A minutes silence was observed for those members who have sadly passed away during the last year.
Tracey Goodwin (Secretary,) Carole Critchley (Chairman), Dorothy Billany (President), Kath and Alan Perks (Cranford) , Helen Jennings (Mere), Peter Bromiley (Oughtrington), Derek Hurdle (Goostrey), Brian Jones (Railway Inn), R Mansell (Chelford), B Eades (Chelford), J Stant and J Mason (High Legh), A Edwards and Sylvia Buckley (Victory Hall), Heather O Hanlon (Crosstown), Fred Taylor (Oughtrington), Stephanie Dawson (Mere), John Leah, Julie Jenkins, B Bailey, A Holehouse, S Nelson (Chelford), Keith Poskitt (Knutsford), Dave Mee (Knutsford).
Ann Penson (Treasurer), John Groves (OBC) Adrian Hough (CBC), Chris Grice (CBC), Celia Brown (Railway BC).
The minutes of 2023 AGM were agreed to be a true record.
The Chairman thanked officers and members for their continued support over the past year. She noted that competition attendance last season was low and stated that this matter would be discussed later in the AGM. She concluded by wishing everyone a successful season.
As the Treasurer was not in attendance, Carole Critchley presented the income and expenditure report for the past year. Ann had sent comments indicating that the league incurred a significant loss, primarily due to two factors:
Despite this loss, the league maintains sufficient funds in hand and in the bank. However, the rebate for teams next year will be slightly reduced.
The Secretary expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the Individual and Mixed Pairs competitions due to insufficient entries. On a positive note, she highlighted the success of the Triples/Jack Bryning Competition, which was well received by the majority of bowlers. She also extended thanks to Mere Bowling Club for their hospitality.
1. New Team Application – Mersey Valley
The proposal for Mersey Valley to join the league was approved by a majority vote.
2. Promotion of Three Teams to Division 1
The Committee proposed promoting three teams to Division 1 to accommodate the new team in Division 2.
The proposal was approved by a majority vote.
The Honoraria will be adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as per the agreement from the 2012 AGM.
The Secretary reminded members that all players who participated in a league match in 2023 would automatically be registered for the 2024 season. Players registered in 2023 but who did not play will need to be re-registered by their clubs. New player registrations must be submitted in writing, including their BCGBA and CCBA registration numbers. Unregistered players are not permitted to participate in matches.
Tracey advised that once fixtures go live, she will be able to update teams and add new players accordingly.
The 2024 league season will commence on Friday, April 12th, with the first league match.
The Presentation Evening will be held on Friday, November 22nd, at Mere BC.
Last year’s lack of catering was discussed, with Tracey explaining that she had obtained various quotes for a hot/cold buffet. However, pricing was dependent on attendance numbers, which remain difficult to predict. In 2022 – 110 people attended the presentation evening and in 2023, only 60 attended. She asked if anyone could come up with a solution or has experience in catering, to let her know.
Carole noted the decline in attendance and invited suggestions for improving participation. Ticket prices will be confirmed in due course.
Team captains, vice captains, club secretaries and treasurers, please send contact details if changed.