Page updated - 23 April, 2008

ESSEX VICE-PRESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

So who are the Essex Vice Presidents’ Association?   We are flat green bowlers – a body of enthusiastic bowlers located in – surprise, surprise – Essex.   The Association was founded in 1947 and its objects are to promote, foster and safeguard the level green game of bowls in Essex in every legitimate way; to promote good fellowship among its members and other bowlers through matches and social gatherings with kindred Associations which are duly affiliated to the appropriate regulatory bowling association.  Well, that is the explanatory bit out of the way –so who are our members?   They fall into three categories.

LIFE HONORARY MEMBERS:  These are members who can only be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association and this honour is only granted to those who have given valuable and meritorious service over the years.   Past Presidents of the Association, on leaving the chair, are automatically granted Life Honorary Membership.  

PLAYING MEMBERS:   Membership is open to bowlers who are members of clubs which are affiliated to the Essex County Bowling Association or the Essex County Indoor Bowling Association.   Applicants have to be proposed and seconded by existing members and all applications are vetted by the Committee who require detailed information about playing ability and services rendered to bowls in general as well as personal details.  This information is important as part of the criteria for membership is the ability to play at a reasonable level and to have rendered a service to bowls generally, for example held office at club or county level.

NON-PLAYING MEMBERS: This is open to any member who has had continuous membership for not less than five years and has reached the age of 70 or, through accident or illness, has permanently ceased playing.  

We are a very friendly Association and, whilst we are eager to win as many games as we can (naturally) this is not the be-all and end-all of our existence.   As you will have seen, one of our objectives is to “promote good fellowship” and we like to think we are pretty successful in doing just that – well, we try hard to achieve that aim.  Please have a look at “A Short History” to get some more information about our origins.