An application from Calne Bowls Club for a licence to sell alcohol has been granted despite some local concerns.
At a meeting of the Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee yesterday, 27th April, the application was considered for the Calne Bowls Club to be allowed to sell alcohol to be drunk on-site between 12pm and 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.
Concerns had been raised that the proximity of a second licensed establishment to the already licensed Calne Recreational Club could cause noise disturbance to neighbouring properties.
Mr Wicks representing the club told the committee: “Recently we applied and got our own lease so we are now separated from the Calne Recreation Ground.
“Over the last five years the Rec have made it very difficult for the Bowls Club, they have actively tried to close us down and made it awkward for us to use the Rec club, fees were put up to £47 per member, hence we applied to break away and have our own lease.”
Mr Wicks went on to say that the Recreational Club has applied for planning permission for an L-shaped extension around the bowls green which would make it impossible for them to use the Rec’s licence facilities.
In answer to the concerns raised of a ‘significant noise disturbance’ Mr Wicks commented : “It would be nice to have a drink after a match,
“There is very little noise comes from the bowls club. We are very responsible people, we are all local people and we just want to enjoy a game of bowls and a drink afterwards.”
Cllr Peter Hutton asked Mr Wicks to confirm that they weren’t intending to hold birthday parties or wedding parties or other outside functions not relating to the sport of bowls and would only use the licence for post-match drinks. Mr Wicks confirmed that would be the case.
Resident Fiona Cottrill speaking on behalf of several of her neighbours queried the time when people would be leaving the club, Mr Wicks pointed out that bowling can’t be done after dusk, and estimated that 10pm would be the latest time that people would be leaving the premises. He added: “We are not going to be a drinking establishment, we are a ‘have a game of bowls, have a drink and go home’.”
Chairman of the Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee, Cllr Stewart Palmen announced that the group had resolved to grant the application for a licence to Calne Bowls Club.
Calne Bowls Club granted a licence to sell alcohol
There’s a warm welcome at Calne Bowls Club this Saturday – the owls are taking a break from duty, as they usually guard re-seeded section of the green during the closed season
Calne Bowls Club has been granted a licence to sell alcohol to members and guests after matches.
The licence will allow the club to sell alcohol to be drunk on-site between 12pm and 10pm during the week, and 10am to 10pm on weekends.
A representation raised concerns over the “prevention of public nuisance”. They said that a second drinking establishment in the area – Calne Recreational Club already has a club licence – would cause significant noise disturbance for nearby residents.
Bowlers enjoying the sun at Saturday’s open day at Calne Bowling Club Mr Wicks who represented the bowls club said that the Recreational Club has applied for planning permission for an L-shaped extension around the bowls green. This, according to Mr Wicks, makes it impossible for the bowls club to use the Recreational Club’s licence. “It would be nice to have a drink after a match,” he said. “There is very little noise which comes from the bowls club. We are very responsible people, we are all local people and we just want to enjoy a game of bowls and a drink afterwards.” There was some confusion over the sale of booze – highlighted by Cllr Alison Bucknell – to members and guests, as this had not been filled out on the application form. It was confirmed by the bowls club that it did intend to sell alcohol to both members of the club and its guests. Cllr Peter Hutton, asked for Mr Wicks to confirm that the bowls club would only use the licence for post-match drinks and not for other functions such as birthdays and weddings – which was confirmed by Mr Wicks. Resident Fiona Cottrill said that it seemed excessive for the area to have two licensed premises and raised concerns over the later times. It was announced by chairman of the Northern Area Licensing sub-committee, Cllr Stewart Palmen that the group had resolved to grant the bowls club its licence.
The flower borders, awaiting the arrival of the roses in the far bed
The kitchen area looking its best, all ready for catering, when it’s allowed.
Only 4 boxes to get rid of and the pavilion will be back to its pristine condition, thanks Pip and Rita
One of our walking wounded, hopefully Barry Wick’s advice will get him back bowling!
The new noticeboard up at last with Stev doing the honours
Martin Grugeon and Dave Davies putting the wheels back on.
Norman Lawton with paint brush
Norman Lawton, Mayumi and Mike Lewis with Barry Wicks
Early morning on Club opening day, still a few things to do.
The green awaiting the start of the season
It takes some members a little time to remember green etiquette!
Norman Lawton, Mayumi, Lewis, Barry Kennedy and Steve McColl
Martha Mason and Mayumi Lewishanging out the bunting for Club Opening day
Martin Grugeon and Dave Davies wheeling the score board to its new home
The surround is nearly finished and to the right spec! Gladys Webster trying to hide
With apologies for the slight blurriness, they are fast movers these two, Martin Grugeon,Head foreman checking that the work was being done correctly! and Rod Amor head bowler, just popping in to make sure it was up to his high standard!
A big thank you to Richard, Joe and Tim who joined member Les Fish, Panos Joseph and Dave Davies to get the hard work done
I am not going to use a lot of words but I would like to thank the anonymous person who posted the following on The Original Shout Out Calne today:
“I have to say how lovely Calne Bowls Club is looking, lots of people have been very busy, and all with a smiling face and an Hello to those passing. Good job!”
The members really appreciate this as they have worked very hard over the last month to get the club ready.
Anyway here are the photos
The green awaiting the start of the seasonEarly morning on Club opening day, still a few things to do.The flower borders, awaiting the arrival of the roses in the far bedThe flag flying, remembering the Duke of EdinburghCommittee members and a few members awaiting the first bowlOur Chairman, Barry, sending down the first wood, with some of the committee looking on in admiration!!Members start using the green, the season startsIt takes some members a little time to remember green etiquette!Roll-ups can be fun
What can you say! Calne Bowls Club would not be able to get everything needed to be done without volunteers, so a big thank you to all those involved in getting the green and surrounds ready for the 17th April opening day, when the Chairman sends down the first wood and the season starts.
A big thank you to Richard, Joel and Tim who joined members Les, Panos and Dave to get the hard work done
With apologies for the slight blurriness (they are fast movers these two!) here are Martin and Rod, just popping in to make sure the work it was up to their high standards!
Whilst we are still awaiting information from Bowls England regarding Covid restrictions, we are expecting to be able to open our club on Saturday 17th April with certain restrictions, namely playing on only every other rink and maximum 6 members per rink for roll-ups.
There will be a booking system through the Club Secretary as per last year, along with all the restrictions we had in place in 2020 including sanitising etc.
Members will be advised as soon as we have received B.E. instructions.
The green is looking very good. Some members have started the work on the flower beds and replacing slabs in the surrounding.
If you are passing by, please give them a cheery hello to help encourage them in their hard work. Meanwhile a big thank you from the club members for all your hard work – you know who you are.
Below are pictures of the green, sent to your correspondent by our Chairman Barry, a lot of work has gone into the green over the winter and here you can see 2 of our stalwarts doing some final preparations.In addition even the planyt containers are getting a paint job, caution anyone standing still for too long will be painted!
One of our guardian Owls(Twoo) looking onLey is on the left and Derek is on the right.
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