POPULAR stalwart George Smith was elected a life member of Clarence Men's Bowling Club, Weston, at the AGM recently.

POPULAR stalwart George Smith was elected a life member of Clarence Men's Bowling Club, Weston, at the AGM on Saturday.

George was honoured for his stalwart work for the club, including in his current job as assistant treasurer.

Among resolutions passed at the meeting was that players should be able to wear tailored shorts for all games. Members heard that the newly-formed Somerset Bowls Association, which includes all men's and women's clubs in the county, had decided on the same rule change.

The Clarence AGM agreed that, next season, the club's two sides in the Weston & District Over 60s League should be selected on merit, with a first and second team, rather than Blues and Golds, the current set-up. It was decided that this would give them a better chance to win the league. This year, both Clarence teams finished mid-table in Division Two.

It was also decided that members of Clarence Ladies and Wessex Ladies bowling clubs, who share the green and facilities with the men, should be allowed to volunteer to do bar duties, although they will not be entitled to a share of the profits.

Treasurer Jeff Hayes reported that the club finances were in a healthy position, with a �7,368 excess of income over expenditure during the year. Subscriptions will be unchanged.

President Don Towie congratulated the club on having won the Somerset League Division Two North championship with a 100% record. Next year, Clarence would be running a second team, probably in Division Three North, although the placing of both their sides would depend on how the league was reorganised, with five new teams entered.

He also congratulated Alan Richardson, the club's hard-working match secretary, on becoming a county selector.

A number of members' motions which affect the constitution of the club were deferred until the pre-season meeting.

Ian Baker was elected captain, with David Stott, the current club champion, vice-captain.

Other officers elected included: President Don Towie, vice-president Reg Flicker, secretary Derek Stevens, treasurer Jeff Hayes, assistant treasurer George Smith, match secretary Alan Richardson, membership secretary Dave Thomson, selectors Ivan Barnbrook, Roger Burrough, George Cooper and Bob Cornwall.

A MIXED team from Clarence men and ladies and Wessex Ladies bowling clubs played in a friendly match at Bridgwater BC on Sunday, November 22.

The rink skipped by Ron Higgins led all the way to win by one shot. Chris Read's four fought back well from 13-1 down but lost by six, giving the home club's all-men team victory by five shots.

Clarence rinks: J Keay, V Jones, J Higgins, R Higgins 14-13; I Baker, M Baker, A Powell, C Read 11-17.