Welcome back! Horsham bowlers happy to be back on the rinks

More than four months after closure due to coronavirus, the doors and rinks were open so that members could familiarise themselves with the 'new normal' at the club.

For instance temperatures were taken on arrival and hand sanitiser use was requested, but no-one seemed to mind as members were just happy to see the club back in operation, in fact several members commented they felt reassured by the procedures now in place.

Much work has been done to ensure Covid-19 secure status - in fact the club has received high praise from the EIBA (English Indoor Bowling Association) for the thoroughness of preparations:

The EIBA said: “The level of work the club has done, via the working group, is to be commended and I trust your members when they start to return this weekend will appreciate this and ultimately feel confident to return on a regular basis.”

Many members were keen to book rinks for the coming weeks, and some even trialled the new way of playing which ensures compliance with government guidelines for indoor sport. In reality it is a sport where social distancing is easy to achieve, and the only real learning curve was on the use of equipment such as mats and jacks, but within a couple of ends members soon mastered the process.

Most importantly is was a day of reunions and fun, much enjoyed by all who attended. The club are delighted that so many members came along to see what has been achieved and pick up again on this safe sport. It is hoped that the club will be able to welcome new members within a couple of weeks, once members have themselves got used to the new, and hopefully temporary, way of playing.

Phrases heard included...

“It’s fantastic to be open. I’m really pleased it’s been so well supported and hopefully we can get a really good atmosphere going forward.”

“Absolutely fantastic!”

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