SUSSEX COUNTY BOWLING ASSOCIATION
(Member of Bowls England and affiliated to The Home Counties B.A.)
A meeting of the Executive Committee will be held at the Coral Brighton & Hove Stadium, Nevill Road, Hove at 2.30pm on Monday 20th October 2008
Details of any substitute for a delegate unable to attend should be advised to the Hon Secretary in writing prior to the date of the relevant meeting (Rule 5c)
AGENDA
1. President’s opening remarks
2. Apologies
3. Approval of the minutes of the 14th April 2008 meeting (circulated)
4. Matters arising from the above minutes not covered by the agenda items below
5. Hon Secretary’s report
6. Hon Treasurer’s report
7. Hon Match Secretary’s report –
8. Hon Competition Secretary’s report
9. Hon Coach’s report
10. Under 25 report
11. H.C.B.A. report
12. Bowls England Report
13. Unification
14. To receive a report from SCBA Benevolent Fund
15. Proposed Rule
Change – S.C.B.A. RULE 10(a) Election of Officers) Page 63 Year Book
(As proposed by GPC June 22nd 2008) Add after
Honorary Chaplain, ‘Honorary Safeguarding Officer’.
16. Any other business at the discretion of the President
Date and
time of next meeting
Tuesday 9th December 3pm at Hydro Hotel Eastbourne following County
Lunch
| D. W. Bain | Little Buckland | |
| Hon Secretary | Fryern Road | |
| 4th October 2008 | Storrington | |
| West Sussex | ||
| Tel. 01903-742526 | ||
|
E-mail bain_david@hotmail.com |
SUSSEX COUNTY BOWLING ASSOCIATION
(Member of Bowls England & Affiliated to the Home Counties Association)
Minutes of the
Executive Meeting held at Coral Brighton and Hove Stadium
2.30 p.m. Monday April 14th 2008
=====================================================
President Brian Lee opened the meeting by extending a very warm welcome to all present and expressed his wish that the meeting would be informative, constructive and enjoyable.
1. In Attendance.
President Brian Lee (Chairman), Senior Deputy President Richard Pettet, Junior Deputy President, Tony Sharman, Imm Past President Alan Clemits, Secretary David Bain, Assistant Secretary Reg Reeve, Treasurer Don Bristow, Match Secretary John Barden, Competition Secretary Viv Evans and 87 Clubs delegates/representatives signed in the Attendance Register.
2. Apologies
John Beaven Honorary Coach – John Bennett Maltravers B.C. - Doug Booth Newhaven B.C. – Fred Brock Honorary Member - Roger Burgess Worthing B.C. – Gordon Cummings Past President - Roy Dare Motcombe Gardens B.C. – Brian Hanchett Saltdean B.C. - Brian Henham Fishbourne B.C. – Tony Gough Hurstpierpoint B.C. - Jack Laborde Hangleton B.C. – Ted Hinckley White Rock B.C. - Ted Hood & John Fairs Tarring Priory B.C.– Don Kent Seaford B.C.- Eddie Lendon Past President - Derek Marchant Handcross B.C. - Patrick Murphy Past President - Frank Page Deanland B.C. - David Peebles Honorary Member - Ron Surridge Gulliver’s B.C. - Geoff Sutton GPC – Peter Waters Colemans Hatch B.C. – Mike Webster SCIBA
3. The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 22nd October 2007 (circulated)
These were approved. Proposed by Bob Leonard (Preston B.C) seconded by Gerry Hayes (East Preston B.C.)
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising that were not covered by reports
5. Hon Secretary’s Report.
5.1 The Secretary apologised for having to change the date of this meeting. He explained that he had arranged an extra GPC meeting as he felt that a six-month gap between meetings was too long. Although this had been notified to members via the Internet he regretted not emphasising the change at the time of circulating the minutes. It is hoped to return to the first Monday in April in future years.He then went on once again to urge more use of the Internet and e-mails wherever possible and if any Secretary or Delegate has an e-mail address of which we are not aware please let us know. The ever-increasing cost of Royal Mail is a drain on the County’s finances.
The Secretary said that the President was very keen to see an improvement in communications between County and Club (both ways) and Club to grass roots bowlers and, to this end, Delegates were asked to ensure that any decisions reached at Executive meetings were communicated promptly to their clubs. In supports of this objective he suggested that minutes of meetings should in future be sent out at an earlier stage so that non-attendees would know what is going on. Ideally of course there would be no absentees.
5.2 County Flag With the help of a very generous donation from Stella Sweet a new Centenary Flag has been purchased and will be used as from 2009.
5.3 County Shirts The under 25’s were issued with their own distinctive team shirts last year thanks to the legacy of the late Brian Kirk and subsequently Alan Clemits passed the hat round and raised enough money to purchase a new shirt for each member selected for the senior squad for HCL and Middleton cup matches. The shirts have been ordered and should be with us shortly. Thanks are extended to Alan for his fund raising efforts and more especially to those who contributed to the fund.
5.4 County Lunch The County lunch was held at the Hydro Hotel Eastbourne on 9 December was universally judged to have been very successful and as a result The GPC have decided that a reservation be made for lunch at the Hydro on Tuesday 9th December 2008 preceding the next AGM. Because of the success of last year it is anticipated that we shall have no difficulty in reaching our optimum numbers of 120 for the lunch. Secretaries are requested to ensure that applications for the lunch are made in good time so as not to disappoint and not left to the last minute as per last year. Delegates are reminded that this event is open to all members.
There was some discussion about holding an extra lunch/dinner in 2009 to commemorate the Centenary but was turned down by the GPC in the hope that every effort would be made to secure maximum attendance as referred to above
5.5 Sponsorship Thanks were extended Geoff Sutton and his Business Partner for providing the County with Score Cards for the coming season.
5.6. Unification This subject that has taken up a great deal of time over previous months and will be reported on later in these minutes
5.7. Tournament Licences The Secretary reaffirmed that contrary to what had been reported previously, licences could be obtained from him.
5.8. Coloured shirts. The following clubs have registered coloured shirts:-
The Crouch B.C. Division 1
Crawley town B.C Division 2
The Downsman B.C. Division 2
Haywards Heath B.C. Division 3
Southwick B.C. Division 3
Norfolk B.C. Division 4
6 Treasurer’s Report Don welcomed Delegates and Officers to the first season in which we are members of Bowls England; the season commences with 115 affiliated clubs (one fewer than last year) who have 5,342 registered members compared to 5,458 members registered in 2007.
Vice-Presidents number 1,166 compared to 1,216 in 2007 but the Divisional Controllers have increased the number of Vice-President Matches to be played in 2008.
County badges, ties, diaries etc will remain at the same cost as last year.
The GPC have approved a resolution to waive the PER CAPITA subscriptions from clubs to our Association for the 2009 Season in recognition of the Association’s Centenary and therefore passing some benefit to all member clubs.
As a result of changes in procedures adopted by Bowls England it will be necessary for our subscription demands to clubs to be issued at the end of November 2008 as Bowls England require their Affiliation Fees to be paid in January 2009; the reason being that Ladies Clubs have always paid their subscriptions prior to the Christmas period and this compromise solution has been imposed by Bowls England.
Gatwick Motors have generously indicated their willingness to continue their sponsorship of £500 for 2008 and the GPC request that all members please try to support our sponsors.
Don said he regretted that an insurance claim has had to be instituted for the loss of the County Fours Runner-up Cup, which has been missing since last year. This cup was valued at £1,950 in 2001 and he said he felt ashamed and disenchanted that certain members were unable to take care of our valuable assets.
Centenary Lapel badges have been purchased for the 2009 Season and the GPC have approved the Treasurer’s recommendation that they will be distributed on the same basis as the County Yearbooks, these badges will cost members £1.00 each.
Don completed his report by wishing all bowlers a happy and successful season in 2008.
7. Hon Match Secretary’s Report -
John started his report by saying how well the details of the Match Secretary’s Office had been handed over by Rod Taylor. He said he had appreciated this very much and it had enabled him to get into the role quite easily.
The 2009 Programme is taking shape and can be found on the County Web Site www.sussexba.co.uk and can be viewed as it is developed, as to current dates for fixtures and results.
8. Hon Competition Secretary’s Report
Viv
asked Delegates to ensure that their clubs look at the competition draws to
ensure that their members are aware of their commitments. If there has been
any changes in personnel - for instance if any of their members in the draw
are no longer with the club - ensure that opponents are notified. This
will avoid any unnecessary travelling on the part of their opponents.
Viv reported that there had been a decrease in competitors over the previous
years. In the unbadged competition since 2004, there has been a drop of over
100. He asked all clubs to encourage members, particularly new members to
enter this competition.
Regarding the Yearbook - Viv said it was important that we support our advertisers when the opportunity arises, members are asked to mention having seen their advertisement in the County yearbook.
9. Hon Coach’s Report No report
10. Under 25 Report
10.1 The under 25’s League game against Bucks on Sunday 10th August is shown in the fixture list as starting at 10am. Venue TBA. Alf has now confirmed this as – 10.00am at Popes Mead.
10.2 The HCL match against Oxford falls on Sunday 24th August, which is a Bank Holiday weekend. Oxford apparently is unwilling or unable to change the date of this match, but Alf is still trying.10.3 A meeting was held with Brian Lee, Richard Pettet, Alf Bridges, John Fairs and Tony Sharman in early March to talk about the Under 25’s in general. A good meeting ensued but John Fairs announced that next season he would be Vice Captain at Tarring Priory and a s a result time available to attend to his under 25 duties will be severely curtailed. The County therefore will be looking for a replacement for John to assist Alf.
11 Bowls England Delegate’s Report
11.1 Alan reported that the Secretary, The President and himself attended the First Bowls England Conference held at Worthing Pier Pavilion recently. Tony Allcock, Chief Executive of Bowls England, reported that B.E. had taken legal advice on Unification at County level. The advice received was that as all Counties were now Members of Bowls England, they would be expected to follow the rules and regulations of that organization, and were expected to unify within two years. A little leeway may be given in some cases.
11.2 A presentation was given by a representative of Slade Perkins (Bowls England Insurers) who pointed out the benefit of belonging to the Bowls England Scheme. It was stressed that clubs should have a Safeguarding Officer in situ. The drawbacks re playing unaffiliated clubs were also explained. Whereby Clubs come under a Clubs duty of care to their members to ensure that their members are covered by insurance at all times. Unaffiliated clubs may not be covered.
11.3 Alan said he could not see many problems arising under unification. The majority of things would remain the same. (A question was asked would the various fees paid to National Bodies now be the same). Alan said that in many cases they have been brought in line, in some cases they have gone down, in others they have been increased to even-up fees paid.
11.4 Clubs were reminded that all clubs should have a Safeguarding Officer appointed who would also be responsible for Vulnerable Adults. Guidelines can be obtained from the Bowls England website.
12 Home Counties Report
Brian Lee gave a report of key points arising from the AGM held 11th February is as follows: -
12.1 Annual subscription to remain at £125 – thanks was given to Treasurers for paying promptly.12.2 Election of officers:
Chairman – Ian
Whelpton Oxfordshire
Deputy Chairman – Peter
Duncan Surrey
Secretary –
Laurie Smethurst Bucks
Treasurer –
Peter Astall Oxfordshire
Competition Sec –
Brian Elkins Oxfordshire
12.3 Amendment to Rules: - HCL (seniors) - in the event of being unable to field 24 players at the appointed start time of a HCL match the match will be forfeited and 12 points and 30 shots awarded to the opponents. For Under 25’s - 8 points and 20 shots. Some flexibility could be allowed for start times in exceptional circumstances and by mutual agreement for the under 25’s.
12.4 Association Programme: - 5 games to be played plus finals at Oxford City & County B.C. on 21st September 2008. Tony Sharman will be CIC this year. Subsequent additional match has been arranged at Worthing Pavilion as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations.
12.5 Chairman’s Lunch: - Tuesday 12th August 2008 at Field Place.
12.6 Address by Sponsors: - Mike Peters from Jack of Clubs who advised that the generous sponsorship of £6k pa due for review end of 2008. Those Home Counties who fulfil their league commitments to the Under 25’s league receive £600 per County to aid them with their youth development programmes. Unless the sponsors are able to generate more interest from clubs and counties in their insurance products their continued involvement post 2008 is in doubt.
62 Member Clubs insured (17 from Sussex) – The sponsors are looking for Clubs to approach them for details of package on offer at or before renewal time…can they help?
Preferential rates for bowlers
13 Months cover for 12 in first year – 1 month free
No claim discount after 1 year
Directors and officers liability – franchise
Brian quoted his favourable experience.
13 Centenary Committee Report 2009
13.1 Richard Pettet said 2009 is a big year for the S.C.B.A. 100 Years of bowling in Sussex is something to celebrate. County Officers are enthusiastic about this milestone and we look to delegates to keep club members informed and to spread this enthusiasm.
13.2 Special matches are being arranged against Bowls England, the Sussex Vice-Presidents and the Home Counties Bowling Association.
13.3 We now have a Centenary flag very kindly donated by Stella Sweet and special pennants and bowls stickers will be produce.
13.4 Our Chaplain, Rev Colin Kassell has agreed to hold a service at his church in Worthing to mark the Centenary – date to be arranged. It is hoped that this will be well supported.
13.5 A one-off knockout competition is being arranged. Each club affiliated to the County is invited to enter one rink. To minimize interference with other club and County commitments all rounds will be played towards the end of the season
There will be no entry fee and the winning club will be presented with a trophy that they will permanently retain. In answer to a question from the floor Richard said there would be no Cash Awards.
A letter will shortly be sent to all clubs together with the competition rules and the draw.
13.6 Any further suggestion as to how the Centenary could be celebrated would be welcome.
14 Benevolent Fund
In the absence of Gordon Cummings – Joe Smith gave a short report saying that this is a Bowlers Charity and urged Clubs who do not contribute to it, to seriously consider making a donation. He pointed out that if Clubs did not contribute their members would not be able to receive any benefit from it. He advised that the trustees have during the last period had made one donation of £1000.
He thanked his fellow trustees for their conscientious efforts and for giving their time to such a worthy cause.
15 Unification SCBA & SCWBA
Brian reported on the initial meeting
between the two bodies 11 January 2008. He said that
the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere.
One area of concern expressed by the Ladies was the obvious imbalance in numbers of the respective genders and how this could be overcome when it came to voting. The men have something in excess of 5400 members and the Ladies only 2500. The men had 115 clubs against the Ladies 94 clubs. These issues would have to be resolved.
Brian said that Sussex, with 115 affiliated Clubs, was one of the larger Counties and he had learned that among the other large counties, Essex was against unification and Kent and Surrey have yet to hold any meaningful meetings with the ladies. Kent has a Centenary anniversary coming up and would not want to do anything until after the Centenary.
A further exploratory meeting is to be firmed up in around three month’s time.
16 AOB
16.1 Centenary Tie. The secretary said he had been asked to bring up this subject by Geoff Sutton of Eastbourne who was keen for the County to have a Centenary tie. It was pointed out that this has been discussed at the GPC who had rejected the idea on the basis of possible cost and the feeling that the wearing of ties was becoming less popular with the advent of coloured shirts.
The Chairman asked for a show of hands and only 4 members were in favour. The suggestion was therefore defeated.
16.2 Roving microphone - There was a request from the floor that for future meetings it would be helpful for there to be a roving microphone for use of delegates who wish to contribute to a debate. This request was duly noted.
Date of next meeting Monday 20th October at 2.30pm at Coral Stadium Brighton
There being no further business the meeting closed at 3.35pm
Signed…………………………………Chairman
(Brian Lee)
Date……………………………………………..