President Maggy’s Report and ‘Thank You’s ’
Firstly, I want to say how much I enjoyed our presentation day at Solihull IBC on Saturday 2nd October. Despite the fuel crisis it was great to see so many people make the effort to come along for the afternoon and evening. It was a ‘fun and friendly day’ and one many of us needed following the past year and half of isolation. It was lovely to hear so much laughter.
It was great to have Greg and Kay Harlow along, games were played on and off of the green, presentations of trophies were made, ‘special awards’ presented, new committee members were introduced, ‘thank you’s ‘ were said, and things announced, and sadly, some not so happy!
It was announced that Ellen Falkner MBE was emigrating along with her husband to Australia around Christmas time. Sad for DBE as she had helped with coaching our Performance Squad. We wish her well.
With greater sadness, and particularly for our Chairman Steve, Mo is retiring from DBE in her capacity as Development Officer. However, we are so relieved that she is staying with us as a volunteer. She has worked so hard and brought a more professional aspect to the organisation. Mo has become a good and respected friend.
One person I would personally like to thank is Chairman Steve Watson. In the short time that he has been in post he has worked tremendously hard to ensure that our future is far more secure. I know how difficult it has been at times. ‘Nice one Steve!’
On a personal and happy note, I was taken by surprise when Greg presented me with a beautiful bouquet and engraved plaque to’ Maggy Smith MBE’ from my ‘DBE Family’.
I am not good at speaking in public and there were things I wished I’d have said at the time. In the 30 odd years I have been involved with disability bowls and disability sport I have met so many wonderful people, yourselves included, we really are ‘family’ and I’m privileged to be part of that family.