A message from our Honourable Secretary ..

I usually send you a Secretary’s report at this time of year to open the new season. It now seems most likely that our, and indeed everyone’s bowling season will not commence at the end of April and with no indication of a back to normal date. It is but one minor inconvenience in what is a world-wide social and economic tragedy.

This is just to let you all know that your club is still functioning and keeping in touch with the national and county organisations who have been issuing guidance of varying kinds, including looking after unused greens. National competitions are now certainly off for the season, and probably also the Middlesex ones. There is hope of some ‘Festival of Bowls’ later in the season. (see websites for details – Bowls England web site and Middx Bowling Association web site and sunbury-sports,bowls-club)

Our competitions are on hold and refunds will apply for those who have already entered some of them. Should the opportunity arise we will arrange other ways for members to participate in any competitions which we will be able to run later in the season. In the meantime, we are having to spend money in order to continue to maintain the green, following Bowls England guidance, so that it could become functional quickly if the circumstances allow. We are leaving the fence to deter stray mammals and picnickers. Work has also progressed in rennervating the chalet and machine shed, which is keeping us bored activists busy (working singly or 2 metres apart) and the garden is being maintained. We are not asking for members to attend en mass for obvious reasons of social distancing, but you can be assured we are doing all we can to keep the club alive. You can always pop in as singles or couples to see how things are going. Our Treasurer thanks all those who have contributed membership fees which go towards maintaining our assets.

We are in the hands of the SSA and Cricket Club regarding the opening of the pavilion and they are as keen as we are to recommence activities of some kind as soon as possible. Keep safe and fit and we will eventually all be playing bowls, golf etc. again and follow news on our website. Pass anything you think newsworthy to Alan Pilkington who has also (with Karen) been updating our Honours Boards.

P.S. – a short puzzle

Charles Darwin, as one of his many experiment, calculated that on average there are about 50,000 worms per acre of agricultural land in England. Assuming we can be classed as agricultural and the green is about 1/6 of a hectare, how many worms do you think we have (give or take one or two). I shall try to find out having counted the worm casts in a sample square yard if this is the way Darwin proceeded, which I suspect is not the case. Prize for the most accurate/inventive calculation.

Do not hesitate to contact me or other members of the committee if you have any queries

David Chatterton (Hon. Sec.)