I am pleased to report that the 2009 and 2010 season's have been a good for coaching in Wiltshire. We in Wiltshire have had success in recruiting new coaches as well as upgrading Foundation Coaches to Club Coaches.
To date:
- We have had 10 candidates who have now passed to become foundation coaches. These are; Vivian Barker (Haydon Wick B.C.), Donald Butchers (Mere B.C.), William Hawker (Penhill B.C.), Paul Turner (Penhill B.C.), Shane lstead (Penhill B.C.), Eric bates (Town Gardens B.C.), Roger Salmon (Wootton Bassett B.C.), Karl Hawkins (Wootton Bassett B.C.) Yvonne Atkins and Lorna Heath (Devizes B.C.).
- Seven Foundation coaches all passing and progressing to Club Coaches. These are; Vince Davis (Broughton Gifford B.C.), Victor Austin (Purton B.C.), Mike Over (Melksham B.C.), Patricia Jones (Supermarine B.C.), David Anderson (Trowbridge Westbourne B.C.), Carol Woodward (Wroughton B.C.) and Jim Cremin (West End B.C.).
We initially had five club County Coaching Days (CCD’s) booked but unfortunately two clubs pulled out. One due to bad weather and the other because the police closed off all the roads around the club so that a musical festival could take place in the park. However North Wilts Bowls Club asked if they were too late in getting a coaching day, which they were but due to cancellations I decided to add them on. The four venues were well attended and a good afternoon was had by all. 25 coaches assisted with the club county coaching days. I already have a COD booking for 2011 in May, as well as a video day from Mere B.C.
I have applied for Certificates of Long Service (for more than 15 years unbroken Service as a coach) and Certificates of Commendation (for 10 years of unbroken service as a coach) for 2010 - 2011. Nominations are: Alan Penfold and Ken Roe (Both Supermarine B.C.) and Ann Roberts-Phare and Colin Hicks (both Malmesbury B.C.).
For 2009-2010 Certificates of Commendation (for 10 years of unbroken service as a coach). Nominations are: Martin & Babs Salter. (Wroughton B.C.)
I have been told by the EBCS Secretary Guy Byham that Babs and Martin's Certificates were sent, but he cannot confirm it, so he will look into it and possibly reprint the Certificates and send them. I have spoken to Babs Salter and confirmed that they had not received them. To date I have not received any communication from Guy Byham about their certificates.
Nigel Morgan, our WBCA Secretary, does not have a list going back 15 years or more, of members who have paid their membership to the EBCS and the WBCA, therefore our list, is not comprehensive as Nigel, was not the WBCA Secretary when the EBCS was formed. At our WBCA AGM I did tell members that If they wish to apply for these Certificates they just need to contact me and I shall do what is required to get them their well deserved Certificates. But please remember that unbroken service means just that. If one year during their 10 or 15 year service they did not pay their membership to the EBCS, then they cannot apply for either of the certificates, as this is seen to be broken service.
There has been a change of members of the Coaching National Executive Committee, so there may be a delay in getting the certificates. If they are sent to me, I shall do what is necessary to get them to the recipients. I congratulate those members I have mentioned on their personal achievement and dedication to coaching bowls in Wiltshire.
I am very pleased with all the Coaches of Bowls Wiltshire. They have all worked hard and I am very proud of their individual and collective achievements.
Victor Amaira B.E.M.A
Bowls Wiltshire Coach
