The Meersbrook Park Bowling Club 2023 AGM took place on November the 20th at The White Lion. 28 members crammed in for the celebration of an incredible year in the club’s history. 12 months earlier it had looked as if the 116 year old club was going to fold – but the meeting told a very different story.
Terry Eggington, acting as Chair, explained that he and his family had bowled at the club for over 80 years and he spoke emotionally about his personal gratitude and relief that a new injective of life, energy and ideas had arrived at the club to save it.
Jim Szemeti gave a report on the progress that had been made to return the lower green towards full use and thanked the input of numerous volunteers with mowing and gardening as well as Turner Plant Hire for the generous and free loan of equipment.
Alex Westran, the incoming Treasurer, provided a full report explaining the club’s very healthy finances and outlined measures that would ensure transparency and security with transactions in the coming year. Crowd Funding, including sponsorship from Premier Community, had raised over £5000. A grant from Yorkshire Sport had also been pivotal in enabling free Taster sessions. Membership Fees were set at £40.
Terry, who had ended up captaining all three teams, reported on the season which had produced unexpected success considering the inexperience of many of the team’s new players. The Works Doubles Team had won their division and the Tuesday Evening team had defied all odds, producing and incredible escape from relegation in the very competitive Hallamshire League League.
Decisions about which teams to enter in 2024 would have to be made early in the year but it was hoped that players who were uncertain about their ability would be encourage by the friendly nature of matches that new members reported. Assurances were given that players of all standards played for all teams in the Social and Works leagues.
The incredible support from South Yorkshire County Crown Green Bowling Association was recorded, especially in the form of the free coaching sessions provided by Steve Hawksworth, the Association Development Worker who voluntarily travelled from Penistone on numerous occasions to support the club.
Tom Rhodes, the incoming Chair, outlined proposed changes to the club’s constitution that would enable better governance for the club with it greater aspirations for developments and emphasis on inclusivity. The proposals were endorsed and the new committee elected as follow:
Chair – Tom Rhodes
Vice Chair – Jim Szemeti
Secretary – Paul Jenkinson
Treasurer – Alex Westran
President – Terry Eggington
The meeting was closed with a real feeling of positivity and promise for the year to come.