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Newsletter Issue 190

Hello again,

Another week gone and here we are again. I’m writing this in sunshine and inside out of the perishing wind. I know that some outdoor greens have already opened and, those that haven’t, are on the brink of doing so. Our former crown green bowling club is already open and the leagues have begun! We’re made of tough stuff further north! I do hope the weather warms up for you but, don’t forget, we’re here if you need a warming cup of coffee.

The AGM was held on Wednesday evening when there were almost more apologies than attendees and, disappointingly the rest of the members didn’t bother to attend.

Howard announced that Sheila Kingswell had stepped down from Financial Director, a post she’s held for four years and, this last year she was office director as well. This took its toll and she is now going to enjoy a well-earned rest and hopes to bowl more. We wish her well and thank her for all the hard work she’s put in.

We are delighted that Paul Havard has agreed to be co-opted to fill the role of Financial Director. Most of you know that he has held this role before and is more than qualified to take over from Sheila. Angela Holbrook has been co-opted to be Office Services Director. The rest of the board remains as it was including Howard staying on as Chairman for another year.

There had been much speculation about the membership fees after the two “Future of the Club” presentations. As a board, we have spent many hours looking at the pros and cons of various options and have settled on the following.

First and foremost what was right in 2014, when the present fees were set, is obviously not right in 2024 given the rise in the cost of living since then. As I’ve said before, we are debt free and do not want to go back into debt.

From September, the membership fees will increase by £10.00 a year to £130.00. Rink fees will increase by 50p to £4.50. Locker fees will increase from £6.00 to 10.00 and social membership will increase from £24.00 to £30.00. There will be no change to the under 18s fees apart from the rink fees from £2.00 to £2.25.

Our biggest task is to increase membership. The more members we have, the more fees come in. We all need to play our part in this. Encourage as many neighbours and friends to come and give bowling a try. If you bowl outdoors in the summer, please talk favourably about MidGlos and encourage them to come and have a look at us.

As well as the club being open for roll ups on Wednesday mornings, it will also be open on Monday afternoons. Book a rink and come along to play a friendly game or roll up.

Our monthly quiz was held on Saturday evening hosted by Steve Sully assisted by his wife, Debbie. Since it was his debut, there were a few minor teething problems but we overcame them. It was quite different from the usual format but I welcomed the change and particularly liked the interval puzzles since it wasn’t a picture round which I hate. Again it was a record number of attendees. It really is a very popular date on the calendar.

I hope I’ve covered everything. If not, it’ll be in the next newsletter.

Until then, take care, 

Linda

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing).

PS If you have nothing to do on, then you could fill your time by listening to our chairman, Howard, as he is being interviewed by Manchester FM for two hours … on the Hannah’s Bookshelf programme! It aired on Saturday 20th but can be listened to on Hannah’s Cloud Mix section of her web site.