To members of Ashton-On-Ribble Bowling and Social Club,
This marks my final message to you as President of Ashton-On-Ribble Bowling & Social Club, as I retire from the position this evening.
Reflecting on my 12 months of tenure, it has been privilege to serve this club and I can only hope that I have done my bit in nurturing the new shoots we have sown in securing this club’s future, just like those before me.
I have to say picking up the baton from last year’s president was no mean feat! However, I am very proud to say we did something new, and I think we did it well too!
Businesses Bowled Over…
For me, my presidency was an opportunity to promote us on a local basis. We do so many great things down here but very rarely do we shout about it and let people know.
The foundations of this club stem from strong business links and this year we took the opportunity to go back to our roots. The formation of a corporate bowls day meant we could link up with local businesses and get them to spread the word of the good deeds we are doing.
I can safely say the corporate bowls afternoon was a huge success, making over £1000 profit in one 3-hour event. Perhaps it was an indication that it doesn’t have to be that difficult. From that day, we have had 3 businesses put forward proposals of how they can aid the club with sponsorship and with that we are very close to launching the club’s preferred business partners. We will also be running a further two corporate bowls events this coming year.
Fresh Ideas…. and fresh pizza…
It has been recognised that fresh ideas and events draw a new cohort of people to the club and further spread the word that we are here for our local community.
The Bowls, Beer Pizza & Music event was a great example.
- 70 prebooked tickets sold, 28 bowlers / non bowlers signed up, pre-event.
- A fun, relaxed Saturday afternoon in the sun.
- Freshly cooked pizzas from the back of a Morris Minor.
- Cold Beer flowing, fantastic live music, all outdoors, whats not to like?
And best of all, we are being asked when are we doing it again? Lesson learnt - We must not be scared to try something new!
On the green…
On the green, our teams have represented us yet again in great spirit and for me it’s fantastic to see us finding new ways to keep teams going.
Whilst the sport is seeing a general decline, and us too seeing our ladies team fold. I am, on the other hand, thrilled to say that we have a new team starting in the Leyland League this year. This team’s formation is off the back of keen players wanting to represent this fantastic club and in turn aid those new bowlers that we have starting their very first season. I am really excited for this team to get going as it is a real mix of players who, more than anything else, are going to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. I wish them, and of course all our teams, the very best for this coming season.
Our open doubles competition saw local and national bowlers visiting the club once again. This is now a permanent fixture in the bowling calendar, being extremely well supported. We are looking forward to running it again this coming year.
Two whites on the baize…
A huge thanks must go to our keen snooker players, whom yet again have pulled together and are nearing completion of the season. Some hiccups along the way in terms of practice night meant yet another new, fresh idea emerged. And so, the in-house billiards winter league was born. It’s fair to say the league has brought a new energy to Monday nights. A big thanks must go to all those participating and to those assisting with running this league, you know who you are.
Bingo!
Whilst not a dabber myself, I have only heard great things and a note must go to the team behind the successful monthly Meat Bingo. Another great addition to the calendar which brings in new people and funds to support our future.
President’s Day… walk this way…
I had contemplated moving President’s Day. We knew Megan was going to be 36 weeks pregnant and I had visions of… well you know what. Tradition proceeded and we had a new addition in the form of “walk-on-music.” It really did brighten up the day and I’d like to thank all those who danced their way onto the green and those attending to support.
Our unsung heroes…
You may have noticed that I have not yet thanked anyone by name yet in this report, whilst in the past people may have been singled out and tokens of thanks presented, I feel its far too subjective to name everyone and subsequently end up leaving someone out. I must stress however that there really are some unsung heroes of our club. They don’t stand up here nor necessarily sit in that committee room. Yet they get on with “their inherited roles” with one key driving force, profound passion for this club.
Some of those heroes, are getting on a bit now, and are in need of your help and support to navigate further. I thank those heroes for their continued hard work behind the scenes, without you we would not be sitting in this clubhouse, drinking this beer, potting that black ball, or reaching 21 on that bowling green out there. Thank you.
P.D incoming…
Now is my time to pass on the baton and give the great privilege to my successor, Peter Dyson, who I know will do a fantastic job for the club this coming year. Peter has returned to the club he was introduced to by his father many years ago. He whom adorns the walls to my right with so many other great Presidents. As an active bowler for several of our teams and having been on the bowling scene for many years, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge which will enable the progression of new bowlers starting their first seasons at the club. If my Monday night team made his head wobble, who knows what the new Thursday night team will do! Thank goodness my mum joins as captain this year. One tip, don’t be short when you’re not on! Watch this space.
With warm thanks…
There are so many people to thank as I now step down. I have received brilliant support throughout my year. There have been countless heroes both on and off the green and I will ensure that I find an appropriate way to thank them all personally.
However, the purpose of this report, is to say thank you to you, our members and supporters, for your unbelievable support and loyalty throughout a period which has seen huge change for the club we all love. I fully recognise that not all of these changes have appealed to everybody and not every decision we have taken has been universally popular. However, throughout the year, I have always tried to do the best thing for this club. I have seen it far too many times where there is an eagerness to hang on to the “we have always done it like this.” But I can’t stress enough to you all to embrace change, it’s really not that bad so don’t be afraid in giving something a go and encouraging others. We will get there.
Our Club…
I will always be passionate about this club; some say too passionate. I have only great memories from a very young age, whether that be bowling with my family; bowling in the team at the age of 12; Saturday morning junior sessions with the complimentary crisps and orange juice (not forgetting the HUGE bar of chocolate for the bowler nearest to the jack); or maybe its playing snooker at the age of 16, away at some dodgy club behind the prison, shaking on every shot. All character-building stuff they told me…perhaps they were right.
This club provides a break away from the tasks life sometimes brings. For me it’s an escapism from a busy day at work and the chance to laugh and joke with great friends. My focus at the club is now drawn to the things I enjoy, the events out there on the green. Not only making sure whatever we want to do out there is financially sustainable and supported but most importantly making sure it’s fun and enjoyable.
I look forward to seeing you around the club, supporting where you can from time to time and celebrating the future success with you all. Meanwhile, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for this coming year.
On a final note, I must give a huge thank you to my leader, the boss, and the best mother to our son Euan. When I accepted this role, little did we know Megan and I would be welcoming our son into this world part way through my presidency! I am loving being a father and looking forward to what life brings for our family. If you don’t see me for some time, I’m more than likely changing nappies and making memories.
With warm regards and best wishes,
Michael Bates
aka MBT - Retiring President 2023/24
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