STRATTON Bowling Club agm was held on Monday October 20, writes Dave Clark.

Before the meeting a cheque for £320 was handed to Ray Shaddick, chairman of the Bude & Stratton branch of Cancer Research UK as monies raised during the season for the Captains Charity.

During the meeting a few moments silence was observed for the loss of Harold Kinsman, who passed away during the year.

Chairman David Hooker thanked all members of the club, both on and off the management committee, who had contributed to a successful season.

Bruce Peardon, club secretary, reported that membership was up three on last year. He also voiced concern over the bumping of woods and this would not be allowed to continue on our new green.

John Connell, our treasurer, reported that our balance sheet was still healthy and that membership would remain unchanged at £65 adults, £25 juniors with a £12 joining fee for both, and £2 for social membership.

Ladies Section report from Sandra Parker thanked Doreen Pearse as our first lady President. Significant achievements by the ladies in 2008 were noted.

Ladies Section officers for 2009 are: Chairman/hon sec Sandra Parker; match secretary, Ann Maynard; captain, Brenda Gunby; almoner/vice-captain, Elizabeth Hooker; competition secretary, Margaret Fox. The two lady delegates to the main committee were Sandra and Pat Williams.

The club committee will be: President, Doreen Pearse; chairman, David Hooker; secretary, Bruce Peardon; treasurer, John Connell; captain, David Parrott; vice-captain, Tony Darvill; match secretary, Gerald Maynard; competition secretary, John Cottle.

Two additional members voted from the floor were Ray Jennings and Len Fox. The selection committee will comprise: the captain, vice-captain, D Bowden, G Maynard and G Walter.

The accounts examiner is to be Graham Gunby.

A proposition on handicaps was passed by a majority at the meeting.

Best part of the meeting: Alf Snowden received life membership. Congratulation Alf, well deserved.

The start of our short mat season saw our 'B' team visit Boscastle and despite a good win on one mat we lost overall 35-41: B Peardon, M Fox, A Connell, J Connell 11-31; D Pearse, L Fox, A Maynard, G Maynard 24-10.

Again in the Cornwall League our 'A' team played our 'B' team and at the end of the evening we finished all square at 41 shots apiece: ('A' first) T Powley, Rob Yeomans, Ros Yeomans, K Smale 15, D Pearse, L Fox, A Maynard, G Maynard 21; G Croud, P Curtis, R Jennings, D Clark 26, A Connell, M Fox, D Bowden, J Connell 20.

In the Stephens League our first match of the season saw Winkleigh Mosquitos visit us and go away without a thing. We had a great start to the season, winning on both rinks for a total score of 72-18, my rink scoring 32 shots before Winkleigh even scored: Rob Yeomans, Ros Yeomans, K Smale, D Clark 40-6; T Powley, P Curtis, G Croud, R Jennings 32-12.