At the dawn of 2022, the League’s officers would like to wish all MSBL bowlers, their families and friends a very happy New Year.

Everyone hopes we will be able to get back to some kind of pre-pandemic normal, but there remains doubt as to what the new Covid variant might have in store for – although the early signs are thankfully hopeful.

What is not in doubt is that there is a need for new faces on the team that runs the League in 2022.

For Fixture Secretary Ric Hudson and Vice-Chairman David Evans have informed the general secretary that they will not be standing for election at the League’s AGM – whenever it is held.

Many of you will have read in the Christmas message on this website that the League’s officers are monitoring the Covid situation very closely with a view to making plans for 2022.

And they will be making a decision before next weekend as to whether the AGM goes ahead in person on Monday 17^th January, is held virtually that night or even delayed a little.

Given the rule change proposals that are due to be voted on at the annual meeting, a delay would give clubs more time to assess playing numbers for a forthcoming season that is scheduled to start in April.

Member clubs will be kept informed directly by email of any firm decisions, but for now, keep safe and here’s sending everyone very best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

POTENTIAL PRESENTS

Delegates of member clubs were given plenty to think about over the festive period at the League’s December management meeting.

The last meeting of 2021 ended with a presentation by Chris Child and Amy Ruffell-Hazell of Energize, outlining the exiting potential of a new £3.5m Sport England funding opportunity in the West Midlands linked to the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It’s called Places & Spaces (https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/places-and-spaces) and is a crowdfunding programme with awards up to £10,000 match funding for projects.

It is capital based, so anything facility or fixed fittings will be considered, and requires setting up and coordinating on the online Crowdfunder page.

More potential good news for clubs is that the League has agreed a two-year sponsorship of a new website that is being designed – worth £100 per annum – with Local Print Pros.

And the Telford-based company is offering clubs things like low cost embroidery; good turnaround flexibility, local drop off and collection; individual club and team sponsorship.

Said Streve Reeves of the company: “Any club signing up to our Team Page will receive: Free Embroidery Setup; a dedicated Team Page hosted on our website, where players can individually purchase the club’s playing shirts, showerproofs, jumpers, fleeces etc whatever the club chooses to list on there; £1 off every garment in exchange for our logo on the arm of garments brought.

“If anyone has any questions they are welcome to email me [email protected]”

Other points from the meeting – numerous League trophies won in 2019 still need returning to comps sec Phil King;

DBS renewals or applications in 2022 to be done via Zoom on February 12 or 26;

Big Bowls Weekend 2022 will be between May 27 and 29;

3 new Life Members will be inducted at the AGM on Monday 17^th January.

It promises to be a cracking December management committee meeting on Tuesday the 7th.

For besides the ordinary League business to be dealt with, the meeting should end on a real pre-Christmas high.

A team from Energize led by Chris Child will be attending to talk about improving Bowls Facilities (and they will be more than happy to talk to club officials about grants etc etc after the meeting)

Their slot on the agenda will be followed by a development and coaching update from SCGBA officer Pauline Wilson, who is eager to get even more clubs taking part in the second Big Bowls Weekend in 2022.

And potential League sponsor Local Print Pros will be represented by Steve Reeves to outline what deals they can also off toe member clubs in terms of clothing, sings, logos etc etc

So League officers are urging clubs to do their utmost to be represented on Tuesday – when all trophies won in 2019 should be returned to Phil King please

FULL AGENDA

1  Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting

2 Apologies & In Memoria

3 Minutes of the November Management Committee Meeting 

4 Matters arising

5 General Secretary’s report

6 Correspondence

7 Treasurer’s report 

8 Competition Secretary’s report – all trophies MUST be returned before / at this meeting

9 Fixture Secretary’s report 

10 Rule Change Proposals for 2022 AGM – see attached

11 Planning for 2022 and the League’s 90^th Anniversary

12 County matters – report from executive meeting on 15th November

SHORT BREAK

13 Bowls Facility Development – Chris Child & his Energize team

14 County Development & Coaching – Pauline Wilson

15 Any Other Business

16 President / chairman to close the meeting

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 2022 AGM on Monday 17^th January at SJBC at 7pm

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