Since our last AGM in November 2019, the world has faced tragic times due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The lives of everyone have been seriously affected, and although Government restrictions have been eased the crisis is not yet over.

Our Petanque League, like all sporting activities has suffered in the last couple of years. Sadly, there has been the passing of some of our players and followers, Tom Richards of Alveley Royals, Chris Brigdale of the Nomads, Bob Snape and Margaret Allen from Bewdley,  Beryl Crumpton of the Lakes, and just over a week ago Lorna Taylor of The Oaks. Our heartfelt condolences go to all their families and friends.

The pandemic wiped out any competitive playing of boules in the 2020 season and resulted in limited competitions in 2021. Understandably, as many of our players are no longer young, some teams erred on the side of caution and decided not to take part in a League Competition in 2021. Following views from teams, just 11 teams rather than the previous 16 entered the League Competition for 2021 which consisted of just one Division.  To avoid large gatherings of people there were was no Triples Knockout Competition, nor a Barbara Parkes Tournament or the Bewdley President’s Cup. Thankfully, a Singles and Doubles K/O competitions did go ahead.

Congratulations to Lakes D who were a wondrous revelation, sweeping everything before them and won the League, and became worthy Champions.  The Singles and Doubles K/O Finals took place on the same night at Bewley Cricket Ground piste. Two enthralling matches resulted with Adrian Voysey of the Royals beating Emma Francis of the Nomads in a closely fought match. The Doubles K/O Final was also a fiercely fought game with Roger & Dee of the Nomads becoming Champions, beating Adrian G-S & Rob of Footloose. Well done to them for giving us a such an entertaining evening of boules.

The outlook for next season in 2022, is not as bright as we would like as it appears we have lost two teams, Gaters & New Cons, with no new teams on the horizon.  Thus, next year fixtures are likely to involve only 14 teams. In time for our Registration meeting next February the EC will present proposals for consideration on how to best use any spare Tuesdays in the season with some form of matches. One bright light shining from Bewdley PC is that it now has around 45 playing members! Some though, only wish to have informal games and are not particularly interested participating in League Competitions. I look to Bob, our revered Honorary League President at Bewdley PC to encourage the Club’s new players to help form a third Bewdley PC team to enter the League. May I also express my admiration for the resilience and fortitude of Bewdley PC on overcoming the severe flooding of its piste.

I sincerely look forward to our League thriving and not just surviving, so we must all do what we can to recruit new teams and also persuade youngsters to join us.                                            

This brings me to refer to our dedicated members over the years of our Executive Committee. I think it is worth expanding my report a little to look back. I note that our President Bob Hill was initially Chairman of the League until he was elected President in 1994. Mac Turner was then Chairman from 1994 until 2004, then again from 2007 until 2010. I was Chairman for 2005 & 2006 and ever since 2011. Roger Seabury has shadowed me as Vice-Chairman since 2011.  Roy Chapman has been Secretary since 1994, and also at the same time Treasurer until Adrian Gordon-Smith took over the latter role in 2012. Bob was also our Fixtures Secretary until Adrian G-S took on the role in 2014. Son Adrian has been the EC’s PRO since 2006, and latterly our “Webmaster”. I was delighted that in more recent times that John Burns has joined our EC. Thanks to Sheila “Mac” Turner who was the Leagues Auditor for many years and to Mark Cupitt who took on the role a few years ago.  Having said all that, I would warmly welcome new faces and fresh ideas on to the EC.  All your current members of our EC have efficiently and effectively played important roles in the running of the League I have nothing but praise for my EC colleagues. The time will come though, when others will need to lead the way so why not you soon?

Finally, but not least, thanks to you all for your support as there would be no League without you.

David Voysey                                                                                                                                                      

 Chairman.