County alive and kicking

BOWLS: GREATER Manchester County Bowls Association moved a step nearer survival after a crisis meeting at Chadderton Cot.

Chaired by Tonge’s Gary Ellis, the game’s number one player, over 30 people were intent on keeping the association alive.

Volunteers came forward to fill vital positions, to make the association’s immediate future secure.

The organisation’s problems have grown over several years and reached a head when David Williams, who had been performing several crucial roles, announced he was quitting.

The GMCBA committee suggested dissolving the association at the annual meeting since no one had announced willingness to take over key roles.

That changed at the Cot meeting: Sale’s John McDonnell agreed to become secretary, Hyde’s Martin Goddard became president and Whitefield’s Mark Prosser took the treasurer’s post.

Williams agreed to continue as deputy president and welfare officer.

McDonnell will also act as manager of the senior county team. Other positions are still to be filled.

The association still isn’t out of the woods. Finances are at an all-time low and affiliated clubs are controversially to be asked to pay more in annual subscriptions at the annual meeting on November 15