Sports clubs gearing up for return when coronavirus lockdown is eased
by Chris MarzellaA number of Stirling area sports clubs have expressed relief as it looks like they will be allowed to reopen as part of the gradual easing of lockdown.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week announced the Scottish Government’s “phased approach” to lifting the coronavirus lockdown, meaning that as soon as this weekend people could be allowed to meet friends and relatives in parks and gardens with social distancing - as long as the country continues to move forward in the fight against Covid-19.
Leisure activities – including golf, tennis, bowls and fishing are to be permitted – subject to appropriate hygiene and social distancing could be allowed and Stirling Golf Club could see players on the fairway as soon as Friday.
Club captain George Clelland will hit the first tee shot at 7am on Friday to symbolically open the course for the season and the fairways will once again become busy with golfers who have been unable to play since late March when lockdown began.
Although closed for golf, the course has been well used since the lockdown was introduced, with the local community, comprising both club members and general public using the open spaces for walking, dog walkers, joggers, runners, cyclists and general exercise.
Mr Clelland this week told the Observer: “We’re delighted that the golf course became such a well used community facility during lockdown and our thanks go to everyone involved. The vast majority of people used the course in a responsible manner and many have sent messages of thanks to the club. We very much value our place in the Stirling community and it’s pleasing to contribute in a small way by people using our course in this manner”.
The club is now asking walkers, dog walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists to revert to using the perimeter paths network from 6am on Friday, avoiding the course.
Mr Clelland added: “I want to inform all members of our local community that golf will once again be played at Stirling from Friday and people, especially with young children, should take extra care when following the path created around the perimeter of the golf course.”
Bridge of Allan Golf Club members were “over the moon” following the announcement of the plan to lift the restrictions. Graeme Bowden, from the club, said: “The patience of the members during the lockdown period has been absolutely fantastic and really appreciated by the management committee of the club. During the lockdown our green keeper Scott has been doing essential maintenance work and should be congratulated for getting the course in such a good condition for the players’ return.
“The lockdown has been hard for Bridge of Allan, as it’s been for all clubs, and especially for our caterer whose business basically disappeared overnight. There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel and as a result of most people taking heed of the ‘Stay at Home’ guidance, we can now look forward to a game of golf once again at Bridge of Allan.”
Bridge of Allan Sports Club will not be able to fully re-open at the present time, but will re-introduce the tennis facilities to members. Club president Stewart Penman said: “When I was elected president in March, I didn’t expect the first thing I would do would be to shut down the club, but these are very challenging times.
“It is true that in difficult times people either show their best or their worst and I’m lucky to have a fantastic committee around me and loyal members that have stayed with the club even though it’s closed.
“The government’s help with the job retention scheme allowed us to keep all our staff and the small business grant removed most of our financial uncertainty to ensure we can make it through lockdown.
“With the recent announcement from the Scottish Government of a phased approach to lifting lockdown, we can at least now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Bridge of Allan Sports Club is a multi-discipline facility so whilst we cannot fully reopen yet, the relaxation of lockdown to allow limited tennis to be played will be a huge relief to our members who feared the entire tennis season would be lost.
“However, this change in lockdown guidance is just the beginning and it will take time before we can return to full use of our fantastic facilities, but thanks to our members and the committee we will be ready when the time comes.”
Bowling greens are in tip-top condition around the area – but many are still waiting to resume play.
At Polmaise in Fallin, Peter Black said the committee would be holding a meeting – weather permitting, outside – to decide on future plans.
“Personally, I would wait another couple of weeks to see as we are not allowed to open the clubhouse or the toilets,” said Peter.
“There are guidelines from Bowls Scotland including only three rinks with times of one hour and half-hour gaps between to clean equipment.
“We’re lucky at Polmaise in a way that we do not have a bar to worry about, as Fallin Public House Society owns the green and we only have a lease with them, but we still have to help take trade to them.
“We look after the green and the clubhouse. We still require money to pay for this and this is where memberships and fundraising comes in. Some members have agreed to pay part of their memberships and we are looking at ways to raise funds once this is over.”