PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2023-2024
I commence my report by thanking the 2023-2024 committee members who have been a significant support throughout my first season as President – Terry Stephen (Secretary), Alex Reynolds (Vice President), Adrian Pobke (Treasurer), Val Deeble, Barry Lenny and Mike Guerin. I have been on the committee four years serving the Hills Bowling Association.
The season was a successful one and congratulations to all the successful teams in the finals.
The annual President’s Cup goes from strength to strength each season, and this year was no exception with six (6) teams. It is highly supported by many bowlers in the Association who competitively challenge themselves and their team members to take out the Cup. The comradery across the teams and bowlers is fostered and reverberates throughout the season. It is a joy to watch great bowls being played with such enthusiasm. The high viz made sure we knew exactly where some bowlers were. I hope many bowlers will once again support this event next season. This year ‘Yellow Jacks’ took out the Cup and prize money.
There had been some issues at the commencement of the season due to the Bowls SA direction as to Nationals, which complicated the beginning of the season. We have now been provided with clear direction from Bowls SA and accordingly I had hoped that with Easter being later in April this would alleviate the programming trauma from this season, but to no avail. At a glance the program looks simple, however having undertaken the task of programming for the last two (2) seasons, there are many fur balls that rear their ugly heads when factoring in teams and rinks. In any event, I will once again do my best to accommodate the clubs as much as is possible given the constraints of Bowls SA and Regional Events.
There are some motions that are to be considered at the AGM involving umpires. The HBA again raise the issue for the need of umpires and measurers at clubs. This has been an ongoing issue for a few years and again we urge members to attend courses when offered by Bowls SA in the coming months.
As seen from the Treasurer’s report, the Association is in good standing. However, we will need to consider fee increases given the increase at Bowls SA level, having an impact on administrative increases within HBA.
I have had the opportunity of working with club presidents, committee members and members of the HBA generally, both on and off the green. I appreciate those who approach me to discuss issues they may have in a constructive manner. We are all passionate about bowls and want to see HBA continue to flourish so that we are all able to enjoy being on the green.
The selectors have undertaken a significant role this season and I extend my thanks to them Chris Jarman, Anthony Mik, Scott Pittaway, Mike Guerin, Val Deeble and Kevin Schulz.
A special mention to Secretary Terry Stephen, who has fixed up my errors in programming but more specifically for the extensive work undertaken by him. The bowls season has come to an end for many at the conclusion of the finals, however Terry continues to undertake work immediately upon the conclusion of the season to ensure the next season not only gets off to a solid start but is another season with the least amount of turmoil as possible.
The website continues to be highly informative and relevant in keeping bowlers up to date with what is happening within HBA and I continue to encourage all bowlers to read it.
I look forward to the next season with enthusiasm and working with the Committee with a focus on continuing the work for the betterment of bowls in the Hills.
Dora Fuda