News Update
AGM report 2020/ Let the countdown begin!
(December 06, 2020)Marine Gardens Bowling Club – AGM report 2020/ Let the countdown begin!
So much has been different about the 2020 bowls season and the club’s AGM, usually held in early December, was not immune. Turn-outs of around 60-70 are commonplace but that obviously does not work with COVID restrictions! Any sort of online meeting had the potential to descend into good-natured chaos.
Finally, it was agreed that the usual reports would be circulated by email; and by post where necessary, and that the 2020 admin team would simply roll-over for 2021. Consequently, the 2020-2021 committee lines up as follows –
President – Jill Colbourn
Captain – Michael Ives
Secretary – Jenny Ashman
Treasurer – Norman Deegan MBE
Assistant secretary – Pamela Chambers
Vice-captain – Pauline Hughes
Match secretary – Bob Cole
Competition secretary – Steve Davis
Social secretary – Shaun Coppard
Press officer – Terry Urben
General committee members – Paul Baker & Leon White
Other club roles:
Safeguarding officer – Paula Seymour
Welfare officer – Clive Wootton
Sussex County Bowls; men’s delegate – Shaun Coppard
Sussex County Bowls: women’s delegate – Jill Colbourn
In his report club captain Michael Ives thanked all those who had contributed to the recommencement of bowls in a COVID-secure environment. However, special mention was given to the following –
David Hughes – for running the rink-booking system and co-organising several fun drives.
Steve Davis – for scheduling a full hand of twelve competitions; co-organising fun drives and regular cleaning of club equipment.
Jenny Ashman – for provision of cleaning materials; display of COVID info posters and ensuring all members were kept informed throughout the season.
Bob Cole – for organising 17 friendly matches and helping with the green.
Mick Wilson – for installing hand-sanitisers in the clubhouse, decorating; helping with green maintenance.
Norman Deegan – for orchestrating the transition from council-maintenance of the green to the use of our own private contractor; Complete Turf Care led by Ben Harwood and his team. There could not have been a less opportune time to commit to a new contract, but Norman’s ever-careful stewardship of the club’s finances, coupled with the loyal support of members who renewed subs even before we knew bowling was feasible, kept everything on an even keel.
Terry Urben – for coaching, acting as Press officer, ground maintenance including watering and re-orientating the green each week. Thanks also given to Helen Urben for helping with green maintenance. For his overall contribution Terry Urben was the proud recipient of the Merit Cup.
General news:
Notwithstanding, the tribulations of the COVID-blighted summer of 2020 the club was delighted to welcome 14 new members as listed below.
Paul & Sandra Baker, Pam & Brian Williams, Philip Floyd, Laurie Bradley, June Chalkley, Valerie Conway, Heather Marsella, Betty Stevenson, Angela & Keith White, Liz & Tim Baldwin.
We hope they have many happy years of bowling with us, continuing with 2021 where in expectation of greater normality we have 86 fixtures arranged against other clubs. Additionally, we have the usual internal program of competitions, leagues, and fun drives. Of course, all our bowling will be subject to prevailing COVID guidelines, with all safety measures observed.
Club membership now stands at 91 players and 20 socials. Playing membership is capped at 98 so there is still room for a few more. Experienced or total beginner; all players are assured of a warm welcome at Marine Gardens. All those interested in a taster session should contact club Secretary Jenny Ashman on 01903 505077 / email [email protected]
The club’s Opening Drive is fixed for Saturday 24 April 2021. So, from the time of composing this report there are 135 days until the curtain rises on the new season. We all look forward to good bowls, good humour, seeing old friends and making new ones. Let the countdown begin!