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Greetings to all our members

I hope you have not been depressed by the recent cold and wet weather. The forecast indicates it’s going to get better, so hang on in there.

The main topic this month is the upcoming Buffet Lunch and Quiz on Friday 27th February at 1pm. The buffet lunch starts at 1pm, costing £10.50 (payable to Oscars) and includes coffee & tea. The event is open to RIBC members and their guests/partners. Oscars Bar will be open during the event. If you are unable to get to the club and wish to be included, send your details by return of this email, or text me on 07950 136371 by Sunday 22nd Feb.

Peter Lees has kindly offered to conduct the Quiz. He has held many quizzes in the past and assures us the questions will be “easy” general knowledge with picture and music rounds. The cost of the quiz is £8 per team of up to 4 persons. If you already have a team then enter it on the list on the notice board but if you don’t and wish to be made up into a team we can do that on the day. Just write your name on the list.

There will also be a raffle so bring plenty of cash with you. Donations of raffle prizes will be greatly appreciated. Let’s make it a good fun event.

On Sunday 22nd February there is a Whistle Stop at 1pm. At present, there are only 2 places left so, if you want to be included, be quick.

It is good to see the bulbs we planted down the drive side are slowly appearing. We are still hoping to get more wild flowers growing there so if you have any spare snowdrops or Daffys “in the green” then bring them down. I’m sure there must be some of you who can propagate some common wild flowers, let me know if so. 

Our challenge match versus New Earswick IBCwas an enjoyable event even though we were well beaten. The return match at RIBC will be on Saturday 21st March. Those who travelled to NE will be given first priority. We are also hoping to arrange a home and away challenge versus Harrogate in late March. Keep an eye on the notice board for dates.

Good to see the majority are supporting our re-cycling initiative. Well done and keep it up. There are still a lot (mainly league bowlers) not bunching their bowls up. Come on, it’s for your own safety!!

 That’s it for now, keep the fun rolling.

Dave. on behalf of RIBC committee

January 2026

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

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