Summer Sports - Bowls
The top and bottom greens
in a number of clubs getting ahead of themselves with scarification and aeration work.” He makes the point by drawing my attention to areas on what is referred to as the ‘top green’, adjacent to the clubhouse, and so called as it sits a few feet-higher than the ‘bottom green’. “Tining here was too deep and too early, which was compounded by an overly aggressive application of fertiliser and a lack of rainfall, which has resulted in scorch marks in certain areas on both greens.” As Tom McGill explains, Kevin has been brought in as an adviser following the resignation of the club’s greenkeeper. “We parted company last year, when he resigned following a disagreement with the committee. Basically, we felt the greens were carrying too much grass growth and, as a result, were playing too slow for top level bowling. We have held a number of prestigious tournaments here over the years, including the Ladies All England Championship in 2009, and are keen to continue to host such events. We now pay for the services of one of our member to cut the greens, but are aware that mistakes have been made in the past, which is why we employ Kevin to undertake the more specialist and critical maintenance work, along with his valuable back-up and advice.” “Our unique location does mean we
Trees limit light to the greens
are susceptible to the occasional flood, although the height of The Bylet, and the funnelling effect of the island’s location give us some protection. Our most recent greens and clubhouse flooding was in 2000. The impact of any flood on our greens is usually minimal, the main issue being one of inconvenience in the form of a general clean-up involving jet washing walkways around the greens. The trees which surround us also act as a barrier, and also stop any undue amount of detritus being deposited on the playing surfaces. The greens themselves seem to cope very well with any resultant silt deposits, without suffering any ill effects.”
In the winter of 2004-5, the Bailey bridge that provided access to the island, and which had previously been damaged by flood waters, was replaced by young Territorial Army volunteers. “This cost the club £10,000 for a secondhand replacement bridge, plus a £2,000 donation towards the TA Youth Fund. It was constructed to cope with up to twelve tonnes in weight and named the ‘Terriers Bridge’ as a thank you to the young TA team.”
The new bridge really came into its own after the old clubhouse was destroyed by fire during a burglary in 2007. “It seems they weren’t just content on removing the valuables, but also
wanted to deprive us of our future enjoyment,” bemoans Tom. “Delivery of building materials for the new clubhouse simply wouldn’t have been possible without the new bridge in place.” The new clubhouse was opened in July 2009 by Birmingham born, West Bromwich Albion fan and TV presenter. Adrian Chiles. It has its very own ‘Baggies’ supporters corner - possibly the attraction for Adrian Chiles - and was constructed one metre higher than its predecessor to give additional protection against potential flood damage. “The burglary and fire were a critical time for the club, and it was heart- warming, at the time, to have so many people from both within and outside who were prepared to contribute and help us build a new clubhouse,” enthuses Tom. “We had a number of members who, as trades people, supplied materials free of charge and worked on the project on a labour only basis. This, allied to a financial contribution from Bridgnorth Town Council, plus a number of fundraising events, contributed towards our ‘Phoenix Fund’, enabled us to meet our financial target. The last £36,000 was raised from the members themselves, who contributed what they could afford. We are still paying them back, although the amount we owe is now down to around £18,000.
The Bylet under water in 2000
Kevin, Peter and Tom discuss the work for the day JUNE 2012 PC 79
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