24/12/2007 - Barry Latham Replies to Rick Wright

Well Rick says what he said might be controversial and he is “Wright”.  To imply that there are “Freebies” in Spanish Bowls is a real insult.  We all know about corruption in this country but there has never been any whatsoever in any shape or form on the International side and as ex- Assistant Director, ex National Executive Committee member and current player going to the World Bowls Championship I feel the suggestion a real insult to all concerned.

When I first became a member of the NEC I was soon made aware that money was in short supply from Madrid and it is only recently that members even get travel expenses.  One of the reasons that the last Director of Bowls in Spain retired was due to the lack of expenses paid out by Madrid and the excessive workload and so it was we had two Assistant Directors to spread the work out.

Just to put the record straight from my point of view, being on the NEC and playing for Spain has cost me thousands of euros. I have no regrets but a “freebie” would have been wonderful. 

Because of the position I held I was privy to facts that the general Federation members wouldn’t know.  I know that it is costing Graham Marlow, Tony and Mary Cummings a lot of money, not just going to New Zealand but over the past year.  Not only money but time.  These International games and especially World Bowls doesn’t happen overnight, there has been a tremendous amount of time put into it and thanks should be going out to them, not implied criticisms. My phone bill since retiring has gone down by 30 euros and my mobile by 20 euros a month and theirs won’t until they too retire.

Madrid doesn’t realise how much is done for their Federation Members.  They know what goes on as Tony Winterton sends in detailed reports but they don’t appreciate what is done.

The Newsletter gave members each quarter a good knowledge of what was happening with the Federation both at National and International level.  Not my words but members who got information from it.  Every club was sent a copy.  I really enjoyed doing them but it took time to co-ordinate so doing one a month was out of the question but then perhaps Rick would like to volunteer to come on to the NEC and set up a monthly Newsletter.  Sorry no expenses.

What we do need is a main sponsor that could really help Spanish Bowls in all departments.  We already have OMM and 1Car1 helping locally but we need someone to take on the role of Sponsorship Co-ordinator to help all members of all clubs – how about you taking on the job, Rick?  You might even be able to wangle a freebie.

A happy and healthy 2008 to all Bowlers

See you on the circuit.

Barry Latham