VIBE SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2012

A big hello again to all you bowlers and helpers out there from Miriam and myself. Quite a lot has been going on since the last spring newsletter. As some of you know, I did not send out nomination forms to all the members, so the results of the voting for the committee and the IBBA rules, were null and void and so, could not be read out at the Peterborough AGM in April. Miriam and I then sent out again nomination forms hoping we might get some new people applying to join the committee, but we just got the same names as before. We had to send out all the voting papers again, and I went to meet Alan Whetherly who gave me the results just before the nationals, and they were read out at the open forum at Worthing. You can read the minutes of the AGM and open forum below.

Following lots of changes to the old constitution, which has been divided into a constitution and standing orders, we sent out copies to all secretaries, individual and life members for their suggestions. There was no feedback to change anything, so the new constitution and standing orders are up and running.

On behalf of our association I would like to thank Ann Kelly for once more sponsoring our English Nationals at Worthing. Scott Valance and Pat Lovell proposed we make Ann a life member, instead of an honorary ,as this entitles her to vote. Scott later gave me £50 he had collected to pay for her membership. At the presentation at Worthing it was mentioned that she had been made an honorary member but this should have been life member.

In this newsletter I have: news, tournament reports, tournament results, obituary, AGM at Peterborough, open forum at Worthing, summary of VIBE committee meetings, dates for your diaries and contact details for your committee members.

NEWS

This part of the newsletter I was hoping to fill up with information received from you members. If you have any queries or suggestions just send them into me by letter, email or telephone and I can put them into the News section. I

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asked Gay Worden the other day how my old mate Mike was getting on. At the moment he is still quite weak and needs to eat a bit more to build up some strength. We all wish you a speedy recovery Mike and hope to see you around the greens again soon. I had been told that Gay had been given a gold medal for all the work she had done with the Boy Scouts. Gay told me she had been involved helping the scouts for 30 years and was surprised she got a gold medal for doing something she enjoyed doing so much. Congratulations from us, Gay, and do tell Mike he isn’t the only one in the house to win gold medals.

Gail Hepworth phoned me last week and told me the Lowestoft tournament this September has been cancelled due to not enough entries. To me this is very sad, as unfortunately the numbers in most of our tournaments seem to be going down. Let’s hope you can get it up and running again next year Gail.

Barry, our team manager, has just sent me an email with all the names of the English players going to Wales in September to play in the UK singles. Here are the names: B1’s Margaret Cusker, Sarah Marshall, Eric Gallacher and Bob Gerhardt. B2’s Nancy Cheeseman, Maureen Ryan, Pat Lovell and Tony Kimpton. B3’s Christine Linegar, Doreen Flanders, Chris Turnbull and Steve Simmons. B4’s Gail Hepworth, Irene Kimpton, Terry Mathews and last, but not least, Bob Rossiter.

TOURNAMENTS

I have been asked to mention in the newsletter, that VIBE has agreed to take over the VITO indoor tournament in Bristol. It will be held on the 6th and 7th of October with hopefully 6 teams with 7 players in each team. A team will consist of a B1 single player, an open single player, a pairs team and a triples team. Any 7 players can make up a team, and you don’t have to come from the same club. If you want more information, get in touch with George Simmons, Steve Simmons or Clive Robinson, details below.

Thanks to Dave Nicholls for the next report:

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Sunday 11th March saw the 12 occasion, at Taunton Deane, of the ‘Rock on the Green’ all day tournament for the Visually Impaired. So called because the main sponsor is a Taunton music festival.

This tournament has never been won by a Taunton team, but his year this has been corrected. Taunton A, consisting of Ann Council, Phil Dutton and Christine Linegar won three of their four matches and drew the fourth to make them the outright winners. Bodmin were the runners up.

There were six teams taking part, from Bodmin, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Taunton. Other years have seen twelve teams entered in this very popular tournament, but this year, due to a shortage of players, transport problems and a congested time table the numbers where halved, Scarborough didn’t help the situation by arranging their Pairs Tournament two weeks later than other years.

Thanks to Eric Shackleford for the next report:

On Sunday 17th June 2012 Bridgwater V.I.Club held its 8th annual invitation triples tournament. Ten teams from the south west: Cornwall, Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton, Forest of Dean, Bath and Paignton,Devon took part. Games are played with a unique scoring system where points are awarded for woods nearest the jack.

The weather could have been better, windy with occasional showers and heavy rain which cost players last ten minutes of final game.

The Turner cup was won by team from St Austell – Geoff Wherry/Steve Cook and Alison Brazier for the second year running and the Arthur Morgan shield for runners up was presented to Yeovil team-Nancy Cheeseman/Ron Homer and Colin Stockford. Congratulations to all and a big thank you to all who entered, with so many competitions folding we hope with everyone’s support to keep ours going.

Competitions only run smoothly with help and the assistance from members of the main Bridgwater bowling club who acted as markers was much appreciated, and the ladies who looked after the catering.

The date for 2013 will be Sunday 16th June, this will be Father’s Day.

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Eric Shackleford – chairman.

29TH WANDSWORTH TOURNAMENT REPORT

Saturday 30th June 2012

Apart from rain early on, the day turned out to be, one of the driest in the month and the tournament, was run on a Club Triples format, for the first time, in the events history. Twelve teams took part, from nine different clubs, meaning all six rinks were in use for the first time since 1992. The teams were split into two groups of six and each team played five matches of up to six ends each. The winners of each Group, played off in the Final, with the Runner-up in each Group, meeting for third place.Bexley, who return to the event for the first time since 1990, never lost a match and their triple of; Joan Chinery, Clifford Wright and Alf Llewellyn, comfortably beat the Aylesbury triple of; Ian Goodearl, Glyn Radford and Ken Jones, in the Final, to lift the John Young Cup for the second time. Aylesbury, surprisingly won their group and this was their best performance, in their tenth visit, as they won the Trevor Emmanuel Cup.The Metro B triple of; Amit Amin, Harish Kumrai and Bernard McHugh, who finished second in Bexley’s group, snatched 3rd

place, beating Chesham A by five shots, in the 3rd/4th play off, to obtain the Wandle Cup. Ironically, Chesham B lost to Metro B, in their last group game, which eventually saw them finish 5th

overall. The hosts Wandsworth, who had a disastrous start, improved as the day went on and finished a creditable 6th.Wycombe A only finished as low as 7th on shot difference. While, two of the three Surrey visitors, Merton and North West Surrey, shall rue drawing two of their matches and finished 8th

and 9th respectively. The third, Kingston, who haven’t competed in the event since 1991, finished 10th. Last year’s winners Metro A, surprisingly, finished 11th, with only one win. While,

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Wycombe B collected the virtual wooden spoon, with five straight defeats.

The presentations were carried out by Wandsworth Borough Council’s Mayor, Councillor Adrian Knowles. Mary Haynes (Chesham A) and Clifford Wright (Bexley), won the best Lady and Mens bowlers of the day awards respectively, as nominated by the markers.

We are also indebted to Gail Hepworth (Umpire), all the club markers; Miriam Gallacher, Marjorie Wright, Roy Pound, John Johnson, Michael Taylor, John Moran, Doreen Bassett, Lucy Dalby, Graham Cheetham and to the non-playing members of Wandsworth Blind Bowling Club; Tony Arthur, Frances Bird and George Riley, who all contributed to the smooth running of the event. Without such generosity and support, the Tournament wouldn’t be possible.

Here are the results from the Weston super Mare tournament, held from 3rd of May till the 6th 2012:

Open Tournament

1. Tony Corcoran 24 points2. Nancy Cheeseman 22 points3. Les Faulkner 21 points4. Alfred Llewelyn 21 points5. Tony Kimpton 21 points6. Bill James 19 points

B1 Tournament: 1. Margaret Cusker 21 points

2. Keith Brenton 18 points

3. Amit Amin 15 points

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4.David Barber 12 points

Clive Robinson let us know that next year the Weston Tournament will be held from the 2nd of May till the 5th of May 2013. The format of B1 section and open tournament will be kept as before. The Lauriston Hotel has reserved 10 single and 10 twin rooms for £51 pppn, but players must tell the hotel at booking that they are bowlers. If you are a member of the RNIB you get a further 10% discount.

Thanks Gail, for the Nationals and Hastings results:

RESULTS 2012 NATIONALS

B4 Pairs Runner up D Mears / A Mears

B4 Pairs Winner M Bourne / T MatthewsB3 Pairs Runner up K Brenton / C Turnbull

B3 Pairs Winner M Harrison / S Hubbard

B2 Pairs Runner up P Lovell / S Vallance

B2 Pairs Winner M Ryan / N CheesemanB1 Pairs Runner up R Stancombe / S CookB1 Pairs Winner E Gallacher / G Phillips

B4 Ladies Runner up A Council

B4 Ladies Winner G Hepworth

B4 Mens Runner up B RossiterB4 Mens Winner A Lyne

B3 Ladies Runner up J HolroydB3 Ladies Winner C LinegarB3 Mens Runner up P Davis

B3 Mens Winner S SimmonsB2 Ladies Runner up L Bourne

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B2 Ladies Winner N Cheeseman

B2 Mens Runner up G Wherry

B2 Mens Winner P Lovell

B1 Ladies Runner up S Marshall

B1 Ladies Winner M Cusker

B1 Mens Runner up K Brenton

B1 Mens Winner S Cook

Presidents Cup D Pressley

Hastings Open Triples 2012 Results

Winners C Donald / P Davis / T Matthews 13-9

Runners/Up M Bourne / L Bourne / C Follington

Open Pairs Winners C Moore / G Wherry 12 – 5 Runners/Up E Gallacher / G Hepworth

Open Singles Winner B Rossiter 20-13 Runner/Up G Wherry

B1 Singles Winner E Gallacher 9 - 6 Runner/Up A Amin

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OBITUARY FOR ALAN SANDERS

I spoke to Jackie, Alan’s wife, who told me he died on the 20th of February this year. Alan had been fighting stomach cancer for 4 years and even had an operation. This helped him for a while but unfortunately the cancer returned. Alan lived in Peterborough and was one of our best B2 bowlers, and represented England in the World Bowls in 2005 in South Africa. Jackie also told me she had just lost her son, so our thoughts are with you Jackie and your daughter Kerry at this difficult time. The members of our association send you both our best wishes for the future.

VIBE AGM 14-04-2012 PETERBOROUGH

The VIBE AGM was held at the Westgate church in Peterborough on the 14-04-2012 and started at 2,15.

WELCOME

Gail Hepworth took the chair as Keith Brenton, VIBE’S chairman, could not attend. She thanked all for coming and apologised for running a little bit late, due to the long committee meeting held before.

ROLLCALL AND APOLOGIES

Gareth Willcock, Barry Walsh our team manager, Scot Valance ,Hazel Quale, Henry Edwards, Bernadette Robinson, and committee members Clive Robinson, Steve Simmons treasurer, Eric Gallacher secretary, Gail Hepworth, Doreen Metcalf membership secretary, Paul Hawkes and Terry Mathews. Apologies were received from Keith and Yvonne Brenton, George Simmons our president, Jim Bithell, Mike Philips, Colin and Juliet Moore and the rest of the Bath members, Steve Hubbard, Maureen Ryan, Tony Corcoran and Ashcombe members.

A minute silence was then held for our members who had passed on.

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MINUTES OF LAST AGM IN PRESTON

The minutes had been circulated to the members. Barry proposed, and Hazel seconded, that we accept the minutes and all agreed.

THERE WERE NO MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT

These had been circulated to the members and Steve proposed, and Gareth seconded, we adopt them and all agreed.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Steve handed out copies of his report to the members. He then explained that we have 2 accounts , a General and a Team account. He then said what had come in and out of these accounts. At the end of the year our stock was valued at £731. At the end of our financial year we had £12,299.27 in the General account. In the Team account we have £4942.99 and £450 in stock. Since the end of the year he has received more money. He thanked Ann Kelly for her annual donation, Gateshead club for their collections and the Metro players for doing the station collections in London. He mentioned that later this year our association will be supporting the Nationals in Worthing, English National Triples and world trials in Leamington Spa and the UK VIB outdoor singles in Wales.

Steve mentioned that the new committee will have to continue trying to raise money so we can keep running tournaments. Bernadette and her husband Clive are in talks with the London eye clinic in Harley Street to try and get some money for the World Bowls. Steve then thanked Bernadette for doing all the raffles during the year.

Scott asked why the association hadn’t taken more effort to advertise the change of our name and tell people we had a new treasurer. Gail said she had written to all the bowls magazines and told them of our changes. Gareth explained that the Bowls England have a link to VIBE on their site with all the correct details on it. Henry then noted that the money received for entry fees had gone down in the last year. It was pointed out that the numbers at most tournaments is down ,mainly due to travel and accommodation costs, not the

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entry fees. Doreen proposed we adopt Steve’s report and Henry seconded this and all agreed.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Our chairman Keith Brenton was not able to attend due to ill health but his report had been circulated to all the members.

NOMINATIONS FOR THE COMMITTEE

Eric explained that the nomination forms had been sent out to all the members ,as requested. As before there were 2 replies for vice-chair :Gail Hepworth and Mike Bourne, and 8 for the 4 committee places :Doreen Metcalf, Clive Robinson, Terry Mathews, Paul Hawkes, Gail Hepworth Bourne and Mike, along with Bernadette Robinson and Lynn Bourne. The new voting papers will be sent out, and asked to be returned by the 16th of June. The result of the voting for the committee places and the IBBA rule changes will be announced at the forum at the Nationals in Worthing.

ELECT AN INDEPENDENT SCRUTINEER

It was explained that we don’t have enough funds so we don’t need an auditor. Steve, our treasurer, said he had a colleague at work who would scrutinise the accounts for us.

NEXT YEAR’S ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

It was decided to leave the annual membership subscription at £5 and the life membership at £50 as before.

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS

Doreen read out a letter from Scott Valance proposing, and seconded by Pat Lovell, that we make Ann Kelly a life member of our association for all the support she has given us for many years. Scott then said it would be better to make her a life member than an honorary one, as she would then be entitled to a vote and could even sit on our committee later. Steve then read out from the constitution what it says about the differences between life and Honorary memberships. For Ann to become a life member £50 would have to be paid into the account from somewhere. Gareth Willcock proposed, seconded by

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Paul Hawkes, that we use £50 of her donation for her life membership. This was passed unanimously, and we should present her with a life membership certificate at the nationals.

Our association had life membership badges for ENAVHB, so now we should get some life membership badges made with VIBE on them.

TELLER AND VENUE FOR NEXT YEAR’S AGM

All agreed that we should ask Alan Whetherly to continue being our teller as he does a good job. Our treasurer will send him a voucher for his services.

Following a discussion it was decided to have next year’s AGM in Leamington Spa. It is hoped to run the Joan Howard tournament on the 6th and 7th of April, so we will try to have our AGM on the 13th of April 2013. Scott then asked when the Scarborough tournament would be held next year. He was told it depends on the bowls centre and the hotel, but probably the first weekend in March.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Paul Hawkes asked if VIBE were ever going to replace the Blackpool tournament with another one just for our VIBE members. Steve explained that the Blackpool tournament started as an ENAVHB tournament, but when the numbers fell it had to be opened up into an open tournament and was no longer under ENAVHB. Since the Blackpool bowls club closed, the Gateshead bowls club have started a tournament in November and are keeping it open to all players in the UK. This now means that our members can go to Triples tournaments in November and April, and a pairs tournament round about the end of February.

Steve then announced that our association had just been approached by V.I.T.O, an organisation run by Geoff Rawlinson. They have asked VIBE if they would like to run their tournament which has been organised by them at the beginning of October each year. They can no longer organise the tournament, so have just asked VIBE to take over. Our committee will have to discuss this at their next meeting.

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Scott Valance then asked why our association were not trying to find ex- service men who would like to start playing bowls. If we hear of anybody who is interested, Gareth thought we should tell them to get in touch with BDA Bowls Development Alliance. It was mentioned that the ex- service men were more interested in blind golf than bowls. Scott thought it would be a good idea if VIBE could produce a leaflet promoting the association. They could then be given to Social Departments and local hospitals to try and get more people to join us. Gareth asked why we didn’t send information to the county secretaries around the country, and they could put the information onto their websites.

Gail then explained that the constitution and standing orders would be sent out to the members to examine and send back their views.

The meeting then closed at 5 minutes to 4.

Eric Gallacher, VIBE secretary

VIBE OPEN FORUM 11-07-2012 AT WORTHING

Our chairman Keith Brenton opened the meeting at 19.35 and thanked all for coming.

ROLL CALL

Keith Brenton chairman, Steve Simmons treasurer, George Simmons president, Eric Gallacher secretary, Doreen Metcalf membership secretary, Jean Lilley, June Holroyd, Lyn and Mike Bourne, Miriam Gallacher, Bernadet Robinson, Hazel Quale, Steve Dewitt, Scott Valance, Barry Walsh, Maureen Ryan, Amit Amin, Chris Turnbull, Bob Rossiter, Bob Gerhardt, Bob Robinson, Myrtle Robinson, Sarah and Peter Marshall, Ann Bryant, Yvonne Brenton, Margaret Cusker, Marion Santon, Gail Hepworth vice chair, Clive Robinson, Ken Woodcock the umpire and Ken Vicary.

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1 MINUTE SILENCE FOR BOWLERS AND FRIENDS LOST IN THE LAST YEAR WAS HELD

CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS

Keith explained that in April this year, Eric sent out to all club secretaries, individual members and life members and others on email copies of the new constitution and standing orders. All were asked if they had any constructive suggestions or ideas to reply before the end of June. There was no feedback from anybody, so we presume the majority of our members are satisfied with the new constitution and standing orders. So Keith announced that VIBE now has a new constitution and standing orders up and running at last. As usual, if anybody wants any changes to the standing orders, they can send into the committee their proposals before the end of the year. They will then be sent out to all the members to vote on. If anybody wants a copy they should get in touch with Doreen who has lots of spare copies. Any new member from now on should receive a copy of the constitution and standing orders.

VOTING FOR THE COMMITTEE and IBBA rule changes

Steve Simmons was then asked to read out the results of the voting for the committee which Eric had received from Alan Whetherley, our teller.

1: no toilet breaks taken during the last 20 minutes of the national singles. 122 for, 20 against and 6 abstentions.

2: the IBBA association readings for a B4 category. 84 for, 50 against and 14 abstained.

Vice chair- person for 2 years: Gail Hepworth 105 and Mike Bourne 22.

Committee members for 1 year: Doreen Metcalf 107, Clive Robinson 102, Gail Hepworth 84, Terry Mathews 50, Bernadette Robinson 43, Paul Hawkes 25, Lyn Bourne 23 and Mike Bourne 19. Gail’s votes don’t count as she has already been voted onto the committee as Vice chair- person.

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UMPIRES AND MARKERS

Keith thanked the umpires and markers for doing a great job. Ken Woodcock the umpire then replied they were very happy to help us. He thanked the players for being patient as it was a learning experience for the markers.

Steve, following the bad weather, briefly explained the changes to the matches. He hoped to play all the games in the tournament by Friday afternoon.

Steve then explained that all Paul Hawkes’ games in the B2’s, as he had withdrawn from the tournament, would be null and void. Paul and his partner Paul Davis, who had got through to the B3 final, would be replaced by the second pair in that group for the final.

Keith, as is usual, handed over the chair to our president George Simmons for the rest of the meeting. George then announced that we had a few proposals handed in which would be read out and the members could give their opinions.

Proposal 1: Scott Valance and Pat Lovell thought the format of the Scarborough tournament should be changed. Scott said he would like to see 4 groups of 6 teams, giving each team 5 games followed with semi-finals and a final. Ron Homer, Sarah Marshall and Chris Turnbull all agreed with Scott. Following a show of hands, there was 18 for and none against the proposal.

Proposal 2: Keith and Gail thought the VIBE rule referring to yards, should now be in metres. Keith said that all greens in England are now set out in metres, with the minimum distance being 23 metres. Miriam asked about conversion tables, and was told they can be provided. Following a show of hands 6 wanted metres, 10 wanted yards and 10 wanted metres with conversion charts.

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Proposal 3: Gail and Keith thought, at all VIBE tournaments, that all B1’s should be given a a sticker on their glasses which have been checked and approved by the organiser. Gail said this was to stop cheating by players changing their glasses to sun glasses. The B1’s thought it was quite a good idea, and perhaps they could even have 2 stickers instead of only one.

Proposal 4: Gail and Keith thought that rule 23.3 should be changed. They think that if the jack is improperly delivered twice, the first bowler should then have the right to have the jack placed at any distance he wants instead of 30 yards. Keith explained this would be more like sighted bowls, where the bowler who has won the toss or the previous end can move the mat to whatever distance he wants. Following a show of hands: 5 wanted to change and 20 wanted to leave the rule as it is.

Proposal 5: Keith and Gail thought that in VIBE tournaments only 1 shot should be allowed on the first 2 ends of each game, unless it is a very short game as at Scarborough. Keith explained that this is fairer, especially in a Round Robin with uneven numbers. 15 in favour and 1 against.

Proposal 6: Ann Bryant feels that Paul Hawkes should be refused entry to the nationals, as he has pulled out at least 3 times since she has been going. If he can’t cope with the conditions he shouldn’t be allowed to go. Lyn Bourne agreed that the players should be fit enough to complete the tournament. Scott Valance felt very sorry for Paul’s partner in the pairs who lost out on the chance of winning the B3’s. Chris Turnbull explained that anybody can pull out of a tournament on health grounds, but the committee must look at the records of players who pull out regularly. Ann thought the committee should consider banning Paul for a period. Keith then said that in our Rules and Guidelines there is a rule that says a player should be fit enough to play 3 games a day . Following a show of hands 24 for and none against thought the committee should do something about Paul.

VITO COMPETITION IN BRISTOL

George explained that VIBE has taken over the VITO competition in Bristol on the first weekend of October. He and his son would like 6 teams of 7 players to take part in this tournament. Any 7 players in our association can make up a team.

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George closed the meeting by thanking Ken and all his staff for all the good work they were doing.

Summary of VIBE committee meetings

04.02.2012 There is £13,948 in the General Account, and £4,942 in the Team account. Bowls England have opened a VIBE account for the World Bowls in Worthing.The nominations for the new committee have been received, 2 for vice chair and 8 for committee.The forms for the 2 IBBA rule changes will be sent out at the same time as the voting forms.Miriam Gallacher was co-opted as assistant secretary.The committee accepted the proposal of UK VIB to contribute £300/year for the running of the UK Indoors, and charge each player £10 to enter.The rules of the UK Indoor and Outdoor tournaments must be updated, the committee asked the two UK VIB reps, Doreen Metcalf and Gail Hepworth, to discuss this with the other reps. One of the English players missed out on gold because the rules were not applied properly when a player dropped out of the tournament.The old constitution had been looked at by Tony Alcock and Penny Maguire from Bowls England, and is now split up in the Constitution, and the Standing Orders. All committee members received a copy of the proposed changes to look at before the next meeting.Keith updated the committee with what has been achieved already in organising the World Bowls next year (hotels, transport, lunches, sponsorship). Bowls England has asked their 2300 clubs to organise Spiders to raise funds for us.Gareth Wilcock, the Leamington president, has chosen VIBE as his charity of the year. A charity triples will be played after the National Triples in August, proceeds also to VIBE.

02.03.12 A marquee and portaloos will be hired for use at the Nationals.Because the nomination forms were not sent out, the voting papers were null and void. Nomination forms will be send out, together with the minutes of the AGM and an apology. Bowls England is organising sponsorship for the England team’s kit for the World Bowls.The new constitution was discussed and changes made.

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14.04.12 Scott Valance and Pat Lovell sent in a proposal to make Ann Kelly, who sponsors the Nationals, a Life Member.Nomination forms have been sent out to all Life and Individual members and Club secretaries. Voting papers will be send out now, to be returned by 16th of June. The results will be announced at the Forum during the Nationals.The presentation at the Nationals in Worthing will be done straight after the games end.The play offs for the World Bowls will be held at Leamington before the National Outdoor Triples. Each player and coach will receive £30/night to help with the expense. Whoever wins the play-offs will be the singles player, the runners up will play in the pairs.The new constitution and standing orders will be send out to the members, they can propose changes or amendments, if necessary.

12.05.12 A thousand spider badges have been purchased to be send out to the sighted bowls clubs to help them fundraise for the World Bowls. Clive and Bernadette Robinson have gained permission to collect at stations and in shops, collection boxes have been placed in clinics and shops. So far £15,000 has been raised for VIBE’s World Bowls account.Details for the Nationals were discussed. Via Clive help from the local Lions’ Club has been promised, Bowls England will provide markers and umpires. Bernadette will run the daily raffle again; Paul Hawkes will purchase the medals.VIBE accepted running the VITO tournament in Bristol in October from now on.The UK VIB Singles Tournament in September in Wales was discussed, it was decided to send the winners of the Nationals of 2010 and 2011.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

19-20 August, play-offs for the World Bowls Leamington

21-23 August English National Triples, Leamington

24 August, Gareth Wilcock’s charity match, Leamington

04-06 September, UK singles, Wales

06-07 October, VITO tournament, Bristol

09-10 November, Gateshead Triples

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16-17 February, Scarborough Pairs

06-07 April, Joan Howard Triples, Bristol

13 April, AGM, Leamington Spa Bowls Club

02-05 May, Weston-super-Mere Tournament

29 June, Wandsworth Tournament

06-19 July, IBBA World Championships, Worthing

14-19 July, Hastings Tournament

18-23 August, English Nationals, Leamington Spa

DETAILS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Keith Brenton chairman, 0191 477 7755 or 07968 254 441

keithernestbrenton@hotmail.com

Gail Hepworth vice chair, 01502 514 700

18 Hervey Street, Lowestoft, NR32 2JG

Gail.hepworth@talktalk.net

Steve Simmons treasurer, 0208 857 9283, WORK 0207 757 7202

5 Alice Thompson Close, off Marvels Lane, Grove Park, SE12 9PW.

steve.simmons@barclays.com

Eric Gallacher secretary and newsletter editor, 0208 985 6245

189 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9 6BB.

ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk

Doreen Metcalf membership secretary, tour manager 07770 376 144

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101 Elizabeth Street, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0LD

bd_metcalf@yahoo.co.uk (please note underscore between d and m)

Clive Robinson, 01934 647 967 07891 708 994.

In charge of our stock and equipment.

crobinson2009@sky.com

George Simmons president, sight certificate officer, 07984 855 133

16 Mallet Drive, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 4BE

Bernadette Robinson 01934 647 967( see above) Paul Hawkes, 0208 531 2112 Barry Walsh, team manager 01772 259 934, barry.walsh@talktalk.net

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