Secretary's Report

What Have I Done To Deserve This?

'Yet another cock-up by the secretary' was the view of many members of the Hilly House in 2006 when it was revealed that the Staffordshire County individual merit took place without Richard Bullock & Lee Maslin. The entry form had not been posted and the chance of real glory was denied. Youngsters Nat Wright & Jamie Beddow suffered a similar fate when the also were not entered into the Junior Merit.

Many also secretly questioned Paul Hickman's involvement in the Smethwick Merit Finals debacle, a mix up of dates meant that qualifiers, Lee Maslin & Richard Bullock were unable to attend the event due to other commitments.

Further criticism of Paul's ability to manage club matters such as 1) the date of the Presentation meaning that fewer tickets would be sold and Christmas cards could not be hand delivered, 2) lack of communication regarding the date of the Presentation meaning some members and even winners were unaware of the event. 3) Lack of league tables available to view either on the notice board or club website. 4) Failure or unwillingness to acquire financial support from the Brewery/Landlords. 5) A lack of interest in the bowling green and its surrounds. 6) The inability to make sure that the post arrives at it's destination on time/at all. 7) Lack of communication with other club officials regarding financial matters. 8) Spending more time on Warwick & Worcester business than on Hilly House business 9) etc. etc. etc.

The criticism aimed, either directly or indirectly, at the club secretary has lead him into making the following unprecedented statement.... 'Tough'

TAKE OVER BID

Whilst a vote of no confidence has not yet been made, it has become apparent that Paul Hickman may be relieved of his duties over the next few months.

Chairman, Lee Maslin has taken over responsibility of all League and County Merit Competition entries. Treasurer, Karen Lennard has taken the Secretaries cheque book away. Micky Stevens has taken over the organising of the Hilly House Presentation Evening and with John Taylor now controlling the club match records, Paul Hickman has little work left to do for the club.

"It's a position that pays £75 per season and all I'm doing now is attending a few meetings," said the secretary. "and I even get paid for going to them."

Too much too young
Club Secretary, Paul Hickman has emerged as a well respected member of the sport's hierarchy due to work he provides for the sport via www.crowngreen.com.....

HOW DID IT HAPPEN ?
Geoff Maslin's decision to retire as club secretary after 20+ years of service came as a surprise to most during the 2003 AGM. The consequence of that decision was that a new secretary needed to be inaugurated at the 2004 AGM.
A half-yearly meeting was arranged for September, for the election of the post, it was to be the most important vote to take place at the Hilly House for over 20 years and concerned every member of the club.
The club needed to move forwards and be re-organised to meet the demands of its members. It would be the committee’s role and especially the role of the secretary, to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible. Names had been banded around for a while, though no-one officially threw their hat into the ring.

Your Vote Counted
Three names were proposed at the meeting and following a vote, Paul Hickman was duly elected as the club's secretary.