STONE CROWN BOWLING
2021 SEASON REFLECTIONS
INTRODUCTION
At the start of the season in
April things did not seem at all rosy. Still in the throes of Coronavirus we
were left pondering what sort of a season we would have. It was impossible to
predict what sort of a season we would be having. As it turned out, after a
stuttering start we achieved quite a lot. And all without a single case of
Coronavirus that can be attributed to the club activities.
SOCIAL BOWLING
April and May got off to a poor
start. Membership was low and we were only able to continue with our online
booking system and have limited numbers at the club. To counter this we had a
tightly controlled but very successful Open Day which helped considerably with
the membership numbers. Mid-May we took our first tentative steps into Social
Bowling starting with quite low numbers but gradually building up to the sort
of numbers normally expected. From June onwards the averages were 17, 18 and 20
for respective Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Comparable figures to 2019.
We manged to introduce ‘reduced
bowling’ on the social days which proved to be popular with those that could
not either manage or fit in 5 games in an afternoon.
Friday night bowling was
exceptionally popular (or was it the Fish and Chips?) with well above weekly
numbers taking part. Conducted in the safe hands of Trevor and Lol it went from
strength to strength.
We only managed to fit in one
Away Day. At Slaters Inn and Bowling Club we had a great day though.
FRIENDLIES
Of the original 24 planned
Friendly matches we managed to achieve 16. Quite a few were cancelled in April
and May; some clubs decided not to play friendlies and some were unable to
field teams. However the 16 that were played were well attended and very
enjoyable. The season resulted in 8 Wins and 8 Losses but 16 great days out.
Sadly the Trentham Trophy and
Stone Crown Challenge had to be cancelled.
COMPETITIONS
With the exception of the Members
& Edwards Cup all other competitions started on time and were played through
to a conclusion with a thrilling, if not soggy, Finals Day. I look forward to
presenting the Cups and Trophies at the Annual Dinner in October.
FESTIVAL DAYS
We lost our early Festival days. Members &
Edwards and Chairman/Secretaries Day had to be cancelled and, after much debate
we postponed Captain’s Day to September. As things continued to ease however we
were able to kick off with the ever popular BBQ and Fun Day. This was followed
by extremely successful President Day, Finals Day, Captains Day and finally
Charity Day. All attended in great numbers which gave the organisers a few
headaches on how to get everyone involved. Very successful and enjoyable days
for one and all.
THANK YOU’S
So this finally wraps up my first
season as Captain. I cannot name all the people that have helped me throughout
the season as I would be bound to forget someone. Suffice to say I am extremely
grateful for the volunteers/members that have organised and contributed to
events, cleaned and tidied away at all events and social days, the catering
stars, members who played in the Friendly matches, run the Social Bowling days
and took part in the competitions. And finally, thanks to all members for
keeping everyone safe during such a difficult period. I don’t know about you
but I’m off for a rest! Except of course for the Indoor Bowling and the
planning for next year!!
Here’s to Next year Bob Cassidy