The annual general meeting of Saundersfoot Bowling Club took place at the clubhouse last week.

Chairman Paul Blayney opened the meeting with a short silence in memory of John Badham, a life member of the club and former county president, who had passed away earlier in the year, also remembering other bowlers from Pembrokeshire who are no longer with us.

In his chairman's report, Paul thanked those members of the club who had worked so hard to ensure its smooth running.

Marion Evans and George Cavell, the club secretary and treasurer, respectively, had again worked tirelessly, as had Ann Lewis, the vice-chairperson.

Gwynfor Davies, who was retiring after many years as fixture secretary, received special mention and the thanks of the whole club for his dedication.

Beryl Lawrence, who runs the Monday evening whist nights, John Austin, who organises the mid-week triples tournament, and Neville Ruff, Steve Dick, Stewart Howe, Lorna Bissell, Peter Bissell and Ann Davies, the club's coaches, were also praised for their efforts.

Brian Deeley had again worked strenuously in many areas, such as painting the clubhouse, general maintenance of the building and surrounds and controlling the bar, as well as serving on the greens committee with president John Evans.

The club tournaments, ladies', men's and juniors, had been a success, as had the closed tournaments for members only, which had culminated in a finals weekend played in glorious sunshine and a presentation evening in a packed clubhouse.

This year, the club was honoured to host all the Pembrokeshire county games, as both presidents, Ann Lewis for the ladies, and Don Poole for the men, were members of Saundersfoot.

This had necessitated a lot of extra work on catering and bar duties and Paul thanked everyone who had helped in these and other areas.

Special mention was made of all the ladies of the club for their help who were deserving of the highest praise for all the time and effort they always willingly gave.

On the playing side, both men's and ladies' teams enjoyed their seasons, captained by George Cavell and Lorna Bissell for Saundersfoot and Roy Pring and Diane Ridgen for St. Issells.

No trophies were won, but many notable victories were achieved and happy days had been spent bowling in good company - whenever the weather had allowed matches to be played in what had been the wettest summer for many years.

On the county side, our ladies proved yet again that they were the most competitive and successful in Pembrokeshire by providing the largest percentage of bowlers from any club to the county squad and also taking part in a large number of county tournament finals.

This year, for the first time in the club's 46-year history, Saundersfoot had Welsh champions in Ann Lewis and Viv Edwards, who took the ladies' pairs title on the Tenby green of ladies Welsh president, Julia King Thomas.

Ann and Ceris Hewlings again represented Wales and next year will be joined in the Welsh squad by Viv Edwards. Saundersfoot is proud that next season no club in Wales will have a greater representation in the national ladies' squad, Berriew of Mid Wales being the only other with three members.

For the men's county, several Saundersfoot players players represented Pembrokeshire in both the main team and senior team, the latter being managed by our own John Dugmore.

The Junior section also did the club proud, with Joe Dennis and Gemma Amos both reaching county finals and Joe winning the Whitland Junior Open.

The club played its usual quota of friendly matches in 2008, as the area is a popular venue for touring sides and thanks were given to president John Evans, Lorna Bissell and John Austin, who looked after these games with great success.

Special mention was made of Alan Brace and Myrddin Dennis for always being on hand to help, particularly following the recent burglaries at the club.

Tony Edwards was also thanked by the chairman in assisting him with the organising of the new fire alarm system and his general help wherever needed.

Finally, members were again thanked for their contributions in many areas to what had been another successful year for the club.

Treasurer George Cavell then gave a detailed statement of accounts to the meeting, which showed the club to be in a healthy financial position.

Gwynfor Davies gave his last report as fixture secretary, thanking everyone for their past support, particularly when re-arranging so many games in the season due to the inclement weather.

Club membership fees were then discussed and it was decided that they would be £60 for men, £55 for women and senior citizens and £5 for juniors, for the 2009 season.

It was also agreed that first year membership for new bowlers would be £30.

Due to the passing of John Badham, who was a trustee of the club, it was unanimously decided that Tony Edwards fill this position.

Election of officers then took place and these were as follows: president - John Evans; chairman - Paul Blayney; vice-chairperson - Ann Lewis; secretary - Marion Evans; treasurer - George Cavell; tournament secretary - Paul Blayney; fixture secretary - Stewart Howe.

Ladies county delegates: Gloria Dugmore and Marion Evans.

Men's county delegates: Paul Blayney and Gwynfor Davies.

Committee members: Brian Deeley, Macky Brace, Don Poole, Ann Davies and Kath Blayney.

The meeting closed with the chairman wishing everyone a merry Christmas and good wishes for the New Year, both on and off the green.

thanks

The committee of Saundersfoot Bowling Club would like to express their thanks to Ceris Hewlings and the staff of the Tenby Observer for all their support during the past year, which is always greatly appreciated and wish them the compliments of the season.

NEW YEAR'S DAY

A reminder to members that, as always, following the New Year's Day Swim in Saundersfoot, the clubhouse will be open to members and guests for a dish of cawl and a few hours of convivial company.

Hopefully, our own Macky Brace, who last year won the award for obtaining the most sponsorship, will again be taking the plunge to raise funds for Pembroke Junior School's Autistic Unit.

Whist results  

Monday, December 8: top score - Hilary Harvey; 1st lady - Audrey Williams; 2nd lady - Vera Parfitt; 1st gent - Geoff Titterton; 2nd gent - Elsie Pendlebury; highest first half - Beryl Lawrence; highest second half - Graham Brace; lowest score - Beryl Marsh; longest sitter - Jim Rose; raffles - Elsie Pendlebury and Geoff Titterton.

Whist is played every Monday night at 7 pm prompt at the bowling club. New players welcome. 

SPECTATOR