I walked up to the social club this afternoon and came across Bill who was working on the green. Our conversation covered many topics including wondering whether or not we would get to play at all this season. We both hoped for the best.
Spookily, I found this in The Guardian when I got home:
‘Anglers, game shooting enthusiasts and bowls clubs are increasing the pressure for the lockdown to be eased for their sports, arguing that they can resume them while remaining physically distanced.
In the world of bowls, many players and some administrators are arguing that the nature of their sport means the comforting clack of bowl on bowl may be heard in sunlit parks by mid-summer.
“We tick the box for non-contact and we play outdoors,” said Alistair Hollis, the operational services manager at Bowls England. “With a degree of initiative and innovation, social distancing shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”
In normal times as many as 48 people routinely play on one green but Hollis said the number would almost certainly have to be severely restricted with perhaps just one-on-one or pair games played rather than team versions. Appointment systems and time restrictions may have to be introduced and rules on not sharing equipment brought in.
“One of our biggest selling points is that we are a family sport that can be played by all ages together,” said Hollis. “If the same households are allowed to play something together, our sport may fit the bill. A game of bowls in the middle of July with our family might be an attractive proposition.”
Craig McGuigan, the chairman of the British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association, acknowledges that there are possible hitches. “The sport is non-contact but people do usually handle things like the jack, the mat. We may have to look at ways of making sure we can wash equipment. We need to find ways of looking after one another.”
No bowls is currently being played in the UK. Mark Bircumshaw, chief executive of the British Crown Green Bowling Association, was more cautious about the prospect of a return soon.
“We are following government guidance. I don’t expect much broadening of what we can do after Sunday,” he said. Bircumshaw pointed out that many bowls players were over 70. “We have to do the right thing for our elderly population,” he added.
The Isle of Man might lead the bowls comeback in the British Isles. Its governing body has written to its government setting out proposals for how it could return. It is confident that a bowls festival in September that attracts hundreds of bowlers from across the UK will go ahead.’
Steven Morris
Fri 8 May 2020
Courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd
The Guardian
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