Winter League
At their last meeting the Management Committee looked towards the end-of-season celebrations and made some decisions involving major changes to last year's format.
The first-ever League Presentation Event was held in April 2023 at the end of the 2022-23 season and was a complete sell-out. Staged at Lindley Liberal Club with all 135 tickets sold within 36 hours of becoming available. It was a great occasion well-managed by Lindley Liberal Club with top class entertainment and generally well enjoyed by all.
Feedback on the event was very positive with only two areas of repetitive concern. The first being the restriction of 135 tickets being available meant that some teams didn't get tickets. Then there was also some feedback that the presentation part of the event was too long with 10 trophies presented in total to clubs and individuals. Both these concerns have been tackled as part of a revamped celebrations package.
There was the option to move the occasion to an alternative larger venue but the Management Committee are keen to see that our host clubs benefit financially from this event and the Lindley Liberal Club provided an excellent venue for the occasion last year. The outcome was that it was agreed to split the event into two halves.
One event covering divisions 1 to 3 and a second event covering divisions 4 to 6. The Divisions 1, 2 and 3 party will now be staged at Lindley Liberal Club on Friday 26 April from 1.30pm. The format is likely to be the same as last year with entertainment, stand-up bingo, pie 'n' peas and the presentation of trophies. Price of tickets still to be confirmed along with all the other details.
The 2nd party will cover Divisions 4,5 and 6 and will be held at Netherton Con on Friday 5 April starting at 1.30pm. Again a professional entertainer will be on stage and as well as the presentation of awards there will be a Play Your Cards Right session and Hot Beef/Pork sandwiches for all. Tickets will be priced at £4 and again full details will be provided as things get finalised.
Both venues are capable of seating an audience of 130 so overcoming the lack of sufficient tickets last year and hopefully some bowlers will want to attend both events in supporting their club's other teams in different divisions. By staging two events the number of trophies to be presented will be almost halved so addressing the concerns about the length of time the presentation of awards took.
Lots of details to be finalised but hopefully this early notice of the dates and format will enable all bowlers to have the option of attending the celebrations. Ticket information for the first of the two events at Netherton Cons will be available very soon.
We will be reserving tickets for the teams and individuals that are to receive awards but after that it is first come first served arrangement. However with the two events and 135 tickets for each, we are expecting to satisfy the full demand for each of the two parties.
Will the event be the same as last year, a spouse / partner can also attend