Bradwell Bowling Club’s chairman welcomed 67 members to the annual meeting ahead of what will be the busiest season in the club’s history. The chairman and vice-chairman of Bradwell Parish Council also attended.

All members had received a newsletter setting out the programme with dates of special events for 2011.

The secretary recounted the club’s past and future social events, thanking those who organised the Wednesday socials throughout the winter.

She announced that another club member would take over the responsibility of reporting in the local newspapers and wished him well in a job she had enjoyed.

The treasurer reported on the club’s healthy financial position, also recognising the value of contributions from Bradwell Parish Council for specific projects.

The ladies’ captain spoke of the competitions in which the team would compete and wished everyone an enjoyable bowling season.

In his report the club captain listed the leagues, competitions and friendly matches which would make 2011 the busiest season in the club’s history.

He also spoke of selection procedures, shared between the two captains and the vice-captain. Fixture lists were distributed to members.

The groundsman reported that despite the hard winter the green was doing surprisingly well, thanks to hard work from several members who volunteered to help the groundsman. Weather permitting, the green would open for bowling on April 16.

The competitions secretary gave details of the club’s internal competitions, singles, pairs, Aussie pairs and Triples League.

All club competitions would be played strictly to EBA rules. There will be club drives on Saturday and Monday afternoons, latest registration being 2pm.

Coaching sessions will be held on Saturdays 10.30am to noon, beginning on May 14.

The chairman began his report by thanking the parish council for allowing the club to use the Leo Coles Pavilion on Wednesday afternoons while building work made the Golden Jubilee Pavilion inaccessible.

The new annexe, comprising storage space, an extra changing room and toilet is almost complete.

There will be an official opening when Bowls England would be represented by ‘a local celebrity’.

The chairman echoed the treasurer’s remarks about the parish council’s support and, in relation to the building project, thanked the councillors and club members who made up the working party which oversaw it from idea to reality.

He spoke of ongoing improvements which were being made to the green’s surrounds and seating.

Three open tournaments will be held in 2011, two the club’s own popular events and the third sponsored, as last year, by Bradwell Butchery, the proceeds allowing a substantial gift to charity.

The chairman and captain presented trophies to members who had not been present to receive them at the presentation evening last November.

He thanked the officers and committee and all whose work and expertise is so valuable in running the season’s many events.

He appreciated the contributions of those members who work consistently and with great ingenuity in fund-raising for the club.