Minutes of the 100th Annual General Meeting held at Thorpe Bowls Club on 24th November 2023.

Present: Peter Halliday, Ron Bennett, Adrian Mann, Mark Hale, David Watts, Bryan Hobbs, Steve Day. Bryan Hopkins.  

All clubs were represented.  

Apologies: none  

President opened the meeting with one minute silence in respect of those members who had passed since the last AGM.

President, Brian Hobbs, informed the meeting that there were players in the county finals singles Conor Mathers of Brightlingsea against Andrew Squire. Unfortunately Conor lost but well done for getting that far. Conor also played in the National Finals representing Essex in the Balfour Cup and Essex Won.

Ben Halliday, Peter Halliday, Trevor Cole, Tom Graham and Vic Graham from Happy Valley Bowls Club were winners of North Essex Fours and Hood Cup. Congratulations to them all.

It was a pleasure to see so many people come and support the players at the THDBA Finals the weather and bowling was excellent. Phil will say more about the finals in his report.

Regarding the Amalgamation with the ladies.  A meeting was held with the ladies and progressed well. THDBA constitution will need changing to include ladies playing in the Windsor League. Once this is done the THL Ladies can vote on the proposal.

President said he had played in all friendly games this season with exception of Len Weston Trophy due to the Colchester Borough being unable to field a team but hoped it would run next year.

He thanked his fellow officers for their help over the last year in his role as President, which for him and his club had been very rewarding. 

Brian Hobbs wished the incoming President, Peter Halliday, every success in the coming year and was sure he would have a great season.

The minutes of the AGM held on the 24th November 2022 were approved and signed by the President.     

There were no matters arising from those minutes.  

Reports:

Hon Secretary Ron Bennett.
I would like to say a huge thanks and appreciation to our retiring President Brian.  Brian has given me invaluable help over the season. A sincere thank you, Brian. Thanks also to Tendring Hundred Committee who made my role as Secretary an enjoyable experience. Hon.  Secretary extended a warm welcome to the new THDBA President Peter Halliday and Vice President Steve Day.

Hon. League Secretary Ron Bennett 
I am about to finalise the Windsor fixtures and intend to start the A, B and C leagues from 7th May. Now that ladies are playing in the Windsor League I shall be requesting that they be included on each club registration list. As requested and agreed at our Delegate meeting the Premier League and Stanford League will commence on 25th May.

Finally, On the subject of Premier League and Stanford League it was well done to both clubs, Happy Valley A and Wivenhoe B on winning their respective leagues. Also well done to all clubs who supported the leagues. You all deserve a big thank you because without your support we would not be here. Thank You. 

Hon. Competitions Secretary Phil Armstrong 
I would like to thank all participants of all competitions which were well supported this season. The weather was very kind to us especially on the Finals Day. Finals went well and thank all those who helped run our centenary finals on the day. Congratulations to all winners and runners up. Several Supporters came and watched excellent bowling and enjoyed the hospitality at Clacton Bowls Club .   

Programme for 2024 is underway and entry forms will be sent out soon. We look forward to more competitive bowling next season.

Hon Match Secretary Mark Hale 
2023 was an enjoyable year. In our centenary year we played against the Chelsea Pensioners which was a highlight of our celebrations for players and spectators alike. Thanks to Frinton Bowls Club for hosting the occasion. Unfortunately we were unable to play the return match due to cost of travelling. Our centenary badge was given to opponents when playing our representative fixtures throughout the season. Our new flag was displayed at all venues when playing our fixtures. The programme for 2024 is being compiled and will see another year of competitive and enjoyable bowling in all areas. I would like to thank all the club that host our fixtures and for the hospitality that is shown to all players and guests.

Hon Treasurer : gave the meeting breakdown information of account statement. The affiliation fee would remain £70.00 for 2024.Treasurer indicated that there was stock of 12 shirts, 6 ties and selection of badges. A new flag had been purchased for £ 460.00 and with donations from clubs meant that THDBA paid £???          however there was still time for donations to be received.

The meeting continued with the election of officers.

Office	Elected
President	Peter Halliday
Vice President	Steve Day
Immediate Past President	Brian Hobbs
Hon. Secretary	Ron Bennett
Hon. Treasurer	Adrian Mann
Hon. League Secretary	Ron Bennett
Hon. Competitions Secretary	Phil Armstrong
Match Secretary	Mark Hale
Association Team Captain	Brian Hopkins
Elected Member	David Watts
Elected Member	Vacant

Brian Hobbs stood down and President Peter Halliday thanked Brian for all his work for the THDBA during his time as President.

The meeting continued with the following being read out by the proposers.

Proposals:

Andrea Dickson – Brantham: We, Brantham Bowls Club, propose that ladies continue to play in the Windsor League for the duration of the season 2024, subject to ongoing discussions regarding amalgamation ladies and gentleman’s associations being concluded in the season 2024.

Members were informed that a meeting had taken place and that the ladies THDLBL Committee and THDBA Committee were looking into Changes  to rules and constitution for ladies to play what would be the Windsor Mixed League. Amalgamation views of all ladies would be explored further. This would not be an immediate decision.

Francis Holt, Kirby B.C – propose that ladies appropriately register with THL to be eligible to play in the Windsor Leagues however they are constructed from start of 2024 bowling season. 

Carried.

Alan Wilcox, Frinton B.C. – That the men’s association merges with the ladies association to form one association for the benefit of both organisations and bowls in the Tendring area. Under discussion. 

Under discussion.

Finals and semi finals Competitions should go to the better greens not to President or Vice President greens as is now.  

Agreed that greens where semi-finals and finals were played would be the better green even if that of President or Vice-President. 

Windsor League should be changed to allow ladies to play in all divisions on a full time basis. 

Carried

AOB:  None 
There being no further business. The President thanked all those present for attending this AGM. He also thanked all the Officers and Members of the Association for all their hard work throughout the season.

The meeting closed at 8.29