Barnwood Bowling Club, as one of the oldest and most established Clubs in our Community has completed the re-development of its Club House in time for the start of the Bowling season on the 11thin April.
A brand new extension to the current building has been erected to enhance the facilities of the club and includes: a Ladies changing room, Disabled, Male and Female Toilets and a Bar Store / Cellar. As a result the whole building has doubled in size and is a tremendous credit to the many volunteers (club members), who have helped to make this project such a success!
Following a successful bid for a Lottery grant, the club was awarded £48,000 by Inspired Facilities, as part of the National Lottery Fund. Building costs totalled £81,000; therefore, the Club was expected to find, a further £33,000, to satisfy their benefactors. However, as the Bowling club is a non- profit making organisation, additional funding was an essential factor in completing this objective. A Building Fund was established and the target sum was achieved by organising Club Activities and Functions which were supported by some generous donations from the Club Members themselves. Although the main frame of the building was erected by Broadview Timber Contractors, all of the internal work has been completed entirely by members.
Chairman Clive Worrall is delighted with the results and feels, justifiably; proud of the fantastic effort made by the Club Membership in creating and completing a development that starts a further chapter in the history of Barnwood Bowling Club.
It should be remembered how the club originated , as it was in after the First World War in 1922, that the grounds and pavilion were purchased from the War Office and that in fact, the first pavilion was fabricated from two Army huts which had been used as Hospital Wards! From those humble beginnings, the club was totally re-built in 1977, from which, a sound club foundation has been firmly established.
Today, the Bowling club play both league and friendly matches during the week from April through to the end of September with teams for Men and Ladies and a mixed team also. Players of all abilities are included and junior players are beginning to feature in the club teams also. In–House tournaments open to all members; supplement the season’s fixture list. And over the winter months and regular sessions of Carpet Bowls are organised for players to maintain their touch. This together with several social events maintains club interest and provides a Social outlet for its members.
There are significant events held annually and include: A Gala Bowls Tournament held in May, which has been running for 20 years and attracts a total of 96 entrants from all over the South West and as far away as Humberside!
On the 30th May, the Club hosts the prestigious Ladies Johns Trophy, on behalf of the Warwickshire and Somerset Bowling Associations. This will be the fourth consecutive year that this event has been staged at Barnwood, which is testimony not only to the Club’s hospitality, but also the excellent Bowling Green, considered by many to be the “best green in the county! Perhaps, this is not surprising as the green is cut on 6 days of each week during the season!
Barnstable in North Devon is the location for the Clubs Annual tour which takes place in September, a Club outing that always proves to be an enjoyable and successful venture.
The Club Lounge is a most welcoming feature and although the bar is the main source of income for the club, none the less, very reasonable drink prices are always maintained.
At this time there is mixed membership of around 90, however, the new partnership with Inspired Facilities, means not only does membership need to be maintained –it is expected to increase.
The Club will start this new membership initiative on the 10th May, commencing at 10am when a
” Come and Try” day is planned. This Bowls Taster Session will allow newcomers to play the game of bowls and also experience the club’s enhanced facilities. Already invitations have been circulated to the residents surrounding the club including the new estate at Sawmills. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone. So don’t miss this opportunity, as it could provide that new activity or experience you may be looking for?
Finally, let’s congratulate Clive, the Committee and the Members whose drive energy and commitment has resulted in a Bowling Club to be proud of in Barnwood!
For further details contact: 01452 618589 or visit the web site on www.barnwoodbowlingclub.co.uk
Friday, 27 March 2015
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Kendal Road Baptist Church
Sandwiched in the middle of the Community is the Kendal Road Baptist Church, which offers a variety of activities for both young and old alike or anyone who is looking for a social outlet and friendship.
For Children during term time, the Mid-Week Children’s Klubs are organised according to age group. Each club provides a safe environment where children can relax, make friends and enjoy activities, games and discussions suited to their age grouping. The weekly programme includes: Babies and Toddlers start the join in on Tuesday morning, whilst early Wednesday evening, there is a club for the reception to year 2s, closely followed by a session for years 6-8. For the year 3-5s and 9 -13s there are separate gatherings on Thursday evening.
The more senior members of the Community there is a Luncheon club, held fortnightly on a Wednesday. Every Thursday there is a Tea, Coffee and Friendship morning, from 10am and is open to everyone. For a Family evening out you can try the Longlevens Community Cinema which show films suitable for all the family on a Saturday during the month. If you are interested in the programme of activities or would like more information, please contact: 01452 520752 or www.krbc.org.uk.
Finally, a regular source of activity and fun is organised by Sarah Coleby, who provides a number of aerobic sessions each week. Sarah always gears the activity to the age group of the participants and has a personal objective of getting her class members to reach and exceed their expectations! Sarah, originally, from Suffolk has been involved in the parish for 10 years settling in to the area after a “nomadic” existence as a Military (RAF) wife. She is a qualified swimming instructor, who also plays the flute and enjoys singing in the Military Wives Choir. Sarah can be found helping at Take a break on a Tuesday and at Quest on a Thursday. Please contact Sarah directly on 01452 730826 or on Facebook at Sarobics
For Children during term time, the Mid-Week Children’s Klubs are organised according to age group. Each club provides a safe environment where children can relax, make friends and enjoy activities, games and discussions suited to their age grouping. The weekly programme includes: Babies and Toddlers start the join in on Tuesday morning, whilst early Wednesday evening, there is a club for the reception to year 2s, closely followed by a session for years 6-8. For the year 3-5s and 9 -13s there are separate gatherings on Thursday evening.
The more senior members of the Community there is a Luncheon club, held fortnightly on a Wednesday. Every Thursday there is a Tea, Coffee and Friendship morning, from 10am and is open to everyone. For a Family evening out you can try the Longlevens Community Cinema which show films suitable for all the family on a Saturday during the month. If you are interested in the programme of activities or would like more information, please contact: 01452 520752 or www.krbc.org.uk.
Finally, a regular source of activity and fun is organised by Sarah Coleby, who provides a number of aerobic sessions each week. Sarah always gears the activity to the age group of the participants and has a personal objective of getting her class members to reach and exceed their expectations! Sarah, originally, from Suffolk has been involved in the parish for 10 years settling in to the area after a “nomadic” existence as a Military (RAF) wife. She is a qualified swimming instructor, who also plays the flute and enjoys singing in the Military Wives Choir. Sarah can be found helping at Take a break on a Tuesday and at Quest on a Thursday. Please contact Sarah directly on 01452 730826 or on Facebook at Sarobics
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Our Community Schools Perform Shakespeare
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is working closely with Primary schools in Gloucestershire within their Learning and Performance Network. All the schools taking part are committed to the introduction of pupils to the works of William Shakespeare at an early age.
Each year the Primary Schools Shakespeare Festival is firmly set in the school calendar, with nearly 20 schools participating this year and the number is increasing annually. This year, our Community was well represented by Barnwood and Hillview Primary schools and the Juniors & Infants from Dinglewell.
The selected play this year was the Comedy of Errors and I was fortunate to attend one of the performances. The actual number of pupils taking part from each school really surprised me and I was fascinated by quality of the “actors” performances. In a format where each school performs a different act from the play the continuity was excellent and the changeovers seamless!
To their schools credit, the effort of the Teachers and the enthusiasm of the Pupils created a memorable experience for everyone. This was a fantastic opportunity for those involved and undoubtedly, they and perhaps many of their friends will want to be participate in Next Year’s Performance?
The selected play this year was the Comedy of Errors and I was fortunate to attend one of the performances. The actual number of pupils taking part from each school really surprised me and I was fascinated by quality of the “actors” performances. In a format where each school performs a different act from the play the continuity was excellent and the changeovers seamless!
To their schools credit, the effort of the Teachers and the enthusiasm of the Pupils created a memorable experience for everyone. This was a fantastic opportunity for those involved and undoubtedly, they and perhaps many of their friends will want to be participate in Next Year’s Performance?
Saturday, 21 March 2015
More Cup Finals for Longlevens Rugby Club
As we go to press Longlevens RFC are preparing for the semi-final of the National Junior Vase, the trophy they won at Twickenham last year. Ironically, as defending champions, they now meet Battersea, the team they beat at the same stage last season’s competition. Twickenham is clearly in the Club’s sights, however, it also takes the team a step closer to a dream double of winning both the Vase and League championship, which at this time is a real possibility. It certainly looks as if there is going to be a really exciting climax to the First Team’s season.
However, it is not just the adults who are in contention for trophies. The Longlevens U14’s have again reached the Gloucestershire County Cup Final for the second year running, whilst the U17’s play in the final of the South West Counties Tournament on 29th March at Cleeve RFC. The U14’s travelled to Clifton, whom they beat in the final last year, and again came away as convincing victors in winning by 22 points to 5.
This U14’s team is coached by Simon and Gill Barton, who between them have been coaching this team since they were U8’s! They have seen the boys grow into a squad, with a strong team ethic and believe that they are more than capable of lifting the cup once more. Gill and Simon think that the Development Player Programme (DPP); which was introduced by Gloucester RFC some four years ago is a significant factor in the improvement of not only the individual players but the team as a whole. The scheme is used to identify young players with potential and offers them the opportunity to develop within the Gloucester Academy framework at Harpbury. Longlevens RFC, benefits from this situation as it has a nucleus of their young players on the scheme, with 6 DPP Players, currently in the U14’s squad! Therefore it is not surprising that in Simon’s opinion at least 4 of their players will be playing in the First team in about 4 years’ time.
The U17 team have shown that they have fully recovered from their defeat in the County Cup Final last season. As Runners Up the team was automatically entered into this seasons South West Plate Competition, in which they are have achieved some notable victories. In the Quarter final they scored over 40 points to beat Salisbury and scored a further 50 points to beat Bradford on Avon in the semi-final. They now meet Cullompton, who are winners of the Cornish section of the Competition, in the final. A tough match is expected but the Longlevens lads are very confident of going all the way. There is an added incentive as the winning team then progresses to a match against the winners of the South East Plate, before competing in a National final.
This season the team has been involved in some tough matches whilst playing against U18’s teams, who take a more physical approach. However, they have coped well and benefit most from this experience, when they revert back to playing against opponents in the U17 age category in Cup competitions. Tom Barton and George Evans are key members of the squad. George is a Prop with a sound scrummaging technique, whilst Tom is a talented Full Back who has scored 18 tries already this season. So look out you First team players as both Tom, George and other members of the squad will be seeking First team opportunities once they reach the age of 18.
The Rugby club at Longlevens is obviously getting the right balance between the development of players at all levels and the achievement of success in Competitions. No wonder there can be as many as 200 children of all ages enjoying and developing their rugby skills on Sunday mornings at the club. The Club as a whole certainly deserves it’s success!
However, it is not just the adults who are in contention for trophies. The Longlevens U14’s have again reached the Gloucestershire County Cup Final for the second year running, whilst the U17’s play in the final of the South West Counties Tournament on 29th March at Cleeve RFC. The U14’s travelled to Clifton, whom they beat in the final last year, and again came away as convincing victors in winning by 22 points to 5.
This U14’s team is coached by Simon and Gill Barton, who between them have been coaching this team since they were U8’s! They have seen the boys grow into a squad, with a strong team ethic and believe that they are more than capable of lifting the cup once more. Gill and Simon think that the Development Player Programme (DPP); which was introduced by Gloucester RFC some four years ago is a significant factor in the improvement of not only the individual players but the team as a whole. The scheme is used to identify young players with potential and offers them the opportunity to develop within the Gloucester Academy framework at Harpbury. Longlevens RFC, benefits from this situation as it has a nucleus of their young players on the scheme, with 6 DPP Players, currently in the U14’s squad! Therefore it is not surprising that in Simon’s opinion at least 4 of their players will be playing in the First team in about 4 years’ time.
The U17 team have shown that they have fully recovered from their defeat in the County Cup Final last season. As Runners Up the team was automatically entered into this seasons South West Plate Competition, in which they are have achieved some notable victories. In the Quarter final they scored over 40 points to beat Salisbury and scored a further 50 points to beat Bradford on Avon in the semi-final. They now meet Cullompton, who are winners of the Cornish section of the Competition, in the final. A tough match is expected but the Longlevens lads are very confident of going all the way. There is an added incentive as the winning team then progresses to a match against the winners of the South East Plate, before competing in a National final.
This season the team has been involved in some tough matches whilst playing against U18’s teams, who take a more physical approach. However, they have coped well and benefit most from this experience, when they revert back to playing against opponents in the U17 age category in Cup competitions. Tom Barton and George Evans are key members of the squad. George is a Prop with a sound scrummaging technique, whilst Tom is a talented Full Back who has scored 18 tries already this season. So look out you First team players as both Tom, George and other members of the squad will be seeking First team opportunities once they reach the age of 18.
The Rugby club at Longlevens is obviously getting the right balance between the development of players at all levels and the achievement of success in Competitions. No wonder there can be as many as 200 children of all ages enjoying and developing their rugby skills on Sunday mornings at the club. The Club as a whole certainly deserves it’s success!
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