News from the Chair Mar 2025

It was a busy Management Committee meeting on Thursday and many plans were agreed on and actions put in place. Firstly the Opening Gala, on Sunday 13 April, will commence with a team photo at 1.30 followed by a spider. The proceeds of the spider will be donated to Tetbury Hospital. This is a continuation of how the Club looks to support local charities. Following the first wood being delivered we will play a friendly game of bowls followed by a buffet. The cost for the day will be £5 for the buffet plus £1 for the spider. Don't forget to wear your new Club colours.

Prior to the Gala we have numerous jobs to complete to get the Club looking its best. Please see the list of tasks on the Duty Captain board inside the front door. There is one additional job that needs to be added. There are three benches that need a coat of stain. If you feel you can wield a paint brush please put your name on the list. Vic has the stain ready.

As the start of the season closes in please remember that the closing date for entering the Club Competitions is the Opening Gala. Entry forms are available behind the bar or print off from the Club website. The draw for the Club Competitions will take place live on Friday 25 April at 7 pm.

An item that the Management Committee have been discussing recently is the finances of the Club and looking to ensure we have sufficient money to meet our ambitions. For the financial year 2024 the basic cost of running the Club was £45 per day or £17,000 for the year. This cost is just the cost of opening the doors and keeping the lights on and keeping the green in top condition. Our biggest standing costs are insurance, utilities, rent and green maintenance. Fundraising is therefore critical to the future of the Club and you have already been informed of two fundraising events, the Race Night in May and Auction in August.

I just wanted to follow up on the email regarding the cleaning of the Club facilities. More information will be sent to you all in the near future and I would ask that you all support this initiative to avoid increased costs to the membership. We will of course monitor how the planned rota works and listen to members' feedback.

Two years ago we held a corporate day where local businesses and groups put teams of 4 forward to play against one another. The teams were made up of non bowlers and after some initial instruction played against other teams. The cost is £10 per person and includes a cream tea during the afternoon and a hamper of goodies for the winners. The date for the day is Sunday 8 June starting at 12 noon. If you have work colleagues or family members that would like to enter a team please let me know.

Regards Keith

Chair, Tetbury Bowls Club