As expected, the WPBA general meeting came and went with 34 delegates (of 42 possible) politely shuffling paper and adding little to any debate. Perhaps 5.30pm after a long Monday is not conducive to “after hours” tête-à-tête?

Most matters went though on the nod. The executive was returned en bloc (Maurice Moyles did not make himself available, thus a vacancy exists), while veteran administrator Riva Myers (Glen) was deservedly bestowed with life membership for her outstanding work.

One matter to be raised and of concern, however, was what to do about the “swallows” and their apparent reluctance to pay a paltry R260 (about £23) in WP and BowlsSA affiliation fees.

These migrant bowlers who, follow the sun and enjoy the fruits of life are, however, not to blame. It is the clubs who shelter them, encourage them to play in events for which they are not qualified and reward them if they do well, who should be brought into line.

Such clubs might well bear in mind that if BowlsSA council approves a motion (likely) to sanction the “rules busters” (it is may well be modified slightly) it might prove an expensive (maybe a R1 000 for each illegal player fielded) foible.

Indeed, why should visitors to South Africa (citizens or not) enjoy sport subsidised by locals?

Executive for 2010/11: President Ron Delport; vice-president Wilhelm Malan, treasurer John Edwards, exec: Alan Bailey, Doreen de Power, Eric Green, Riva Myers, Cap van Dyk.

WPCC’s provincial player Danie Loubser and world champion Trish Steyn, winners this year of the Western Province Cricket Club’s overall prestigious Sportsperson of the Year (Steyn) and teams award (Loubser) magnificently won the 2010 BowlsSA Mixed Pairs Championship (presented by Super Corega) in at Umhlali from 19 peers. They beat SFS’s Herzog Meiring and newly-married Brunhilde Gerber (Rousseau), 25, (selected for Commonwealth Games) 24-19. Loubser described Steyn’s performance as “the best he has seen from a crack lead”. In return the pocket rocket said: ”Danie reaped reward for hard work, fitness and attention to skill and concentration; I loved it.” Said WPBA president Ron Delport (himself a WPCC man): “Brilliant for Province and club; we are delighted.” Footnote: I hear Steyn might be tempted to again play for WP, even SA, now that partner Patrick is WPCC chairman of Bowls?

Pinewood is bursting with pre-season vitality based on the suggested influx of members, financial peace of mind and, the moving in of the high-powered WPBA secretariat – Bob Shackleton, district secretary; Jandré Stoltz and bookkeeper Olga van Schalkwyk (September 27). Alex Tame reports greens back to best. “We are on a membership drive. Subs remain at R1 200 – inclusive of WPBA/BowlsSA affiliation fees and all green fees and teas. Committee: President: Vic Hansen; vice-president: Terry Oates; secretary: Jacqui Tiltman; treasurer: Chris Tiltman; greens: Pat Gorridon; catering: Viekla Grivanis; bar: Donald Adonis; selection (men): Peter Canning, Louis Ferreira, Alex Tame; (women) Glyn Griggs, Laurie Gorridon, Wendy Phipps; house: Geoff Canning; match sec: Peter Canning/Alex Tame. Club: 0215316382; Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

• WPCC: Quiz evening: Wednesday, August 28, Ave De Mist at 6.45pm; R25 + hotdog; bring own snacks; all welcome; team-of-six maximum; e-mail team leader, team numbers to: carol@talktravel.co.za

• Pinewood/Raddall Trophy on four Friday am – September 3, 10, 17, 24 – from 9:30. Any format (rinks), 4 x 21 ends; R60 a team a week; Alex Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

• Blog news: Alan Simmonds’ blog: WWW.warwickbowls.com see thebowlsblog.com

• John McKeag’s blog: http://bowlswithsomebias.blogspot.com

• Pinewood: off-season tabs-in: Wednesday pm/Fridays am: Superb green, Wed: tabs-in by 1.45; Fri 9.15am; green fee: R10 (tea); prize draw daily.

World champions, South Africa’s disabled bowlers defend their title, won in Australia four years ago, against 11 other nations at next year’s World Disability Bowls Championships in Bloemfontein from May 2-14; South Africa has entered two sides and WP proudly boasts five players. Good news is the code is to become a core sport at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.

But, says Graham Ward, secretary/treasurer of the South African Disabled Bowlers Association (SADBA), whose executive is a Bowls SA standing committee: “We have to ensure our protocols are correct and all selected are bona-fide members of BowlsSA. Once that is satisfactory to all parties, the teams, named, temporarily withdrawn by Bowls SA on technical grounds, can get down to some serious practice.”

[NB: WPBA AGM: Jaggers, Monday August 23, 5.30pm]

Ward enthused: “We want the flags to fly in the Free State as they did during World Cup Soccer. Pride and determination, guts and glory, it’s no different in our discipline, with hours of dedication from players and volunteer directors (those who guide the sight-impaired). But we will be ready.”

But is it no walk in the park.

“It costs about R450 000 to stage the event. We are without government support, but the national lottery might help.” says Ward.

SA sides packed with champions seek revenge on Australia, who grabbed the sight-impaired world crown from SA two years ago.

South Africa (subject to BowlsSA approval):

Team 1: B1 (totally blind) Dean Hunter (directed by Dot Roering) KZN, Tracy Smith (Tommy Smith) JBA); B2 (partially sighted) Jaco van Straaten (Johann du Toit) GN, Gwen Nel (Geoff Newcombe), EP; B3 (partially sighted) Herman Scholtz (Annetjie van Rooyen) Sables; Princess Schroeder (Graham Ward) WP; B4 (partially sighted) Eben Fourie (Annetjie Smit) GN; Jennifer Lloyd (Trish Douglas) WP; B6 (physically disabled) Roger Hagerty/Theuns Fourie (JBA/SFS); B7 / B8 physically disabled) Fred Sterrenberg/Brian Jarvis (N Cape); (women) Emma Kruger/Hanlie van der Westhuizen (WP/Sables).

Team 2: B1: Michiel Kruger (Willie Schoeman) SFS; Wendy Brymer (Glynn Gailey) WP; B2 Dr Garret Slattery (Denis Laidley) WP; Dianne du Plessis (Desmond du Plessis) SFS; B3 Flippie Walker(Duimpie Janse van Vuuren) Sables; May Homer (Paul Homer) JBA; B4 Abe Crouse (Cathy Jennings) WP; Salome Morries (Anita van Zyl) Sables; B6 Glynn Thompson/Deon van der Vyver (Border); B7 / B8 Derrick Lobban/Wimpie Viljoen (JBA?N Cape); women: Annetjie Meyer/Jill Pearson (Mpumalanga/Sables).

• Day for the Disabled is on December 3; how about clubs holding fundraisers on December 4 or 5? Anything, gratefully acknowledged, to DBSA, Standard Bank Welkom; 053217322; code: 057827 and,

• Join Disability Bowls SA (National Association of Blind Bowlers and The Physically Disabled Bowlers): Brian Sneag (011 660 5931)/Graham ward (021 534 2104)/graham.w@telkomsa.net

Those serving on standing committees (SC) at any level can hold their heads erect … well done. At a BowlsSA executive bosberaad on September 24, SC structures will be discussed. President Debra Ferguson requires names for consideration sent timeously to the SCs – coaches, development, greenkeepers; technical officials, the academy (including selectors); a one-page CV should accompany each. Incumbents seeking re-election must also provide an up-dated CV. Bowls SA is the sole arbiter; closing: September 13.

NOTICES:

• Pinewood/Raddall Trophy on four Friday am – September 3, 10, 17, 24 – from 9:30. Any format (rinks), 4 x 21 ends; R60 a team a week; Alex Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

• Blog news: Alan Simmonds’ blog: WWW.warwickbowls.com see thebowlsblog.com

• John McKeag’s blog: http://bowlswithsomebias.blogspot.com

• Pinewood: off-season tabs-in: Wednesday pm/Fridays am: Superb green, Wed: tabs-in by 1.45; Fri 9.15am; green fee: R10 (tea); prize draw daily.

• R20 000 Personal Trust/Peter Grant Fund/Shoprite Checkers/Helderberg Mixed Sixes, Friday/Saturday April 14/15 2011. Mixed teams of 6, 3 x 15 ends a day in 6 trips, 3 pairs, 3 fours; first 18 teams accepted; prizes for 10; Entry R900 a team. Pieter Human: 0218528368/0828712162/Joe Hodge 0218520436/0833080390

• Gordons Bay Security’s Spring League (Mixed Trips); 1 x 18 ends; Tuesdays weekly; August 31; September 7/14; 1st prize R1 500; session prizes; 1.pm; R360 a team (light refreshments/supper); closes August 24; 2 subs during league; Meisie Croucamp: 0724563950; Johann Műller: 0799740040; club: 0218543940.

Disabled bowlers aim to retain world crown

World champions, South Africa’s disabled bowlers will defend their title won in Australia four years ago against 11 other nations at next year’s World Disability Bowls Championships in Bloemfontein from May 2-14. South Africa has entered two sides.

And good news is the code is become a core sport at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.

Says Graham Ward, secretary/treasurer of the South African Disabled Bowlers Association, whose executive is a Bowls SA standing committee: “We want the flags to fly in the Free State as they did during World Cup Soccer. Pride and determination, guts and glory, it’s no different in our discipline, with hours of dedication from players and volunteer directors (those who guide the sight impaired). But we will be ready.”

But , says Graham Ward, secretary/treasurer of the South African Disabled Bowlers Association (SADBA), the executive of which is a Bowls SA standing committee: “We have to ensure our protocols are correct and that all those selected are bona-fide members of BowlsSA. Once that is satisfactory to all parties, the teams, named then temporarily withdrawn by Bowls SA on technical grounds, can get down to some serious practice.”

It will not, however, be a walk in the park.

“It costs about R450 000 just to stage the event. We do not receive any government support, but are hoping the national lottery might help, as they did the sight impaired team that went to Australia last year,” Ward said.

The SA sides, packed with champions, contain experienced players and directors keen to take revenge on Australia, who wrested the sight impaired world crown from SA at their event, held every two years

South Africa:

Team 1: B1 (totally blind) Dean Hunter (directed by Dot Roering) KZN, Tracy Smith (Tommy Smith) JBA); B2 (partially sighted) Jaco van Straaten (Johann du Toit) GN, Gwen Nel (Geoff Newcombe), EP; B3 (partially sighted) Herman Scholtz (Annetjie van Rooyen) Sables; Princess Schroeder (Graham Ward) WP; B4 (partially sighted) Eben Fourie (Annetjie Smit) GN; Jennifer Lloyd (Trish Douglas) WP; B6 (physically disabled) Roger Hagerty/Theuns Fourie (JBA/SFS); B7 / B8 physically disabled) Fred Sterrenberg/Brian Jarvis (N Cape); (women) Emma Kruger/Hanlie van der Westhuizen (WP/Sables).

Team 2: B1: Michiel Kruger (Willie Schoeman) SFS; Wendy Brymer (Glynn Gailey) WP; B2 Dr Garret Slattery (Denis Laidley) WP; Dianne du Plessis (Desmond du Plessis) SFS; B3 Flippie Walker(Duimpie Janse van Vuuren) Sables; May Homer (Paul Homer) JBA; B4 Abe Crouse (Cathy Jennings) WP; Salome Morries (Anita van Zyl) Sables; B6 Glynn Thompson/Deon van der Vyver (Border); B7 / B8 Derrick Lobban/Wimpie Viljoen (JBA?N Cape); women: Annetjie Meyer/Jill Pearson (Mpumalanga/Sables).

• Day for the Disabled is on December 3Friday 3rd December 2010 – how about clubs everywhere holding fundraisers on December 4 or 5? Any amount gratefully acknowledged to DBSA, Standard Bank Welkom; 053217322; code: 057827 and,

• Anyone wishing to join Disability Bowls SA which includes the National

Association of Blind Bowlers and The Physically Disabled Bowlers: president, Brian Sneag (011 660 5931) or Graham ward (021 534 2104) or graham.w@telkomsa.net

Districts and clubs who flout affiliation/membership rules and harbour miscreants lurking “in limbo” enjoying club facilities without paying fees watch out … it could cost R1 000 for each violation.

An executive motion to be tabled at the umbrella body’s AGM this month and aimed at enshrinement in the constitution, says: “Districts and clubs shall be subject to a penalty of R1 000 on each individual found participating in any district, club, sponsored tournament or organised club activity without a paid-up Bowls SA membership card … the exception is a development pursuit…”

Tough? Yes; warranted? Yes … as many as 9 000 players either clutching what they think is a “pass” in the form of a clearance certificate, or who take a vicarious thrill in ducking the radar might be involved, starving the game of vital funds required to speed development and assist our Proteas.

After all, it’s the same as saying to Warwick “thanks for the insurance coverage for three years, sorry we didn’t pay you!!”

Times are hard and clubs seeking to “protect” members who have fallen on bad times, or visitors past their “sail-by date” are reluctant to lose local money.

But in the long run it will hurt more than any immediate financial panacea.

And, as might be expected, the WPBA is again on the ball in this regard and disciplinary action is on the cards (constitutional permissible). They might, however, wait for a guideline from national response at the AGM.

A circular from WPBA secretary Bob Shackleton to all 42 clubs reads:

“The executive … is aware some members clubs are allowing bowlers not affiliated to WP Bowls and BowlsSA to play in tabs-in games, all day tournaments and in some cases, (extraordinary, my comment) club competitions.

“These … are either previously affiliated players who do not have an up-to-date BowlsSA membership card or “swallows” who spend part of the year in South Africa.

“We ask clubs to ensure all bowlers are affiliated to WP Bowls and Bowls SA to ensure the non-affiliated do not enjoy illicit use of facilities to the detriment of (paid-up) members.

“Clause 11.3 of the WP Constitution states: ‘11.3 It shall without exception, remain the prior responsibility of clubs to establish that names of players submitted for registration have been received and recorded by the association before permitting such players to participate in any club, district or national competition …

“All this, of course does not apply to prospective bowlers who may be taking part in an awareness or recruitment, campaign, corporate event or business league.”

Bowls SA is adamant the financial loss cannot continue and as its operations manager, John Ravenscroft, clearly states:

“… Every bowler has a moral duty to support the required infrastructure of the sport … if you play you pay.

“…Bowlers are not allowed to play on the greens of affiliated clubs unless they pay affiliation fees.”

Quite correct. One hopes districts will supply the necessary mandate to delegates to ensure the motion is carried unanimously.

You are warned.

Notices

• The selections announced for the World Disability Games in Bloemfontein have been withdrawn. Bowls SA has announced players will be reselected after resolution of certain administrative matters; districts will be advised.

• The WP Proteas hold their AGM (6.45pm) and annual dinner at Howard on Friday, August 20 from 7.30pm until late. Secretary John Binns says a three-course meal will be provided and Howard’s Friday Supper Team is keen to impress. For a modest R50 a head confirm your booking with Riva Myers (0214397728/0827400313)

• Pinewood holds its Raddall Trophy on four Friday AMs – September 3, 10, 17, 24 – from 9:30. Any format (rinks), 4 x 21 ends; R60 a team a week; Alex Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

• Stellenbosch/Van Der Stel Warwick Allday Mixed Trips: September 28; 9am; R150 a team (tea/lunch); 3 X 14; Marlene: 0218865158/0827291730/Lmarlene@telkomsa.net

• Blog news: Alan Simmonds’ blog: WWW.warwickbowls.com and see thebowlsblog.com

• John McKeag’s blog: go to http://bowlswithsomebias.blogspot.com

• Pinewood: off season tabs-in: Wednesday pm/Fridays am: Superb green, Wed: tabs-in by 1.45; Fri 9.15am; green fee: R10 (tea); prize draw daily.

• The R20 000 Personal Trust/Peter Grant Fund/Shoprite Checkers/Helderberg Mixed Sixes on Friday/Saturday April 14/15 2011. Mixed teams of 6 play 3 x 15 ends a day in 6 trips, 3 pairs, 3 fours; first 18 teams accepted; prizes for 10 teams; Entry R900 a team. Pieter Human: 0218528368/0828712162/Joe Hodge 0218520436/0833080390.

Good for business. That’s the bottom line when it comes to a district hosting a national event. It means bucks in the bank.

Not only does WP not have to send teams away, but revenue comes in for the district, the clubs and for the shops and hotels of Cape Town.

Next year, WP hosts the Open Inter-Districts (March 21-25) plus the women’s nationals (April 30-May 8).

Now the battle begins as to which clubs will be an HQ? In fact, the same club could stage both events. Whatever, all clubs wishing to lobby have until noon on August 16 to have their paperwork completed and back with the WP secretariat.

Greens inspection will be towards the end of November.

For the interdistricts at least six two-green clubs will be considered from which four will be selected and another as stand-by. For the nationals, after an inspection of four clubs with at least two greens each an HQ and sub-HQ will be named.

Those with an eye to hosting should realise by inspection date (to be announced) annual renovation will have been completed, with green ready for play.

Two clubs must be able to produce an up-to-date Levels Profile and District Greens Committee grading at the time of inspection, with the Levels Profile ideally be on a grid of 2.5m².

Bowls SA’s requirements include: two greens graded B or higher by the Bowls SA Greenkeepers’ Standing Committee, catering and parking facilities for officials, players, media and public, interior facilities for the tournament committee, tournament records, the national selectors and the press.

The WPBA annual meeting is on Monday, August 23 at Jaggers (5pm).

Bowls England has teamed up with New Age Bowls as part of its commitment to develop the sport among all ages. New Age Bowls come in sets of eight (four red and four blue with a yellow jack and foot mat). Each bowl is soft with a genuine bias that can be used on any surface indoors or out. They are used by clubs to introduce the sport at schools, village halls, community or leisure centres. In a website article John Bennett, the founder, said: “It is ideal for getting people started and playing to a good standard before taking to a green and it’s a lot of fun! Said former world champion and Bowls England CEO Tony Allcock: “We have received positive feedback from those who have tried; it does work.” For clubs interested e-mail: alistair.hollis@bowlsengland.com

NOTICES

The WP Proteas hold their AGM (6.45pm) and annual dinner at Howard on Friday, August 20 from 7.30pm until late. Secretary John Binns says a three-course meal will be provided and Howard’s Friday Supper Team is keen to impress. For a modest R50 a head confirm your booking with Riva Myers (0214397728/0827400313)

Pinewood holds its Raddall Trophy on four Friday AMs – September 3, 10, 17, 24 – from 9:30. Any format (rinks), 4 x 21 ends; R60 a team a week; Alex Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

Stellenbosch/Van Der Stel Warwick Allday Mixed Trips: September 28; 9am; R150 a team (tea/lunch); 3 X 14; Marlene: 0218865158/0827291730/Lmarlene@telkomsa.net

Blog news: Alan Simmonds’ blog: WWW.warwickbowls.com and see thebowlsblog.com

John McKeag’s blog: go to http://bowlswithsomebias.blogspot.com

Pinewood: off season tabs-in: Wednesday pm/Fridays am: Superb green, Wed: tabs-in by 1.45; Fri 9.15am; green fee: R10 (tea); prize draw daily.

The R20 000 Personal Trust/Peter Grant Fund/Shoprite Checkers/Helderberg Mixed Sixes on Friday/Saturday April 14/15 2011. Mixed teams of 6 play 3 x 15 ends a day in 6 trips, 3 pairs, 3 fours; first 18 teams accepted; prizes for 10 teams; Entry R900 a team. Pieter Human: 0218528368/0828712162/Joe Hodge 0218520436/0833080390.

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