Your county needs you!

Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association is searching for a new treasurer and safeguarding officer for 2023.

And all affiliated leagues have been asked to advertise the vacancies via their publicity outlets to help spread the word and find new recruits.

“Both of these positions are vital to the running of the Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association and we would appreciate your support circulating the posts available,” said county secretary Dawn Gray.

Find below the job description for the vacant SCGBA Treasurer role:.

Treasurer Job Description – Oct 2022

And also find below the job description for the vacant SCGBA Safeguarding Officer role:

Safeguarding Officer Job Description

If you would like to apply or know more, please contact SCGBA Chairman Phil Scott on 07946 478299 or 01948 820757, or email on [email protected]

The good news is that a change of heart  means the county does not have to search for a new competition secretary too.

Mike Potter’s year as County President will end at February’s AGM on Saturday 6^th February at Sinclair BC and he had previously announced that the wished to stand as county comps sec at the same time.

But MSBL President Mike told the latest county executive meeting that, having received pleas to continue in charge of comps, he would now stand for re-election, despite having suffered a couple of recent health scares.

Two member clubs have already expressed an interest in competing in a new afternoon division the League is thinking about launching next year.

The news of their interest follows moves by League chiefs to allay the concerns of other leagues about the possibility of the new division in 2023.

Secretary Malcolm Fletcher has written to officers of the Highley, Shrewsbury Ladies, Mid Shropshire Senior Citizens and Telford Ladies Afternoon leagues to explain the proposal.

The idea of a six-a-side division for bowlers of all ages and played on either Tuesdays or Thursdays afternoons (1.30pm start) is the brainchild of Steve Wall, the vice-chairman of the League.

 “And as your leagues have fixtures or competitions on those days, I felt it only right and proper that I make contact to try and explain the situation fully,” said the secretary.

 “Delegates of our 25 clubs have been asked to go back to their clubs to see if they have any interest in joining such a division next year – and on which afternoon they would prefer to play.

“We hope to get a better idea of where we stand by our meeting on Tuesday, December 6, and if there is little interest the proposals will be withdrawn.

“But if there is a demand, of say 8 teams, the MSBL will cater for it – and two clubs have already expressed an interest and we have a potential sponsor in the pipeline.

“Once we decide to go ahead, and know on which day, that is the stage we will consult formally with the league (s) affected.

“And that will be in the hope that, with the Mike Beckett results system being so helpful, we can come up with an amicable solution.

“I sincerely hope that clarifies the current state of play.”

The latest bowlers to become Life Members of the League were quick to say thank you! Below are some of the things they said . . .

 Angela Gaut: “I just thought that I should drop you a line or two to thank the League for inviting me to receive the Life membership award.

“I was extremely surprised and of course honoured to receive this award, which has previously been given to so many deserving recipients.

“As you may know, I have always done my best for the game, whether it be in club or county capacity, even on the green itself.

“I will always treasure this award as it is decided on by members of the executive committee who are people doing their utmost to improve the game, just like myself.”

Keith Pessall: “I would like to take a moment to thank the MSBL for the presentation made to me.

“Lorraine and I enjoyed the evening and, as inevitably happens at such an event, conversation revives memories of names and deeds from the past!

“Unfortunately, some names are only known to those of us of a particular vintage and confirm how the years have gone in a blink of an eye.

“Despite my initial embarrassment of being selected, which was further compounded by some very kind remarks at the presentation, I can assure you I am extremely proud of the recognition I have received.

“The memento of the evening will stand proudly alongside those I have won over my long association with a game that has been so much part of my life.

“Thanks again and I wish the MSBL, all of its hard working officials and bowlers playing under its flag, every success in the future. “

Colin Rudrum: “It was lovely to see several old friends at the meeting and presentation.

“Gillian and I really enjoyed the presentation evening and buffet so our thanks go to Margaret for that.”

The General Secretary had plenty of good news to report at the Legue’s November meeting . . .

“Firstly, one of the League’s missing trophies – the Under-25 Merit – has been found as is now with comps sec Phil King.

“Secondly, first division champions Horsehay look set to launch another team in the League next year – and that’s in addition to Castlefields, who have already expressed an interest in joining the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division.

“Thirdly, an existing sponsor has been in touch to tell the League that, should it need any backing for any future project, they want to be given first refusal.

“Fourthly, June Lewis has told me that if the League need any future backing for the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division, she will be happy to oblige in memory of her late husband and former League chairman.”

A cheque for £50 from the proceeds of the Dave Ellis Challenge match at Bridgnorth has now been sent to the Mel Evans MBE Foundation via Lynn Pritchatt.

The League’s 2023 AGM is booked for Monday 30th January at the Sir John Bayley Club, in both rooms, and delegates were reminded that the county AGM next year will be on a Saturday morning . . .

A number of matters relating to the 2022 season were officially confirmed at the League’s November meeting.

PRIZE MONEY – the top 3 clubs in the divisions will receive the following monetary reward at the League’s annual presentation dinner on 21st January:

Division 1: £510 – £255 – £85
Division 2: £445 – £225 – £75
Division 3: £305 – £155 – £50
Divisions 4 – 5 & 6: £320 – £160 – £55
Dennis Lewis Thursday Division: £360 – £180 – £60

COMPEITION prize money – will be based on entry numbers, with chairman Sean Round donating £100 to the junior prize fund and Malcolm & Margaret Fletcher donating £70 to pay to prize winners in the Junior Doubles.

MONDAY DIVISIONAL AVERAGES – bearing in mind the League rule that states: “Players having played six games in division 1, 2 or 3 shall not be eligible for this award in divisions 4 or lower. “

 Division 4: George Emlyn (Dnn Wood B)

Division 5: Abi Helliwell (Bowring C)

Division 6: Liam Bremner (Wrock Wood D)

 ANY OTHER BUSINESS – the big talking point was the issues clubs are facing with regards to energy prices.

Webmaster Steve Wall has now put a link on the League’s Facebook group that explains the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

“It outlines the discount of 34p per KWh, this being given by the supplier at source,” says Steve

“It was clear some clubs were being quoted £1+ per KWh – but they should check whether this is before the government discount.

“However, the above is my interpretation of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and I may be wrong.”

The League’s hunt for missing trophies must end at the November management meeting on Tuesday the 1^st – which is also crucial with regards to January’s presentation dinner (see Vital Reminders below the agenda).

Wellington’s Bayley Club (7.30pm) is the venue for the gathering that is the deadline for all trophies to be returned.

Competition secretary Phil King said: “It’s that time of year when I need cups and trophies back for engraving, many of them won in 2019.”

They include the winners’ trophies for divisions one, two and three – but league chiefs have agreed that Hadnall can retain the Harris Cup until after their club presentation evening on November 26.

The agenda includes confirmation of prize money to be paid out at the league’s annual presentation dinner in January, the Monday division averages winners, honoraria figures in the light of inflation running at 10 per cent and budgeting for 2023.

AGENDA

1  Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting

2  Apologies & In Memoria

3  Minutes of the October Executive Committee Meeting

4  Matters arising

5  General Secretary’s report

6  Correspondence

7  Treasurer’s report – to include:

 prize money to be paid, honoraria payments & budgeting

8  Fixture Secretary’s report – confirmation of Monday division averages winners

9  Competition Secretary’s report – last call for trophies to be returned

10 Rule change proposals from clubs

11 Annual Dinner – Saturday 21^st January 2023 at The West Stand @ TUFC

12 County matters – next executive meeting on 21^st November at Sinclair

13 Any Other Business

14 President / chairman to close the meeting

VITAL REMINDERS

COMPLETED ANNUAL DINNER FORMS should be returned at this meeting. Bookings for EXTRA PLACES (and there are no limits), with their menu choices, are need at this meeting too. Clubs then need to play for the extra bookings by the December meeting at the latest. Orders for bottles of wine, at the special price of £14 a bottle – to be paid for in cash at the presentation – are needed by the December meeting.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: management on Tuesday 6^th December at SJBC at 7.30pm

Time is running out if you want to attend the League’s annual presentation dinner on Saturday 21^st January 2023 at the old venue, the now re-branded West Stand @ TUFC in Wellington, starting at the earlier time of 5.30pm.

All 25 member clubs have been allocated and charged for 2 places for the function – but the more the merrier to celebrate the 2002 season is the mantra, with tickets costing £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. The meal will be served at 6.30pm and last orders at the bar will be at 11.30pm.

Extra places need to be booked via club secretaries, with choices from the menu below, and be with organiser Margaret Fletcher (01952-771134 or email [email protected]) by the League’s November meeting on Tuesday the 1^st.

The deadline for full payment for all tickets (and of course menu requirements) is the December meeting.

So if you want to be part of the biggest bowls presentation function in Shropshire, make your choices from THE MENU below and then contact YOUR CLUB SECRETARY ASAP!

 STARTERS

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE SOUP (with croutons)

Or MELON (served with strawberry coulis & berries)

MAINS

ROAST BEEF (with Yorkshire Pudding, roast potatoes & seasonal vegetables)

Or VEGETABLE PASTA BAKE (served with a side salad)

SWEETS

APPLE CRUMBLE & CUSTARD

Or LEMON CHEESECAKE &CREAM

PLUS – COFFEE & MINTS

SPECIAL DRINKS PRICES – ALL CASH ONLY

WINE £14 a bottle ORDERED IN ADVANCE BY THE DECEMBER MEETING – red, white or rose – payable on collection

Carling, Worthingtons & Thatchers all £4 a pint (pitchers £15)

And after just over a week’s recovery time, the AGM of the League will be on Monday 30^th January 2023, starting at 7pm in the Wellington’s Sir John Bayley Club.

The AGM of the League will be on Monday 30^th January 2023, starting at 7pm in the Wellington’s Sir John Bayley Club.

That date should give those who attend the League’s annual presentation dinner on Saturday 21^st January at the West Stand @ TUFC plenty of time to recover (see previous post for full details and how to book a place)

The annual meeting is when the countdown to a new season begins in earnest, with rule change proposals to be voted on, accounts to be approved, officers to elect, honoraria agreed etc etc.

But as the countdown to the AGM starts, this is what the officers revealed as their plans for 2023 at the October executive meeting:

Fridays in 2023 – Survey results inconclusive. Officers would dearly like to see at least division one return to 12-a-side fixtures but, in light of the survey and many strong views expressed by current first division clubs, they are reluctant to risk any proposals that could lead to more teams withdrawing.

The League simply cannot afford that, so the officers WILL NOT be putting forward any proposals on the matter to the AGM in January.

But that DOES NOT STOP member clubs making proposals before the October 31 deadline. They would require a seconder at the December meeting and must take into account ALL rules that would need to be changed to accommodate their proposal.

But the League’s officers will review the numbers per side position on Fridays again at the end of next season, when hopefully the economic crisis will have least stabilised.

Post Match Food – Officers are eager to encourage all club teams to provide refreshments in 2023 to encourage the return to the vital social side of the game. But it will remain an individual club choice.

Clubs that WILL NOT be putting on food will be asked to inform the League before the 2023 season starts and a new section will be put on the website so that bowlers know they are in for an early finish when the fixture is over.

Rule changes – The usual review will be carried out by officers this autumn but one key change they want to see is for the Harris Cup, as it is now 10-a-side. All Premier League sides that enter will be ask to give 15 shots (plus their placings addition) rather than 20 shots.

New registration fees set-up – Clubs to only pay 25p for bowlers who actually played that season, rather than all those registered on the Mike Beckett system

Less Meetings – May, June & September meetings to be replaced by newsletters emailed to clubs and then posted on website, with link from Facebook. But officers will retain the right to call a meeting if they feel one is needed.

New Officers – Phil King considering stepping down as comps sec and vice-chairman Steve Wall happy to step down so that an eventual successor to current chairman can be shown the ropes. Minute sec Rob Burroughs to help with other duties as there will be less meetings

Monday Merit – new competition for bowlers who ONLY play on Monday nights. There were 270 of them in 2022 so there should be some kind of interest. It would have to be based on the previous season’s appearances. Entry just £5 to encourage at least 16 entries?

New Afternoon Division – further consultation on the proposal is to be made with clubs. But officers feel there is a demand for a 6-a-side division for all ages on either Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, starting a 1.30pm.

Most Mid Shropshire bowlers will have now put their bowls away for the winter and be enjoying a rest – but many will, hopefully, have a big date in their diary.

It’s Saturday 21^st January 2023 when the League’s annual presentation dinner returns after the pandemic at the old venue, the now re-branded West Stand @ TUFC (enter car park off Haybridge Road, Wellington), starting at the earlier time of 5.30pm.

All honours winners in 2022 will be in the spotlight that night and, as per League rules, all 25 member clubs have been allocated and charged for 2 places for the function.

But it really is a case of the more the merrier with tickets costing £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. The meal will be served at 6.30pm and last orders at the bar will be at 11.30pm.

Extra places need to be booked via club secretaries,, with choices from the menu below, and be with organiser Margaret Fletcher (01952-771134 or email [email protected]) by the League’s November meeting on Tuesday the 1^st.

The deadline for full payment for all tickets (and of course menu requirements) is the December meeting.

 So if you want to be part of the biggest bowls presentation function in Shropshire, make your choices from THE MENU below and then contact YOUR CLUB SECRETARY

 STARTERS

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE SOUP (with croutons)

Or MELON (served with strawberry coulis & berries)

MAINS

ROAST BEEF (with Yorkshire Pudding, roast potatoes & seasonal vegetables)

Or VEGETABLE PASTA BAKE (served with a side salad)

SWEETS

APPLE CRUMBLE & CUSTARD

Or LEMON CHEESECAKE &CREAM

PLUS – COFFEE & MINTS

SPECIAL DRINKS PRICES – ALL CASH ONLY

WINE £14 a bottle ORDERED IN ADVANCE BY THE DECEMBER MEETING – red, white or rose – payable on collection

Carling, Worthingtons & Thatchers all £4 a pint (pitchers £15)

It ended up being a good 2022 season for Trench.

They survived in the League’s top flight, with a fine home win over St Georges A on the last night of fixtures, and then enjoyed a highly successful re-launch of the Trench Open Mixed Doubles.

Before all that, the club’s green with its super surface – cared for by long serving secretary David Evans – was voted the tops in the Telford area.

And that ended up earning Trench £100 as the runners-up to Cleobury Mortimer in the first Shropshire Best Kept Green promotion, sponsored by Dennis UK-Sisis.

The club was represented by Colin Lane at the formal presentation at Cleobury in late September, when Roger Moore, sales and marketing manager of Dennis UK, handed over the awards.

“Hopefully the advice from Alan Lewis (the judge who visited all eight finalists), has been invaluable to all the green keepers,” said couinty chairman Phil Scott.

“Dennis UK will be doing a greenkeeping seminar early next year and I would advise as many of them as possible to attend the day for talks, demonstrations and help.”

Any club interested in hosting next year’s seminar, sponsored by Dennis UK and to include a lunch, is urged to contact Phil for full details.