13 November 2001, 8.00pm
Held at Cheadle Conservative Club
The Chairman asked delegates to stand for few moments in silence in memory of colleagues who had passed away in the last year. These included Martin Flanagan of Green End.
Present: President, Chairman, Secretary, Veterans’ Secretary, Veterans’ Match Secretary, Treasurer and delegates
Apologies: SMBL, West Heaton
Absences: British Rail, P. C. S.
The minutes of the previous half yearly meeting had been circulated. They were taken as read and approved.
Since the end of the season there had been two resignations (Heaton Mersey Conservative B and Withington) and one application (a second team from Shaw Heath). One enquiry had also been received, which may result in another team joining. So at the moment it looked like next year’s league composition would be similar to 2001.
South Reddish had won Division C easily and also won the Bob Newlan Trophy. At the last meeting, the possibility of moving them straight to Division A had been raised. However, the club preferred to try to get there on merit. As a Division B player, the secretary promised to try to make their next championship more difficult.
This had been the first year of the leagues affiliation to Cheshire County Bowling Association. There had not been too many problems. We had been fairly relaxed over the regulations, but this could not continue indefinitely (indeed, Greater Manchester were also moving to stricter interpretation).
For next year, clubs will be asked for the BCGBA and CCBA membership numbers of their registered players. To help, lists of data currently known to the league would be issued at the AGM. Computer files could also be provided on request, and this was also the best format for sending registrations.
There had been some developments to the web site recently, and more were expected before the new season.
Information sheets had been distributed, and many returned already. The rest should be sent in by the year end, to allow time to prepare the handbook. For the first time, space was included for secretaries’ e-mail addresses.
The next meeting would be the AGM on Tuesday 22 January.
Shaw Heath had withdrawn their second team, but applications had been received from Heaton Mersey Conservative and South Reddish. That made 59 teams, which would be in four divisions of 12 and one of eleven (and one vacancy). Accepting more teams after that would mean going to six divisions. After a brief discussion, it seemed that the consensus was in favour of continuing to expand the league.
At the last meting, there was discussion of the problem of players being expected to play too many games in the merit qualifying and final days. A letter had been received from Mr Rowlinson of Great Moor Conservative, suggesting that the competition include a sub-final day and a final day of the last eight. This would reduce the number of games to be played on each day. This suggestion would be considered for 2002.
All but four clubs had now paid their fees. One of these was a regular late payer (and the treasurer understood that other leagues also had difficulties with this club). Collecting these fees was frustrating and took up a disproportionate amount of time. The rules provide for a £5 fine for late payment, but this did not seem much of a deterrent.
In discussion, the treasurer said that he believed the club members were mostly unaware of the problem, and it would be unfair to penalise them by suspending the club. The chairman suggested that the officers should review the situation.
The league fees had remained unchanged since 1997. In that time, honorariums had been increased and various other expenses had risen. Although we were still well placed financially (with around £3000 in the bank), he considered it prudent to raise the fees by £2 for evening teams and £1 for veterans’ teams. He stressed that this would retain the status quo. Our prize money was modest compared with some leagues. If clubs wanted higher prizes they would have to pay higher fees.
To encourage younger players, add to end of rule 11: “Players to be deemed eligible players if registered with the league, no lower age limit to apply. Home clubs not allowing any visiting registered player to play to be penalised 21 points.”
Proposed by Gatley (Recreation) Bowling Club.
Mr Cheslett of Gatley explained that the purpose of the motion was as stated, to encourage younger bowlers. He understood that clubs may wish to (or be required to) prohibit younger players from entering the club buildings. However he did not believe there was any reason why they could not allow junior visiting players to use the green.
Several clubs argued that they were restricted by regulations imposed by their management committees or in some cases by the licensing authorities or the CIU. Often the bowling members did not want the restriction but had no choice.
After discussion, it was agreed that the secretary should write to the clubs which currently have restrictions. He should ask them to review their policy and consider removing or lowering the age restriction. A draft of the letter should first be sent to Gatley BC.
The motion was withdrawn.
Change rule for Veterans’ individual merit competition to read: “The final of this competition to be held after the league fixtures are completed. Entry is open to players who have played in at least three veterans’ league matches in the current season.”
Proposed by the Veterans’ secretary.
Mr Shinner explained that there were two aspects to this proposal. Firstly, it allowed the qualifying rounds to start during the season. Secondly, it allowed players who turned 60 during the season to qualify.
The motion was seconded by British Airways and forwarded for consideration at the AGM.
There was further discussion about whether new teams should continue to be placed in the bottom division. In recent years some new teams had gained promotion quickly, but had not completely outclassed their opponents. South Reddish had been an exception. If a club were placed in an intermediate division, other clubs would have to be relegated or refused promotion, which would be unfair. It was felt that the current policy should be retained.
There was no further business and the meeting closed at 9.05pm.