DEREK Stevens, who has filled many roles with distinction at Clarence Bowling Club, retired after his second stint as secretary at the club’s AGM.

DEREK Stevens, who has filled many roles with distinction at Clarence Bowling Club, retired after his second stint as secretary at the club’s AGM.

Elected as his successor was Tony Mannion, a former Royal Navy petty officer, and a club member for three years.

Club president for the last two years Don Towie also stood down. The new president is Reg Flicker, a retired sales and marketing executive, who made it clear in his address to members that recruitment would be his priority.

Yorkshireman Ian Baker was elected as captain for the second year running. His wife Margaret will be captain of Clarence Ladies in 2011 and it is believed to be the first time for a number of years that husband and wife have filled these roles at the same time.

David Stott, this year’s club vice-captain, lost out by one vote to Baker in the captaincy election. However, he has agreed to be Sunday captain next year, succeeding Andy McMillan, who stood down.

Members voted unanimously for the award of life membership to club stalwarts Alec Blanning and Bob Rossiter. Alec, a member for more than 20 years, is a former president and represented the club on the Clarence Park Bowling Association until retiring at the meeting.

Bob, a former national champion in bowls for the partially-sighted, had four successive years as captain and has done a lot of other work for the club, including some excellent carpentry.

Outgoing president Towie told the meeting that the club had decided against extending their indoor green to two rinks because it would have cost too much. However, the feasibility of having floodlights on one of the outdoor greens was being investigated.

He added that there would be no increase in subscriptions or match fees in 2011.

At the meeting, the Somerset County League North Area Championship Cup was presented to David Stott, skipper of the club A team, while member Barrie Forse received the runner-up trophy for the county two-wood singles.

Other officers elected included: vice-president George Cooper, vice-captain John Edwards, treasurer Jeff Hayes, assistant treasurer Mike Scoins, match secretary Alan Richardson, membership secretary Dave Thomson, selectors Ivan Barnbrook, George Cooper, Richard Crawford, David Stott.