From our Chairperson Vince
May I start by thanking you all for your vote of confidence in electing me as chairman for a second term. My thanks to last year’s Committee members who continued the Clubs’ growth and success throughout our centennial celebration year. Congratulations to the Red Team for their success in winning the league. I’m sure the club success will continue into the new season. The Committee will do their utmost to meet the Members expectations. Your continued support for the teams and social functions is greatly appreciated more importantly is to enjoy your Bowling. Have a great year. John retired from the executive committee as Greenkeeper at the AGM and the position is vacant even though a great group of members have taken on the work looking after the green and surrounding areas no one has come forward to join the committee. I thank you for your hard work.
From our Ladies’ Captain Wendy
Welcome to the 2024 bowls season. I am pleased to be able to represent the ladies as Captain for 2024 with the support of Val as Vice-Captain. Following a very packed season last year, we can look forward to taking part in the Salisbury and District League games and the Bowls Wiltshire competitions. The fixtures list will be placed on the Ladies’ notice board for you to put your availability for the matches. Looking forward to the start of the season and hope we can rely on your support. Here’s to a very enjoyable bowling season.
From our Men’s Captain Mike
Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will have improved and we can get off to a good start on the green. There is a very busy season which I hope everyone will get involved in whatever your ability or preference. Just to whet your appetite there are at least 48 roll ups on Tuesdays and Fridays and at least 90 league and friendly games not to mention a full program of club competitions. So, I look forward to seeing you all on the green for some fun and good Pewsey Vale sportsmanship for this 2024 season.
From our Social Secretary Dave
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, the Club’s Social Committee is gearing up for an exciting season filled with events and activities. Last season’s successful members day will be taking place again this year in July along with the usual Friday afternoon BBQs. Stay tuned for more details on these events and how you can get involved in making this season one to remember. Social and Entertainments functions will only be a success with your help, assistance and attendance. Please add your names on the relevant attendance sheets and support the club through our social entertainment. If anyone has any social or entertainment ideas or requests, please let a member of the committee know, and we will always try and accommodate.
From our Bar Manager Al
I would like to thank all those who have helped out behind the bar during our Centenary Season. For the 2024 season I will publish the roster beside the bar door and send copies to those involved. I have worked around the limitations sent to me (hopefully) and will assume that all other full members have no limitation as to when they work behind the bar. May I remind you that should you find yourself unable to complete all or part of your allocated week, it is incumbent on you to find a replacement. Our costs have risen as almost all other costs have done and over the last 3 years or so these rises have not been passed on to members. Unfortunately, we are now in a situation where some prices will have to increase slightly from 1 March 2024. In an effort to reduce bar costs, I shall be suggesting at the Spring Meeting that we consider no longer stocking kegged beer/cider. This would save approximately 90 pints that is thrown away during the pipe cleaning process throughout the season. I wish you all a pleasurable and successful season.
From our Green Keeping Team
John has stood down as Green Keeper after many years of service so the club finds itself without a Greens Manager. The team that has supported John throughout his term are continuing to get the green into shape for the new season. We are always pleased to have new members into the group and all necessary training that is needed is readily given. Avonmore have done their winter work and will shortly start their spring efforts and regular cutting will have begun by the time you read this letter. We will also have a new mower and will be working to open the green mid-April. We will also have a work day and all members are asked to come along both inside the clubhouse and outside on the green and surrounds.
General Information
Club Competitions- please support the captains by entering as many of the competitions as you can. The entry forms will be on the notice board in mid-April. Fees are £2 per person per competition. This year Finals Weekend is 6-8 September.
Club Night and Afternoon– If all goes well and weather permitting, the first Tuesday Club Night is 16 April, on the green to start playing at 6.15pm. The first Friday afternoon is 19 April, play starting at 2.15pm. For club sessions, please arrive at least 20 minutes early to help set up the green and register to play. Everyone is requested to get involved.
Friendlies– we have a full programme of Friendlies matches this season. Our website includes the complete Fixtures Calendar. Please see our Friendlies Captain Dave if you have any queries and sign up as soon as the availability sheets go up. We will be supplying afternoon teas for home matches in the same way as previous seasons.
Open Days & New Members– Weather permitting, our Green Opening Day will be Saturday 13 April, which will include a Recruitment Open Day. We will be holding a further Open Day on Saturday 25 May, as part of the Big Bowls Weekend. Nearer the time, we will be asking for volunteers and cake donations. If you know anyone who is interested in joining the club, whether they are an experienced player or would just like to try bowls for the first time, please bring them along on either day between 10.00-15.00. Alternatively, just ask a committee member, who will be happy to facilitate a ‘have a go’ session.