Wednesday, 16th September, 2009
There has been a lot of mumbling around the club about a new artificial green being installed at the club. I think that many people have forgotten that at an annual meeting, two years ago, a motion was passed for the committee to investigate the need for and a possible replacement product should it be decided to go ahead with a replacement.
The present committee is doing just that, taking a look at the condition of the present surface, looking at what products are available, and looking at ways of financing should a decision to update be planned.
Last week a small group went to the Hawkes Bay to look at clubs that have the latest surfaces installed and not only discussed with club members there on what they thought of their green, but also tested them out by playing bowls on them.
As a result of this visit, they reported back to the full committee at its last meeting and it was decided to offer members the chance to see and try out the surface that they think was the best, this at the Havelock North Bowling Club.
It is planned to travel again to Hastings but this time, club members are invited to join the committee to see and test out the surface themselves. Transport will be leaving from our club on Thursday 24 September at 7.30am and we should be back in Levin around 6.00pm. Those travelling are invited to take their bowls with them as well as lunch and it is hoped to make the day more interesting by playing against local members. Committee members have been allocated a list of members to phone with these details and we need to have the definite numbers by Monday 21st.
Once all the research around the project has been gained i.e. decided on the need, the type of replacement surface and ways of financing the project, a meeting will be called for all club members to vote on whether a new surface should go ahead.
I repeat, no decision to go ahead has been made by the committee, it is the club members who have to decide, and to do this with understanding, one needs to be aware of all the facts.
Travelling to Hastings and seeing and playing on a new surface will give you a chance to vote with this knowledge.