Federation Chair Liz Wilson welcomed 36 people representing 11 clubs to the NWFCC Annual General Meeting at Culcheth last Saturday. A special warm welcome was extended to representatives from two new clubs – Tattenhall and Craig y Don. She reported on a successful year despite the weather. The main administrative task was to participate in research concerning the role of Federations within the CA. The Treasurer Bob Connop through Peter Wilson presented a report showing a healthy increase in Federation Funds. Janet Davies, Development Officer reported an encouraging start to two new clubs – Tattenhall (10 miles from Chester) and Craig y Don (Llandudno) who have grown to 41 members already. There is also a possibility of another club forming in Nannerch (near Mold). Janet described the various club awards and grants available from the CA and urged clubs to contact her for more details.
Geoff Young (CA Representative) via Barbara Young reported there were major ongoing discussions regarding new proposed CA membership and tournament fee structures – we await more details with great interest. Ken Cooper (Coaching Officer) reported a very successful coaching season with a wide range of courses throughout the region including a Coaches Training Course and also specific courses at three of our newer clubs. Ken is now retiring from this post and was given a well deserved and heartfelt round of applause.
Tony Thomas (League Manager) reported on a very wet season with many matches postponements which necessitated the season being extended by two weeks. The League Rules have been scrutinised as never before in order to decide various courses of action under difficult circumstances. All league titles were won on merit and appreciation was recorded to all team captains for coping with changing dates and keeping the League Manager updated as the season progressed. Paul Rigge (Pennine Cup Manager) reported on this years match which was won by the north east team.
There was a constructive discussion of changes to the league rules for 2013 and changes were agreed to pre season administration, format of Golf matches, timing of double banked Golf games. The most controversial change was eventually passed unanimously defining matches postponed due to an agreed emergency will be declared void unless the league manager is informed within three weeks of a re-arranged date. Teams postponing matches for other reasons prior to the agreed date will forfeit the match unless they can agree before the scheduled date a new fixture. Games abandoned during play will be void unless players involved and captains can unanimously agree a result.
The meeting agreed a new Golf Croquet Midweek League should be attempted, the format being level play Golf Croquet, three players per side. League Team Entry Forms will be adapted to incorporate the new initiative. Dates were agreed for 2013 – Millenium competitions, Festival, various tournaments throughout the region. League trophies wrere presented by Liz Wilson to Ken Cooper on behalf of Bowdon Saints (Advanced League), Ron Welch on behalf of Pendle (Handicap League), John Dawson on behalf of Chester (Midweek League), Brian Rust on behalf of Bowdon (Short League) and Geoff Whittaker on behalf of Pendle (Golf League).
Minor changes were agreed to the Federation Constitution followed by the election of Roger Schofield to Coaching Officer and Jean Hargeaves as Child Protection Officer. All other officers remain in post. The meeting heard many interesting reports of activities at various clubs, the weather being a common feature and its effects upon lawns and matches. It was good to hear success stories of players achievements and club successes, all demonstrating what a thriving and successful Federation we have in the north west.
The next meeting will be on 2nd March at Culcheth.
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