Barnard Castle Bowls Club
REPAIRS have been completed to the club’s vandalised green with the players still hopeful of some action this summer.
Just prior to the lockdown, the green, within the grounds of The Bowes Museum, was left rutted in a deliberate attack.
Following the coronavirus lockdown, the museum and its grounds have become no-go areas to the public.
However, the club has arranged access to ensure the green is looked after.
The club’s John Tallentire explained: “Prior to lockdown I managed to negotiate access for essential maintenance.
“This is enabling the grass to be cut and the worm casts kept down.”
He added: “Our dedicated green keepers are following distancing guidelines with one doing the green and one doing the surrounds once a week.
“I’m pleased to say that they have reported no further damage or signs of human activity, although apparently someone was spotted lifting their dog over the wall and climbing over after it.
“The grass is being kept longer than the playing length but if or when the lockdown is lifted it can be quickly brought up to playing standard.”
When that resumption might be, no-one is sure.
“Our season is due to finish on September 13 so I would like to think we might get some bowling in before then,” said Mr Tallentire.
“The Darlington District Leagues that we play in have their turnaround at the beginning of July and I would think that if we haven’t played by then the leagues will be cancelled for this year.
“As a club, one factor we have to take into account is the age of our membership which last season averaged about 70.
“Having had a look at their ages and looking at some of them they are probably ‘at risk’ for one reason or another – but I couldn’t possibly say that, or could I,” he joked.
“I’m sure they will have been working out at home to be in peak condition ready, like well oiled machines to take to the green when allowed.”
The club is sad to report the death of another stalwart, Maurice Forster, who was a member since 1984 and club president from 1988-94.
Maurice, along with his late wife Jean, took a great interest in the club, organising and supporting various competitions and remaining in touch when their playing days were over as honorary members.
