubs, to navigate through any challenges and, whilst mindful to retain a level of caution, are very excited about the outdoor bowls season beginning soon.We understand today’s developments will provoke a range of questions and we would ask people to bear with us as we work through the various implications. As soon as we can, we will be issuing more detailed guidance on the BCGBA website. Until then the current rules concerning the closure of bowling greens will apply.
OBITUARY
I have been informed of the passing of Roy Lussey who was well known throughout Merseyside as a first class competitive player. Over the years he played for a number of Clubs also representing Merseyside in the County Championship. He will be missed by his numerous friends. Funeral arrangements not yet available. RIP>
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
I am sure that all members will understand that it is impractable for the Association to hold an Annual General Meeting at its usual time in 2021. Should the situation change in the coming months all concerned will be informed.
Obituary
I have been informed of the passing of Anthony O’Neill a regular member of the Merseyside County Bowling Team. Anthony was a dual winner of the Merseyside Junior Merit the last time was in 2000 which makes his age in the region of 39 years. Anthony was well known throughout the County and sadly he will be missed by the bowling fraternity. RIP Anthony.
OBITUARY.
It is with deep regret that I have to report the passing of Harold Taylor who died on the 9th of November 2020. Harold loved Crown Green Bowls and spent most of his life either playing or in administration. Locally he was one of the mainstays at Brown Edge BC in St. Helens. He was responsible for the formation of the Merseyside Referees Society being their Secretary for many years. He was also a Life Member of the B.C.G.B.A. Referees Society. For his devotion to the County he was made President of Merseyside for the years 2000/2001. His funeral details are not yet available. RIP Harold.
Ron Holt
Local Scam
I wish to draw your attention to a scam which I feel originates locally. I received an e mail allegedly from Roy Cooke ( Merseyside President and Safe Guarding Officer) which contained a request to assist him with a project. I replied that I would assist and the following day received another e mail which stated that he was planning to surprise some members of staff with a gift and that he would like me to go to a local supermarkets and purchase 6 x £100 Google Play Cards and when purchased I had to take photographs of the PIN number on the card and the Payment Activation receipt. This means that the sender of the e mail benefits to the tune of £600 in this case and you are considerably out of pocket. Not having any experience with these cards I went out of curiosity to Morrisons to have a look at them. I didn”t do anything about them at the time but when I returned home I rang Roy and as expected he said that he didn”t know anything about the e mails but added that he had heard of a similar scam some time ago. Be very careful if you receive similar e mails, the MO might change a bit but if you agree to act as requested you could be out of pocket. Take care.
Ron Holt