History of the League
The Littlehampton Gazette Bowls League was formed back in the winter of 1984/85 by the current League Chairman Chris Rolph. Chris acted as Hon. Secretary until the early 1990’s when he passed the reins on to his friend Brian Wellsted who worked tirelessly for the league until he passed away in 2007.
Brian was responsible for the fantastic growth the league has seen by attracting new teams, creating new divisions and starting the league knockout cup. Chris stayed involved ‘behind the scenes’ assisting Brian until being asked to return officially as Chairman some nine years ago.
In the first season (1985) the league consisted of just one division and only six clubs (Norfolk, Maltravers, Arundel, East Preston, Middleton and Bognor). How times have changed! In 2012 the league boasts three divisions, twenty-one clubs and twenty nine teams. The league has developed so impressively over the years it is now widely regarded as the most successful and competitive league in the whole of Sussex County.
After we lost Brian there was a brief period when as Chairman Chris was a little worried as to who may come forward and continue the fine work Brian had done. Thankfully Rod Jamieson of Worthing Pavilion BC offered his help and spent three years as Secretary until he passed away in November 2010. For the 2011 season Chairman Chris also took on the role of Acting Hon Secretary and was assisted by three Results Secretary’s. Rod McBeth (Storrington BC) looked after Division 1 and the PC Cup, Lew Mockett (Norfolk BC) dealt with Division 2 and Brian Heal (Arundel BC) with Division 3 and there assistance was greatly appreciated.
At the ADM in October Rod McBeth was elected to the post of Secretary and for the forthcoming season will be assisted by three Divisional Results Secretaries as in 2011. Division One will be looked after by Ray Hills (Norfolk BC), Division Two will again be Lew Mockett and Division Three is Brian Heal once again. The PC Cup will be controlled by Rod McBeth.
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As agreed and new for 2012 will be the implementation of a Management Committee. The gentlemen undertaking this role are Brian Wise (East Preston BC), Terry Urben (Worthing Pavilion BC), Ken Woodcock (Worthing BC) and Lyndsay Bangs (Witterings BC),
Finances of the league have been under the control of Bognor Regis BC member David Parker for eight years. He ensures we are kept in a healthy position so much so that we have been able to create this website without any increase in fees.
The Annual Delegates Meeting of the League is held each October and the Presentation Day and Cup Final is held in September at Worthing Pavilion BC - in 2012 it will be on Sunday 16th September. We are very lucky that Worthing Pavilion BC have supported us for many years at no cost.
Our webmaster is David Jackson, also of Bognor BC and we all offer our thanks for his work in moving the league forward and enhancing it’s already splendid reputation.
The Annual Match against the Brighton & Hove District League is scheduled for Monday 18th June 2012 at Priory Park, Chichester and I must thank Chichester for once again agreeing to host this fixture for us. I will be asking clubs to nominate players for this fixture later in the season.
Clubs are reminded that the League Registration Fee of £35 per team should be forwarded to the Treasurer David Parker.
Rod McBeth – Hon. Secretary
We have been supported financially since formation back in 1985 by The Littlehampton Gazette and have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the various Sports Reporters and Editors.
Tony Mustard, Peter Butcher, Richard Amey and now Steve Bailey have all had an interest in the league and we thank them and their employers for the financial assistance and coverage they give us in the newspaper each week. Current Sports Editor Steve Bailey holds the honorary position of League President.
The Littlehampton Gazette is proud to sponsor the league and we look forward to doing so for many more years to come. Year on year, it provides excellent entertainment for so many people and it really is one of the top local bowls leagues.
We look forward to reporting on you all again this year.
Any other bowls stories or news you have, let us know on 01903 282399 or sport@worthingherald.co.uk
