New host green(s) required for 2022

Winter League

We have now received applications for four new teams to join the League for the 2022-23 season even though there are still 9 months to go before the closing date. Assuming that all the current 27 teams in the League continue their membership next year we already know that we will need to find a fourth host club to enable the League to expand in line with the clear demand that already exists. At the current rate of new team interest, we could be looking for more than one new host green for next season.

Any club that is interested in learning more about the duties, responsibilities and benefits of hosting a divisions matches for next season is invited to get in touch now. All our three host clubs operate under the same guidelines and are uniform in what they are offering and what the financial income will be.

The host clubs are expected to provide refreshments for bowlers which could be basic hot drinks and biscuits but all three have now gone well beyond that providing a range of drinks including tea, coffee, soup, Bovril or Oxo. All also now provide sandwiches and assorted asides including pork pies, sausage rolls, cake and buns. Hot food is also available at one venue in the shape of chicken wings, samosas and spring rolls. Spectators are welcome to purchase hot drinks and refreshments as well at very reasonable prices.

Each host club also provides a raffle with a minimum of two prizes and each bowler receives a raffle ticket within their weekly match fee. Extra tickets can be, and are, bought by bowlers and spectators alike. The weekly match fee is £2.50 per bowler (£10 per team) and this covers green fees and refreshments. All the match fees are collected by, and go to, the host clubs. With 8 teams currently playing in each division every week this means a guaranteed income of £80 per week.

There are 18 weeks in the playing season making a total income to each club of £1,440. Experience shows that clubs are currently doubling that total with additional raffle ticket, refreshment and bar sales. With possible colder and less attractive weather conditions still to come those figures may not be attainable every week but it is reasonable to expect a season-long total over £2,250 to be a realistic target based on the current format of 9 teams in a division.

Obviously this work places extra demands on the host clubs with catering teams and raffle ticket sellers as well as additional green preparation expected but the rewards are substantial at a time of the year when most clubs are raising very little additional income. The benefits go beyond the financial ones as the host clubs have all seen a surge in membership from bowlers keen to have access to a green during the winter months. That new membership also extends to bowlers joining a club just to qualify to play in the Winter League and even new members joining so that they can practice on a green that they play on in the Winter League for another club. In addition, the exposure and profile of our host clubs has been raised to their benefit.

It is important at any host club to have the support of the greenkeeper before signing up to a season-long commitment. If your greenkeeper has reservations then maybe we can put them in touch with one of the greenkeepers of our current host greens so that they can share their experiences at first hand. The host club has the right to cancel any fixtures if they have concerns about the state or potential damage to their green brought on by the weather conditions.

Maybe a better way of understanding what is involved in hosting a Winter League division for 18 weeks is to experience it for yourself. Visit one of our matchdays at any of the three host clubs and see and understand what is involved and see the pleasure that is being brought to so many. We look forward to seeing you there and to hearing from you if you would like to discuss and understand what it is all about a little more. Contact Us