President's Message 2012

Gareth Willcock

My fellow bowlers of Warwickshire

I like all my predecessors am greatly honoured and extremely pleased to be installed as County President. I will endeavour to ensure that the best traditions are continued.

I extend my thanks to my own club, Three Spires, for their nomination and continuing support . I tender my congratulations to them for their Centenary Year which coincides with my year of office.

I look forward to working with both the players and the new management team of our County Middleton Cup and Francis Burton Trophy squad, to further build on our previous years’ experiences.

It is with great sadness that I reflect on the loss last year of Bob Taylor, a former President, a wise friend and guide to the U25 team. His place however has been admirably filled by Andy Smith to whom all the team can look for skilful, well placed advice, from a player of National standing, who knows the sport of bowls and is well placed to understand the needs of our U25 squad.

We also see a change in Competition Secretary with the retirement of Mike Caldwell, Mike together with the area representatives, have done sterling work over the last 5 years. With such a good foundation I am certain that our new Competition Secretary Robert Maries will be relishing his new role.

My selected charity is Visually Impaired Bowls England, I am a life member of the Association and together with a number of umpires and bowlers from Warwickshire have helped organise firstly their National Championships and more recently The National Triples Championships at the Royal Leamington Spa greens at Victoria Park. I hope you will help me support them now and in the future.

Gentlemen, finally, can I say I am looking forward to renewing old friendships, making new ones and extending the hand of competitive good fellowship to our opponents this forthcoming outdoor season. In the meantime can I wish you all good health, good bowling and as many of you, who have bowled with me in the past, will appreciate, good luck.