Jim Wilson

CSSC Midlands Regional Treasurer

How did you get into CSSC volunteering?

Quite by accident! A few years after taking up Bowls at my local Club, I found out that there was a Civil Service Bowling Association (C.S.B.A.) which I joined and from the contacts I had made became the Indoor Bowls Organiser for the Midlands Region In addition in 1995 I was appointed General Secretary of the C.S.B.A. and served until 2000 during which time I worked hard to change the Constitutional set-up to reflect what was happening in the Bowls world. Since 2000 I have been President of the English C.S.B.A. as well as President in 2004 and 2005 of the C.S.B.A. Currently I am Assistant Secretary of the C.S.B.A. and Match Secretary of the English C.S.B.A.

While serving on the Midlands Executive Committee as Vice Chairman, I took over the role of Treasurer to cover an absence and continue to this day in that capacity.

Where do you volunteer?

My work in Bowls takes me to all corners of the UK. This year for example I shall be playing in matches in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For my job as Treasurer, I serve the Executive Committee and members of the Midlands Region.

What do you do as a CSSC volunteer?

My time as a volunteer is spent partly on the Treasurer's duties for the Midlands but also I am heavily involved in C.S.B.A. matters.

What is your proudest moment/ memory of being a CSSC Volunteer?

While there have been several moments when I have been proud to be a Volunteer for CSSC, it was particularly special last year to be presented with a Merit Award by Marian Holmes at an evening function in Perth before an audience of my bowling friends and colleagues.

What are the best bits about volunteering for CSSC(and the worst bits)?

I enjoy being involved in all aspects of the various roles that I have but it really bugs me to hear complaints about the work of those who are volunteers like me, particularly when it comes from those who never lift a finger to help in any way.

What has kept you involved as a volunteer with CSSC?

For Bowls, it is socialising with the many friends that I meet at matches and through various committees working to improve the delivery of Bowls to CSSC members.

As Regional Treasurer, I feel very privileged to be able to work with the dedicated band of people on the Midlands Executive Committee.

What would you say to other people who might want to volunteer with CSSC?

At every opportunity I spread the message that it is only by being involved that outcomes can be influenced. When I hear the cry "Something should be done about .....", I respond by pointing the individual towards the route of getting involved be it for my sport of Bowls or for events in the Midlands. All too often it is the willing few that bear the full weight of keeping things going. We can never have too many volunteers.