AGM Minutes 2019
Renfrewshire Bowling Association
Minutes of the 141st Annual General Meeting
Wellmeadow Bowling Club – Wednesday 13th February 2019
Opening Remarks
President Jim McElwee welcomed the representatives from the clubs and thanked the member clubs for allowing him the opportunity to be the President for the past year. President Jim then asked those present to observe a minutes silence in memory of those who have passed away in the season, including Donnie Connell a Past Director of the RBA.
Apologies
Apologies were received from Honorary President Sandy Reddy and on behalf of Arthurlie BC and Eaglesham BC
Roll Call
There were 38 clubs in attendance. The requirement of 25 to form a quorum having been met.
Minutes of previous meeting
The Minutes of the AGM held in 2018 had been issued along with the Notice calling the 2019 AGM. The minutes were proposed by William Gibson, Inverkip BC and seconded by Alex Campbell, Pollockshaws.
Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
Secretary’s Report
Season 2018 began with the Annual General Meeting. The unofficial start was the annual friendly between Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire a few days before, played at Whiteinch Indoor, resulting in a win for the RBA.
First duty for the Committee was to select the squads for the South and West teams to compete in the Scottish Cities and Counties competition for the Andrew Hamilton Trophy. This year we changed the method of squad selection. The Team Managers were asked to put forward a list of players they would like to be invited for trial for the South Team and for the West Team with separate trials for each. Many of these coming from the U25s.
The South team won 4 out of the 7 games finishing in 4th place in their section. The West team also won 4 games finishing in 3rd place.
Two years ago Bowls Scotland had proposed a change to the current format to 4 divisions which would be played over a period of 8 weeks so less demand on players commitment, which would then culminate in all the finals being played off at Northfield. During the course of the previous season a vote was taken by all County Associations, which resulted in the Associations agreeing to the change in format. However since then Bowls Scotland has co-opted a new competitions Director who has decided to keep the original format in place for season 2018. It looked as if changed would be introduced in 2019 however Bowls Scotland have decided to leave the format as it is.
The Under 25’s had another successful year. They were runners up in the Scottish Championship final and hope to go one step further in 2019. They won the Top Ten, the 4th trophy in the last 4 seasons. They have a strong squad with many of the boys playing for the South or West on a Saturday and the U25s on a Sunday.
Many of the boys deserve a mention for their achievements;
Scottish Internationalist, John Fleming Jr, Port Glasgow,
Under 25 Internationalists, John Fleming Jr, Stephen Lowrie Jr, Anchor, Lee Allen, Anchor and Gavin McLaughlan, John Fleming Jr is the Scottish U25 Captain,
Under 18 Internationalists, Calvin Bogie, Caledonia, Michael Stevenson Jr, Gourock Park and Stewart MacAlees, Port Glasgow.
Stephen Lowrie Jr was runner up in the Scottish U25 singles at Northfield.
Michael Stevenson Jr became the youngest winner of the Renfrewshire Singles at the age of 18.
Once again well done to David Todd and Ian Brown for their running of the Under 25’s and the successes racked up.
I would like to thank all the clubs who hosted County and Under25 games during the season. A lot of time and effort goes into preparing for these games and the Association would like to thank you all for your support.
County Cup
Of the 30 teams entered 24 competed with the winner of the County Cup 2018 being Ferguslie with plus 51 shots.
The highest up rink, winning the Hall Salver, also went to Ferguslie B.C.
Centenary Cup
Of the 24 teams entered 22 competed with the winner of the Centenary Cup 2018 being Weir Rec with plus 24 shots.
Top Ten
Elderslie Wallace and Charleston met in the final of the RBA Top Ten Final to contest The Mr and Mrs J Bell Trophy at Abercorn. Elderslie Wallace, were the winners and will represent Renfrewshire Bowling Association in the Inter County Top Ten.
Inter County Cup
Renfrewshire Bowling Association, playing against Dunbartonshire, won this year by a generous margin. Barrhead B.C. were the highest up rink and took home the Trophy.
Renfrewshire Bowling Association Championship and Competitions
The Championships and Competitions are the highlight of the season. May and June are busy months culminating in Finals day at Rankin Park Bowling club. There were 11 clubs represented in the finals this year.
Well done to all the clubs who played in the finals and also to all of the clubs who gave up their greens and supplied us with facilities, markers and umpires throughout the season.
Thanks to Bob Morrow and all the umpires, who give up their time to carry out these duties.
CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
SINGLES (Sir Hugh Shaw Stewart Trophy)
WinnerMichael Stevenson Jr Gourock Park)
Runner up Matt Fleming (Johnstone)
JUNIOR SINGLES
WinnerJordan Harte (Crookston)
Runner upRyan Kearns (Gourock Park)
PAIRS(Daily Record Trophy)
Winner Wellington Park
Runner up Wellcroft
TRIPLES(Dr. D. TurnerTrophy)
Winner Port Glasgow
Runner up Blacklandmill
FOURS(Paisley & Renfrew Gaz Trophy)
Winner Port Glasgow
Runner up Linwood
SENIOR FOURS (Mr. J. Millen Trophy)
Winner JG Fleming
Runner upLady Alice
OTHER COMPETITIONS
SPONSORED FOURS (.Brown & W. Cope Trophy)
Winner Port Glasgow
Runner upGreenock Victoria
UNDER 45,s(Mr A. Cann Trophy)
WinnerWellington Park
Runner upPort Glasgow
I would like to thank Assistant Secretary Stephen McLellan for all his help throughout the season. Stephen has prepared the draws for all the cups and ties ably assisted by Peter Guthrie.
To all the Directors for their assistance and help at all the County games and other competitions my thanks.
Gents, tonight I retire as a Director having served three years and I also don’t put myself forward for election as Secretary or Treasurer. There are too many people to mention who have assisted me over the years and this has been very much appreciated.
President Jim asked if there were any questions regarding the report and there were none.
Finance Report
The Financial Statement was issued along with the Notice calling the 2019 AGM. Treasurer Hugh Balfour gave a brief overview of the income and expenditure statement.
President Jim asked if there were any questions regarding the report and there were none.
Auditors Report
Colin Reddy spoke on behalf of the Auditors, Alan Moran replacing Jim Glenn. Colin thanked Alan for his assistance and said the he and Alan had met with Hugh Balfour and all the receipts and accounts were presented very well. Colin thanked Hugh for his work in preparing the report.
Annual Subscription Rates 2020
Status Quo as set at previous AGM.
Election of Office Bearers
Before demitting office President Jim McElwee thanked all the clubs he had visited, including those who hosted County and Under 25 games, during his year as President. Jim thanked them for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and friendship. Jim thanked his own club, Rankin Park, President Willie Shaw and the members for their support throughout his year and also for a very successful RBA Finals Day.
Jim thanked the Committee, Honorary and Past Presidents for their time and support in ensuring a successful year and also Hugh Balfour retiring at the AGM.
President - Alex Gemmell. AbercornPro. Jim McElwee, Rankin Park
Sec. Jimmy Hill, Abercorn
President Alex thanked Abercorn for their backing for him to stand as President and that he will do his best in his year in office. Also thanked the clubs for their support for him to be President. Alex thanked Past President Jim and the Directors and said that he looked forward to their support in the year ahead.
Alex presented Jim McElwee with his Past Presidents medal.
Jim reminded us that he started as a Director of the RBA but never expected to finish as President.
Vice President – Stephen Lowrie, Pollockshaws
Pro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. Alex Campbell, Pollockshaws
Junior Vice President – David Todd, Anchor
Pro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. David McLean, Anchor
Secretary – Stephen McLellan, Wellington Park
Pro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. Willie Killens, Elderslie Wallace
Treasurer – Jim Foster, Wellington Park
Pro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. Alex McIravey, Wellington Park
Election of Directors
Gary Turner, CharlestonPro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. Raymond Hill, Charleston
David Heally, AnchorPro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. David McLean. Anchor
Brian Kerr, PollockshawsPro. Alex Gemmell, President
Sec. Alex Campbell, Pollockshaws
Douglas Brown, Gourock ParkStanding Director
John Freeburn, GrosvenorStanding Director
David Walker, NeilstonStanding Director
Election of Auditors
See below
Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Secretaries Honorarium
Status Quo
Notice of Motion
President Alex advised that the Committee had reviewed the Constitution and had made amendments and asked for approval.
Proposed by Raymond Hill seconded by David Todd
AOCB
A question from the floor regarding the move of the Under 45s and Sponsored Four to the Tuesday, Friday, depending on district from Saturday morning was answered by Stephen McLellan. Stephen advised that the Under 45 and Sponsored Fours Competitions will now be played on the same evenings as the Championship games. In the past players could play in Championship and Competition games however now they can only play in one game.
Vote of Thanks
President Alex thanked everyone for attending. Vice President Stephen thanked President Alex and wished everyone a safe journey.
President Alex handed the facilities back to Wellmeadow.
The meeting closed at 8.00pm.