Avon Bowls Club news – 2022 AGM and Presentation Evening

AVON Bowls Club recently kicked off its centenary year with its annual general meeting and presentation evening. 

The club’s publicity officer, Richard Buckland reports, “Construction of the campus and upgrading of Melksham House continues to temporarily restrict access to Avon Bowls Club. To overcome this, and especially because 2022 marks the centenary of the club and the 50th anniversary of the Ladies’ section, we needed a suitable venue for the AGM.  

“The Foresters Arms in Melksham kindly agreed to provide exclusive access to their lounge bar on Friday the 7th January, to allow club members to attend the all-important 2022 Annual General Meeting and Presentation Evening. 

“Chairman Malcolm Hole welcomed all present and opened the meeting. Club Secretary Andrew Durrant, competently worked through the agenda, reminding members that reports from the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Captains had been emailed to them prior to the meeting.

“During the meeting it was agreed that annual subscriptions would remain unchanged but following an open discussion about updating Honorariums, it was proposed and agreed to increase them, to show the appreciation of the work carried out by the recipients. Having satisfactorily covered all the items on the agenda, and there being no further business, Andrew closed the meeting.  

“Marcia and Colin Easton were then invited to present samples of the proposed new design club shirts for members to see, touch and approve. The shirts would replace the existing ones and highlight the club’s centenary year. 

“Chairman Malcolm invited everyone to the splendid buffet which had been provided by Foresters Arms host Leah. Malcolm then proposed the Loyal Toast to our Patron the Queen.  

“After a short break, John Crowder, gave a resume of his role as Wiltshire County Men’s President for 2020 and 2021. He highlighted the fact that during his term in office he had tremendous support from so many people and that he had also raised a substantial amount of money to present to the Forever Friends Appeal for the Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital. 

“Hosts for the awards presentation, Colin and Marcia Easton, were joined by newly elected captains for 2022, Dawn Edwards and John Crowder, to call 2021 club competition runners up and winners forward to receive their well-deserved trophies and prizes.  

“Congratulations all round to them and especially to Champion of Champions Marcia and John, and to Sylvia Crabbe for gaining her County Badge. Worthy of mention are Connor Rabey, Alfie Holland and Jack Crowder, all now qualified Under 25 county players. 

“The evening concluded with the traditional raffle of donated prizes, with Malcolm thanking everyone for their continued support and wishing them well and a safe journey home. 

“Avon Bowls Club offers excellent opportunities for everyone to enjoy the sport, it caters for ladies and men, young and old, and is ready to welcome new members throughout the season. Our combined centenary and 50th anniversary year promises to be full of exciting bowling for everyone to enjoy; watch out for details of planned activities.”  

For more information, please contact the Club Secretary, email: abc-secretary@hotmail.co.uk