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June 2007 National Executive Newsletter |
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Barry Latham Barendy Assistant Director Calle Placido Domingo 10-59/115Tel No: 0034 96 679 0711 Urbanisation La Marina Mobile: 0034 669721670 03177 San Fulgencio E-mail: barryl@gonuts4free.com Alicante
June 2007 Dear Federation Members Once again another update of what is going on all over Spain with exciting times ahead for some of our members. The Nationals have come and gone once again. Doesn’t time fly. Congratulations to everyone who took part for their sportsmanship and camaraderie, to those who won, to those who had a great game, to those who had one memorable wood, to those who umpired and marked, to those who sat in sheds all day, to those who provided our sustenance and to those who organised it all. I appreciate that there were moans and groans about certain aspects but that is inevitable and the National Executive has taken it on board. My same plea is though if you want something changed please put it in writing and let Graham or myself have it. Already the planning process has started for the 2008 Nationals in the Torrevieja area. Just to add to that, the other areas either couldn’t take it on or didn’t want to do it in 2008. The Opening Ceremony will be on 10th May 2008 and then play starts on the 11th until approx 24th May 2008 according to entries. Rick Wills has agreed to take on the job of Chairman of the Nationals Committee with the backing of the Leader Newspaper who did such a great job again this year. Six clubs have been asked to take on the Nationals in one shape or form and I am awaiting their answers. The NEC have changed the closing dates for the entries to January 21st 2008 and the closing date for being able to play in the Nationals is now 1st February 2008. The Champion of Champions Pairs was played at Indalo at the beginning of the month and there was some extremely good bowls. The final outcome in the Ladies was a win for Mary Detheridge and Lynne Metcalf from the Benalmadena Bowls Club and for the Men, Mick Johnson and Matt Tew from Indalo Bowling Club. All the Clubs participating in the Champion of Champions Ladies and Mens Singles have received their invitation and the rules covering that event which is being held at Quesada Bowls Club in October. The Champion of Champions venues for 2008 have been decided. The Men’s and Ladies Pairs will be at Greenlands Bowls Club from 7th - 11th June and the Singles will take place at Indalo Bowling Club on 12th – 16th October. Another date for your diary is 5th – 8th September 2008 at Indalo Bowling Club where the Tri Provincial will be played. The Federation have taken on this important game with the blessing of the Costa Blanca Bowls Association and Tony Winterton has obtained sponsorship for it. The Friendship Cup has been put to one side as its usefulness had run out. The new World Bowls Regulations should have been sent to all clubs by now for you to peruse all 17 pages. Also World Bowls are asking all clubs to enter the names, addresses, d.o.b. and NIE/Passport numbers so they can get the correct numbers of bowlers in the world and be paid the correct fees. Those who don’t give the right figures are only cheating bowls. The Atlantic Championships start at Northfield Bowls Club, Ayr on 13th July and run until 22nd July. It is the first time men have played in this and Spain have entered both. The Ladies team going are Pam Cole (Mijas BC), Lynne Metcalf (Benalmadena BC), Maggie Holmes (Indalo BC), Sheri Fletcher (Javea Green BC) and Sally Lewington (La Siesta BC) while the Men are represented by Nick Cole (Benalmadena BC), Keith Jones (Emerald Isle BC), Mick Johnson (Indalo BC), Clive English (Benitachell BC) and Barry Latham (Greenlands BC). None of this would be possible without a good support team so the Men’s and Ladies Managers are going along, Tony and Mary Cummings plus they couldn’t go to Scotland without our National Coach, Iain Donaldson. The best of bowling to everyone. I know quite a few people are coming along to watch so if you happen to be in Scotland, come along and have a look and support Spain. Looking to the future Graham Marlow will also be there, not only to support the team but to meet with other International teams to arrange more matches both home and abroad. The teams for the World Bowls Championships in New Zealand in January 2008 have been selected and announced – a very hard job for the selectors. The Men going are the same that will be playing in Ayr while the Ladies have made some changes and their team will be Pam Cole, Lynne Metcalf, Debbie Colquhoun (Indalo BC), Carol Meare (Benitachell BC) and Angie Goodfellow (Greenlands BC). Accompanying them will be the two Managers plus our other Assistant Director for Bowls in Spain who has done most of the ground work for this event over the past two years, Graham Marlow. Before all this we have Sheila Stead (Greenlands BC) and Keith Jones (Emerald Isle BC) going to represent Spain at Warilla, Australia in the World Champion of Champions Singles in November 2007. Again we wish them the best of bowling but most of all – enjoy it. In a space of twelve months Spain will have had teams playing in Australia (twice), Portugal, New Zealand, Scotland and travelled many kms for practices. Unfortunately most of the financial burden falls on the players although Madrid are getting better !! For instance the minimum cost for going to New Zealand will be in the region of 5000 euros each. Take into account most players partners are also going, not that I am advocating paying for them but the end result is a lot of money. I’m sure not one of the team will begrudge the cost for a chance of a lifetime but we do need sponsors or someone who knows how to get sponsors – so if there is any one out here who has such invaluable knowledge PLEASE get in touch sooner rather later so we can help the team and bowls in Spain. 1CAR1 have started sponsoring quite a few local tournaments and are interested in sponsoring others especially those in the Costa del Sol area. Other potentially worthy tournaments would be Inter Provincial such as the Tri Provincial, the Andalucían Championships or the Spanish Nationals where many people come together. They are very reputable car Hire Company who have not only their own interests to heart but that of bowls as well. If your Competition Secretary wishes to get in touch you can do so by speaking to Matt Carter on 00441133875525 or you can visit their website any time – www.1car1.com Just to finish off with news of an appointment – Pat Metcalfe has been appointed as Assistant Coach to Iain Donaldson. She has already got to know the squad and made some valuable inputs. From appointments to retirements – I am going to stand down after the Champion of Champion Singles in October this year. It is about time I gave Wendy some more time. Then looking into 2008 after the World Bowls, Graham is also going to step down. So all those bowlers out there with all your spare time put a thought to who is going to take over the reins. Over the last few years Bowls in Spain has come along way and is certainly on the up unlike some countries where they are on a downward slope. It just needs someone with enthusiasm and a love of bowls to keep things progressing so that Spain on the whole continues to get better and better. There are more and more younger players coming here to live and Spain’s future socially, nationally and internationally looks bright. Look after yourselves and enjoy your bowls. Barry Latham and Graham Marlow.
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