Clubs Not Present: Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, Kingseat, Lumphinnans, Northern, Valleyfield, West End

President P Coleman opened the meeting and welcomed all delegates. West Fife team did reasonably well this season with the latter games seen as an improvement. Congratulations to the Senior team which having won 3 games out of 4 won the inaugural Matt Purdie Trophy, and to the Abbeyview seniors who won the Scottish Fours. Well done to Lochgelly winning the League Cup and to Jim Gilruth in winning the Champion of Champions and retaining his international status. Thanks to W Campbell as team captain, M Dowling as Treasurer and S Pagan as secretary for their efforts throughout the season. Also a big welcome to E Farrell Vice President of the S.B.A. and to wish him all the best for his tenure as President this coming season.

Apologies for Absence: W Campbell, Lumphinnans

There was then a one minutes silence held for those bowlers and friends who had passed away during the year.

The minutes of the previous AGM had been previously circulated to clubs and were passed on a motion proposed by A Wilton, Headwell and seconded by Bowhill

Business Arising: G Rennie still of the opinion that Councillors should not have a vote and is contravening the Constitution. Secretary advised that minutes should read that the Councillors have the power to put forward proposals to the AGM but do not have an individual vote unless there are representing their club. If the minutes do not state this clearly then Secretary will amend.

Champion of Champion competition, which has in the past not been well supported, was in the whole better this year with only 3 withdrawals and it was agreed to continue on the same basis as now.

Secretary’s report: Previously circulated, but secretary wished to reiterate his thanks to all clubs, umpires and markers. Also to secretaries for the results being, mainly sent in on time.

Treasurer’s Report: M Dowling stated the Balance Sheet shows a downturn in approx £350 from last year, but happy with this as no Cabaret (£500) income and Matt Purdie (£355) new expenses showed the finance was under control and stated there would be no need to look at an increase in Membership fees.

G Rennie queried the monies paid on meals. Secretary advised this at Hamilton trophy games where we allocate a maximum of £2 per head for 80 people for the buffets supplied.

S.B.A. Councillor: E Farrell thanked Kelty and Inverkeithing for hosting semi-final and final of the District 8 National Championships. Reported that clubs and members throughout the country are still in decline. Advised that Kelvinside in Glasgow is being refurbished for the upcoming Commonwealth Games despite there being adequate facilities at Northfield. AGM to be held at Hampden Park on 16/12 costing the Association £780 at which he will be elected as President of the Association. It is hoped that future AGM’s may be held in the East of Scotland. Unification continues to take shape and financial support from Sport Scotland amounted to £286K which is being utilised by a new High Performance Manager. Dates to note will be Joint Championships 28^th July – 2^nd August, International series 1^st – 4^th July and Junior Internationals 9^th September – 12^th September

• That Runners-Up badges for all but the County Championships be discontinued – Agreed
• That winners badges for Divisions 2 + 3 be supplied – Agreed
• That our Top Ten competition be amended to reflect the National competition, i.e. all games played on the Green as drawn at the outset of the competition with rinks, having preset by the home club be drawn on the day of the game – Agreed
• That the introduction of a Top 5 singles competition be implemented from season 2010 – Agreed
  • The top 5 also will follow the rules of the Top 10 competition and rinks will be drawn on the night of the game.
  • It was agreed that the competition will run on a Thursday evening after the Fife B.A. competitions finish.
  • A new National inter county Top 5 will commence from 2010 and it was proposed by M Dowling, Aberdour B.C. and Seconded by A Bowers, Lochgelly that our current Top 10 winners, Abbeyview, represent West Fife in the inaugrual year.

President – W Stewart Proposed P Coleman Seconded M Dowling

V President N Dunnett Proposed W Stewart Seconded S Pagan

Treasurer - M Dowling – Unanimous

Secretary - S Pagan - Unanimous

• Ben Douglas, Dalgety Bay B.C. stated that under the new Licensing regime it would be courteous if visiting clubs advised when under age players are with them when alcohol is being sold on the premises, and should also ensure these youngsters do not purchase or consume alcohol.
• Secretary advised that the senior top Nine dates have been altered to accommodate the extended Matt Purdie trophy draw.

There being no further business the meeting was closed with a vote of thanks to the chair by SBA Councillor E R Farrell.