Winter League
With a number of new teams and bowlers in the Winter League I think it is timely to explain the obligation as regards hospitality of the five host clubs. There may be a misunderstanding of some bowlers as to what is expected and included in the match fee for each bowler.
Each four-man team pays £10 (£2.50 per bowler) before the start of play each week direct to the host club. That match fee covers the green fees, a raffle ticket and a hot drink and biscuits for each bowler playing that day.
Some host clubs have taken the hospitality to another level by providing more than tea and biscuits in that match day fee so their visiting teams are very well looked after. All host clubs provide additional drinks and hot and cold food which can be purchased by playing bowlers or visiting spectators and supporters.
Everyone can also purchase additional raffle tickets as well. Some of the host clubs provide two raffles - one just for the bowlers and one for everyone. Others provide several prizes in a single raffle. That is up to the host clubs how they manage that.
The well-established host clubs have settled into a regular selection of drinks and food whilst the two new host clubs are still learning about what they can provide and what bowlers are expecting. What should be clear is that only the basic hot drink and biscuits are included in the match day bowling fee by rights. Anything beyond that basic level is at the discretion of the host club.
Catering has become an important part of the Winter League matchday experience with a captive audience offered a range of hot and cold drinks and food including homemade soup, steak pie and mushy peas, bacon butties and homemade buns and cakes. It really is appreciated by all what lengths some clubs are going to in attracting the paying customer to their green every week. That reward is shown by the increasing number of people turning out each week to sample the delights of winter bowling. An average attendance of 70 is becoming the norm for some of the matchdays.
It really helps clubs benefit from providing their green to the local bowling community through a financial return to help pay for the additional maintenance to their green and generally the support from bowlers has been excellent with them buying extra raffle tickets to help host clubs balance the books. Long may that continue but please don't be upset if the range of free food is not entirely to your expectations because they are probably still more than the host clubs are contracted to provide.
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