Club News

Overall, despite the indifferent weather, it was a very enjoyable, and I think, successful season.

On the playing front our over-60s squad maintained their league one status. Phear Park were section winners in the Foxlands Trophy competition although I was surprised - and disappointed - that there was no tangible recognition of this.

We battled through to the section final of the Top Club competition before losing to neighbours Madeira.

However, the highlight of the season as far as I was concerned was winning our own inter-club competition, the Axon Cup. Phear Park had not won the trophy for a number of years and we put together two very strong rinks (out of six) who I thought might bring us the cup. Needless to say, these did not win as a rink of Les Parr, Reg Paxton, John Robins and skip Tom Russell swept all before them winning by 18 shots.

On the friendly front a number of fixtures were rained off but of the 52 games played we won three quarters of them, which I understand is our best season for a considerable time.

I would like to think that all this is down to some magical ingredient provided by the Club Captain - but I can’t. A number of factors contributed to our improved overall performance. For example, I genuinely feel most members upped their game by 10 per cent. We were fortunate with the intake of experienced bowlers who were happy to play at the “back end” - with considerable success. This also eased the process of selecting rinks knowing you have additional competent skips. The next test for us is to play to the same standard next season.

I have been helped through the season by many members but I would like to mention in particular Vice Captain Richard Cooper, former captain George Perrin and Ladies Captain Glenda Pope who all filled in when I was not available - and from what I hear they told better jokes!

Despite our best efforts there were occasions when visiting clubs were unable to put out the full complement of rinks originally agreed. This meant that we had to tell some of our members they were no longer required, at very short notice. We are trying to find ways to reduce the number of times this happens but it is not easy. I can assure members it is not some dark plot by the Club Captain to exclude members!

Finally, I would like to mention Chris Cleaver and Craig Ralph who were part of Devon County Middleton Cup winning squad. At a recent section 3 meeting tributes were paid to both players, particularly Craig, who was described as the most consistent Devon player throughout the competition.

Craig will no longer be with us next season but we wish him well. Chris is off to university in London so we shall see less of him but we shall remain in touch.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

It was standing room only at a packed clubhouse for Phear Park’s annual general meeting which was opened by club President, David Martin.

Members stood for a minute as a tribute and act of remembrance for four long standing club members who passed away during the year. Irene Holmes, Francis Cleaver, John Stredwick and Charles Newson all made notable contributions to the club over many years.

Chairman David Evans gave a review of the season and the activities of the management committee. This was an upbeat report with the club continuing to prosper both financially and on the green. The creation of a social section, efficiently and successfully run by Janet and David Martin, had given a wider dimension to the club.

The management committee recognised the efforts made by all members in this continued success, and as a recognition of this support it was proposed that membership fees in season 2008 would be abolished. This proposal was - surprise, surprise - enthusiastically endorsed by the meeting.

Club Captain Bob Smith reported on a very successful year on the playing front. The highlight was the winning of Phear Park’s Axon Cup competition. Phear Park rinks had also come back with trophies won at other clubs. The Over60s squad also deserve praise for retaining their division one status in a very competitive league. Next season Phear Park would enter a second team in division 7.

Lady Captain Glenda Pope was unavoidably detained in Spain, and her written report was given by Joan Evans. Overall, a good year and Glenda felt the ladies played a full part in the club’s successful season, particularly in mixed matches. Margo Allen, organiser of the ladies unbadged triples league squad added that in their first season in the league the club had done well, finishing fourth.

The meeting then went on to discuss a number of changes to the constitution as they relate to the structure of the management committee, accounting periods and, on advice from the DCBA, procedures to be followed if members ever decided to wind the club up.

The most contentious issue was an item on dress code. Greys, whites or bowling shorts? A debate fit for the fashion pages of Vogue followed; the outcome being (we think) that whites will be worn for all friendlies and the opening and closing drives of the season, as well as the finals of club competitions. Greys will be worn for roll ups and bank holiday drives. After a show of legs it was decided not to allow shorts although requests from visitors to wear shorts would be treated sympathetically.

After the dust had settled, the meeting went on to consider more pleasant matters the first being the awarding of a Life President’s badge to our longest serving member, Jim Letten. Jim said he was delighted and honoured to receive the award but it was too late. He had a bet on last year at 10-1 that he would get it in 2006!

Honorary Life Membership was awarded to Win Peacock, Margaret Potter and Mavis Wood who have all made very significant contributions to the club over many years.

Officers elected for the 2008 season are: President - David Martin

Chairman - David Evans Secretary - Jack Coates Treasurer - Mike Pope

Men’s Captain - Bob Smith Vice Captain - Richard Cooper Social Secretary - David Martin

Ladies Captain - Joan Evans Vice Captain - Anne Harding Treasurer - Janet Martin

Margo Allen, Peter Burch, Glenda Pope and Bill Stapley were elected to the management committee.

Under the new Fire Regulations the Phear Park Bowling Club like all other organisations who admit members of the public into their premises, is required to hold regular fire drills. One of these was conducted on the opening day of the season when one of our long standing members insisted on taking his tea tray back to the kitchen before evacuating the premises. If the club house ever burns down it will obviously be neat and tidy first! Safety is no laughing matter, however, and club trustees are required to ensure that we meet the new standards.