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President's letter- June 2009

The members of the GIBA are justifiably proud of their purpose built Stadium. It started life however as a warehouse and was converted by volunteers initially to create 4 rinks and then underwent an extension to create 10 rinks. The original 4 rinks were then sold to the Guernsey Table Tennis Association.  Next door to the Stadium is the Guernsey Indoor Cricket Centre, so the buildings have become a multi-sports complex with a shared lounge bar area.

The need for an indoor bowls stadium in Guernsey came about as a result of pressures being placed on the Association to seek improved facilities. Until 1984 the Association's members had played all matches on a temporary surface, a carpet rolled out in the Sarnia Hall at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre on bowls nights. This was not the best playing surface and when the centre was considering the continued use of the Hall by the Association it was decided to see if alternative premises could be found.

A trust, The GIBA Amenities Trust was established and after some searching a suitable site was found at Hougue du Pommier. There two joined warehouses were converted over a number of months by volunteers from all walks of life, only too happy to play their part in the transformation, into a four rink bowls stadium.

The new stadium was completed and was opened in November 1984 by the then Bailiff of Guernsey Sir Charles Frossard. An exhibition match was played starring David Bryant a well known bowls figure and the Stadium was crowded with spectators for the opening. The new venture for the Association attracted a certain amount of publicity and the result was a swelling of the membership numbers.

Playing on four rinks meant that time and space was at a premium. Bowlers started matches as early as 8.00am on occasions and the last leagues commenced at 10.00pm. Numbers continued to grow and it soon became apparent that the four rinks would not suffice for Guernsey's bowling requirements. An extension was undertaken. This time the work was carried out by a local building contractor and the four rinks became ten. The six rink extension was constructed as a single span.

Although bowls is the main activity at the Stadium other sports are played. Members of the Association play in Guernsey snooker and billiards leagues and competitions and other members have formed the Hougue du Pommier Petanque Club playing petanque or boules.  Table Tennis and Indoor cricket are played in adjoining buildings.

On site at the Stadium there are also Physio Fit and Maxwells, independent organisations. Physio Fit is a health centre where members of the public might exercise principally on toning tables. Maxwells is a conveniently located hairdresser, again open to the public.  A dance studio has also been built on the first floor.

Guernsey Indoor Bowls Centre - Where are we ?

Sunday May 31, 2009