Well that's it then, all more or less gone (the year 2003 I mean). As you read this there will more than likely only be a matter of a couple of hours of the year left. Lots has been said about the year just about gone. Now let's look forward to the year 2004. When you look around you and see others less fortunate, we should all be grateful and make sure that we enjoy life. If you are going out 'first footing' this evening, I hope that you will not suffer too much in the morning. Remember that the club is open to 'see in the year'. Why not pop round before you head off to your party?

On behalf of George, our treasurer, as we head into the new year, let me remind you that club membership fees can be paid to George any time after midnight tonight. He might not appreciate you calling round at 2 am, but during daylight hours he will accept your fees.

Once again he has managed to keep the fees at the same level as they have been for nearly 10 years. Not many clubs can boast that. They are as follows: gents full £50, ladies full £45, senior citizens and first year bowlers £45, social membership £2.50. Juniors in full-time education (see George), those members of the junior section under 14 years of age (see Dave Robb for payment details). So there you are, all the details you need, and a nice early reminder into the bargain.

MANAGEMENT MEETING

The first meeting of the management committee will be held on Tuesday, January 6, in the pavilion, commencing at 6 pm prompt. As this is the first meeting not only of the new year, but also of the new committee, it is hoped that all will make the effort to attend.

ALL THE BEST

In case I don't see many of you over the New Year, I would like to thank all those who very kindly say how much they enjoy reading my 'ministrations' each week. It is always nice to hear that they give someone a bit of a laugh. You know what they say, if you cannot laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

To be serious, I would also like to wish all those members, friends and fellow bowlers who maybe have not had such a good year healthwise, hopefully a better and much more enjoyable 2004.

As the old year disappears into the twilight (poetic or what?), can I just say to all of you 'Lang may yer lum reek' and 'slanghaivajh', and if you don't know what all that means, you will not find out in the dictionary, but I know a man who does. Get in touch with Jamie Shields, I am sure he will be delighted to tell you.

A COUPLE OF

GENTLE REMINDERS

Hopefully, all the juniors will fit enough to return to the Monday evening coaching at Heatherton, starting on Monday, January 5, at the usual time of 4.30 pm until 6 pm. Once again an open invitation is extended to any youngsters in the area. The first couple of sessions are free, as is the use of all the equipment. In particular, we are rather short on the ground of lads. The girls are in the ascendancy, surely there are least a couple of lads who would like to try their hands at the game. If so, Monday nights at 4.30. You will be made welcome.

Likewise, starting on Monday, January 5, the first whist evening of 2004 will be held in the pavilion, starting at the usual time of 7.30 pm. Once again any new whisters are invited along, whether having knowledge of the game or not.

SUCCESS

A couple of weeks ago, it was young Mathew Dick who was hogging the headlines after he was invited into the Welsh Under 16 squad. The following week it was the not-so-young John Roberts who had the honours with his foray into the big time in the Welsh Singles.

I had hoped that this week I could report on yet another 'youngster' doing the business on the green. Unfortunately, Gareth Hughes, who had travelled into the far distant valleys to p ay his game in the Welsh Under 25s competition, lost out at the first hurdle. It seems it was a close game and, as Gareth said, you cannot win them all. Every game is another learning lesson. Well said Gareth, I hope the juniors will take a cue from you.

SAD LOSS

I am sure that all the members of the Saundersfoot whisters and indeed all whisters in the county will have been saddened to hear of the passing of Eric Sutcliffe. A regular wherever there was a whist drive, he had been ill for some time. A prolific dancer, Eric was well-known throughout the area. Our thoughts are with his wife Kath and his family.

FIRST DAY

A reminder to all who will be venturing down to the harbour on New Year's Day to watch the intrepid swimmers do their stuff. We actually a have two of our members daft enough to take a dip. Once again, Neville Ruff is raising cash for Ty Hafan, and Oliver Dugmore is either just keeping up his swimming now that he is one of HMS sailors, or once again has been cajoled into raising money for charity. Whatever their reason for taking part, I congratulate them. Once the swim is over, why not pop round to the club and enjoy a bowl of home-made cawl? And if you are still capable, you can have a little snifter afterwards.