News Update
Marine Gardens AGM 2017
(December 22, 2017)Marine Gardens held their 87th Annual General Meeting at the Goring United Reform Church on Thursday 14th December.
The Captain for 2017 Albie Marsella was re elected unopposed to continue in his role for 2018 supported by his new Vice Captain, Mike Ives who was appointed following a ballot of two other contenders.
Albie reflected on 2017 as being a busy year for the club, playing over 80 matches in total with 43 wins, 35 losses and 2 draws. The Club raised £1152 for a local charity Ferring Country Centre and improved the club's position in the West Sussex Bowling League to a creditable 4th. Albie also welcomed new members that attended the meeting which included former England player, Len Tebby. He also said how much he was looking forward to 2018 which would provide excellent opportunities for all players competing in local, league and county matches.
Bill Spinks the Clubhouse Manager was awarded the Merit Cup for his dedication to the continual maintenance of the clubhouse, liaising with council staff and the often unsocial hours he has worked on behalf of the club.
Match Secretary Bob Cole who has succeeded Mike Ives, has organised 88 matches to be played during 2018. Next year, there will be 8 teams competing in the WSBL, changes to the Stracey and PC Cup leagues, with the Stracey remaining at 4 rinks to be played instead of the previous configuration of pairs, triples and rinks.
The Competition Secretary and current President Mike Elborough thanked all those competitors and members who took part and supported the 2017 Grand Finals. The current handicap system is not working so a new method will apply from next year with some players starting with last years handicap if they had one after participating in some of the finals.
The Treasurer, Norman Deegan MBE produced an audited set of accounts showing a small surplus at the end of the Clubs financial year. He announced there will be no increase in membership fees, however there would be a small increase in the entry fees for participating in Club Competitions with entry in the triples league increasing to £3. Visiting clubs will be levied £17 and the Worthing Council as previously outlined earlier have increased their season tickets to £130. New bowls stickers incorporating a fresh design have been ordered in time for the 2018 season. Pauline Hughes has been appointed a Trustee of the Club to replace Eric Bond who has resigned owing to ill health.
The annual 'Get Together' will be held on the 22nd March 2018 at the Goring United Reform Church where all members are encouraged to attend to formalise their involvement in the 2018 season.