Chipping Norton Indoor Section - Newsletter – Mid March 2023
The indoor committee met recently to discuss the closing requirements for the current season and to reflect on the season we had.
We currently have 143 members, which is an increase from last year, whilst other bowls clubs in the county have not done so well. John Cook reports that a full list of fixtures has been secured for the new season starting on 1 October 2023.
Members will be pleased to learn that a decision has been reached for replacing the out-dated gas heating system and ventilation arrangements during the summer months, subject to getting planning permission from WODC. We are replacing the tired and expensive gas heating system to an energy efficient air to air heat pump electrical system which will not release carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Whilst retaining an element of fresh coming in through the ventilation system, 75% of our heated air will also be recycled to reduce energy costs. The new system will be much cleaner and quieter than the existing system, so players can communicate better with each other. The Capital cost of this is a big investment for the club, but we feel the longer term benefits will reduce our risks and hopefully our costs.
Aware of the costs involved to replace the heating, the indoor committee will be recommending that membership fees should increase to £75 for the next indoor season, although green fees may remain at £3 per session and fixture with other clubs, including tea and biscuits will be £5 for all participants.
The league season is now into its’ final weeks and the standard of play has shown significant improvements for many bowlers from the start of the season. This has reflected in the club’s performance in the Wessex League as well as performances in county comps, plus 19 individuals have been selected to represent the county during the season. Well done to everyone.
Over the next week, I will be passing registration forms out to all Team Captains from the 55 teams in our internal leagues, so that they can start planning for the next season. Watch out for these forms in the pigeon holes on the way into the club. Early preparations made now are a good way of securing your squad before we all return to our summer outdoor clubs and reduces the frantic action required next September.
At the Indoor Section’s annual meeting on Thursday, 6 April at 7 pm, there will be a proposal to extend the handicapping system to four more leagues next season to make the games closer and more enjoyable. This follows a trial this year on Tuesday evenings for an individual based handicapping system and this has been successful. The addition of handicaps may apply to the Monday open pairs League and three triple leagues on Wed mornings, Friday mornings and Friday evening. If you have any views on this, whether supportive or against, please come and voice your thoughts and join in the discussion and cast your vote.
The end of season Presentation Night will be from 7 pm on Thursday, 13 April at the club, where refreshments will be available. League and Competition winners will be recognised and this will be a good social evening marking the end of the indoor season. A notice will appear shortly on a notice-board so that we know how many to cater for. May I appeal to all winners from last year, to return any club trophies that were taken home, before the end of March please?
Paul Demczak, our Wessex team selector, recognises the outstanding season enjoyed by Chipping Norton players, after defeating the Cotswold B team 15-1 with over 100 shots for our team to secure third place, which is our best performance in the last ten years and put us above local rivals Carterton BC.
I hope you found this newsletter informative and I’d like to encourage you all to attend the annual meeting and to contribute to building on this for the next season. Thank You.
John Hurren
Chairman of the Indoor Committee.
