Captains' Report 2014

Some people might think it is a daunting task taking over from Ned after his extremely successful five years as Captain but not so - it might had been so at other clubs but not at Bognor Regis Bowls Club which is about as friendly and a happy, welcoming club as you will find and I feel honoured and very proud to be Captain for the forthcoming season.

I look forward to working with our hard working Management Committee, the Lady Captain , Barbara, my Vice-Captains Geoff and Norman and the Men's Committee.

This season will be our fifth in the first division and again our aim will be to remain in the top flight and hopefully improve on our best ever finish of last season.

My feelings are that the B team has under achieved since it's formation three seasons ago due to a lack of experienced players in certain positions but maybe this year with some of the new bowlers having gained some experience and some experienced players joining us this season then maybe we can be challenging for promotion come August.

As well as playing plenty of friendlies there is no shortage of competitive bowls at Bognor - apart from two league teams there is the PC Cup - about time we had a decent run in that - Holebrook Cup, Midhurst Cup, which we were beaten finalists last season and the Midweek League which we won last year. And of course our own club competitions which are fiercely fought and culminate in two great days of bowling at the end of August.

If I could only bowl once a week then it would have to be the Overton on Thursday morning. A competition that was on the decline when played Friday afternoon but since moving to Thursday last season has proved very popular again. A competitive roll-up but great fun and an ideal chance for new members to get to know their team mates.

Once the finals are over, with only the winter to look forward to, there is for some the trip to Portugal - so superbly organised by Norman and Ned. Although we failed to win the Regis trophy against Pedras last year we did win the PremierFX trophy which is played between Val Verde and us and sponsored by Peter Rexstrew and PremierFX who I must thank for their kind sponsorship of our club shirts for the forthcoming season. We also managed first and second place in the Pedras open winning ?300 Euros which is in the kitty for the next trip.

Unlike many other clubs we have a healthy membership although a few more women members would not go amiss. Again this season we have been fortunate in gaining some new members and I look forward to meeting and bowling with them.

This article would not be complete without saying a huge thank you to Ted Love who has organised another variety show at The Regis Centre with the profit going to club funds and used to subsidise coaches, bbqs, etc. WELL DONE TED!

Last year we had a wonderful summer with the waterproofs being made redundant and being an eternal optimist I am predicting another great summer! Whatever the weather, I wish you all a great seasons bowling.

Steve Soames

Men's Captain 2014