Cramlington Bowling Club Spring Meeting 
Venu The Cramlington Masonic Building 14th March 2025 (18.30 Hrs)


1.0   Introduction
The Meeting was opened at 6.30pm by the Chairman welcoming everyone, especially the newer members and thanking them all for their attendance.
He then explained to the members present that due to problems of health that he would be standing down as Chairman after the current year.

2.0 Apologies
Apologies were received from; P. Angus, M. Topping, W. Batley and J.Dixon.         

3.0    Bereavements.

During the period under review one Member Joe Watson had passed away and our thoughts were directed to Joe and his family.

4.0    Minutes of the Previous Meeting.

The Minutes having been previously available to the membership were            formally approved and accepted.

5.0   Matters Arising.

5.1 Several issues arising from the previous minutes were included within the evening’s agenda for further discussion including Travel Expenses, Internal Competitions and Communications.         

5.2 As well as the Chairman indicating his resignation there still was the outstanding issue of the position of Treasurer, with the current holder of the Office, Lee Lowden, also stepping down. The membership were asked to seriously consider proposing suitable candidates for both of these positions. Those kindly taking on these positions would be assisted initially and shadowed by the outgoing Officers if necessary.   

 6.0 Green Opening.

6.1 The Chairman informed the membership that after discussions with the Council Green Keepers the Green would formally be open on Saturday 5th April, with the Terry McBriady Open happening on Saturday 12th April and the Jumbles on Tuesday 8th April.

 7.0 Competitions.

7.1 Internal – After a short discussion regarding both the competition formats and the lack of enthusiasm to enter by most of the membership it was agreed that rather than introducing immediate changes the Club should review the situation in 12 months, although if any of the forthcoming competitions do not attract at least 12 entrants that particular activity shall be suspended.

Competition Entry Sheets shall be available on the Club Notice Board one week after the meeting.

7.2 Rob Harrison kindly agreed again to organise and manage the Annual Club Open Competition which would occur on Saturday the 2nd August.

7.3 External – The Membership were informed that the Club was again committed to the Friendly fixture with Lesbury Bowling Club for Saturday 26th July with Cramlington the hosts.

7.4 The Club had also committed to competing in the All England Bowls 2 x 4’s competition and the annual Northumberland Bowls Jubilee Cup for which the Club would again be one of the Hosts.  

7.5 In addition the Committee had agreed to host the forthcoming County game between Northumberland and Lancashire for which it was hoped that several of the Club Members would be selected with the date being given as June 28th.

7.6 Team sheets for all competitive Leagues were available, after the meeting, for the membership to indicate their preferences to be included. With the Chairman encouraging everyone to participate.

8.0 Expenses Travel.

8.1 The Treasurer confirmed that the membership fees had increased to £50.00 inline with the motion passed at the 2024 AGM.

8.2 It was also agreed at that meeting that the Social Players should not be subsidising any traveling expenses with a proposal from the membership to increase the annual dues and consider a £2.00 levy on all League players prior to each away game. The proposal was further discussed and the proposal passed unanimously.

A brief discussion as to how collection and managing of the documentation for the process would happen and agreement that the ‘Drivers’ should continue with the current documentation and the Team Captain collect monies from those individuals travelling with the named drivers as and when they are confirmed as present to play. All monies then deposited into the secure locker for collection and banking.  

9.0 Communications.

9.1 Communications is still being seen as an issue and there is a need to both improve and resolve this with at present too much reliance upon Notice Boards, etc. It was agreed that the Club needs to move forward with respect to this issue especially within todays available technology. It was proposed to set up a ‘Whats App’ Group for the Club Membership with Rob Harrison being the main contact and for which the current membership details need to be made available after the meeting.

10.0 A.O.B.

10.1 At the recent Crawford Smith League Meeting it was tabled that the League committee should consider introducing the Australian Pairs System.

As this was something new to the majority of our Club Membership, Rob Harrison who was at the League Meeting as our representative explained the format and benefits of moving with the proposal. This after a brief discussion was left for further consideration and feedback.

10.2 A question was raised as to the current status of the Defib Equipment, which is located at the entrance to the Green, with regards to the Pads, etc.

This came about when the Chairman had explained that he had found an online basic training app with the British Heart Foundation that those members who were interested could activate and use as individuals and once completed print a formal certificate of proficiency.

K.Miles agreed to review and inspect the equipment and locate the Inspection Records File and report findings back to the committee.

The Location on the online Map is incorrect and the Secretary explained that he had tried to relocate this into its actual position but the system would not accept the address due to it not being a formal residence.

The overall system requires a review.

10.3 Phil Ging, Tony Fantozzi and Jim Harrison were requested by the Chairman to retire from the Meeting after which he explained to the room that the three members had been nominated for Honorary Membership of the Club for their work and commitment over the past years. The Membership after hearing from the Chairman balloted favourably and the three members were informed of the result of the ballot on returning to the meeting.

13.0 Chairmans Closing Remarks.

 There being no further business the Meeting was closed by the Chairman at 7.00pm after thanking everyone for their attendance and involvement.        

       

Signed :     N. Reeve                      Date    14th March 2025

                 (Secretary)

Cl\ose meeting.12.2