Administration and Match
Secretary’s notes

Another successful year for the Association has now passed and I wish you all Best Wishes for the New Year and a successful 2015 under the leadership of our new Captain Doug Ebdon.

The match manager system worked well in 2014 but I could do with more volunteers for 2015. The system is easy to use and it will guarantee you a game at the match you manage. I am hoping that the match managers own their particular county for a few years. However if anyone wants to take over the role of Match Secretary and be responsible for all the County Matches please let me know.

Looking at the season ahead, you will also get with this newsletter the annual booklet, the usual fixture details with the request that you indicate your interest in the respective fixtures by marking the adjacent boxes and where able, give some indication that you might be available at short notice, as this is so important when I have to deal with late withdrawals. We will ensure that everyone gets a game. The returns will be used as the basis of team selection in late March and if you wish Doug to consider you please ensure you respond by the end of January. It is suggested that you enter your requests in your personal diary to avoid the chance of double bookings and the need to consider cancelling if selected later in the year.

You are also asked to pay your renewal fee for the season and there is a standing order form available on the website for this to make it a little bit easier for the Treasurer.

MEMBERSHIP

This is still a key issue as we only recruited 6 new members last year. We are arranging a New members Pairs competition in 2015 and I hope you will play in it with a potential new member. We have tried a number of ways to recruit over the past 2 years without any real success. I feel the best way is still from you as members approaching past and current Captains and persuading them to join. As Doug wrote earlier we are planning to reintroduce an Ambassador from each club to be the main contact for new members and will contact one of you for this role in the new year. Of course in some clubs we know some of you already do this and please continue to do so. This does not get to the number of clubs who have no members of the Association and we need to continue to contact these.

Finally please contact me if you have any concerns, issues or requests and I will do what I can to ensure the continuing smooth running, tradition and success of the Association.

Web site

All the matches and associated information for the last 5 years can be seen, as well as all the matches for 2015. When the teams for 2015 are chosen from your returns all invitees and reserves will also be shown. Additionally you can also browse the official club clothing, view a list of past ABGC captains, and download a Standing Order form for your subscription. Newsletters from 2010 can now be seen on the main site by clicking on the button on the top line of the home page.

If any member has any suggestions for additions or improvements to the website , please let me know.

Peter Short – Secretary