2021 season is all ready to roll
Blairgowrie club matches on under guidelines
Excitement is building ahead of the opening of the green at Blairgowrie Bowling Club at 1pm on Saturday next week.
Guidance from governing body Bowls Scotland, issued in line with the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, means that there will be no official opening ceremony this year.
Only singles and pairs matches are permitted for the time being, with play allowed providing physical distancing is maintained and a booking system is used.
The booking system will be overseen by match secretary Amanda Easson, who is the east Perthshire club’s Covid-19 officer and is also responsible for the necessary risk assessments, safety and hygiene protocols, Test and Protect contact system and ensuring the special rules in terms of the action on the green itself are adhered to.
She said: “While the clubhouse and bar will remain closed, access to toilet facilities is allowed.
“One-off access to storage areas and locker rooms is allowed to retrieve personal equipment which is essential.
“Personal equipment should not be returned to these areas. Where equipment cannot be reasonably taken home and is stored on site, access to retrieve and return such equipment to storage areas is allowed if appropriate risk assessments are undertaken.
“Facemasks must be used in indoor facilities at all times.”
Amanda added: “Under current guidance only singles and pairs can be played, with physical distancing maintained.
“Play is only allowed under a booking system, which will be available on the website or by contacting myself.
“Spectating is allowed following Bowls Scotland and club guidance, which means numbers will therefore be limited.”
Bowls Scotland has said national competitions, as well as the Andrew Hamilton Trophy and Ladies Top 10, have been cancelled for the 2021 season.
Locally, the Angus and Perthshire Ladies Bowling Association competitions and Perth and Perthshire Ladies competitions will also not take place.
Amanda continued: “While this is disappointing it is not unexpected given the current circumstances.
“Internal competitions are not allowed at this current time, but we hope that these will be allowed at some time during the season.”
Blairgowrie secretary Betty Harper joined the club in 2017 and said the sport is open to all.
She said: “I joined Blairgowrie Bowling Club at the end of 2017 having never played lawn bowls before.
“This will be my fourth outdoor season and I must say I am now well and truly hooked.
“I received a warm welcome and members were always on hand with helpful advice and support.
“This is a sport open to all genders, ages and abilities. Coaching sessions within the club are also available.
“For those looking more at the social side, before Covid-19 we had an extensive social life within the club – including social evenings, whist afternoons, pool, darts, and Friday night bingo, to name a few of the activities.
“It is our hope that we will eventually be able to get back to all of these and more.
“Whether you are playing or just enjoying the social side, it is a great way to make new friends.
“If anyone would like to give bowls a try, contact
Amanda or myself to arrange a session.”
Amanda also said anyone wishing to discuss any points in relation to safety as a result of the coronavirus pandemic can send her an email via matchsec@blairgowriebc.co.uk or call 07449 940577 to discuss the arrangements.
Membership fees for 2021/22 have been set at £25 for new members and second year members, while it’s £50 for those in their third year or longer with the club.
Social membership is £15 and junior membership is free.
The cut-off age for junior membership is 16 years.