BALERNO BOWLING CLUB

The Annual General Meeting of the Club took place in the Clubhouse on 15th January, 2008 with an attendance of 75 members.

President Hugh Watt advised the meeting that the crowded Agenda meant that he would keep a tight grip on proceedings and move the meeting along as quickly as possible. It is to his credit that he did so. Credit is also due to the other presenters, David Henry, Treasurer, Charlie Husband, Secretary and Award Winning Green Keeper, Tom Murray.

In his Presidential report, Hugh Watt said that the satisfactory conclusion of the latest Rent Review should not conceal the fact that the rent would still rise by £500 per annum until 2010 and thereafter in line with RPI. The Committee must plan for this increased expenditure and for essential maintenance during 2008. This would be reflected in increased subscriptions.

Hugh paid tribute to both Kenny Girdler and David Lees who had been Presidents of the Water of Leith BA and its Senior Section respectively.

He thanked the Ladies for in house catering which had saved the Club considerable expense and also the retiring Committee members for the support they had given him. 6 Committee Members were retiring and of the 7 remaining, 4 were Past Presidents. He felt that it was time for fresh faces.

David Henry presented the Accounts with a firm, gentle patience. His clear explanations rendered further questions redundant.

The major Agenda item was the necessity to approve a new Constitution to conform with the requirements of the Licensing Act { Scotland} 2005. Drafts had been sent out before the meeting and Charlie Husband, assisted by Bill Stark , took us through them with efficiency and humour that defused possible arguments.

There is no doubt that this Act has the potential to decimate small clubs. One might have hoped for more obvious action from the respective Bowling Associations to protect our interests.

The current Office Bearers were re elected for a further year but sadly the plea for new faces on the Committee was not heeded. The Convenor of the Senior Section now sits as of right, which is welcome, as is a new Social member, Sharon Grieve. However, there are no other Ladies. One wonders why they fought so hard for Equal Rights when they are not prepared to exercise them.

The Seniors Meeting will be on 28th March 2008 at 2.30pm,

F.D.H.King