Game v Herts Watford - Sunday 11th February
This game has been cancelled because of problems at Herts Watford
Jim starts his term as President
At the AGM today Jim Mcdonnell was elected President ot the Association for 2024
Jim is seen accepting the president’s chain from the outgoing President Carle Atkinson MBE. The presentation was done a week early at the end of the fixture against Cambridge Park as we have not found a method of transferring it by Zoom.
The President’s charity for 2024 is Prostate Cancer
Jim is a Merthyr Lad and he will be taking the Association ‘home’ to play two games in his home town at the end of April.
Bowls England Nomination for Umpire of the Year
One of our members Keith Sawdon has been nominated for Umpire of the year.
His commendation reads
Keith stands out as an exceptional and loyal umpire and marker, for Berkshire Bowling Association and at the Aviva National Finals at Leamington. In an era when qualified umpires are scarce in Berkshire, Keith has demonstrated unwavering dedication by officiating at numerous games, often at the expense of his family time.
Despite the challenges, he willingly gives his time to ensure the smooth running of matches. Keith’s commitment to his role is underscored by his extensive knowledge and fairness. His up-to-date understanding of rules and regulations, combined with his friendly and approachable demeanour, eliminates any questioning of his decisions on the green.
Beyond officiating, Keith has contributed in many ways to bowls. He has served on the Berkshire Management Committee for many years, where he played a key role in managing the association’s website. As the primary Green Keeper for his club in Bracknell, Keith ensures the quality of the playing surface. His willingness to assist anyone with sport-related issues highlights his passion for the game and his dedication to helping others navigate challenges.
Went to Leamington
Mike has done it again.
Mike Blizzard has qualified for Leamington in the Senior fours. Last time in 2019 his Thatcham four won the English title but unfortunately due to the covid epidemic the British Isles championships were not held. Thatcham beat the current British Isles champions in their Berkshire county final.
Glenda Dexter a member of Knaphill Bowls Club has qualified if or the national finals at Leamington. Glenda’s four from Knaphill bowls in Surrey qualified by reaching their County Final.
Rhys Lee the son of Diane and Peter Lee is going to Leamington representing his county Bucks in the Balcomb double fours Trophy. They play Essex in the semi finals.
Stuart has done it again.
Stuart Phillips has qualified for the National Finals at Leamington. It is the second time that he has qualified for the National Finals with a 4 from Ladygate. Stuart’s 4 from Ladygate beat a 4 from West Ealing on Sunday the 16th of July in the MIddlesex county semifinals. The County Final will be played at Hendon on the 30th July where they will meet a 4 from Ashford.
Phyll Scarborough a member of Hatfield Bowls Club has qualified for the national finals at Leamington. Phyll is a member of the Hatfield Triple that won the Hertfordshire title.
Pam Tottman a member of East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club in Sussex also qualified for the National finals at leamington. Like Phyll above she was also playing in the Ladies Triples
Good luck to all our competitors at Leamington.
AGM
The reports and draft minutes from the 2022 AGM are on the website. Please go to the Members area and the AGM heading. The 2022 AGM was held by Zoom on the 30th of January 2022 at 10.30 am. All the relevant papers and the draft minutes are on the website.
Presidents Charity
The presidents Charity for the 2021/2/3 years is the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The charity has, however, received a significant boost from the two of our members. Christine Howard and Jim McDonnell had a close friend who died of MND aged 64 in August 2021. Andrew Seamarks had suffered from MND for nearly a year and a half before he passed away. Christine and Jim have, through their efforts, have raised a significant amount to remember Andrew which they have added to the charity.
Luigi will also had the Motor Neurone Disease Association for his Charity during the 2022 year and Carole is continuing with the charity in 2023. The sum collected so far is nearly £4.000.
Membership
At the AGM in April 2017 the Association opened its membership to include all bowlers born in Wales, of Welsh descent or with a Welsh Affiliation.
Membership renewal for 2023
Many of our members renewed their membership for 2023 on the tour. The Treasurer is now in the process of ‘reminding’ all members who have not renewed their membership. It will be soon be time to call in Keith’s enforcers!!
Old Friends
In May Peter Lee, one of our past Presidents, had the privilege of playing for the Friends of English Bowling against the Royal Hospital at Sawbridgeworth. At the game Peter came across Trevor John, originally from Pencoed but for many years a resident of Worthing where he played for Worthing Pavilion. Trevor was a member of London Welsh from about 2000-2005 until he retired to Cornwall.
He is now a proud Chelsea Pensioner. Trevor has asked me to pass on his best wishes to anyone who might remember him. The picture shows Trevor and Peter ‘posing’ on the Sawbridgeworth green
