Message from our new Chair

Many thanks for your support in electing me as Tetbury Bowls Club Chairperson for 2026-27. It is a great honour to take on this role.

Of course, that means I’m taking over from Keith, who has somehow managed to survive five years in the hot seat. Five years of organising things, making decisions, dealing with committees, answering questions, solving problems, and presumably occasionally wondering why on earth he ever agreed to do it in the first place.

Keith has given five years of his time, energy and patience to this club, and I think we should all recognise what a fantastic job he has done. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that the club is in a stronger place because of the work he has put in. Genuinely, thank you Keith.

I would also like to say a special thank you to Vic Bridgeman, who has given blood sweat and tears to the club in his tireless efforts to provide the club with a green it can be rightly proud of. Ably supported by Brian Cudmore, the pair can now relax and spend more time on their bowling and leave the angst of green preparation to others.

I would also like to say thank you to Chris Bridgeman, who has stepped down from her role as the Club’s Social Secretary. Chris’ hard work, both in the kitchen and in the arranging of our social and events throughout the year have been at the heart of our non-playing activities.

There are other Club members who continue to support our Club’s day to day working, whether that is the managing and running of the bar, the arranging of fixtures, the selection of teams, the arranging of club competitions, coaching new and junior members or the representation of the Club at the necessary wider bowls association meetings, their work is really appreciated. Thank you.

I would now like the opportunity to wish our new Greenkeeper, Vincent, and new Social Secretary, Kim, all the best in their endeavours, and I know that you will support them as much as you can as we move forward.

My starting point as Chair is that I want this to continue to be a club that people are proud to belong to. A club where existing and new members feel welcome, where we look after each other, where we have a good laugh, and where we continue to enjoy playing bowls in a supportive and encouraging way.

I am really excited about what is ahead, and, together with the new Management Committee and you as Club members, I am looking forward to building on the tremendous work that has taken place and move forward in a positive, inclusive and consultative way.

I look forward to seeing you all at our Social Events throughout the winter and on the green in the new season.

Mark

Chair, Tetbury Bowls Club