Morning all

Everything is in order for opening the greens on Friday, based on the go ahead from Scotland’s First Minister this afternoon.

As you know we have to stick to the guidelines issued by Bowls Scotland in maintaining social distancing, hygiene, safety, etc and I’ll admit it has been a huge challenge for the Committee to put all measures in place to offer our members the chance to get back bowling.

Greens have been cut, settings are in place (DO NOT TOUCH THE SETTINGS IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE) and I’m delighted to say that we have increased the rinks that will be available for each time slot to 8 (EIGHT) instead of 6. It is an unknown demand as to how many want to play but to offer more rinks gives more members the chance to play, especially with the hot weather expected this weekend and most people still off work. If the demand is not there then we can drop back to the 6 rinks.

We have a booking system in place where a member has to visit the website to book a rink. The time slots are 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 19:00. To maintain fairness each member is restricted to booking only one rink on any given day but you can book a rink in advance, up to three days ahead. Once you submit a booking a confirmation email is issued if successful. If you are unable to access/use the website then please contact a Committee member who will be able to check availability and book a rink for you.

Due to the maximum two households on a rink rule, bookings will be checked and cancelled if these rules are being broken on the booking form. So in order to avoid any disappointment please make sure you stick to the two household rule.

On the day of your bowling time report to the Club 10/15 minutes before you are due to play. You will be met by a member of the Committee who will tell you to follow the arrows, guiding you to the right of the Clubhouse and round to the greens. Once all players have arrived for the specific time slot the front gate will be padlocked. THERE ARE NO VISITORS OR SPECTATORS ALLOWED.

If you need your bowls etc from the locker room – you have a one time opportunity to get what you need as you will be taking your bowls etc home with you when you finish. The locker room as well as toilets, members lounge etc are all to remain closed as it is only the greens that are allowed to be open.

If you bring any food and drink then you are responsible for making sure you take all rubbish away with you. NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED and smoking is discouraged.

Once your time slot is up, after 2.5 hours, then return your jack and mats and place then on the path between both greens. Change your shoes and then leave the Club with your bowls and bowling shoes etc. This then gives the bowling police time to get jacks and mats disinfected which have just been used and prepare for the next session with new mats and jacks.

I would like to thank the Committee for getting together and putting a plan in action to allow bowling. Not sure how many Clubs in Edinburgh will be bowling but we know Bainfield are not opening in phase 1.

This is a chance to show that we can all work together and enjoy the bowling so let’s all stick to the rules and guidelines otherwise any breaches could result in the offer of bowling being removed.

Let’s make this a success as we take small steps to get back to hopefully having the Club open and fully functioning in the near future.

The booking a rink will go live at 19:00 if the green light is given.