Minutes of the Bowls Oxfordshire Mixed Section Meeting on 17 December 2025 at 17:30
Held via Zoom
Present: Alan Scholan (AS), Terry Boswell (TB), John Hurren (JH), Wendy Hurp (minutes)
Apologies: Cynthia Briant (CB)
1. Welcome
2. Review of previous meeting notes (12 February 2025)
Minutes were agreed and accepted by all present.
3. Matters Arising
AS observed that at the time of the last meeting in February, it was hoped that all four
sections would be able to cover their costs through the entry fees; at a later stage it was
decided that this would not be possible as the junior division does not charge fees. It was
possible to obtain some grants and sponsorship for the youth division.
4. Competitions
As CB was unable to attend the meeting, she submitted a list of points to the committee
and JH raised these for discussion. It was confirmed that there will be four mixed
competitions, the same as last year. The entry forms were sent to all clubs in early August;
completed forms do not need to be with AS until 12 January. All club secretaries to be
contacted by Chris Weller with a reminder to get their members to sign up.
CB questioned whether Roy Radband will be administering the Officers’ Cup this year.
Previously this was a men’s event but with unification, it is now a mixed event. The Men’s
section is reluctant to release it but the decision was made that the mixed section will now
administer it.
CB expressed concern that the draws for the competitions are due to be published on 3
February; with the submission deadline of 12 January this only leaves 19 days to arrange
the draws, and she will be in France during most of that period but would like to participate
in the draw (but would need to do this before 20 January). AS believes all the competition
secretaries should meet and do the draws together. JH said a particular piece of software
has been used to arrange the draws. TB to contact CB and ask her to follow up with other
competition secretaries, and to manage the Officers’ Cup. JH suggested if the draw can’t be
done before 20 January, it would be advisable to have someone from the mixed section
present.
Australian Pairs – CB thought it would be preferable to have a date for this event before
people have to enter. It was pointed out that this is not the case for any other events. Last
year this was a one day event at two venues, could we bring these together in one venue,
with two greens? Request CB to contact Sue Mayo at City and County, and Mick Rockett at
South Oxford, to see if they have any availability.
Domestic finals – these are scheduled for 9 August, either at a 2 rink venue or over two
days at a single green. Should there be a separate semi finals date? As county President,
AS would like to see unified semi finals and finals days. In future (2027) it might be possible
to start domestic events later as there is no deadline for Bowls England.
All these actions to be taken by CB.
5. Fixtures
There were seven mixed county matches played this past season (one conceded). JH will
try to identify some other counties to play. Four of the six fixtures for next season have been
arranged (Leicester, away to Wiltshire, young bowlers and ??). There are many young
bowlers in Carterton, Banbury, Headington. Should the venue be changed from Kidlington
(they charge a fee). Last time the match fees were donated to the Kidlington President’s
charity. JH to find a venue for the young bowlers match. All fixtures can be found in the
Bowls Oxfordshire website, Diary section. Waiting for Wiltshire to confirm dates. Website –
can mixed section be updated with a link to the fixtures, for ease of locating?
Gloucestershire are interested in playing as are Bristol. No progress with Berkshire. JH will
try some other options.
6. Mixed League Over 60s Mixed Inter-County Fixture
Alex Fleming (men’s captain) cannot alter the date for his men’s triples match on 19 May
against Bedfordshire, which clashes with the proposed date for the Over 60s mixed match.
Can we have this date in 2027? AS to look into rules and regulations for that event. This
event should be as competitive as the Middleton Cup and Walker Cup – can we get some
of those over 60s involved? Selectors for this match are AS, JH, CB and Caroline
Bloomfield. Idea to appoint two captains to raise profile of the match. Bank holiday Monday
is preferred provisional date for juniors match, JH to talk to Dave Leafield to get venue and
date that suits all.
AS supplied an update on the Mixed Triples League:
Constitutional Changes- At the September AGM the league Constitution was
changed to show that the league was affiliated to Bowls Oxfordshire, and the
committee extended by adding a delegate from each of the two Divisions.
Playing Rules Changes - There continue to be issues about trial ends, and skips
visiting the head, and proposals are developing on the more fundamental change of
going over to a fixed playing date.
Match Play - The league matches were played in a glorious summer, with no
weather interruptions, and only one match that could not be played. Congratulated
go to the winners of both divisions, in Division 1 Burford Bowls Club were worthy and
clear, and in Division 2 Banbury Chestnuts. The latter division being a very tight one
and sympathy must go to Bloxham and OUP who just failed to get over the line. Also
very well done to West Witney, runners up in their first year of being in Division 1.
2026 League - No applications for new Clubs to join had been received by the
closing date of 31st October and no withdrawals either. TB questioned if it was too
late to apply to participate in the coming season, AS confirmed the deadline had
passed. Planning on 15 teams for 2026.
Financial Treasurer Helen reported a balance of £297, with annual £10 subscriptions
due to be paid by each club. No financial problems.
Is there a trophy for Division 2? Yes. Mixed section is affiliated with Bowls Oxfordshire, is
the mixed league covered by insurance? Does the league committee want to consider an
alternative way of funding the league.
AS can represent the mixed league at the competition meetings, this is with Helen
(treasurer), Bruce (secretary), and delegates from Div 1 (Jack Lafford) and Div 2 (Chris
Beard). It was agreed that the two delegates be invited to the Mixed Section meetings. AS
to invite them to the next meeting and join the committee.
7. Selection Committee (meeting)
The selection committee meeting is primarily for selection – ideally there should be a
meeting in April, allow two weeks’ notice (Easter Sunday is 5 April). JH away from 9-23
April. Next meeting will be 24 April at 2:00 pm, for selection. Venue TBD, possibly via
Zoom. Invite Jack, Chris and Caroline B. WH requested to minute if available.
8. Match fees
It was confirmed that the match fees will be £15 if two course meal provided, £12 if a buffet,
and £5 if no food.
9. Any Other Business
None.
None. TB thanked JH for arranging the Zoom call.
.
Meeting closed at 18:55.