Stan Hargreaves Trophy - 2010

This was the second occasion where the trophy was played for. The afternoon was organised on a "drive"  basis where players drew for rink and position.

The League Secretary, John Bennett, addressed the group after the play had finished....

First, I would like to say thank you to all those who have taken part in this second annual Stan Hargreaves Trophy Competition. We hope that you have enjoyed the afternoon.

 

Thank you, Sheila, for selling the Raffle tickets; and thanks to those who provided many of the prizes. Proceeds from the day will be donated to a charity to be decided by the Committee of the League.

 Last, but by no means least, thanks to those volunteers from Jubilee Park who have served refreshments. Particularly generous was Greeta from Eslaforde Park who provided the scones again.

 An event like this relies on the good will and the time that so many individuals are prepared to put in; and these efforts should never be taken for granted. This willingness to help and give time is one of the enduring and wonderful aspects of the sport that we all love.

Thank you everyone!

 

A few words about Stan Hargreaves:

 Many here will be very much aware of the monumental contribution that Stan made to bowls; some of you will not know quite so much.

 He was a faithful member of what was called Scotchman Bowls Club before it became Eslaforde Park Bowls Club. He was widely regarded as “Mr Dependable”. He served on many committees and helped raise money for the club on a regular basis. He was especially a friend to all new members and always ready to offer help and advice. He personified all that is good about the sport and was, indeed, the consummate Club Member.

 As well as serving his Club, Stan also became very much involved in the wider realm of bowls – the Woodhall Spa and District Friendly League. He served on the Committee for several years and was one of those who were instrumental in insisting on the less formal and more friendly way in which the League is run – but still with basic rules that need to be upheld for the good of every club.

 Although I never knew Stan personally, I have spoken to many people who did. We would still be standing here at midnight if I were to repeat just some of the stories that have become part of the Scotchman history.

 It is sufficient to say just this; Stan was one of that very rarest of men about whom nobody had a bad word to say.

 He would be very proud to know that this Trophy is in his name. In turn, we of the Woodhall Spa and District Friendly Bowls League are proud to be asked to remember Stan and his work in this way.

 We intend holding this competition annually - hosted around the clubs. The details for next year will be on the website as well as a paper copy being in the hands of every Club Secretary before the start of next season. I am sorry to have found that some Secretaries did not promulgate this year’s event and this will be addressed at AGM.

 Finally, on behalf of the Committee, I am delighted to commend all the players and to offer all our Congratulations to the winner this year Danny Dawson of Eslaforde Park Bowls Club.