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So, to all you Clubs out there who are struggling to recruit new mem- 17
So, to all you Clubs out there who are struggling to recruit new mem-
bers, never give up, promote your club locally, and foster a fun-lov-
bers, never give up, promote your club locally, and foster a fun-lov-
ing spirit in the club. If you do this eventually your hard work will reap
ing spirit in the club. If you do this eventually your hard work will reap
rewards, and you'll end up with a healthy membership who love playing
rewards, and you'll end up with a healthy membership who love playing
Short Mat Bowls!
Short Mat Bowls!
This season, Great Houghton SMBC have already started playing in NSMBA Division 1and
are holding their own despite an increase in the standard of our Opponents bowling! If you'd
like to play against Great Houghton SMBC in a Friendly match then contact Andy Odell on
07761251612 or andyroo61@outlook.com. We play all year round!
Andy Odell

Ed - I have listened to the laments about falling club numbers, the decline of our
sport and the wringing of hands but Great Houghton has shown how things can change
if you get off your rear end and be proactive! I have heard the lament of “what happens
to our struggling club when we no longer play?” and my brutal answer to many, is that
your club will probably cease to exist.
I have recently been told of a struggling Village Club, where in order to halt its de-
cline John Hillier actually went around knocking on people’s doors. He said it took him
ages as everyone invited him in for a Tea/Coffee but it certainly did the job. Not everyone
can do this but it showed great effort and dedication.
A door to door leaflet drop can sometimes work, inviting people to an open night
so they can try their hand at either your version of bowls. It may not work but if you don’t
try you will never know. With a notice or a leaflet drop, no long explanations as people
will probably not read it. A simple invitation to an open “Taster” night (or day) and you
can explain on the night to anyone who turns up. As the Americans say, “even if I fall flat
on my face, at least I was going forward at the time! It’s up to you!

T Th he e L La an ng gs st to on ne e C Cl li if ff f H Ho ot te el l

Mat Holidays
2 22 2 c co on nt ti in nu uo ou us s y ye ea ar r s s o of f S Sh ho or r t t Mat Holidays

way Leisure on 0121 286 9449
T Te el l: : B Br re ea ak ka away Leisure on 0121 286 9449