New Floor Appeal

We are currently awaiting the results of our first two Grant applications, which are due just after Christmas.  A third Grant application has been made to Awards for All.  The Committee is still determined to programme the work for the summer of 2016.

As of 1st December, the fund is nearing £4,000.  This has been boosted with profits from the Coffee Morning, Films and Quiz Night.

We will continue with other fundraising events in the New Year.

Current refurbishment programme - now complete!

We have, over the past three months, completed a refurbishment programme, which includes the following:

• two new porches.These will protect the doors (replaced last year) from the weather, and provide an area when raining to shake umbrellas before entering. A new light has been placed under the main entrance porch to make it easier to find the lock, when leaving at night;

• widening of the path to the emergency double doors for easier wheelchair access;

• draught proofing of the emergency double doors;

• installation of additional flood lights over the path and the car park;

• all but two of the internal lights have been changed to low-energy units to reduce running costs;

• redecoration of the main hall, kitchen, toilets, foyer and meeting room (see note below);

• refurbishment of the ladies and gents toilets;

• installation of a movement sensor on the cistern water supply in the gents toilet, to reduce water consumption;

• installation of an emergency pull in the disabled toilet with an alarm light in the foyer and the main hall;

• installation of additional power points in the kitchen and a new electrical mains, to avoid overloading the circuit and blowing the fuses;

• installation of smoke and burglar alarms which are connected to a 24 hour monitoring centre;

• installation of new fire blanket in the kitchen; and

• purchase of new curtains for the main hall.

These works have all been funded by a grant from CEMEX.

Note:

Some people have expressed surprise at the redecoration when the plan is to replace the floor.  This decision was taken because:

• we had already received Grant money to do this before we knew of the problems with the existing floor;

• any redecoration after the floor replacement will be limited;

• if we did not use it, the money would have to be returned;

• while we are hoping to replace the floor mid-2016, if we are unable to get funding, this will be delayed;

• the condition of the decoration was poor and we were concerned we would lose bookings if it continued to deteriorate; and

• the limited cost of redecoration following the floor replacement, has been included in our costings to replace the floor.

Short Mat Bowls

The number of members continues to grow; however, there are still opportunities for those of you who wish to try out a new sport!  All you need is flat pair of rubber soled shoes.  Your first session is free and all the other equipment is provided.

While the aim of the Club is more of a social than of a competitive nature, after a reasonably successful Summer League, the Club has entered the Winter League for the first time.  Despite forecasts of doom and gloom, the results show both an encouraging and improving pattern.  Well done!

Summary of results (all are 4 games):

And in a Friendly away match against Bushley (6 games):

AND FINALLY . . .

Thank you for your continued support and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!