21st March 2020

Dear Member            

Important Announcement about Coronavirus

In the light of the current situation, the EBC Committee have agreed the following:

Fixtures, league competitions, internal competitions and Club Roll-ups are suspended until further notice. No fixture card will be printed at this time. Clubs with whom fixtures have been arranged for the 2020 season are in process of being advised. Harrow & District have cancelled their competitions and other leagues are expected to cancel theirs shortly if they haven’t already. The situation will be reviewed by the Committee at the end of May and members advised.

All scheduled Club events are suspended until further notice. Open Day is cancelled and the Club will not be responsible for any further organised events for the time being, including Ploughman’s Lunch, Coffee Mornings, Shortmat bowling, etc. Again the situation will be reviewed at the end of May.  It is not proposed to stock The Fridge. We understand that LBH will continue to maintain the green but due to staff shortages it may not be playable until sometime in May. Members are reminded of current Government guidance, especially relating to social distancing and the increased risks facing the over 70’s (please see the end of this announcement).  It will come as no surprise to learn that, currently, of the 101 club members, 66 are over 70!

Membership Fees: Despite not being operational for the immediate future, the Club still faces significant costs. We are trying to reduce them as much as possible, but we still need funding. As there is no certainty about being able to hold social events this year, we are totally reliant on Member’s fees to keep the club solvent and in a fit state to be fully active as soon as the crisis has passed. Notwithstanding BowlsEngland’s advice to continue to charge full fees, in recognition of the restrictions we all face but to keep the Club going as a viable operation for when we can fully enjoy life again, members are urged to renew their membership at the reduced cost of £75 for Playing Members & £10 for Social Members. This should  generate sufficient funds to meet most of our ongoing liabilities.

Subs Day is cancelled. Nobody will be at the Club on 3rd April to receive forms and fees. No revised forms will be provided: please amend the forms previously issued to reflect the reduced fees. You may include 100 Club entries, but do not include any fees for Club Competitions – forms and money to be sent to Mike Milward by 3rd April per the instructions on the form – as appropriate, bank transfer, email or delivery to 63 Ferncroft Avenue HA4 9JE. Lisa & David Levy have kindly offered to collect cheques & forms from any member having difficulties in getting out and about, and will deliver them to Mike – please ring them on  020 8841 5704 or ring/text on 07919 376188 or 07977 303461. Or ring/text me on 07720 467665.

This announcement has been sent to all members by email and by post to members without registered email addresses. It is also on the EBC website (a copy can be download here to print or save) and displayed on noticeboards at the Club.  Please contact me or any Committee member on points arising or if you would like help in any way.

John Armstrong, Secretary

On behalf of the Committee, Eastcote Bowling Club

  

Extract from BBC News website as at 20/03/20 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing means avoiding unnecessary contact with other people.

It means spending less time in public places, where a lot of people are around.

Everyone is now advised to follow self-distancing measures, especially the over-70s, pregnant women and adults normally eligible for a flu jab.

How to self-distance

• Work from home whenever possible
• Avoid all unnecessary travel
• Stay away from pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues
• Avoid gatherings with friends and families wherever possible

What am I allowed to do when social distancing?

• You can go for a walk or run outdoors if you stay 2m (6ft) away from others
• You can see family and friends if it's essential
• You can walk your dog
• You can provide essential care for elderly relatives and neighbours if you have no symptoms
• You can go to the shops to buy food and groceries