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Work on the mural has started
Happy New Year to you all
Hope you have all had a good festive break.
John and Sue Harrison
Good news to start off the New Year – John and Sue Harrison have been awarded “Honorary Freedom of the town of Norton on Derwent” in recognition of their contribution and service to the town. Many of you will know John and Sue, and the reason why this award has been given but, if you don’t, this honour has been given mainly for their long-standing service to the Bowls Club. Primarily in the saving of the building and grounds in 2014 when it was threatened with closure, and then by leading the charity (Ryedale Community and Leisure Centre, RCLC) which oversees the running of building. John[MF1] and Sue, with other dedicated committee members, steered the club from this point, John until recently as chairman of RCLC, and he remains an active committee member. Sue has diligently guided the finances of both club and RCLC and still carries on in this position today. They are also involved in several other local organisations, both in and around the town.
The bowls club has agreed to host the presentation award event, which will take place on Friday 30th January at 12.30pm at Oscar’s. There will be a presentation and a simple buffet provided. All members of the bowls club are invited to attend but those wishing to accept must do so by Friday 23rd January. This will allow time for the committee to make suitable arrangements. To join us at this event – either email John Breckon on breckon.john@gmail.com or add your name to the list on the noticeboard at the club.
This is a ‘members only’ event so we cannot accept guests. We would like as many members as possible to attend and join in the tribute to John and Sue.
Other matters
Despite the poor weather this week we have got off to a steady start with attendances not greatly affected. Hopefully the weather will be more friendly in the coming weeks.
Those that have attended have responded well to our members survey which we will be continuing through next week. We will be collating the responses and publishing the results soon and hope to start addressing any issues in the near future.
One item on the survey – regarding friendly matches versus other indoor clubs – is already in motion with a possibility of a match at New Earswick Indoor Club on Saturday 31st January at 1.00pm. There is a nomination list on the noticeboard. We will select a balanced team that gives a fair chance of all levels of competence and gender a chance of playing.
Those who have visited RIBC recently will be aware that we are now recycling cups, cans, bottles, plastic waste and cardboard. Please ensure you follow the guidance. New rules for waste are due in March and fines for non-compliance may be implemented.
We have a high demand for Whistlestops so there will be more meetings this year – starting monthly from Jan 25th. Get your name on the list which will soon be on the noticeboard.
The last newsletter noted the need to play safely. Though there has been a marked improvement, we still have minor lapses. Please make sure you have read the guidelines sheet (which are on the tables) and ensure we all keep safe.
Membership has now risen to 308, proof indeed that we have a happy group at RIBC with everyone coming and going with a smile on their face. It all makes the efforts of our volunteers worthwhile. Keep smiling and remember your help is always appreciated.
Dave – on behalf of RIBC committee.PS. For those who like to see the top bowlers in action, the World Indoor Championship at Potters starts this week. Matches can be viewed on Youtube and Facebook for both weeks – search for World Bowls 26. The BBC will be showing match
[MF1]Newsletter December 2025
Dave England for RIBC committee
Greetings to all our members and wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Opening times over the festive period are as follows:-
Sun 21st Dec 10.30 – Social
Mon 22nd Dec 2pm – Social
Tue 22nd Dec 1pm – Whistle-stop
Tue 22nd Dec 7pm – Social
Sun 28th 10.30 Dec – Social
Mon 29th Dec 10.30 – Social
Tue 30th Dec 1pm – Whistle-stop
Tue 30th Dec 7pm – Social
Sun 4th Jan 10.30 – Social
We return to the normal league and social sessions from Monday 5th January.
For the New Year league programme we are very near at full capacity with the exception of one Aussie pairs team on Monday am. Please let me know if you can fill this slot.
The whistle-stop meetings are on Tuesday 22nd and Tuesday 30th December at 1pm. There are still places left so get your name on the list if you can play. Dress code is a Christmas theme, i.e. Jumpers or Hats if you have them. It is a fun event, so, please no Greys and Whites. There will be a bottle of wine for the best dressed player.
We will have a raffle and the usual refreshment break at half time so donations of food and/or raffle prizes will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate food then please consider making a donation towards the costs rather than relying on others.
At the recent AGM, we were very pleased to see an increased number of members attending and it ensured there was a good open discussion about how we move the club forward. In the New[MF1] Year we will coduct a survey of members so please ensure you participate to make your opinions and feelings known.
We have recently issued a safety guidance sheet. Please ensure you read it carefully and follow the instructions. It is there for everyone to play safely.
It is also very encouraging that 50 plus members will attend the Christmas lunch. Hopefully this will act as a springboard for further events.
Volunteering: Special thanks to those who currently run the club and do so as volunteers If you can possibly help in any way then talk to any of the committee. We particularly would like anyone with skills that could benefit the future success of the club. We are also short of a lady bowler member on the committee. Some of the tasks where members can help are – tidying up at end of sessions, joining the club cleaning team, opening, closing sessions etc. We expect to need a new Club Treasurer at the end of 2025/2026 season.
Volunteering costs nothing but changes a lot.
If you are needing any club clothing, we have just received new stock of shirts, fleeces and a new line in sweatshirts. Please see the notice board for availability.
Anyone wishing to join the next Potters’ trip in March please have a word with Liz Briggs liz.briggs@icloud.com. She tells me there are a few places now available.
Best wishes to you, your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Dave, (on behalf of RIBC Committee)
Newsletter November 2025
Greetings to members, both old and new.
It has been a fantastic start to the new Indoor Bowling season with membership numbers almost touching 300. Well done everybody.
The leagues are progressing very well and it is pleasing that there is only one outstanding game to catch up. Your continued cooperation is appreciated.
Social sessions have been very busy but fortunately have eased this past week. Some social sessions have been over-subscribed which, though unpopular, we feel there is little we can do about it. Our present policy is to not refuse anyone as many travel from far away. Having a booking system would probably lead to lower attendances as, we suspect, many members would be unwilling or unable to use it.
To ease pressure we have introduced a new session on Thursdays at 1pm. We are also encouraging groups to book rinks on selected Sunday afternoons, starting Sunday 16th November. There are still two rinks available. Other possible options are Friday evening sessions (league or social), and starting the morning sessions at 10.00am to allow a 2-hour (noon to 2.00pm) session. Please feel free to pass on your thoughts to committee members.
We are producing a reference chart advising players on points of safety during use of the facilities. Please ensure you read it thoroughly and adopt it completely. We all deserve to operate in a safe manner. (It will form the basis of a Risk Assessment to be carried out regularly.)
Plans are being made for a Christmas lunch on Friday 19th December at 12.45pm. (What started as a small get-together for players in the Friday morning pairs league is being extended to include all members.) If you want to be included, add your name to the list on the notice board.
Whistlestops – next whistlestop will be held on Sunday 23rd November at 1pm. An entry form will be posted on the board this week. During the Christmas period whistle stops will be held on Tuesday 23rd December and Tuesday 30th December at 1pm. Entry lists will be posted later.
Social sessions over the Christmas/ New Year period will probably be held on
Sunday 10.30am. Monday 2pm, Tuesday 10.30am and Tuesday 7.00pm. (To be confirmed.)
We have gathered a good quantity of daffodil bulbs and would like some help in planting them on Saturday 15th November. Let me know if you are available. Further donations towards bulbs will be welcome.
The Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club A.G.M. will be held in the meeting room on Monday 1st December at 2.00pm. Attendance in recent years has been poor so please do your best to come. If you have any matters you wish to be discussed please leave a note at the office.
That’s all for now. Keep smiling
Cheers
Dave, on behalf of RIBC committee
Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club 