Although the government have approved the lifting of most lockdown restrictions on Monday 19^th, and most of us will have been double-jabbed, we cannot ignore the continuing rise in infection levels.

At Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Club we must remain cautious.  It is therefore proposed that all are encouraged to continue using hand sanitisers and to regularly sanitise bowling equipment whilst the existing track and trace recording will remain in place.  The wearing of face masks when not bowling, and particularly when the club is busy, is recommended and encouraged.  The limits on numbers using the locker rooms and toilets will be relaxed and the changing rooms may again be used, although again caution and common sense should be employed.  It will now be expected that all members wear regulation greys when playing.

The Rule of 6 and social contact restrictions will have been abolished so members will again be permitted to shake hands and congregate in larger groups.  The coffee and water machines will both be available for use by all whilst service at the bar will resume.  There will be no restrictions on table sizes at our social functions and normal service at carveries will resume.

Assuming that we avoid any further lockdown and can contemplate a near normal winter season it is probable that 8 rinks will be reinstated for the winter season.

We must all hope that this is indeed the beginning of the end – I would thank you all for respecting the restrictions imposed to date and for your continued caution in the coming weeks and months.

Best wishes, Richard Purssell

It is time to organise the Winter Leagues for season 2021/22.  Our League Team Captains now have the Application Forms and will be approaching you shortly to join/rejoin them.  The previously existing teams were as follows and we hope to get them all up and running again.

With Corona restrictions being lifted and people being able to get out and about more, Bowls England is planning a Big Weekend of Bowls in an effort to encourage more people to take up our sport.   This is mainly an outdoor bowls initiative but Sevenoaks B.C. felt it would be more productive if our two Clubs joined forces for this event and we were happy to agree with this.

Therefore, an Open Afternoon will be held on Sunday 30^th May from 2.30 – 5 p.m. at both Clubs.

What can you do to help?   This event will be promoted around the area but you can play your part by encouraging family, friends and neighbours to come along and ‘have a go’ at bowls, whether indoor or outdoor – or even both.

If you can display a poster anywhere, then please collect one from the Club.

We need to create a busy atmosphere at the Club during the Open Afternoon so you are welcome to come along and have a roll-up, see how things are going, or chat to any prospective members and tell them about the many advantages of playing indoor bowls.

Thank you for your help.

The Directors

If you would like to become Summer League Secretary please get in touch – training and support will be given.

ANNE WELCH, our temporary Summer League Secretary, has been working hard to re-start LEAGUES, from 7^th June, as follows:

MONDAY – Mixed Triples: 2.30pm

TUESDAY – Mixed Triples: 9.30am

TUESDAY – Mixed Triples: 5.30pm

FRIDAY – Pairs Sets: 9.30pm

Registration Forms and Sign up Sheets are on the board at the Club … if you’d like to sign up but can’t get in please speak to Reception. Sally is happy to email Registration Forms if you can’t get to the Club.

Registration Closes: Friday 28^th May

Any suggestions for different formats at different times welcome – please get in touch with Anne on 01732 457851 and she will try and facilitate!

The Operational Policy has been updated to reflect changed procedures at the Club.  A copy of the updated Policy is displayed on the notice board – I’d be grateful if you have a look.  The updates are highlighted in italic brown

I would remind those who haven’t yet signed that all members are required to confirm that they have read and understood this policy by signing the sheet in reception.

Stay safe

Richard Purssell

Dear Member,

As you will be aware the government has placed all London Boroughs in Tier 2 whereas Sevenoaks remains in Tier 1.

The government now advise those living in Tier 2 areas not to travel to other Tier areas unless it is an essential journey, whilst household mixing indoors within Tier 2 is prohibited.   This email accordingly asks all our members who live in a London Borough to consider carefully whether they would be wise to travel to Sevenoaks and bowl at the Club.  

Wherever you live – stay safe.

Richard Purssell

“FACE MASK Update: on checking with EIBA and the government guidelines we must ask everyone to wear FACE MASKS whilst in the building except whilst playing bowls, or eating and drinking. This brings indoor clubs in line with shops, and other indoor spaces when mixing with non-household members at less than 2m. Please remember also to keep your distance from others where at all possible, particularly when in play.

Drinks will be served to your table to avoid any gatherings or queues and reduce contacts.

There is plenty of hand sanitizer around the building, including the rinks, for your use and safety.

DRESS CODE: from 1^st September dress code should be Greys please.”

There are still a few spaces available for  Thursday 3^rd September Club Sessions  (9.30 to 12.00 noon) – please email the club, or call/text Sally on 07788 738831; don’t delay: first-come, first-served basis!! We are still limited to 24 persons on the Rinks, but the more the merrier!!