HISTORY

It has been suggested that I print a short history of this Association as many of the newer clubs may not be aware of our roots.

I therefore intend to serialise it so as not to bore you all at once.

Back in early 1987, whilst attending a committee meeting of Minster SM Bowls Club, it was suggested by the Late Eric Harber that the club, whilst involved with a number of others in the area in friendly games, ought to put forward the suggestion of starting a league to make the game more interesting and competitive.

I wrote to 9 other known clubs in the area and a meeting was arranged for Mid June, which all 9 plus Minster attended.

Ray Razzell chaired that inaugural meeting, and went on to become the first official Chairman of the East Kent League, (as it was decided to name it).

From those original 10 clubs 7 decided they were able to join together and form a league. Ramsgate Trophies were approached to see if they were willing to supply us with a trophy, which they agreed to do.

Those original 7 clubs were:-

Birchington, Boughton, Cavaliers, Elham, Hoverspeed, Minster & Swalecliffe.

Capel, Dover YMCA & Lympne were the other three.

Both Capel and Lympne joined the following season.

That inaugural season saw Minster become the first winners of the trophy, with Cavaliers as runners up and Birchington collecting the wooden spoon..

CLUB NEWS

Bekesbourne have kindly sent me their club competition results, and the winners are as listed:-

Singles : Jack Gater

Ladies : June Bentley

Handicap : Ben Bentley

Pairs : Ben Bentley & Bob Freelove

Congratulations to all of you.

This completes the club news for this edition.

Come on the rest of you, surely someone has something they wish me to print. (Even if it is ONLY to tell us about Uncle Albert's gout)

COMPETITIONS

Joyce, our Competition Secretary, is about to send out, this years entry forms to all clubs, and we would like to see ALL clubs represented this year.

ALL club members please note :- you can obtain entry forms for both the Singles and Pairs from your club secretary.

FOR SALE

I have a set of size 3 bowls (black lignoids) to sell for a third party.

The price is £45 ovno

Please ring home number after 6pm (but before 9.30pm) any evening.

ODDS AND ???S

We are looking for Sponsors for the Top Town Competition to be held in East Kent in 2001, if you can assist us to contact any likely candidates we would be very grateful.

We have had one very kind offer from a fellow member and his wife, but we would like to get as much as possible to help offset the very high costs.

We also require a sponsor for this coming seasons scorecards. Can you help?