League joy as Flowfit continue sponsorship

Delegates of clubs in the Ludlow League gathered for Monday’s AGM at Burway BC fearing it would end with them looking for a new backer, writes Malcolm Fletcher.

But league secretary Steve Burmingham declared: “The main news coming from the AGM is that Flowfit have confirmed they will continue sponsorship of the league for the 2018 season.

“We’re all delighted with this and would like to place on record our thanks to Simon Parsonage (MD of Flowfit) for taking the sponsorship of the league into its seventh season.

“It’s a huge relief that Flowfit have agreed to continue as no-one had come forward over the last 12 months to sponsor the league. A round of applause was then offered by the room to thank Simon.”

But Parsonage, who was re-elected manager of the league’s under-18 team which will defend the Shropshire Junior Inter-League crown next year, does have a big concern regarding the bowls scene locally.

“Simon said that it may be a struggle to raise a team for the Junior Inter-League come 2019 as there are not enough juniors coming through at the moment,” explained Burmingham.

The league also has another worry, Burmingham adding: “All 12 teams will remain in the league in 2018 but concerns were raised that Cleobury may struggle to field a team. They remain hopeful and will inform the league secretary of their position ahead of the pre-season meeting in March.”

Chairman Wayne Rogers thanked all for attending Monday’s meeting and congratulated all the teams and players who took part through the season.

He also thanked the greenkeepers in the league for providing good playing surfaces throughout the year.

Rogers, having won the Merit for a record eighth time last year, is to stand down as captain of the Senior Inter-League team and someone to take charge of it, and the veterans team, will be appointed in March.

Treasurer and fixture secretary Phil Baker reported a surplus of £295 for the 2017 season, giving the league a total of £5,206 in its bank account.

There were no rule changes and officers elected were: chairman – Wayne Rogers; secretary & county delegate – Steve Burmingham; treasurer & fixture secretary – Phil Baker; welfare officer – Wendy Davies.