January 1924
January 1924
January 1924
First Annual Report
First Annual Report
This report is from the Consett Guardian is dated 1st February 1924, and relates to the previous Wednesday. The Club's First Annual Report is quite long, but is worth reading.
The main news is that there is to be a second green, which will allow the membership limit to be increased from 100 to 200.
It was also unanimously resolved that a social event be held, to take the form of a whist drive and dance. A sub-committee was formed to make all the arrangements.
CONSETT PARK BOWLING CLUB----------------------THE GREAT POPULARITY OF THE GAME----------------------A NEW GREEN TO BE LAID OUT----------------------MEMBERSHIP DOUBLED The new bowling green laid out by Consett Iron Company in the beautiful Consett Park last year became an instantaneous success, and so popular has the game become that the Company have decided to provide another green alongside the present one, which, it is hoped, will be ready for play by next July. Of course, a great deal depends upon the weather. Our readers need scarcely be told that the game of bowls is a very ancient one, and we have records of it being indulged in in the earliest times. At the annual meeting of the local club on Wednesday night of last week, in the P.M. Schoolroom, Blackhill, Coun. Ralph Alsop (chairman of committee) presided, and he was supported by a very large attendance.
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT The first annual report was presented by Major Mangles, hon. secretary, of the Management Committee, as follows:- In presenting the first annual report of the Consett Park Bowling Club, we feel that as the club was inaugurated only in April last, it would be appropriate to give a detailed account of its formation before proceeding to relate the events of the season. When the Consett Iron Co., Ltd, decided to lay down a bowling green in the Consett Park, it aroused a keen interest amongst a large number, and early in the year 1923, when it was known that the green would be ready and thrown open for play during the summer, the interest became even keener so that when a meeting was convened for the 16th April, in order to consider whether a club should be formed in connection with the green, no doubt was felt that the response would be all that could be desired. The meeting was held in St. Aidan's Hall, Blackhill, and the attendance was very satisfactory. Coun. Ralph Alsop was elected chairman and informed those present of the object of the meeting. It was unanimously agreed to form a club. Major Mangles, who, at the wish of many interested, had drawn up a set of rules, read them to the meeting, and after minor alterations they were unanimously adopted as the rules of the club. The meeting then proceeded to enrol members, and elect officials of the club. All those present at the meeting were elected members, and many others who had already made written application and who are not present. Within five days after the inauguration meeting the number of members limited by the rules was reached, and a waiting list was started, which by the end of June consisted of 90 names.
The occasion of the opening of the green was made a public one, the ceremony being performed by Mr. Clarence Smith, Chairman of the Consett Iron Co. In spite of the showery weather a large company of ladies and gentlemen were present. The club was asked to arrange the opening game. Mr. Clarence Smith bowled the first wood, and took part, along with Mr. George and many local gentlemen in an interesting game. The green played wonderfully well especially considering the bad weather and the fact that it was seed sown. After the game the general company partook of tea, kindly provided by the Consett Iron Company in St Aidan's Hall, Blackhill. Two days later a very pleasant surprise was given the club when Mr George, the president, with his usual thoughtfulness and generosity, presented a valuable trophy to the club for annual competition.
Fortunately, the membership of the club included several experienced bowlers who were always anxious to do all in their power to help the less experienced in learning the finer points of the game. The result of this excellent feeling was soon disclosed by the great improvement in the skill of the members. Your committee then felt that the time had arrived when the club should arrange friendly games with other clubs in the locality. As a result we received visits from Langley Park, Chopwell Officials, Malton Colliery Officials and Spen, and the club made visits to Chopwell and Malton. Eight matches in all were played, of which the club won 5 and lost 3. On each of these occasions the home players entertained their visitors to tea after the game. The friendly feeling created by these games was delightful and the members will look forward with pleasure to renewal of it during next season. The “skips” for these games, selected by your committee were as follows:-
Games. Won. Tied. Lost.Mr. R. Wilson 8 4 2 2Mr. D. Davison 4 3 0 1Mr. R. Park 5 2 0 3Dr Murray 3 2 0 1Major A Mangles 3 1 0 2Mr. J. K. Park 2 1 0 1Mr. R. Alsop 2 1 0 1 Mr. J. Richardson 2 1 0 1Mr. J. S. Kirkup 1 1 0 0Mr. M. Hobday 1 0 0 1Mr. G. Eustace 1 0 0 1
Mr G. H. Walton seconded the adoption of the report which was carried. FINANCE The treasurer Mr John Turnbull announced that there was a balance in hand of £4 11s 6d upon the first year’s working which was regarded as satisfactory. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers resulted as follows - President Mr. E. J. George; Chairman of Committee Mr. R. Alsop; vice-president Dr Murray, Mr. S. Aynsley, Mr. W. Firth, Mr. J. Davison, Mr. R. C. Foster, Mr. S. Horsfield, Mr. F. O. Kirkup, Mr. A. H. Middleton, Mr. G. F. McFadzean, Mr. C.. E. Oliver, Mr. R. Park, Coun. W. D. Reed, Mr. J. Scholes, Mr. J. R. Surtees, Mr. J. Turnbull, Mr. G. H. Walton, Mr. H. H. Wattsford, hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. Turnbull; hon. Secretary, Major. A. Mangles; assistant secretary Mr. J. W. Lake; management committee, Mr. W. Firth, Mr. J. McFadzean, Mr. J. S. Moon, Mr. H. Park (representing the C.I.C.), Mr. M. Hobday, Dr Murray, Coun. W.D. Reed and Mr. F. J. Simpson; auditors, Capt. J. Barrow and Mr. A. Simpson. The Chairman expressed appreciation of the services rendered by Major Mangles, Mr. Turnbull, and Mr. Lake in their respective positions, and went on to say that now they had Major Mangles living in the district they looked forward to seeing him more often on the green. (Hear, hear) Major Mangles suitable responded, alluding to the excellent and healthy qualities of the game, and said that they would probably extend their activities. He hoped that the club would continue to prosper, and that they would experience a very happy and profitable season. (Applause) Messrs Turnbull and Lake also expressed their acknowledgements for the compliment paid to them. ALTERATION OF RULE The Chairman said that it was proposed to alter rule 9 of the club, which enacted that the membership should be limited to 100. It was proposed that the number should be 200 instead of 100, not including the officials of the club. On behalf of the Committee of Management the Chairman moved the alteration as suggested. Coun. W.D. Reed seconded the motion, and the same was adopted. Mr. R. Park inquired if that absorbed the waiting list? The Chairman: Just about. There are 101 on the waiting list. Coun Reed next proposed, and Mr. Park seconded, the election of new members of those whose names appeared on the waiting list, which was carried. The Chairman said that, as they were likely to have a rush of applicants, it would be well if anyone who knew of any member that had left the district would kindly inform the secretary. AFFILIATION There was a recommendation from the Management Committee that the club should join the English and the Durham and North Yorks Bowling Association.
The Chairman formally moved to that effect.
Major Mangles, in seconding, said that unless they joined these two associations as recommended by the Management Committee of the club no matter how skilled a member might be he would have no opportunity of representing his country or county at bowls. By doing this they would have the chance of sending representatives to the Ashbrooks competition, which was contested by the five leading clubs in the county. Here they would meet some of the most skilful players in the country. It would also enable them to send a nomination for the international games between England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. It was only by joining the English and County Associations that they could do this. The associations were strictly amateur, and they would come across some of the cream of bowlers. He was strongly in favour of the recommendation put forward by the committee especially from an amateur point of view. He felt it would be to the benefit of the club.
In reply to questions Major Mangles said that the association discountenanced professionalism, and clubs must be composed of amateurs. No players were paid or could receive out-of-pocket expenses except in representative games when he could be paid travelling expenses and reasonable hotel expenses. The motion was carried. THE NEW GREEN The Chairman said that, as they are probably aware, it was proposed to layout another green alongside the present one. They hoped it would be ready about July, but of course a lot depended upon the weather that they experienced. The committee had had under discussion the matter in which it should be ran, but they came here with no definite conclusions that evening. It was in the minds of the committee that they might form the club into two sections - section A and section B. It would be one club and managed by one committee. The reason they mentioned this was so that both greens should be adequately played upon. At the back of their minds there was an idea that it would be more beneficial if there were two sections so that all should not congregate upon one green. They could have two matches upon one day if they liked. There would be a certain amount of rivalry between A and B, and separate rink competitions. In reply to questions, the Chairman said that they would still remain one club. The committee would consider as to whether or not they could have separate teams for the two sections with respect to inter-competition matters. Nothing had been decided by the committee and they had not come here with any definite resolutions. His idea was that the new members should form section B but as he had said, nothing definite had been decided upon. Mr R Clough did not think it would be wise to create an idea that A was a first-class section and B only second-class. The Chairman said that he was only informing them that at the last committee meeting the matter of the new green was referred to, and also the question as to how it should be dealt with. The discussion there that night would be helpful to them when they came to take the matter into consideration again. Major Mangles said that there would be no distinction between the two sections. He hoped that there would be friendly rivalry, but no suggestion that A was superior to B. (Hear, Hear.) The Chairman said he took it that all were anxious that the club should be successful. (Hear, Hear.) His only object in mentioning the new green was the idea that it might be useful to consider any matter so that when the club came to arrange details this would be helpful to the committee. The committee would bear in mind what had been said that night, and would go into the whole question, and then come to them with definite proposals. Coun. Reed thought that they ought to express their appreciation of the great kindness of the Consett Iron Company, Mr. George and Mr Alsop in promising to provide trophies (Applause.)
A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. The Chairman, in returning thanks on behalf of the Company, Mr George and himself, thought that they already knew that the Company were very gratified indeed at the way in which the bowling green had been used and also at the success of the club. The Company were always anxious to help in any way they could healthy forms of recreation, and it was felt that they had made a step forward in the making of the green and the formation of a club. (Applause.) In regard to the trophy Mr George expressed confidence that the company would fund it without a moment’s hesitation. (Applause.) A member asked the question with respect to play on the green on Wednesday afternoons, that said that on some Wednesday afternoons they could not get on in the green before half-past three or four o’clock. If they could get on about two o’clock it would be a great boon. The Chairman said that that was a question for the Company Mr. J Park asked if it would be possible to get a game in the mornings? The Chairman said that the Company were responsible for the upkeep of the green. Last year was their first year. He thought that if there was a demand for the use of the green other than at the usual times it might be open for playing providing that the green attendant was informed (Applause.) Owing to abnormal circumstances last year they did not find it possible to put the green to the best use. They were trying to arrange to use it to the best purpose in the coming season. (Applause.) SOCIAL EVENING Mr Lake said it has been suggested that they should have some sort of social evening as soon as possible before the opening of the season. He thought that that was the feeling of the majority of the members. The chairman thought it was a very good idea. He would suggest that they have an annual social event, or two if they liked. They might have one not long after the close of the season at which the prizes could be presented. (Hear, Hear) It was unanimous resolved that a social event be held to take the form of a whist drive and dance. A sub-committee, consisting of Coun Reed, Messrs R Clough, J Park, J. Richardson and Robinson, was appointed to make all the arrangements. On the motion of Dr Murray, a hearty appreciation of thanks was passed to the Chairman for the able manner in which he had conducted the business.
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT The first annual report was presented by Major Mangles, hon. secretary, of the Management Committee, as follows:- In presenting the first annual report of the Consett Park Bowling Club, we feel that as the club was inaugurated only in April last, it would be appropriate to give a detailed account of its formation before proceeding to relate the events of the season. When the Consett Iron Co., Ltd, decided to lay down a bowling green in the Consett Park, it aroused a keen interest amongst a large number, and early in the year 1923, when it was known that the green would be ready and thrown open for play during the summer, the interest became even keener so that when a meeting was convened for the 16th April, in order to consider whether a club should be formed in connection with the green, no doubt was felt that the response would be all that could be desired. The meeting was held in St. Aidan's Hall, Blackhill, and the attendance was very satisfactory. Coun. Ralph Alsop was elected chairman and informed those present of the object of the meeting. It was unanimously agreed to form a club. Major Mangles, who, at the wish of many interested, had drawn up a set of rules, read them to the meeting, and after minor alterations they were unanimously adopted as the rules of the club. The meeting then proceeded to enrol members, and elect officials of the club. All those present at the meeting were elected members, and many others who had already made written application and who are not present. Within five days after the inauguration meeting the number of members limited by the rules was reached, and a waiting list was started, which by the end of June consisted of 90 names.
The occasion of the opening of the green was made a public one, the ceremony being performed by Mr. Clarence Smith, Chairman of the Consett Iron Co. In spite of the showery weather a large company of ladies and gentlemen were present. The club was asked to arrange the opening game. Mr. Clarence Smith bowled the first wood, and took part, along with Mr. George and many local gentlemen in an interesting game. The green played wonderfully well especially considering the bad weather and the fact that it was seed sown. After the game the general company partook of tea, kindly provided by the Consett Iron Company in St Aidan's Hall, Blackhill. Two days later a very pleasant surprise was given the club when Mr George, the president, with his usual thoughtfulness and generosity, presented a valuable trophy to the club for annual competition.
Fortunately, the membership of the club included several experienced bowlers who were always anxious to do all in their power to help the less experienced in learning the finer points of the game. The result of this excellent feeling was soon disclosed by the great improvement in the skill of the members. Your committee then felt that the time had arrived when the club should arrange friendly games with other clubs in the locality. As a result we received visits from Langley Park, Chopwell Officials, Malton Colliery Officials and Spen, and the club made visits to Chopwell and Malton. Eight matches in all were played, of which the club won 5 and lost 3. On each of these occasions the home players entertained their visitors to tea after the game. The friendly feeling created by these games was delightful and the members will look forward with pleasure to renewal of it during next season. The “skips” for these games, selected by your committee were as follows:-
Games. Won. Tied. Lost.Mr. R. Wilson 8 4 2 2Mr. D. Davison 4 3 0 1Mr. R. Park 5 2 0 3Dr Murray 3 2 0 1Major A Mangles 3 1 0 2Mr. J. K. Park 2 1 0 1Mr. R. Alsop 2 1 0 1 Mr. J. Richardson 2 1 0 1Mr. J. S. Kirkup 1 1 0 0Mr. M. Hobday 1 0 0 1Mr. G. Eustace 1 0 0 1
Spoons competitions were also introduced and became very popular indeed. The club championship competition for the President's trophy continued through the season, and many of the ties were exciting, especially as the final was approached. The spectators were numerous and evinced by the interest taken in the competition how much the game had caught on. The final tie between Messrs R Wilson and W Lowe attracted a large number. It ended in a narrow victory for Mr. Lowe by 21 Points to 19. Both played in very good form. We congratulate Mr. Lowe on being the first holder of the President's trophy. So much enthusiasm has been shown and the improvement in individual play of the members has been so marked, that your committee recommend that application be made for affiliation with the County and English Bowling Associations, which will give an opportunity to the club to enter for County and English Championships, if desired, and will enable the club to obtain friendly games with some of the clubs in those associations. More important still, in the committee's opinion, is that it will inculcate the spirit of amateurism in the minds of the members for only amateurs are admitted to membership in clubs affiliated to the County and English Associations. Your committee feel justified in concluding this first annual report on a note of optimism for the future success of the club. No club could have had a more auspicious opening season. Your committee feel sure this success is not superficial, but is already deep-rooted and with the same keen and willing supporters, with the same great sportsmanship permeating the members, the club can look forward to a very successful future. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report said that he would first like to apologise for the absence of Mr George. Owing to pressure of other engagements Mr George was unable to be with them. He thought that they would all agree that there was not the slightest doubt about the success of the bowling green or the Bowling Club (Applause.) They had no feelings of trepidation when the green was opened; he thought he could say that the success of the green exceeded their anticipation. They had had the pleasure of having their wives and sweethearts sitting around the green watching the game. There was one point he was especially struck with, and that was the nice feeling - the feeling of comradeship that prevailed amongst the members (Applause.) There was one source of regret and that was that a gentleman who had had such a great deal to do with the making of the green, viz. Mr Oliver, was unable to avail himself of the opportunities it offered for play. He was sure that they all regretted that fact. (Hear, Hear.) There was one point he would like to mention and that was that Mr. George on behalf of the Consett Iron Company, had agreed to present a trophy for competition amongst the departments of the Company at Consett, Spen, Langley Park, Chopwell, etc. (Applause.) A tournament would be arranged and the winning club would hold the trophy for a year. As chairman of the club he hoped to present a small trophy for a rink competition (Applause.)
Mr G. H. Walton seconded the adoption of the report which was carried. FINANCE The treasurer Mr John Turnbull announced that there was a balance in hand of £4 11s 6d upon the first year’s working which was regarded as satisfactory. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers resulted as follows - President Mr. E. J. George; Chairman of Committee Mr. R. Alsop; vice-president Dr Murray, Mr. S. Aynsley, Mr. W. Firth, Mr. J. Davison, Mr. R. C. Foster, Mr. S. Horsfield, Mr. F. O. Kirkup, Mr. A. H. Middleton, Mr. G. F. McFadzean, Mr. C.. E. Oliver, Mr. R. Park, Coun. W. D. Reed, Mr. J. Scholes, Mr. J. R. Surtees, Mr. J. Turnbull, Mr. G. H. Walton, Mr. H. H. Wattsford, hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. Turnbull; hon. Secretary, Major. A. Mangles; assistant secretary Mr. J. W. Lake; management committee, Mr. W. Firth, Mr. J. McFadzean, Mr. J. S. Moon, Mr. H. Park (representing the C.I.C.), Mr. M. Hobday, Dr Murray, Coun. W.D. Reed and Mr. F. J. Simpson; auditors, Capt. J. Barrow and Mr. A. Simpson. The Chairman expressed appreciation of the services rendered by Major Mangles, Mr. Turnbull, and Mr. Lake in their respective positions, and went on to say that now they had Major Mangles living in the district they looked forward to seeing him more often on the green. (Hear, hear) Major Mangles suitable responded, alluding to the excellent and healthy qualities of the game, and said that they would probably extend their activities. He hoped that the club would continue to prosper, and that they would experience a very happy and profitable season. (Applause) Messrs Turnbull and Lake also expressed their acknowledgements for the compliment paid to them. ALTERATION OF RULE The Chairman said that it was proposed to alter rule 9 of the club, which enacted that the membership should be limited to 100. It was proposed that the number should be 200 instead of 100, not including the officials of the club. On behalf of the Committee of Management the Chairman moved the alteration as suggested. Coun. W.D. Reed seconded the motion, and the same was adopted. Mr. R. Park inquired if that absorbed the waiting list? The Chairman: Just about. There are 101 on the waiting list. Coun Reed next proposed, and Mr. Park seconded, the election of new members of those whose names appeared on the waiting list, which was carried. The Chairman said that, as they were likely to have a rush of applicants, it would be well if anyone who knew of any member that had left the district would kindly inform the secretary. AFFILIATION There was a recommendation from the Management Committee that the club should join the English and the Durham and North Yorks Bowling Association.
The Chairman formally moved to that effect.
Major Mangles, in seconding, said that unless they joined these two associations as recommended by the Management Committee of the club no matter how skilled a member might be he would have no opportunity of representing his country or county at bowls. By doing this they would have the chance of sending representatives to the Ashbrooks competition, which was contested by the five leading clubs in the county. Here they would meet some of the most skilful players in the country. It would also enable them to send a nomination for the international games between England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. It was only by joining the English and County Associations that they could do this. The associations were strictly amateur, and they would come across some of the cream of bowlers. He was strongly in favour of the recommendation put forward by the committee especially from an amateur point of view. He felt it would be to the benefit of the club.
In reply to questions Major Mangles said that the association discountenanced professionalism, and clubs must be composed of amateurs. No players were paid or could receive out-of-pocket expenses except in representative games when he could be paid travelling expenses and reasonable hotel expenses. The motion was carried. THE NEW GREEN The Chairman said that, as they are probably aware, it was proposed to layout another green alongside the present one. They hoped it would be ready about July, but of course a lot depended upon the weather that they experienced. The committee had had under discussion the matter in which it should be ran, but they came here with no definite conclusions that evening. It was in the minds of the committee that they might form the club into two sections - section A and section B. It would be one club and managed by one committee. The reason they mentioned this was so that both greens should be adequately played upon. At the back of their minds there was an idea that it would be more beneficial if there were two sections so that all should not congregate upon one green. They could have two matches upon one day if they liked. There would be a certain amount of rivalry between A and B, and separate rink competitions. In reply to questions, the Chairman said that they would still remain one club. The committee would consider as to whether or not they could have separate teams for the two sections with respect to inter-competition matters. Nothing had been decided by the committee and they had not come here with any definite resolutions. His idea was that the new members should form section B but as he had said, nothing definite had been decided upon. Mr R Clough did not think it would be wise to create an idea that A was a first-class section and B only second-class. The Chairman said that he was only informing them that at the last committee meeting the matter of the new green was referred to, and also the question as to how it should be dealt with. The discussion there that night would be helpful to them when they came to take the matter into consideration again. Major Mangles said that there would be no distinction between the two sections. He hoped that there would be friendly rivalry, but no suggestion that A was superior to B. (Hear, Hear.) The Chairman said he took it that all were anxious that the club should be successful. (Hear, Hear.) His only object in mentioning the new green was the idea that it might be useful to consider any matter so that when the club came to arrange details this would be helpful to the committee. The committee would bear in mind what had been said that night, and would go into the whole question, and then come to them with definite proposals. Coun. Reed thought that they ought to express their appreciation of the great kindness of the Consett Iron Company, Mr. George and Mr Alsop in promising to provide trophies (Applause.)
A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. The Chairman, in returning thanks on behalf of the Company, Mr George and himself, thought that they already knew that the Company were very gratified indeed at the way in which the bowling green had been used and also at the success of the club. The Company were always anxious to help in any way they could healthy forms of recreation, and it was felt that they had made a step forward in the making of the green and the formation of a club. (Applause.) In regard to the trophy Mr George expressed confidence that the company would fund it without a moment’s hesitation. (Applause.) A member asked the question with respect to play on the green on Wednesday afternoons, that said that on some Wednesday afternoons they could not get on in the green before half-past three or four o’clock. If they could get on about two o’clock it would be a great boon. The Chairman said that that was a question for the Company Mr. J Park asked if it would be possible to get a game in the mornings? The Chairman said that the Company were responsible for the upkeep of the green. Last year was their first year. He thought that if there was a demand for the use of the green other than at the usual times it might be open for playing providing that the green attendant was informed (Applause.) Owing to abnormal circumstances last year they did not find it possible to put the green to the best use. They were trying to arrange to use it to the best purpose in the coming season. (Applause.) SOCIAL EVENING Mr Lake said it has been suggested that they should have some sort of social evening as soon as possible before the opening of the season. He thought that that was the feeling of the majority of the members. The chairman thought it was a very good idea. He would suggest that they have an annual social event, or two if they liked. They might have one not long after the close of the season at which the prizes could be presented. (Hear, Hear) It was unanimous resolved that a social event be held to take the form of a whist drive and dance. A sub-committee, consisting of Coun Reed, Messrs R Clough, J Park, J. Richardson and Robinson, was appointed to make all the arrangements. On the motion of Dr Murray, a hearty appreciation of thanks was passed to the Chairman for the able manner in which he had conducted the business.
