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LONG STRATTON BOWLS CLUB
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY 28th FEBRUARY 2022 (Village Hall)
1. Opening of Meeting
The Chairman Alan Scholes opened the meeting at 7.00pm. The following members were present: Lennie Thompson, Steve Beckett, Pete Smith, Sally Lovett, Ivan Warne, Catherine Savage, Elaine Saunders, Fiona Barlow.
2. Apologies: Martin Sparkes
Martin has resigned as a member on the committee as he is unable to make the meetings and help out at the moment due to his health, he will continue to play bowls when he can. Alan asked if anyone had been in contact with Martin or who knew how he was getting on after his Stroke. Alan suggested a letter was sent to him on behalf of the club to see how he was doing and see if we could offer him any help.
Alan thanked everyone who have helped out with the clubhouse decorating and kitchen replacement.
3. Minutes of the Last Meeting
It was agreed that the minutes were a true account, apart from two date corrections: The Cavendish Cup will take place on 7th August and NOT 5th August and the BBQ Fun Day will be held on 21st August and NOT 21st July. There were also a couple of typo’s, Hoxham should have read Hoxne and Wandsworth-Jones should read Wansborough-Jones.
4. Secretary’s Report
Fiona said that Shotford was not going to provide any food this season and would not expect any in return when playing away games, she said this also applied to Scole and Diss. It was agreed that these clubs would be contacted at least 3 days prior to playing at our green to see if they would like food if we provided it. She said that the affiliation fee for the EBA and NBA have remained the same as last year. Information had been received about the Border league singles tournament being held on 18th June, 3 entries were allowed from each club. It was agreed that any information on tournaments should be put up in the club changing room for members to see. Sally said she had been unaware of previous tournaments but she would have liked the chance to have entered.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Steve said there had been a lot of expenditure this month e.g., green surround, lawn mower cassette kitchen and clubhouse decoration. The account now stands at £6306.77 and tour account £2287. Alan said the club should send a letter of thanks to Mr Ellis for the excellent work he did on the 2 green borders. Ivan asked what plans have we for the other 2 sides, the committee agreed these would be addressed at a later date when funds were available. Steve said he had received letters from the electric supplier about installation of a new metre. Pete said that it was worth having them replaced as they were old and he would liaise with the electric supplier himself.
Sid Heapy had passed on the receipt book to Steve for the collection of monies from the local businesses who had their advertisement boards at the club. It was agreed that we continue with the personal touch this year and visit the local businesses to collect their £25. Fiona said that Steve Garry and Steve Myers had shown an interest on taking this job on It was also discussed whether we ask Tim Garrett for more money for their sponsorship this year as the club shirts were worn by the indoor bowls players, so they get lots of advertising for their money. Steve Becket will write to them.
Club shirts were also discussed, Ivan will look into how much a minimum order would cost with the existing supplier who already have the design. Ivan will also put information in the Sexton Wheel about the Bingo and the Open afternoon/roll up.
6. Green Report
The first cut took place on 28th February and also the scarifying. The ground is still really wet. Rex Lockwood and Pete are going to design a sieve to clean the rubber to go back into the ditch. Chris from Wilimott will come to the green to give advice on what is needed to get rid of the worms. Elaine asked whether the man who did the wooden board surrounds wanted to advertise his business. Pete said Mr Ellis had made enquires as to the price of the advertising board but had not taken it any further. Pete was also asked if Wilimott were also asked about advertising, the answer was no. The new boards will need marking out and Pete said he and Rex had discussed using plastic markers instead of paint.
Elaine enquired to whether a skip had been ordered to get rid of the old kitchen units and other rubbish. Pete said we would need to hire one for same day collection as it will be placed in the car park, so once filled it can be taken away so not to disrupt the parking. Steve said he knew a family member who might be able to collect the old fridge and cooker and take to the tip, he would enquire and let us know
7. A.O.B
Roll-up /Open Afternoon
It was decided this will take place on Sunday 24th April at 2pm. It was suggested that everyone whether playing or not should bring their bowls up to enable any potential new members use of suitable bowls.
Presentation Evening
This will now take place on Friday 25th March, it was felt it would prove to be a more popular evening. There will be a choice of fish, chicken or sausage and chips, Steve will enquire to the price and an email will be sent to members to see who will be attending on the evening. Pete said he still needed to get the bottles of wine for the runner up prizes. It was agreed that we continue as before and just give these to the runner ups only.
Bingo
This will take place on Friday 22nd April at the Village Hall 6.30 for 7pm start, a full book will cost £6 and individual strips £1. We will ask local business for donations and club members will be asked to bring a bingo prize along to the presentation evening.
Long Stratton Town Council have enquired whether the Bowls Club would like to take part in their summer event to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee on 4th June. We will reply and let them know that the club will open our gate to members of the general public on that day.
With nothing further to discuss Alan Scholes closed the meeting at 8.20pm.
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY 28th FEBRUARY 2022 (Village Hall)
1. Opening of Meeting
The Chairman Alan Scholes opened the meeting at 7.00pm. The following members were present: Lennie Thompson, Steve Beckett, Pete Smith, Sally Lovett, Ivan Warne, Catherine Savage, Elaine Saunders, Fiona Barlow.
2. Apologies: Martin Sparkes
Martin has resigned as a member on the committee as he is unable to make the meetings and help out at the moment due to his health, he will continue to play bowls when he can. Alan asked if anyone had been in contact with Martin or who knew how he was getting on after his Stroke. Alan suggested a letter was sent to him on behalf of the club to see how he was doing and see if we could offer him any help.
Alan thanked everyone who have helped out with the clubhouse decorating and kitchen replacement.
3. Minutes of the Last Meeting
It was agreed that the minutes were a true account, apart from two date corrections: The Cavendish Cup will take place on 7th August and NOT 5th August and the BBQ Fun Day will be held on 21st August and NOT 21st July. There were also a couple of typo’s, Hoxham should have read Hoxne and Wandsworth-Jones should read Wansborough-Jones.
4. Secretary’s Report
Fiona said that Shotford was not going to provide any food this season and would not expect any in return when playing away games, she said this also applied to Scole and Diss. It was agreed that these clubs would be contacted at least 3 days prior to playing at our green to see if they would like food if we provided it. She said that the affiliation fee for the EBA and NBA have remained the same as last year. Information had been received about the Border league singles tournament being held on 18th June, 3 entries were allowed from each club. It was agreed that any information on tournaments should be put up in the club changing room for members to see. Sally said she had been unaware of previous tournaments but she would have liked the chance to have entered.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Steve said there had been a lot of expenditure this month e.g., green surround, lawn mower cassette kitchen and clubhouse decoration. The account now stands at £6306.77 and tour account £2287. Alan said the club should send a letter of thanks to Mr Ellis for the excellent work he did on the 2 green borders. Ivan asked what plans have we for the other 2 sides, the committee agreed these would be addressed at a later date when funds were available. Steve said he had received letters from the electric supplier about installation of a new metre. Pete said that it was worth having them replaced as they were old and he would liaise with the electric supplier himself.
Sid Heapy had passed on the receipt book to Steve for the collection of monies from the local businesses who had their advertisement boards at the club. It was agreed that we continue with the personal touch this year and visit the local businesses to collect their £25. Fiona said that Steve Garry and Steve Myers had shown an interest on taking this job on It was also discussed whether we ask Tim Garrett for more money for their sponsorship this year as the club shirts were worn by the indoor bowls players, so they get lots of advertising for their money. Steve Becket will write to them.
Club shirts were also discussed, Ivan will look into how much a minimum order would cost with the existing supplier who already have the design. Ivan will also put information in the Sexton Wheel about the Bingo and the Open afternoon/roll up.
6. Green Report
The first cut took place on 28th February and also the scarifying. The ground is still really wet. Rex Lockwood and Pete are going to design a sieve to clean the rubber to go back into the ditch. Chris from Wilimott will come to the green to give advice on what is needed to get rid of the worms. Elaine asked whether the man who did the wooden board surrounds wanted to advertise his business. Pete said Mr Ellis had made enquires as to the price of the advertising board but had not taken it any further. Pete was also asked if Wilimott were also asked about advertising, the answer was no. The new boards will need marking out and Pete said he and Rex had discussed using plastic markers instead of paint.
Elaine enquired to whether a skip had been ordered to get rid of the old kitchen units and other rubbish. Pete said we would need to hire one for same day collection as it will be placed in the car park, so once filled it can be taken away so not to disrupt the parking. Steve said he knew a family member who might be able to collect the old fridge and cooker and take to the tip, he would enquire and let us know
7. A.O.B
Roll-up /Open Afternoon
It was decided this will take place on Sunday 24th April at 2pm. It was suggested that everyone whether playing or not should bring their bowls up to enable any potential new members use of suitable bowls.
Presentation Evening
This will now take place on Friday 25th March, it was felt it would prove to be a more popular evening. There will be a choice of fish, chicken or sausage and chips, Steve will enquire to the price and an email will be sent to members to see who will be attending on the evening. Pete said he still needed to get the bottles of wine for the runner up prizes. It was agreed that we continue as before and just give these to the runner ups only.
Bingo
This will take place on Friday 22nd April at the Village Hall 6.30 for 7pm start, a full book will cost £6 and individual strips £1. We will ask local business for donations and club members will be asked to bring a bingo prize along to the presentation evening.
Long Stratton Town Council have enquired whether the Bowls Club would like to take part in their summer event to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee on 4th June. We will reply and let them know that the club will open our gate to members of the general public on that day.
With nothing further to discuss Alan Scholes closed the meeting at 8.20pm.
LONG STRATTON BOWLS CLUB
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY 24th JANUARY 2022 (Village Hall)
1. Opening of Meeting
The Chairman Alan Scholes opened the meeting at 7.00pm. The following members
were present:
Lennie Thompson, Steve Beckett, Pete Smith, Sally Lovett, Ivan Warne, Catherine
Savage, Elaine Saunders, Fiona Barlow.
Apologies: Martin Sparkes
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
It was agreed that the minutes were a true account of the meeting. Alan asked Pete
whether anything had been done about the problem with the worms on the green as
mentioned at the last meeting. Pete said that no chemicals had been put down on the
green yet, the weather needs to change, when it's drier in the next few weeks we can
see what happens. Alan mentioned to the committee about the minutes being
circulated to all club members, the committee agreed, Pete said he would publish them
on the website.
3. Treasurer Report
Steve Beckett circulated a copy of the end of year signed accounts. He said that the
expenses are consistent every year, the income from the bar was good, we had
£12,653 in the current account and £2,287.19 in the tour account. He said the club
can't get complacent, we have regular outgoings for the green each year and we
mustn’t forget we had received a 10k grant during COVID. Pete said there would be
£1,300 to pay for the mower cassette which will be ordered from Ben Burgess, there
is also payment for the green surround. We are currently having a loss of between
2.5k - 3k each year. Alan asked the committee if it was about time that we combined
the tour account with the current account. Sally said if the money isn't owed to
anyone from previous tours, it was a good idea to combine but Lennie said we should
leave it as it was for another year as we are still in a pandemic and there could be a
tour organised in future. It was agreed by the committee to do this but subsidise the
trip to Cavendish from the fund this year e.g., a coach.
Steve has asked Alison Thomas our local councillor whether there was any grant
available, she said they had run out of money for this year but to try again in April.
The committee agreed they were happy to accept the accounts.
4. Report from Secretary
Fiona said she had sent her apologies to David Wood prior to the AGM of the UWL and
to the secretary for the EBA. Pete attended the Border league AGM, the decision was
to stay with 3 rinks (9 players) and there would be no catering provided by Diss &
District or Scole as they were struggling to get people to do the food (the bar wouldstill be open). Pete said the decision has been taken to keep to 3 rinks as a couple of
clubs had said they would leave the league if we went back to 12 players this season.
Causeway and Hoxham had both left the border league. Pete and Sally attended the
AGM for the South Norfolk league, Trevor Howling has taken over as secretary.
Fiona had the fixtures for the EBA league and the Bale and Fermoy cup, the Border
league would start on 29th April. The email contact for the Long Stratton club
secretary has changed to lsbcsec@yahoo.com this would make it much easier to pass
on to a future secretary.
5. Green Keepers Report (Pete Smith retired)
The new wooden surround to the green is looking good. The man is doing a great job
and he will lay the concrete shortly. He asked for an interim payment of 2k, we have
already given him 1k and there is around another 2k left to pay on completion of the
work.
Pete has had a word with Tom the groundsman for the playing field about the cutting
of the green, he said he could only do this on an evening. It takes around 1hr to cut
the green which needs doing 3 times a week, normally on a Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. The green will be cut in March and then scarified. The working party won’t
be needed until mid-March. The committee discussed the urgency of finding someone
to take on the maintenance of the green as Pete had retired. There was discussion
about club members lending a hand to cut the green. Fiona said Rex was more than
happy to continue to cut and Sally said she would ask Paul if he could spare some time
once a week which he then confirmed he could, Ivan also was happy to help. The
cost of employing an independent green keeper would be around £45 a week. It was
put to the committee that members cutting the green could forego their club
membership for the year. The committee agreed.
6. Any Other Business
Collection of Sponsorship Money
Alan thanked Bob Harvey and Sid Heapy on behalf of the committee for collecting the
advertising monies from the businesses. We would now need someone to take over.
Bob said the personal touch of visiting each business to collect the money was better
than a letter, it was decided that should continue this year but have a rethink for next
year. Fiona will email members to ask for volunteers to take this on.
Dates were pencilled in for the handbook
➢ Green working party weekend 19th & 20th March
➢ Presentation Evening 26th March
➢ Easter Bingo 22nd April
➢ Wandsworth Jones 12th June
➢ Tom Hubbard 10th July
➢ BBQ fun day 21st July
➢ Cavendish 5th August
➢ Gwen cup 4th SeptemberUpdate on kitchen
The old kitchen had been removed, the walls had been painted (paint provided by
Sally), with just the ceiling to do, volunteers were needed for this (an email had been
sent out to club members), then the flooring could then be laid, and the units installed.
Presentation evening
It was agreed to have the presentation in the clubhouse with a fish and chip takeaway.
This would be a nice way of introducing the newly revamped kitchen and an
opportunity to ask for members to bring along prizes for the Easter bingo. Pete had
the trophy’s engraved at a cost of £221.50, he still needed to get the wine for the
runner up prizes. Steve said all fees had been collected from the competitions.
Easter Bingo
This would take place on 22nd April in the village hall, Sally said she would organise
the advertising for this event.
New membership
Fiona said she and Rex on their travels knew of 5 couples interested in possibly joining
the club, their thoughts were for the club to maybe offer reduced membership for the
first year and the club also to buy some small bowls for the ladies to use on the roll
up/bring a friend along day. Sally said she had some bowls that could be borrowed
on the day, as had Cathy and Fiona. Ebay could be the best way of sourcing some
cheap ones for the club. Ivan suggested advertising the club in the village magazine,
members agreed this was a good idea. Lennie said we should get people interested
in joining the club up on the green as soon as it is prepped for use, he was willing to
spend time on the green introducing the game to potential members.
7. Close of meeting
With nothing further to discuss the meeting was closed by Alan at 8.15pm
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY 24th JANUARY 2022 (Village Hall)
1. Opening of Meeting
The Chairman Alan Scholes opened the meeting at 7.00pm. The following members
were present:
Lennie Thompson, Steve Beckett, Pete Smith, Sally Lovett, Ivan Warne, Catherine
Savage, Elaine Saunders, Fiona Barlow.
Apologies: Martin Sparkes
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
It was agreed that the minutes were a true account of the meeting. Alan asked Pete
whether anything had been done about the problem with the worms on the green as
mentioned at the last meeting. Pete said that no chemicals had been put down on the
green yet, the weather needs to change, when it's drier in the next few weeks we can
see what happens. Alan mentioned to the committee about the minutes being
circulated to all club members, the committee agreed, Pete said he would publish them
on the website.
3. Treasurer Report
Steve Beckett circulated a copy of the end of year signed accounts. He said that the
expenses are consistent every year, the income from the bar was good, we had
£12,653 in the current account and £2,287.19 in the tour account. He said the club
can't get complacent, we have regular outgoings for the green each year and we
mustn’t forget we had received a 10k grant during COVID. Pete said there would be
£1,300 to pay for the mower cassette which will be ordered from Ben Burgess, there
is also payment for the green surround. We are currently having a loss of between
2.5k - 3k each year. Alan asked the committee if it was about time that we combined
the tour account with the current account. Sally said if the money isn't owed to
anyone from previous tours, it was a good idea to combine but Lennie said we should
leave it as it was for another year as we are still in a pandemic and there could be a
tour organised in future. It was agreed by the committee to do this but subsidise the
trip to Cavendish from the fund this year e.g., a coach.
Steve has asked Alison Thomas our local councillor whether there was any grant
available, she said they had run out of money for this year but to try again in April.
The committee agreed they were happy to accept the accounts.
4. Report from Secretary
Fiona said she had sent her apologies to David Wood prior to the AGM of the UWL and
to the secretary for the EBA. Pete attended the Border league AGM, the decision was
to stay with 3 rinks (9 players) and there would be no catering provided by Diss &
District or Scole as they were struggling to get people to do the food (the bar wouldstill be open). Pete said the decision has been taken to keep to 3 rinks as a couple of
clubs had said they would leave the league if we went back to 12 players this season.
Causeway and Hoxham had both left the border league. Pete and Sally attended the
AGM for the South Norfolk league, Trevor Howling has taken over as secretary.
Fiona had the fixtures for the EBA league and the Bale and Fermoy cup, the Border
league would start on 29th April. The email contact for the Long Stratton club
secretary has changed to lsbcsec@yahoo.com this would make it much easier to pass
on to a future secretary.
5. Green Keepers Report (Pete Smith retired)
The new wooden surround to the green is looking good. The man is doing a great job
and he will lay the concrete shortly. He asked for an interim payment of 2k, we have
already given him 1k and there is around another 2k left to pay on completion of the
work.
Pete has had a word with Tom the groundsman for the playing field about the cutting
of the green, he said he could only do this on an evening. It takes around 1hr to cut
the green which needs doing 3 times a week, normally on a Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. The green will be cut in March and then scarified. The working party won’t
be needed until mid-March. The committee discussed the urgency of finding someone
to take on the maintenance of the green as Pete had retired. There was discussion
about club members lending a hand to cut the green. Fiona said Rex was more than
happy to continue to cut and Sally said she would ask Paul if he could spare some time
once a week which he then confirmed he could, Ivan also was happy to help. The
cost of employing an independent green keeper would be around £45 a week. It was
put to the committee that members cutting the green could forego their club
membership for the year. The committee agreed.
6. Any Other Business
Collection of Sponsorship Money
Alan thanked Bob Harvey and Sid Heapy on behalf of the committee for collecting the
advertising monies from the businesses. We would now need someone to take over.
Bob said the personal touch of visiting each business to collect the money was better
than a letter, it was decided that should continue this year but have a rethink for next
year. Fiona will email members to ask for volunteers to take this on.
Dates were pencilled in for the handbook
➢ Green working party weekend 19th & 20th March
➢ Presentation Evening 26th March
➢ Easter Bingo 22nd April
➢ Wandsworth Jones 12th June
➢ Tom Hubbard 10th July
➢ BBQ fun day 21st July
➢ Cavendish 5th August
➢ Gwen cup 4th SeptemberUpdate on kitchen
The old kitchen had been removed, the walls had been painted (paint provided by
Sally), with just the ceiling to do, volunteers were needed for this (an email had been
sent out to club members), then the flooring could then be laid, and the units installed.
Presentation evening
It was agreed to have the presentation in the clubhouse with a fish and chip takeaway.
This would be a nice way of introducing the newly revamped kitchen and an
opportunity to ask for members to bring along prizes for the Easter bingo. Pete had
the trophy’s engraved at a cost of £221.50, he still needed to get the wine for the
runner up prizes. Steve said all fees had been collected from the competitions.
Easter Bingo
This would take place on 22nd April in the village hall, Sally said she would organise
the advertising for this event.
New membership
Fiona said she and Rex on their travels knew of 5 couples interested in possibly joining
the club, their thoughts were for the club to maybe offer reduced membership for the
first year and the club also to buy some small bowls for the ladies to use on the roll
up/bring a friend along day. Sally said she had some bowls that could be borrowed
on the day, as had Cathy and Fiona. Ebay could be the best way of sourcing some
cheap ones for the club. Ivan suggested advertising the club in the village magazine,
members agreed this was a good idea. Lennie said we should get people interested
in joining the club up on the green as soon as it is prepped for use, he was willing to
spend time on the green introducing the game to potential members.
7. Close of meeting
With nothing further to discuss the meeting was closed by Alan at 8.15pm
