THE annual general meeting of the Suffolk County Bowls Association (Federation) took place at the Gainsborough Labour Club, Ipswich, recently.It was not a well-attended meeting with many clubs failing to put in appearance.

THE annual general meeting of the Suffolk County Bowls Association (Federation) took place at the Gainsborough Labour Club, Ipswich, recently.

It was not a well-attended meeting with many clubs failing to put in appearance.

Of all the reports given by officers the coaching association was the most distressing, hearing that clubs are not taking up the opportunity to have qualified coaches attend their clubs.

The treasurer reported that all individual competitions had again been sponsored for 2002 plus the under 25 county team.

With the Adams Trophy on display, which Suffolk have now won for two consecutive years, it was suggested finding an individual or company willing to sponsor the Adams or Newton county teams.

Thanks were expressed to all who sponsored the competitions for 2001 and to those who are doing so in 2002.

The EBF delegate John Wollard gave a report on the National AGM held at Brantham in November.

Four motions were passed in laws of the game, two in the constitution and one new rule which is no mobile telephone shall be carried onto the green by any participating bowler during a Federation competition or championship match.

All these come into force for 2002 and will be amended and published in the 2002 National year book of which each club has to purchase two.

Thanks were expressed to two retiring committee members, Gordon Hurricks (Blue Circle) and Colin Shaw (Blundeston) for their past commitment to the executive committee.

The last duty before going out of office for the president Peter Wright was to make presentations of life membership badges to four members in recognition for their work to the SCBA – Richard Peachey, Edward Oliver, John Woollard and Ron Whymark.

The following officers were duly elected for 2002: President, Mr Frank Matthews (St Johns URC); President elect, Mr Gordon Turnbull (Tunstall); Junior Deputy President, Mr Frank Mortlock (Beccles Institute); Chairman, Mr John Woollard (Grundisburgh); Vice-Chairman, Mr Alan Manthorpe (Bramford); Hon Secretary, Mr Mervyn Thomas (Bull Motors); Hon Asst Secretary, Mr Paul Staff (Coney Weston Swan); Hon Match Secretary, Mr Robert Gathercole (Walsham Le Willows); Hon Treasurer, Mr Geoff Barker (Bramford); Press Officer and English Bowling Federation Delegate, Mr John Wollard; Handbook Editor, Mr John Ansdell (Sole Bay).