Home   Sport   Article

Lybster Bowling Club decides to remain closed for play


By Alan Hendry

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

LYBSTER Bowling Club has decided to remain closed for play because of the coronavirus crisis.

The easing of lockdown into phase one means some outdoor non-contact sports are allowed, but the Lybster club committee agreed "all but unanimously" not to reopen yet. It said the decision was taken "for the overall safety of everyone who may have wished to bowl outdoors this year".

A statement from the club said: "Given the extensive strict guidelines and advice from Bowls Scotland [the sport’s governing body] to clubs where bowling might resume, it was felt that these could not be monitored and put into operation successfully for the committee to feel that everyone would be safe and protected.

"Some of the advice, for example, prohibits the opening and use of the clubhouse and any facilities such as toilets and kitchen. Anyone aged 70 and over, as well as anyone with underlying conditions such as chronic medical conditions or with a compromised immune system, is being very strongly told to stay at home until the Scottish Government guidelines change. All players must carry their own sanitiser, and all equipment such as mats and jacks have to be washed and sanitised before and after use. There are, of course, also the social distancing regulations to be followed. In addition there has to be a very strict and rigorous booking system in place should it be necessary to contact and consult with anyone in the Test and Protect scheme now operating and to be available immediately if needed.

"Given that these are just some of the regulations and advice being offered, the committee felt it was not possible to put all of them effectively into operation, as is being requested, and that the best way to ensure everyone could be protected and kept safe by the club was to stay shut for all play.

"The committee hopes that all who have bowled in past seasons and have enjoyed the use of the green and club facilities respect this decision in full and try to understand why it was taken.

"We can all look forward to next year where we all hope to be in a much better position. Alas, this virus is still going to be hanging around for some time to come and we can only wish each and every one of us in the bowling fraternity in Caithness, and beyond, the very best of health going forward from here."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More