Stafford Vets Bowling League

Welcome to the Stafford Veterans Bowling League Website

2021 Sponsors:

Stan Robinson pallet network (established 1970)

Important Dates:

Latest information:

Tue Mar 30th 2021

2021 Season

Although the latest guidance from the BCGBA would allow the league to resume immediately subject to certain restrictions and conditions, the league’s officers have considered the position and decided to proceed as previously indicated.

We will start the league on Wednesday June 2^nd and, for this season only, play 3 divisions. See news item dated March 18th below. Fixtures will be published in mid May.

To some, our decision to wait until June may come as a disappointment, but please be assured that it is not a decision we have taken lightly and it still does allow for league bowling to take place this summer and at a time when the vast majority of our players will have had the full benefit of two vaccinations and some restrictions should have eased.

Thu Mar 18th 2021

2021 SEASON

Following a County Zoom meeting last week, the league’s officers have also met via Zoom to consider the latest information and to plan for the new season.

Inevitably there is a lot of uncertainty around the easing of lockdown, what restrictions will apply when we resume, vaccination rates and COVID case numbers. We believe, however, that we have found a way forward which provides a realistic prospect of competitive bowling as well as giving most, if not all, of our players time to have had the benefit of 2 vaccinations and to feel more comfortable about playing.

It is our intention for this season only to create 3 divisions of 8 teams.

The divisions will be formed from the final league tables at the end of the 2019 league season and take account of team withdrawals and teams admitted since that date. Each team will play 14 matches. There will be no promotion or relegation and, in 2022, we will revert to the position at the beginning of the 2020 season, again taking account of any team withdrawals and any applications to join the league.

Our intention is that the season will start on June 2nd by which time, hopefully, many players will have been able to get in some practice on club and public greens. It will end on September 1st which will allow some time in September for rearranged fixtures if there is any slippage.

Although we want all matches to be competitive, we would also hope for a degree of understanding and tolerance to apply in this COVID season if any player or team has difficulties. As part of that approach, the 5 point penalty associated with players doubling up will be waived for this season. The rule prohibiting players from doubling up more than 3 times will, however, still apply.

By the time the season starts, club houses may well be allowed to open but possibly only for toilet access and I think we should assume that refreshments will not be provided and that players should be expected to bring their own.

All of the above is based on what we know now and upon there being 24 teams. Fixtures will appear on the website but probably not until mid May by which time things will be clearer.

There are no plans for competitions this season.

Thu Mar 4th 2021

2021 SEASON

We have taken the decision to postpone the start of the season until May 19th at the earliest.

This is in keeping with decisions being taken by some other leagues and is when, hopefully, there will be a further easing of lockdown and when many of our players will have had their second vaccinations.

Clearly, it will not be possible to complete a full season’s fixtures with the current number of teams and, as officers, we will consider the implications of that and how to proceed. I will keep captains informed and the website updated. Fixtures will not be published until matters become clearer.
I realise that this will be a disappointment to some but, at least, it holds the prospect of some competitive bowling in a safer environment during the summer.

Keep safe, stay healthy and I look forward to seeing you around the greens at some point in the summer.

Fri Feb 26th 2021

22nd February 2021

BRITISH CROWN GREEN BOWLING ASSOCIATION LOOKS FORWARD TO THE START OF THE 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON

Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables BCGBA, counties and affiliated clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from 29th March.

Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country. The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to bowlers and the sport in general.

Whilst the overwhelming majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:

– ‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs

– Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs

– Online booking

– Promotional material and funding advice

We also aim to facilitate as much domestic competition as possible. We have developed a series of Covid-contingency scenarios and, with the information now available, will look to reshape our national competition schedule.

The National Open Weekend 28th May 2021 planning will continue and we believe there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun, family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience.

We have been in discussions with our partner organisations to ensure a safe return to play, with the Prime Ministers road map we look forward to clubs being able to open safety within government guidelines

We will be working in partnership with all stakeholders, notably affiliated clubs, to navigate through any challenges and, whilst mindful to retain a level of caution, are very excited about the outdoor bowls season beginning soon.

We understand today’s developments will provoke a range of questions and we would ask people to bear with us as we work through the various implications. As soon as we can, we will be issuing more detailed guidance on the BCGBA website.

Sun Jan 31st 2021

Sad News

John Sly has kindly provided the following news:

I write to advise you of the passing of Stan Bailey earlier this month. Stan was a founder member of the County Officers Bowling Club, a past Chairman of the Club and Captain of the Veterans Team for many years. He was an active bowler until only three or four years ago but continued to take a keen interest in the Club. He had many little "sayings" about bowls such as "never be short when you are down" which he was always ready to pass on to younger less experienced bowlers.

Mon Jan 25th 2021

Annual General Meeting

This year's AGM scheduled for February 10th has been postponed as a result of current restrictions. The league committee met for a Zoom session on January 20th and the minutes are attached to the link on the left hand side panel.

Thu Dec 31st

Arnie Hutchinson

Sadly, I have to announce that I have been informed that Arnie passed away this week.

Arnie was a well liked and much respected player with Stafford A, "a real character", and will be sadly missed.

Sat Sep 5th

George Tweddle
Sadly we have to announce that George passed away this morning.
George has been the long time secretary of Alstom Bowling Club
and the League Secretary of multiple Stafford bowling leagues. He was also Honorary President of the Veterans league.

Tue Jun 30th

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

In view of the continuing uncertainties and restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic it has been decided to cancel the league for the 2020 season.

Fri May 15th

CORONAVIRUS LATEST SITUATION

Following the Government announcements at the start of the week about some relaxation to Lockdown, the BCGBA has circulated to all clubs some guidance on the reopening of greens on a very restricted basis.

It is for each club to make its decision as to whether to reopen and, if they do so, to ensure compliance with Government advice and BCGBA Guidance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As far as league and competition bowling is concerned, this is not allowed and is unlikely to be allowed in the near future. At a "Zoom" meeting of League Secretaries with the BCGBA Chief Executive held earlier this month it was thought unlikely that league bowling would resume before the late Summer at earliest. Bearing in mind that most players in our league are aged 70+ it is unlikely that our league will be among the first to resume.

League officers have spoken about this and, obviously, we would like to resume as soon as possible and we still hope to salvage something from the season but, to be absolutely clear, our health and safety is of paramount importance and we will only start again when we are cleared to do so by Government and in accordance with guidance from the BCGBA.

Fri May 1st

Sad News

I am sorry to have to tell you that Lou Hancock passed away yesterday (Thursday). Lou played for Phoenix for many years and was also membership secretary there.

Mon Mar 16th

CORONAVIRUS- VETERANS LEAGUE SUSPENDED

Following todays Government announcement, the BCGBA has announced that all leagues should now suspend matches until the all clear is given to resume.

All league matches and competitions are, therefore, suspended and the league will not start on April 1st as scheduled.

At this stage it is impossible to say when and how fixtures will resume but I will continue to keep captains informed of developments and update the website.

Take care everyone and follow the official advice.

Sun Mar 8th

Brewood Bowling Club

Location/Access : Post Code ST19 9DY, opposite 42 Engleton Lane, Brewood. At the north end of the Jubilee Playing Fields (formally known as the Engleton Lane Playing Fields). If you use Google maps - change to satellite view and the position of the green in the park is really obvious. The green has its own gate so don’t go into the park by the Tennis Court/Kid’s play area entrance as you can’t get through. The club gate is normally locked – the home captain will aim to arrive about 45 minutes before the game is due to start to open up.

Parking: Parking is on the road usually on the same side as the green. We ask that where possible you car share, and that you don’t park in a continuous line but leave a break of a couple of spaces at some point, usually opposite the shared drive (roughly by the tree), so that it allows a pull in for cars to pass.

Facilities: We don’t yet have a club house. We do have a shelter to be shared by both teams. We have a proper toilet (even though it’s in a shed) and we will provide tea, coffee and biscuits.

We look forward to joining the league and meeting you all in the summer.

If you want any further details on the club then please contact Helen on brewoodbowlingclub@gmail.com or in regard to arrangements for individual games then contact the captain/vice captain as listed in your league contact lists.

2019	2018	2017
2016	2015

cup 2019	cup 2018	cup 2017
cup 2016