League News

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The Stroud and District Skittle League would like to thank the following for their Sponsorship

There Support Helps to cover the Leagues Running Costs

HANDBOOK COLLECTION Monday 23rd August 2010 was the date for the Handbook Collection Date, however A number of teams failed to turn up or make arrangements to collect their Handbooks and Result Cards. These are required for the league season.. The list of teams is as follows, you will need to contact the League Secretary and arrange Collection and forward your team sheets. Section A - Frampton CC, Pot Bellied Porkers Section C - Allsorts, Frocester CC, Originals Section D - FGR Supporters, Cotswold Club, Frocester Spinners, Tools, Press Gang Section E - Razors (Team Sheet Sent By Post), Confederates, Eastington, Leonard Stanley SC, Rose Inn Ladies Section B - Gems Ladies Section C - Raving Fillies, Amazons, Mermaids Mixed League - Leonard Stanley SC Mixed, Eastington Cricketers, Matchplay Hooters, Matchplay Newbies Some teams arranged collection but did not bring their Player Registration Form; would all teams please note that without a form for the first game of the season ALL PLAYERS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS NOT SIGNED ON

OLD MANORIANS WITHDRAW FROM LEAGUE It is with much dissapointment that I have been notified on the 20th August 2010 that the Old Manorians are withdrawing from the league. As a result of the late notice I am unable to make any changes to the league fixtures, therefore Section B will run with a bye.

NEW TEAM FOR MIXED LEAGUE The Stroud Mixed League will commence with 8 teams and no byes after a new team asked to join the league. SBM's wil play out of Matchplay Club Alley 2 on a Monday night, and with no team opposite them it was easy enough to accomodate them. With two teams joining the league everyone will compete in a full fixture list over 28 weeks, with one game a week and no byes; there wil be no cup competition this season. It is planned to promote the league further over the forthcoming season, attempting to attract further teams, so the league fixtures are competed with teams playing each other once home and away rather than the current twice. For more details on the Mixed League CLICK HERE.

AGM REPORT NOW AVAILABLE A report from the 2009-2010 Annual General Meeting, including copies of the Reports given by the League and Fixture Secretaries, and the Balance Sheet, are now available on line. For more details CLICK HERE.

RULE CHANGES INTRODUCED FOR 2010-2011 All temas are strongly advised to look at the Rule Changes for Season 2010-2011 so they are aware of what action needs to be taken. At the AGM Rules 32, 34, 36, 37 and 38 were amended. These affect notification of canceled games and rearranging of fixtures, along with the submission of Result cards; with points deductions for a failure to comply. The reason for the changes is due to a growing increase in the lack of notification of canceled fixtures; along with late result cards; requiring Result Secretaries to chase up fixtures. In addition there has been a change to Rule 18 regarding playing bowling off.

NEW CONTACT NUMBER FOR THE VICTORIA INN The Victoria Inn in Eastington is still open and trading, despite various rumours to the contrary; and now has a new contact numer. Would teams who are looking to hire the alley please contact Jackie on 07544 241153.

LEAGUE FIXTURES FOR SEASON 2012011 RELEASED The Team Fixture Lists and Alley Fixtures for Season 2010-2011 have now been released and are available for Download from the website. No further changes are anticipated for the forthcoming season. It was hoped that the league fixtures would have been made available earlier, however this season has been extremely complicated. The current situations regarding the Kings Head at Kings Stanley and Victoria Inn at Eastington have resulted in the need for teams’ numbers to be allocated for multiple alleys. Added to this are requests from teams, some of which are not always possible. To clarify the position regarding the two pubs mentioned; the Kings Head at Kings Stanley is currently closed. A new Gas Meter was needs to be fitted and this appears to have been finally completed. According to the owners, Enterprise Inns, there is then approximately 4 weeks work for the pub to be brought up to standard. The pub is being advertised as available for tenancy, so should reopen; it might be available for the start of the season, however the fixture lists state an alternative alley for the teams who wish to play here. The Victoria Inn at Eastington is currently open and trading, although as most people are aware it is up for sale and there is a planning application pending; however there have been objections to this. The current manager is leaving; however a new Manager is taking over. The teams which have specified this as their home alley will commence playing here, but have nominated alternative alleys. In all but one case I have been able to cater for this without major changes to the fixtures. Teams who play at the Kings Head currently have their fixtures listed at multiple alleys, this will be updated once the position regarding the Kings Head becomes clear. Please note the date for the alternative venue may be different to the normal night specified; please check with your opponents on which alley they will be playing on.

FRONT PIN CUP DRAWS MADE The draws for the first and second rounds of the Front Pin Cups have been made available; teams are welcome to commence arranging the fixtures; please visit the relevant pages under the Cup Competitions Menu for details. Contact details for your opponents can be found on the league website under the Team Information pages. If your team has a bye in the first round and your second round opponents are known please feel free to arrange the game.

INITIAL INFORMATION FOR PRESENATION EVENING The Stroud and District Skittle League Annual Dance and Presentation Evening will be held on Friday 11th June 2010 in the Carol Embury Suite at Forest Green Rovers Football Club. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Kelvin Chapman and the KC disco and Overboard, our Resident Band from Hereford. It looks set to be a great evening you don't have to be a winner to attend. Tickets will be available during the finals at a cost of £5 each, or you can purchase 10 tickets for your team at a cost of £40. Hot Meals will be available to pre-order in advance, the options being Chicken and Chips, cod and Chips Sausage and Chips or Cheese and Onion Pasty and Chips. There will also be a limited supply of filled rolls on the night, these can also be pre-ordered. As always we will be holding a raffle on the night with the proceeds being shared between Cancer Research; the Charity supported by the Stroud and Dsitrict Skittle League; and Bristol Heart Institute in memory of Brian Fream. Should anyone wish to donate a prize they would be gladly received, this can be done during the finals at Matchplay Snooker Club. An order form for Tickets, Food and Extra Trophies can by downloaded by CLICKING HERE (opens in a new window), please fill in the details and return it to the LEague Secretary along with payment. For further informaton please contact the League Secretary on 07770 654491 or by email at secretary@stroudskittles.co.uk/a>. We look forward to seeing you there.

LEAGUE INTRODUCES BRIAN FREAM MEMORIAL AWARDS In recognition of his great service along with his enthusiasm and commitment to the Stroud and District Skittle League, the commitee have decided to present new awards in memory of Brian Fream As Brian served all teams across all Sections, it was decided to introduce two awards; a Ladies Award and a Mens Award. These will be presented to the player who has recorded the greatest number of Top Scores for any single team* over the season. Teams are invited to submit their players name if they consider they have qualified for this award. * - The award is for a player who records the greatest number of top scores for a single team, if a player plays for more than one team they cannot add both sets of top scores together.

PUBS AND CLUBS Can I please remind teams that clubs and pubs which host Stroud Skittle League teams are a business and for the Landlord or owner is their lively hood. It has been highlighted to me that there have been instances where members of teams have either brought their own drinks or not purchased any refreshments during the game. Whilst the league accepts under the current climate people are careful with there expenses, such actions can have an adverse effect on the league damaging it's reputation.

WARNING REGARDING LATE CANCELLATIONS Once again late cancellations are giveing a cause for concern. Teams wishing to cancel a fixture MUST give their opponents and the League a minium of 72 hours (3 days) notice of their intention to cancel. Where a team cancels at less that the minimum notice period the game may be awarded as a Walkover to their opponents unless there are exceptional circumstances. The league rules can be found in the front of the League Handbook or on the League website, but it is clear (from a recent incident) that the Team Captain had not referred to this. The League allows teams to cancel fixtures, and are reluctant to change the policy, however the effect of late cancellations brings much annoyance on opposing teams, and has in some instances played a part in teams withdrawing from the league. Should such instances continue the league will seriously consider adopting a NO CANCELLATION POLICY, which applies in neighbouring leagues.

MIXED LEAGUE GETS UNDER WAY The Inaugural Stroud and District Mixed League commenced on Monday 14th September 2009, with the opening fixture played between Matchplay Newbies and Family Affair; the game having been brought forward due to holiday commitments. Matchplay Newbies Family Affair The league is seperate to the current Sections; therefore players who play in the Sections A-F or the Ladies Sections are eligable to play in the Mixed League. The format is also different, in an attempt to attract interest, offer and alternative to teams who are finding raising enough players a struggle, and importantly to attract new teams. Teams consist of 8 players bowling 8 legs, with no halves and points per leg. Reece Walworth became the first player to bowl, hitting a score of 7 for Matchplay Newbies. The first five players scored a total of 27, however Matt Upshall playing at number seven hit a 13-spare, which was followed up by a 15 spare by anchor Harley Daves, as Matchplay Newbies totalled 62. Steff Curtis set for Family Affair hitting a 6 in response. Chris Read followed up with a score of 5, and Steff Glowaski hit a 13-spare; however Family Affair were unable to match the total of the former, scoring 50 in their first leg, resulting in Matchplay Newbies taking the first points of the season. Reece Walworth bowls for Matchplay Newbies Steff Curtis sets for Family Affair Full details of the game will follow as soon as the final result is received.

FORMER LEAGUE SECRETARY LAID TO REST The funeral of former League Secretary and more recently Ladies Section Result Secretary and Vice Chairman Brian Fream took place on Thursday 3rd September. Over 200 people, including representatives from Stroud League Skittle Teams, and league Vice-President David Drew, gathered at St George’s Church Nailsworth to pay their respects. Brain passed away on Saturday 22nd August following an operation at Bristol Heart Institute. Brians son Ashley paid tribute, saying he was so proud of his late fathers hard work; he was devoted to his family; football and his friends. Colin Peake from Forest Green Rovers Football Club recognised Brians contribution to the Football Club. David Clutterbuck, who along with Brian took over the running of the Stroud League 22-years ago, gave a tribute on behalf of skittles; explaining how Brian took on a role without any experience and little help due to the ill-health of the former League Secretary; but quickly adapted to the challenging role at a time when the league was reaching it's peak. Brian was responsible for a number of changes to improve the league, his knowledge of teams and alleys becoming invaluable. Canon Michael Irving lead the service said Brian left a immense gap in peoples lives; "He left a hole, not just in his family but in the whole community". The hearse left the church for Gloucester Crematorium to a round of applause from the on looking congregation. After a service in Gloucester the family returned to the Carol Embury Suite at Forest Green Rovers Football Club for a Wake to remember Brian. His family released a number of black and white balloons containing messages from friends and family from the centre of the pitch. Brian will be remembered by many at the End of Season Competitions or the Presentation Evenings, where he hosted the awards as well as joining the band to sing his favourite song "The Wonder of You". All teams will have fond memories of Brian and his involvement with the skittle league, he will be sorely missed. The League plans to commemorate Brian and would currently welcome any ideas from teams.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRAIN FREAM Confirmation of the arrangements for Brians funeral. Brian’s funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday 3rd September in St Georges Church Nailsworth. All are welcome to attend, Brians family have stated that Black is Optional and people are more than welcome to wear FGR shirts or favours if they wish. His family will then move on to the crematorium for a Private Family Service. Whilst this Private Ceremony is taking place all are invited to attend the Carol Embury Suite at the New Lawn for refreshments and to share memories, the family will rejoin those at the Stadium after the Crematorium Service.

BRAIN FREAM It is with much sadness that late on Saturday 23rd August I received a telephone call informing me that Brain Fream had passed away. A cheery and Larger than life character, Brain was a great servant to the Skittle League. His involvement with the Stroud Skittle League commenced over twenty years ago, Brain, along with David Clutterbuck helped to turn the league fortunes around after Alex Hodges stepped down due to ill health. Not only did he serve the league as Fixture secretary but he also helped teams out, supplying Skittle Balls and Pins. As well as Skittles he had a passion for Football, and took on the role of chairman of Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club, organising Raffles, Bingo and Race Nights, all to raise money for the Football Club and Ladies Team. He also organised Supporters coaches for away games, as well as running the Club Shop. A tireless worker for others Brian will be sadly missed, not only by all involved in the Skittles League, but at Forest Green Rovers Football Club. The league offers it's sincere condolences to his wife Julie and his children. As soon as I have details of the funeral I will advise teams. Tributes to Brian can be found at the links below. http://www.forestgreenroversfc.com/news/showItem.asp?id=505 http://forum.fgrfc.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2029 http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucestershireheadlines/Forest-Green-Rovers-mourn-club-stalwart/article-1276713-detail/article.html?cacheBust=24QLM1111743&success=true#StartComments.

SKITTLE BALLS AND PINS - UPDATE We are pleased to inform teams that we have obtained a good supply of both 4 7/8" and 5" Lignium Vitae Skittle Balls available at £150 per set. The balls are made from a wood called Lignum Vitae, and according to appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), listed as a potentially endangered species (reference WIKIPEDIA), hence there have been problems obtaining the wood. If you are interested in purchasing a new set of 4 7/8" Skittle Balls then please contact Brian on 01453 832858 or email stroudskittles@aol.com for further details. Once these are sold we are unsure when we will receive further supplies. Whilst we have stocks of Skittle Balls we are currently unable t supply due to the fact that our supplier cannot obtain Sycamore, the wood from which these are manufacturerd. As soon as stocks are available we will advise. For more information CLICK HERE.

TEAMS REMINDED ON START TIME I wish to remind teams even at this late time of the season that games must start no later than 8:15pm. I am aware that there are some teams that do not turn up or start on time, particularly in Sections A-F; but if I don't receive any details regarding offending teams little action can be taken. Verbal communication to team members, other teams, or committee members will not resolve the issue as if I get to find out it is third hand and generally months later. If you wish for me to deal with the problem I need to be notified in writing so I can ascertain the offending teams. This can be communicated by email at stroudskittles@aol.com.

RESULT CARD ERRORS COULD COST YOUR TEAM POINTS In the last few weeks there have been a number of result cards where the individual player totals and half totals do not agree; in some cases altering the match result. Where such errors are found the individual player score will be taken as correct. This could cost your team points. To alter results teams will incur a fine. To ensure your results are correct and your team does not incur a fine please ensure the scores on your card are correct and the half total adds up.

TEAMS REMINDED ON LEAGUE RULES With the season only a month old already the league is suffering problems where teams are not complying with League Rules. The season has seen teams using non signed on players, posting incomplete Result Cards, or cancelling games at very late notice. League rules are published in the front of your Handbook or can be found on the league website; whilst details of amendments or changes can be found in the Newsletter, issued to every team at the start of the season. Fines, and/or Points Deductions will be applied where rules are not adhered to

LATE FINISHES A CAUSE FOR CONCERN One of the biggest moans the Secretary receives during the season is the late finish of games, in particular in the Mens Sections. Games starting late have an effect, as does the speed and skill of the sticker; but the Secretary is of the view that the halftime break plays the biggest problem. With the growing trend in the Mens Sections for food it has resulted in what should be quick 5-minute break lasting around 20 minutes. This has a major effect on the time the game finishes. Teams are therefore asked to take this into consideration to aid an earlier finish to your games.