Present: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Suffolk & Sunderland

1. Apologies for absence
North Tyneside
The Chairman referred to the death on 10th December of Tom Ross, a popular bowler who had linked carpet bowls in the North and South over many years.

2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes were corrected to show that Eve Warren had proposed the increase in the travel subsidy, and were then agreed and signed as a true record.

3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
Development of Carpet Bowls - Development requests had been received from Derbyshire and from France, and contact had been made.
Website - Information was urgently needed for the website as it was currently short of news and content, and it was pointed out that the facility existed for each county to have its own page, although the ECBA would have to administer the whole site. Mick Watkins agreed to enquire if it would possible for each county to have access to the content on its own page.

4. Correspondence
The Chairman reported that Andy Gilder had submitted resignation from the post of Child Protection Officer as he was moving to Leicestershire. Subsequently, however, his move had not materialised and he was now able to take up the post again. This was agreed unanimously.

5. Chairman's Report
The Chairman reported that the dress code had not been properly observed by some players at the National Championships. It was agreed that the standard should be that required by each County Association and counties should be asked to consider ways of enforcing this.
There had been complaints about conversations occurring within earshot of games in progress. It was agreed that little could be done about this, but that excessive celebrations should be discouraged.
It was agreed that children in the playing arena should be under control at all times.
Applications for Norbreck accommodation had been much too late for the National Championships and this had created the difficulties with accommodation that had resulted.

6. Secretary's Report
Nothing to report.

7. Treasurer's Report
Community Account - £392.20
Business Saving Account 1 - £856.80 (for development of bowls)
Business Saving Account 2 - £16,033.08 . The total balances were £17,282.08
The three outstanding £10 supplements had been paid by Suffolk. The supplement refunds had not yet been received from the Norbreck for June or November. The Secretary agreed to write.
The raffle at the National Championships raised £571, satisfactory considering the absence of one team.

8. Referee's Report
The referee referred to information from Essex that the county was introducing a rule that a qualified referee should be present at all League & Cup matches in the county, and that the county was undertaking a series of training courses to expand the number of referees. It was noted that the regulation that courses should be undertaken by two trainer referees from different counties was not being observed and it was agreed that, while the courses already planned could proceed, no more courses would be approved for the time being. The referee announced that he intended to devise a different course for the appointment of two or three Senior Referees, who would oversee future referee training. Consideration would also be given to extending the time after which referees would need to be re-examined, although there was no record of the existing referees.

9. Review of National County Championships 2010
The Secretary pointed out that the Norbreck policy was to release allocated accommodation two months before the event and, in 2010, of the 245 rooms allocated, only 33 had been taken up by 17th September. An unexpected demand on space at the Norbreck had then created the problem experienced by many bowlers.

10. Champion of Champions 10/12 June 2011
It was not yet clear how many counties would be participating pending the results of the County Tournaments. It was agreed to review the situation in March. Application forms were distributed.

11. National County Championships 11/13 November 2011
It was hoped that there would be full entry of eleven counties, but North Tyneside and Sunderland were experiencing difficulties in finding a team, and the situation would be reviewed in March. It was stressed that provisional names could be submitted with bookings, to be updated later. A note regarding cancellation insurance was circulated, and ideas for fundraising were discussed.
A draw was held to determine the order in which surplus accommodation would be offered to counties and the order was:
Sunderland
Norfolk
Suffolk
Bedfordshire
Northumberland
Essex
Durham
Hertfordshire
Cambridgeshire
South Tyneside
North Tyneside

Jamie Smith suggested that consideration be given to holding future National Championships alternately in the north and south. Sunderland suggested that they might be held at a neutral venue.

12. Discussion on the functions of the ECBA
A letter from Jamie Smith was circulated and discussed:
Potters
The Chairman criticised the action of Jamie Smith in contacting Potters regarding prices after they had been agreed between Potters and the ECBA. Jamie Smith said that more than one person should be involved in the negotiations, and that Potters prices were aimed at keeping children away. These concerns were not being addressed. Mick Watkins said that the National Championships were an event for bowlers, not children, and that it was wrong to go behind the committee.
Functions
In a lengthy discussion, the following observations were made:
Mick Watkins said that officers elected should be allowed to operate without interference. Some of the ideas on development were worthwhile.
Margaret Southgate reported that she had attended meetings with Sport England, where there had been no interest in indoor bowls.
The Chairman pointed out that Sport England dealt with the Bowls Alliance with which we had decided not to be involved.
Jamie Smith proposed that a DVD be produced to assist in development projects.
Kay Cuthbert pointed out that a development budget existed.
Mick Watkins said that development material could go on the web and Facebook and suggested that a DVD could be filmed at the Festival.
Trevor Tumber asked that the Secretary write to Central Bedfordshire Council to seek help in promoting carpet bowls.
The Chairman referred to a suggestion that carpet bowls should feature in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, but this would not be possible until we had qualified coaches.
Jamie Smith said that he had written to delegates because his email correspondence with the Chairman had been circulated, unprofessionally, by the Secretary and he needed to explain his position in detail.
The Chairman said that issues should be addressed, but that writers of emails should be prepared to have their comments published.
Eve Warren suggested that communication by telephone would be better.
Colin Young said that if he had a point to make, he would make it in a letter to the Secretary.

13. Competitions
Rinks 2011 - to be held by Hertfordshire on 15th May at Ware Drill Hall
Triples 2011 - to be held by Durham on 12th September at Woolsingham School Sports Hall.

14. Dates of Next Meetings
It was agreed to book Committee Meetings on 20th August 2011, 21st January and 24th or 31st March 2012.

15. Any Other Business
(a) National Championships 2012
Jamie Smith asked what venue was being proposed for 2012. The Secretary explained that an offer from Potters was awaited, and the Chairman said that the subject would be raised with Potters at the Festival in May.
(b) Champion of Champions 2012
It was agreed to consider alternative venues at the March meeting.
(c) National Championship Presentations
The Secretary reported criticisms of the arrangements at Blackpool for the presentations. It was agreed that in 2011, the presentations should take place in the International Arena immediately after the competition.

Present: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Referee and representatives from Cambridgeshire, Durham, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside & Suffolk

1. Apologies for absence
Sunderland

2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes were agreed and signed as a true record.

3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
Child Protection Policy – It was pointed out that the four modules offered by the Safe Network were all part of the same course.
Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer reported that no further £10 supplements had been received.
Development of Carpet Bowls – It was reported that approaches had been received from Herefordshire and the Westbourne Social Club in West Sussex. The Westbourne club was interested in purchasing second-hand equipment and the Chairman suggested that Northumberland might have equipment for sale.
Website – The good response to the website was continuing.

4. Correspondence
There was no correspondence, other than matters covered elsewhere on the agenda.

5. Chairman’s Report
Nothing to report.

6. Secretary’s Report
Request from Age Concern – In view of the assurance that Age Concern only wished to publicise its services, it was agreed that there would be no objection to their having an information presence at ECBA events.
Request from Shotbowl – It was considered inappropriate for a supply of rule books to be supplied to Shotbowl.
Contract for 2011 Champion of Champions – The Secretary reported that the contract for the 2011 Champion of Champions at the Norbreck had been signed.

7. Treasurer’s Report
Community Account - £1706.28
Business Premium Account - £856.36 (for development of bowls)
Business Reserve Account - £18,024.02 . The total balances were £20,586.66
The insurance premium of £304 had been paid.
A new bank mandate had been completed, installing the Chairman, Treasurer & Secretary as signatories.
The books would close at the end of April, and the Treasurer requested that any requests for payment be submitted by then.
The contract had been signed with the Holiday Inn for the next three meetings.

8. Referee’s Report
David Storey informed members that he would not be seeking re-election as Referee at the AGM.

9. Annual General Meeting
The Chairman pointed out that there were vacancies to be filled at the AGM for Vice-Chairman and Referee.
It was agreed to nominate the other officers.

10. National County Championships
a) Future venue from 2011 – it was agreed by 8 votes for and none against to accept the proposal from Potters Leisure for the 2011 Championships. At the request of Hertfordshire, it was agreed to discuss with Potters a system whereby counties could each book sufficient accommodation at the terms quoted.
b) Number of Ends – it was agreed by 5 votes to 4 to reduce the number of ends from 11 to 9.
c) Re-naming of Trophy – it was agreed by 3 votes to 2 not to re-name the Pontins Trophy.

11. Child Protection Policy
Following some discussion, a number of amendments to the draft policy were agreed, and Andy Gilder agreed to amend the policy accordingly for circulation to Counties. He then circulated a paper on the role of the new Independent Safeguarding Authority and its implications for the ECBA, the counties and the clubs.
He agreed to be the ECBA Child Protection Officer, and to take the four module training course. It was agreed that the ECBA would meet the expenses.

The Chairman thanked Andy Gilder for accepting this responsibility and for the considerable work that he had undertaken.

12. Champion of Champions 2010
A draft programme and application forms were circulated. It was agreed that responsibilities would be:
Equipment – Durham
Raffle Sales – Essex
Raffle prizes & raffle books – Treasurer
Administration – Treasurer & Secretary
Scorecards & score sheets – Secretary

13. ECB A Competitions
Rinks 2010 – to be held at Sunderland on 11th April. No report was available, but it was thought that numbers may be disappointing.
Triples 2010 – to be held at East Bergholt, Suffolk on 12th September. The Secretary was requested to provide application forms.

14. Dates of next meetings
It was reported that the next three meetings would be on:
21st August 2010
(15th January 2011) – subsequently changed to 22nd January
26th March 2011

15. Any Other Business
(a) Festival of Carpet Bowls
The Chairman reported the best response yet, with 60 rinks, 127 pairs and 147 singles, which should produce a profit of approximately £3400. It was agreed that the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary would seek a meeting with Potters management on the Monday afternoon to discuss any outstanding issues.
(b) Travel Subsidy
Hertfordshire enquired what changes in the travel subsidy might result from the move to Potters. It was agreed to give further consideration to this.
(c) Roll of Honour
Hertfordshire asked that a roll of honour, listing past winners, be on display at the Champion of Champions. The Secretary undertook to find a way of providing this.

Present: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives from Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Suffolk & Sunderland

The meeting started with a tribute from the Chairman to the Vice-Chairman, Peter Boyton, who had died suddenly on 20th January. A minute’s silence was observed.

1. Apologies for absence
Durham, Hertfordshire and the Referee.

2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes were agreed and signed as a true record.

3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
Development of Carpet Bowls – It was reported that Peter Boyton & Alex Russell had conducted a successful demonstration in central London. Dirk Vettewinkel had offered to assist Alex Russell with further demonstrations.
Website - Enquiries had been received through the website from Oxford, Lancashire, Malvern & Wiltshire, which were being dealt with. An approach had been received from Age Concern with a request to exhibit at future ECBA events. The Secretary was instructed to enquire about the nature of the exhibit before a decision could be taken.
Response to the website, with nearly 3,000 hits per month, was very pleasing.

4 Child Protection Policy
Evender Harran, Safeguarding Manager for NSPCC Safe Network, gave a presentation on the current state of legislation on child protection.
He advised that having a policy and clear procedures for dealing with child protection issues, while not a legal requirement for voluntary organisations, was “best practice” and would be a valuable asset if issues or incidents arose in the future. He also strongly advised members to undertake at least one of the four training modules offered by Safe Network, and to hold the certificate awarded on completion.
He went on to advise that the necessity for CRB checks would arise if members were in regular and frequent contact with children under the age of 18. The activities of a carpet bowls club, meeting weekly, would be considered “regular & frequent” and would, under the present requirements, necessitate checks on all club members. Further consideration was, however, currently being given to the situation of voluntary organisations.
Andy Gilder reported that he had undertaken a day’s training with the NSPCC and was willing to attend the two-day course. He had been appointed by Suffolk to be the Child Protection Officer, and advised that other counties should make similar arrangements.
He circulated a revised draft Child Protection Policy, based on the one adopted by Suffolk, and it was agreed that counties should study this and report back to the March meeting.

5. Correspondence
A letter received notifying the death of Dave Baker, Associate Member from Bedfordshire. It was noted that none of the Bedfordshire subscriptions were up to date, and a reminder would be issued after the AGM.

6. Chairman’s Report
Nothing to report.

7. Secretary’s Report
Nothing to report.

8. Treasurer’s Report
Community Account - £1006.06
Business Premium Account - £856.36 (for development of bowls)
Business Reserve Account - £15,024.00 . The total balances were £16,886.44
£10 supplement was due to be paid by bowlers who had booked direct on the internet, otherwise counties would be asked to pay the supplement. The refund had not yet been received from the Norbreck.
It was agreed to make a donation of £100 in memory of Peter Boyton.

9. Referee’s Report
There was no report

10. Review of National County Championships 2009
The Chairman thanked Suffolk for conducting the raffle, which had produced £682, a record result.

It was agreed that the floor was still unsatisfactory, but might be improved by relocating mats through 90° and it was agreed to ask Durham to try this at their English Fours in February.
It was also suggested that one representative of each county attend on Friday afternoon to assist in placing carpets.

It was commented that the format of the competition was unduly onerous for some bowlers, and that counties be asked to consider a reduction from 11 to 9 ends and report back to the March meeting.

Other comments included:
Need to update scores more quickly;
Difficulty in keeping track of oversize squads;
Rainwater leaks in Norcalympia roof;
Buildup of litter in the hall – more better sited litter bins were needed;
Entries to be made on the ECBA form, otherwise a risk of having to pay for Norcalympia;
Northumberland may be disposing of some equipment, and other arrangements may therefore need to be made in the future;
Refusal by players to shake hands – it was felt that this was disappointing and not in the spirit of the game;
Bringing food into the hall – it was agreed that no action was needed;
Differing qualification policies – it was agreed that this was a matter for the county concerned.

A discussion followed on substitutes. Norfolk expressed appreciation of the help given by pool players. There was a complaint about a prior arrangement being made with a substitute, but it was agreed that this was acceptable. It was noted that the demand for pool players was greater than expected and they were not available at some of the times when they were needed. It was agreed that further consideration be given to the pool players scheme at a future meeting.

The Chairman reported that the Norbreck had offered an extension to the existing contract for 2011 and 2012 on broadly similar terms, and that a proposal had been received from Potters to host the County Championships from 2011 onwards. Another alternative would be to hire a centrally located leisure centre, leaving members to make their own accommodation arrangements. He felt that Potters was an attractive proposal, but that all counties would have to agree.
It was agreed that counties be asked to consider these alternatives and report back to the March meeting.

It was pointed out that the County Championship trophy was inscribed “The Pontins Trophy”. It was suggested that it be re-named.
It was agreed to ask counties for views and report back to the March meeting.

11. Competitions
Rinks 2010 - to be held at Sunderland on 11th April.
Triples 2010 – to be held in Suffolk on 12th September.

13. Dates of Next Meetings
It was agreed to book Committee Meetings on 21st August 2010, 15th January & 26th March 2012.

14. Any Other Business
(a) Vice-Chairmanship
It was agreed to leave this vacant until the AGM.
(b) Meld Trophy
Mick Watkins reported that he had received an approach from David Schofield regarding the Meld “English Pairs” trophy. It was agreed that there would be no objection to a tournament being held for this trophy.
(c) Space behind Carpets
Jamie Smith enquired if there was any rule regarding the space available for delivery at the end of carpets. It was agreed that this must be a matter for local arrangements, but that opponents should be notified if difficulties could arise for disabled bowlers.

Present: T Cuthbert, P Boyton, E Warren, M Southgate, D Storey
Representatives from: Cambridgeshire, Durham, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Suffolk, Sunderland.
Approximately 40 other attendees in total

The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the 18th Annual General Meeting of the ECBA.

1. Apologies for Absence
No apologies for absence.

2. Minutes of last meeting
It was agreed that the minutes of the 17th AGM be signed by the Chairman as a true record. Proposed by Hertfordshire and seconded by Essex.

3. Matters Arising
No Matters Arising.

4. Chairman’s Report.
Copy attached.

5. Secretary’s Report.
Results of Competitions over the past 12 months

Champion of Champions 2008
Single - Stephen Frost (Norfolk)
Pairs - Alan & Irene Seabrook (Norfolk)
Triples – Nick Manners, Danny Morgan & Danneey Lane (Durham)
Rinks – Jamie & Dawn Smith, Ian Blunsten & Simon Missing (Cambridgeshire)
Overall County Team - Cambridgeshire

Inter County League 2008 (North -v- South) - Cambridgeshire

National County Championships 2008 - Winner: Cambridgeshire, Runner Up: Suffolk

Open Rinks 2009
Langham, Essex

Festival of Carpet Bowls - Potters May 2009
Singles - Bob Davis
Pairs - Tom Grylls & David Storey
Rinks - K & N Shepherd, N & J Parnell

Congratulations to all our winners and many thanks to those that have hosted or contributed in any way to the organisation of any of our competitions.

County Co-operation
Concern was expressed for the future of the ECBA Championships due to some counties maybe falling short of the minimum 24 players required and being unable to compete. This has been addressed by the committee and hopefully solved for the future of the championships.
Agreement was reached by all counties that a ‘pool’ of players from any of the 10 counties to be set up at the beginning of the tournament from which counties can borrow from if their minimum number of players falls below 22. The pool will consist of bowlers not nominated to play for their county but who are attending the event to support only.

ECBA Website
Congratulations to everyone responsible for this site. Very good, very informative. Hopefully it may bring more people into the sport.

After tonight, I will no longer be Secretary . My best wishes to the ECBA for the future and good luck to my successor.

6. Treasurer’s Report.
Copies of the balance sheet were made available to all those present. Copy of Balance Sheet and Treasurers Report attached.

7. Referee’s Report
Not much to report. Games are being played in the right spirit and we must develop the sport. Referee’s Training Courses need to be organised.

8. Election of Officers
Current Officers
Chairman: Tony Cuthbert
Vice Chairman: Peter Boynton
Secretary: Eve Warren (resigned)
Treasurer: Margaret Southgate
Referee: David Storey

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Referee were re-elected being present incumbents. Nominated North Tyneside, seconded by Cambridgeshire.

Mr Dirk Vettewinkel was nominated by Essex and seconded by Northumberland for the position of Secretary and there being no further nominations was unanimously elected.

The Chairman asked if anyone would be interested in the position of Development Officers, North and South. There was no interest.

9. Annual Membership
The Treasurer proposed that the annual membership fee for 2009/10 remains at £100
for Members and £20 for Associate Members. This was agreed unanimously.
The Treasurer reminded all members that their fees are due within the next 30 days

10. Any Other Business

The representative from Hertfordshire (Rebecca Gammage) expressed her county’s concern on the method of payment of travel expenses which was agreed at the last committee meeting. She said that her county committee disagreed with this decision and that they would find it very difficult to operate the system proposed.

The Chairman indicated that as we have to wait a long time for the subsidy payment collected by the Hotel to be paid, this alternative system was proposed and accepted at the last committee meeting. Norfolk member Margaret Barnes indicated that from the balance sheet produced for 2008-2009, the ECBA should be able to continue with the present method to help struggling counties.

It was agreed this would be discussed at the next committee meeting to be held in August.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.35 pm