How it all began - a short history of our association
by BETTY PROCTER
One day in October 1986, Malcolm Alstead, the then Indoor Men's County Secretary, suggested that I thought about starting a Ladies County Association. My surname was then Kemp and I was ladies secretary at the Norfolk and Norwich club.
So on 17th November 1986 the Norfolk County Women's Indoor Bowling Association was born. At my invitation the 12 clubs in Norfolk were invited to send 2 delegates each to discuss the formation of a County Association. 10 clubs attended, the other two sending apologies but expressed support for the venture. Margaret Hughes (later Jermy) chaired the meeting, as by that time I had co-opted her assistance, knowing of her competence and organisation skills. There was total agreement to form an association, and a steering committee was formed to prepare a draft constitution, consisting of Maureen Shepherd (Old Hall, Ashill), Margaret Ginn (Wymondham Dell), Elizabeth Rush (Diss), Val O'Hara (North Walsham) with Margaret Hughes and myself, (Norfolk and Norwich). We needed to raise funds, so affiliation, capitation, and associate fees were discussed. Several generous donations from individuals and clubs had been received. Originally there were 251 registered associated members. The very first A. G. M. was held on 4th April 1987. |
Officers appointed were:- Margaret Hughes President, Betty Annison (County Arts) Vice President, Joan Hughes (North Walsham) Junior Vice President, and myself Secretary. No nomination for Treasurer so the post was amalgamated with Secretary.
The very first County friendly game was held at Kings Lynn (Pentney) versus Lincolnshire, which we won by 14 shots. Julia Couzens was the first Match and Competition Secretary. County competitions started in the 1987/88 season with finals at Norfolk B. C., County Arts club winning singles, triples and fours, with North Walsham the pairs. Pam Woodcock (County Arts) was appointed first League Secretary on 8th October 1988. All 13 clubs entered, with 3 entering 2 teams each. We entered the Atherley Trophy in the 1989/90 season, beating Northants by 18 shots, and Cambs by 4 shots, but losing the semi-final to Durham by 4 shots. |
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As more indoor clubs were formed in the County and became affiliated, the
Norfolk County Women's Indoor Bowling Association grew to its present size, and may it continue to flourish successfully for many more years. |