WELSH PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (W.P.A.)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday 25^th October 2011 at Colwyn Bay Royal British Legion

PRESENT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Gareth Hughes (Chairman) Geraint Jones (Tournament Officer), Jim Paton (Treasurer) Terry Williams (Secretary) Nick Hughes (Committee)

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                                                                       Brian Chamberlain (President)  Andy Hughes (Committee), Graham Dulson, Steve Curbishley, Steve Robinson, Graham Rogers, Gerwyn Davies,

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT                                                                                                         Gareth expressed his disappointment at the turn out for the meeting but was adamant in his view that we should not allow the WPA to wind up giving his firm commitment of support for the future which was endorsed by all present. Gareth also expressed concerns of players leaving the venue/s as soon as they were eliminated which gave a poor image for any sponsors, this sadly occurs in the majority of competitions. It is felt that players go to compete and intend to stay all day if successful and it would enhance all comps if a greater effort was made to give the finalist some support.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Jim thanks everyone for keeping the WPA alive with special thanks to Mrs Chamberlain , Brian & family who once again sponsored the WPA for us, we are so very grateful also to  D.T.Evans , who refereed the Final once again for us so impeccably and to Nick who provided a great programme for the day. Jim in his financial statement said that we had managed to end with 6p in the bank with the help of some financial wizardry. Jim made the point that there are not many tournaments in Wales paying out   in excess of £400.

TOURNAMENT OFFICER’S REPORT

Geraint thanked all who had supported WPA last year host clubs, committee & players and to those that had kindly written with so support & what the WPA meant to them. Geraint agreed that in response to various suggestions on improving the WPA that we should endeavour to pursue this avenue.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE 2012

Elected en bloc with an appeal made for any who would be prepared to assist in 2012 to step forward.

PROPOSAL FOR WPA FORMAT IN 2012

The WPA to be held over THREE (3) Sundays with a Qualifying round late March/early April this would consist of any player who wishes to take part and there would be a MINIMUM  of 8 places to play for they would then join the 24 leading players from last years list making a field of 32. The qualifying round cost to be £10 per player.

The membership of WPA for 2012 will be £20 with the new qualifiers having to pay just £10 extra.

The WPA will be played over THREE (3) Sundays at selected venues & dates to be agreed asap. The cost per day to be £10 which will form the prize money for that day also points will be awarded which will form the basis of the aggregate table with the top 8 taking part in a Finals night.

It is also proposed to discuss with the organisers of the Colwyn Bay Festival Week to hold the WPA Finals of 8 players on the Saturday evening at Eirias Park with prize money coming from £20 Membership & hopefully from any sponsors we can attract.

To sum up basically what we are attempting to achieve is a Three (3) one day competitions with prize money of £300 together with a Finals Day at a venue that should provide extra spectator support with good prize money that should be attractive to all Welsh Bowlers

We would welcome your views for or against and we will then be holding another open meeting following the Welsh Counties AGM early November

Geraint Jones (Tournament Officer)