BCC Bowls ready to play despite not being open yet

Bedfordview Country Club (BCC) Bowls have been hard at work to open its doors to members and are hopeful to open at the end of July.

Bowls is sometimes considered a dying sport, according to Dave Fortune, president of BCC Bowls.

“With lockdown adding to it, the club’s fund-raising efforts have been affected throughout the lockdown.

“We missed a number of tournaments which also serve as fund-raising for the club; the last fund-raiser we had was in March,” he said.

The income stream is not there anymore and he credited members for paying up their subs, taking off some pressure.

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“We now have minor expenses, but we have taken it upon ourselves to manage our own greens,” he said.

Fortune said they have been coming in for maintenance almost five days a week due to having a permit.

“We cut the greens, tune the banks, clean ditches and clean leaves falling from trees.”

He added members have been asking when the club will be opening again.

“We stay in contact with them on social media and newsletters, but it’s difficult to say when we will open, as we do not know ourselves as yet.”

According to Fortune, Bowls South Africa (BSA) approached government and put forth a proposal.

“Johannesburg Bowls Association got back to us with protocol and told us to get prepared to open,” he said.

He added when the club is officially ready, they have to post a certificate of compliance on the BSA website, which the club has done.

As per Fortune, the club is ready and willing to open, but they have to confirm a date.

“BSA came back to us with information from Sascoc, stating additional precautions which we are putting in place for members over 60.”

All that is outstanding is the risk mitigation and some rules and regulations.

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In essence, he said the over 60s will have to sign an indemnity form, which is already being done with golf.

When open, he said there will be rules, such as members needing to book telephonically or online and no alcohol and smoking will be allowed on the premises.

Fortune also added bowlers will not be allowed to use scoreboards or roll the jack down the green.

“You have to have a jack at each end, positioned by foot only. We have sanitiser stations at mid-green and spray bottles available at both ends.”

Fortune’s only reservation is members returning on the pretense that bowls will be played the same as before the pandemic.

“Playing bowls will be less social and interactive, and members can only practise and will not be able to play any competition. It’s going to be different without the social interaction and camaraderie which we all miss very much,” he said.

Fortune and secretary Tracy Menney will work shifts to ensure protocol is being followed when the club is open.

“As a compliance officer I will ensure everyone and everything is compliant in every way. Members who do not come with masks will be turned away.”

A designated WhatsApp booking system will be available for members only once a date to open is finalised.