The New Year of 2021 is starting out positively with the roll out of the COVID19 vaccine across Canada. I am hopeful that by March 31st, some of our 80+ year old members will have had the opportunity of receiving their first shot of the vaccine. I am also hopeful that by May 31st, many of our 70+ age members will have had the opportunity of receiving their first shot of the vaccine. Hopefully, these first immunizations will cover 90%+ of our membership.
In BC we recently had some good news with short mat and table tennis now approved for play on a limited basis. We will soon be opening up Anderson House and Carnarvon House for these games. Under the new relaxation of provincial gaming rules, only 2 people will be allowed in each building at a time. Following approval of our new Club rules, recently submitted to Bowls BC, I expect that I will be able to announce on-line registration for both short mat and table tennis in ten days or less. Our Club has recently purchased HEPA air purifiers for both buildings which will assist in purifying the air inside the two buildings but this is not a replacement for following safe COVID19 rules during play.
I am also hopeful to be able to open up outdoor lawn bowling one month earlier this year – on April 1st, 2021. The recently announced BC relaxed gaming rules are permitting limited outdoor play with a maximum of 4 member doubles play – using similar rules we followed from June to October 2020.
Please keep in mind that the information above is always subject to new announcements and possible changes brought forward by the government of BC. I will be sending out messages to you as new information is announced – as it affects our participation in the games we all love to play. I am looking forward to spending time with many of you in the near future.
Barry Hersh
President, Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club
