Mid-Season Update (Newsletter)

As we move into the second half of the outdoor season, there is plenty to celebrate at Horley Bowling Club. Our teams continue to compete strongly across a number of leagues, members have enjoyed success in county competitions, exciting improvement projects are moving forward, and our thriving youth section continues to go from strength to strength.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the Club, whether by playing, volunteering or supporting events. Your commitment helps make Horley Bowling Club the welcoming and successful club it is.

A special welcome to everyone who has joined Horley Bowling Club this season. We hope you have enjoyed getting involved in Club life, making new friends and experiencing both the social and competitive sides of bowling. We look forward to seeing you on the green and at our social events throughout the rest of the season.

A big thank you to our Green Team for their continued hard work maintaining the grounds. Despite the recent weather, the grass is holding up well and the green continues to look in great condition thanks to their dedication. We would ask you are careful when getting on and off because the edges are suffering in this extreme heat.

The men’s teams continue to enjoy another competitive season.

Current league positions
• 6th – East Surrey League (ESL)
• 2nd – Border League
• 7th – ESL Triples

Although it looks unlikely that we will retain the Border League title this year, we can all be proud of having won the championship for the previous four consecutive seasons—a fantastic achievement.

There is still plenty to play for during the remainder of the season, particularly in the ESL and Triples competitions. We would also welcome more members putting their names down to play in the Triples League.

Our ladies continue to perform extremely well across all competitions.

Current positions
• 5th – NDL
• Approximately 5th – ESLL
• 1st – Nellie Mercer (following several excellent recent victories)
• 6th & 8th – Jubilee League teams

Congratulations to everyone representing the Club throughout the season.

Well done to everyone who entered the Surrey County competitions this year.

Congratulations especially to our members who have earned their Surrey County Badge:
• Mel Hoskins
• Colin Squires
• Mark Clark

Achieving a Surrey Badge is a significant honour and reflects the high standard of bowling within Horley Bowling Club.

Following the recent Extraordinary General Meeting, members approved the first phase of the Club Improvement Project.

The project includes:
• Improved pathways
• Better accessibility around the Club
• New access steps
• Relocation of the maintenance shed
• A new spectator area

Planning permission will now be sought before work begins. A project group has been established to oversee quotations, contractor appointments and the delivery of the scheme.

The Committee is also hoping to recruit a volunteer Project Manager to assist during the works.

The youth section is going from strength to strength.

Highlights include:
• Membership has reached its current capacity of 16 young bowlers.
• Our recent Open Day attracted both junior and adult members.
• Horley has been accepted onto Bowls England’s three-year Youth Development Programme, providing coaching support, equipment, funding opportunities and ongoing development.
• Horsham Bowling Club has visited to learn more about our successful youth programme.
• Discussions continue regarding hosting additional county youth events.

Congratulations and thanks to Sarah, Liz and the coaching team for their outstanding work.

As the section grows, the Club would welcome additional volunteer coaches and safeguarding officers.

The 10:00 sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings provide relaxed opportunities to meet with other members of the Club under the umbrella of the Friendship League. There is an open roll-up on Tuesdays and the Friendship League, which has a competitive element, is played on Thursdays. We break for tea and biscuits half-way through which gives players a chance to get to know each other and make friends. Both days are thriving with strong attendance.

Even more exciting is the Table Games session on Wednesday mornings where the numbers are going through the roof. This is an alternative activity for social members and those less able to cope with playing outdoors, particularly in the extreme weather conditions we have been facing recently. Bowls and Games are not mutually exclusive, indeed there are days when both are played at the same time – all members welcome always.

Over-80s Bowling & Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 1 September

Members who no longer play regularly are invited to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of friendly bowling, afternoon tea and catching up with old friends.

Invitations will be sent by both email and post where appropriate, with details also displayed on the clubhouse noticeboard.

New Clubhouse Chairs
Around 30 replacement chairs have now been approved and will shortly be purchased to match the existing furniture.

Honours Boards
The honours boards will be updated at the end of the outdoor season to include this year’s competition winners and achievements.

Trophy Cabinet
The Club has been kindly offered a trophy cabinet by Brian Farley. Once viewed in the clubhouse, a decision will be made regarding its suitability and location.

The Committee has begun reviewing membership subscriptions for the 2027/28 season. No decisions have yet been made, but a working group will report back in September.

To ensure everyone stays informed, important notices will continue to be displayed on the clubhouse noticeboard as well as being circulated electronically.

Treasurer Required
Following Mark Clark’s resignation as Treasurer, the Committee would like to thank him sincerely for the excellent work and commitment he has given to the Club.

We are now looking for a new Treasurer. If you would like to know more about the role, please speak to a member of the Committee.

Cleaning Coordinator
Thank you to Liz Cargill, who has kindly agreed to take on the role of Cleaning Coordinator while a permanent volunteer is identified.

Liz will oversee the cleaning rota and ensure supplies are available to help keep our clubhouse clean and welcoming. Wherever possible, new members undertaking cleaning duties will be paired with experienced members.

Thank you, Liz, for stepping into this important role.

The Committee would like to thank everyone who helps make Horley Bowling Club such a successful and friendly club.

Special thanks go to:
• Everyone who represents the Club in league and friendly matches.
• Members who provide lifts to teammates.
• Team captains, selectors and match organisers.
• Volunteers who help with cleaning, refreshments, green maintenance and clubhouse upkeep.
• Everyone who supports our social events and fundraising activities.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

There is still plenty of bowling to enjoy this season.

Please continue to support your Club by:
• Putting your name down for matches, particularly the Triples League.
• Supporting our social events.
• Keeping an eye on the clubhouse noticeboard and Club emails for the latest news and updates.
• Considering whether you could volunteer in one of the many roles that help keep Horley Bowling Club running smoothly.

We wish all our teams every success for the remainder of the season and look forward to an enjoyable finish to another excellent year at Horley Bowling Club.