CSSC South West Regional Conference 2008 

6th and 7th March - Bude

Representatives from Area Associations, Departmental Associations, Regional Sports Organisers and Head Office descended on the Falcon Hotel in Bude on the 6th and 7th March for the Annual South West Regional Conference. It was very pleasing that 46 delegates attended including representatives from almost every Area Association.

The Regional Chairman, Ross Wheeler opened the conference and welcomed all delegates. The minutes of the previous years' conference were agreed and both the Treasurers and BDE reports were presented.

A Certificate of Recognition award was presented to Geoff Solomon of Bristol Area Association for his 40 years service to CSSC bowls and the Area Association. Mike Haskell was also presented with the same award for his services to the CSSC in recognition of the way he has tirelessly supported and quietly assisted so many of the Yeovil Area Association and South West Regional activities over the years.

David Hayday and Hedley Featherstone then carried out a whistle stop tour of AA Latest News, Its Good to Share, a request for nominees for the Turnbull prize of Volunteer of the Year award - in a timed, informative and entertaining double act. An introduction to the Countdown Card was also covered.

As the South West are planning on organising a subsidised trip for members to the Eden Project this summer, the day was rounded off by a presentation by Lacey Kenworthy on this.

The evening entertainment began with a Barbadian style cocktail and was followed by a speaker from the RNLI, a three course meal, a magician and a quiz.

The second day began with a presentation on the South West Barbados Challenge, lead by Tina Street who is the Barbados Challenge Regional Co-ordinator, and the rest of the committee, Lacey Kenworthy, Ross Wheeler and Neill Bond. Polly Willmott, is the other committee member but she was not present.

The presentation covered the event programme for 2008 and reasoning behind the structure of the events. Following a short break, John Butterfield spoke about the Barbados Challenge in London and the South and South East.

Ross Wheeler then spoke about the financing of the event from and Area point of view and it was agreed with all delegates that responses from Areas would be received by the end of April 2008.

The conference was rounded off with a buffet lunch and everyone said their goodbyes having had a very entertaining, thought provoking and networking experience.

On reflection a worthwhile and enjoyable two days for the South West Region CSSC.