Bowling stadium's ‘new normal’

Anyone going into the stadium is subject to ‘track and trace’ as well as comprehensive coronavirus hygiene restrictions. Playing hours are 10am–12pm and from 2pm–4pm. The two hour midday break allows members to visit the café, while Centre Manager Mike Evans and his volunteers complete the required precautionary Covid disinfection process between matches.

Fully qualified stadium manager Mike Evans earlier completed test-playing sessions with volunteer bowlers and has trained volunteer member stewards to operate safely under the new regime. He has also published full details on social media and members will also be advised by email where possible.

The club won’t be open in the evenings, or at weekends and there will be no team games at this stage. The traditional members’ open club competitions are also on hold.at this stage. Although this is being kept under constant review.

Only alternating greens (rinks) are in use, again to ensure social distancing. Games are all ‘friendlies’ since no measuring is permitted. Members can only play in singles games, or doubles where there are family or similarly safe ‘bubbles in place’. This all means the stadium will expect to have 12 players or fewer on the greens at any one time.

The café is open, again within a social distancing framework.

The club isn’t ready to welcome new members or spectators at this time, but will welcome them once restrictions are further lifted.

RIBA Chairman Paul Vaughan emphasises that welfare of players and volunteers is the priority of the Trustees, particularly since many of the usual daytime players are in older age categories recognised as being most at risk of coronavirus.

The club can only afford to re-open as it is a registered charity that relies entirely on volunteers to support centre manager Michael in operating the stadium.