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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 6, 2012 10:47:38 GMT
I noticed this comment on this weeks League Cup thread about next season.... Disappointing to hear that lewes might not accept additional teams from Eastbourne next year due to travelling, must do a bit more canvassing in the comming few weeks. As one of the people that does have reservations about accepting more teams from Eastbourne, I thought that an explanation as to why may be helpful to you. ;) Four of the regular players in our team live in West Sussex, with TJ the furthest away on the far side of Littlehampton, Colleen & I in Lancing and Bill (who doesn't drive) in Upper Beeding, so it is a round journey of about 70/80 miles for us to Eastbourne. Tony, Colleen & I often don't finish work or get home until about 6.30pm and, if we are due to play in Eastbourne we then have to rush around to have a quick shower, get changed, maybe grab a quick sandwich if there is time.... as we need to leave home by 7.15pm to pick Bill up on the way through, giving us about an hour to get to Eastbourne as the A27 isn't always the fastest road in the world once you get east of Lewes.... ::) By the time the game has finished and we have dropped Bill home, it's usually past midnight before we get home ourselves which means that it has been a long evening of rushing about which does reduce the enjoyment factor considerably.... :'( I know that you have frequently suggested earlier starts for matches elsewhere on the Forum, so I am sure that you will understand why I say this.... and why an earlier start would be impossible for us. ::) We have been quite happy to make this journey to accommodate the team from the Star this season and have very much enjoyed their Company during the matches we have played against them.... I also know that your players have to make the journey over to Lewes venues every other week whereas we have only had to make a couple of trips out to Eastbourne this season.... :D However if there were 4 Eastbourne teams in Lewes next year we could potentially have to make 8 visits for League and League Cup matches (or more if we were drawn there in the Cup) during the course of the season which, much as I love the game, would start to make me wonder as to whether I would personally want to play in the Lewes League next season.... or if I would possibly look to play another evening of the week instead at more local venues. :-/ Something that you may wish to consider.... I know that you recently mentioned that a table had been put into the Barlow Mow at Selmeston, this would reduce the travelling time for us by about 15 to 20 minutes in each direction and would certainly make me less likely to have reservations about additional teams if a couple of the teams were based there rather than in the centre of Eastbourne? As I am sure you are aware, I am all in favour of more people and teams playing the game and I must stress that any objection that I may have is purely because of my own personal situation based on the travelling time and distance from my home to Eastbourne.... it is not necessarily the view of the rest of my team or any other teams within the current Lewes League, although I would be surprised if I were the only person within the League that would have reservations about it.... :-/ I have started this thread to give any other members of the Lewes League the opportunity to comment on it, which hopefully may give useful feedback for Gandalf and allow a way for more teams to play in Lewes League next year. 8-)
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Post by bigtj on Mar 6, 2012 16:16:11 GMT
As Dave says the travelling is a factor, and I do not arrive home from work on a Monday until at the earliest 6.30 (assuming public transport is on time). Quick shower out and usually nothing to eat, I can at least use a subsidised canteen at work for lunch.
I do feel we must be encouraging more teams to participate in the leagues, but would be interested in others views, especially maybe from others who do particpate in the debates usually. Lewes is a good league, and I am sure would like to strenghten its numbers, and with Eastbourne struggling for teams it would seem logical for them to enter Lewes for more competition. As Dave says, we enjoy the evening with the guys from Eastbourne, and I think this is something that needs consideration, as it may be counter productive if we start to loose some existing teams due to travelling.
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Post by bobhall on Mar 6, 2012 16:39:25 GMT
This is not turning into a lewes league though it will be eastbourne league if its what people want why not find pubs around lewes who want a table and play from there this way we keep more pubs open it pleases every1 and another league does not have teams folding i feel if it goes to having four teams in eastbourne you will see 3 teams fold in my opinion i love the game and the travelling not a problem as i am willing to go to opens.
This game is dying and we need to support the pubs but please what ever pubs are open please make sure the soft drinks are reasonably priced why should i drive to a venue to find beer is cheaper and i cant drink as im driving :(
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 6, 2012 16:40:23 GMT
I do feel we must be encouraging more teams to participate in the leagues, but would be interested in others views, especially maybe from others who do particpate in the debates usually. I agree entirely, which is why I thought this was worth starting a new thread for.... ;) I know that we do get posts from players from the Bridge, Cock Inn and Brewers Arms fairly regularly and people from CKRBL, Black Horse and Plough Plumpton also visit the Forum.... so let's have some constructive thoughts and ideas on how this could work? 8-)
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Post by gandalf the untidy on Mar 6, 2012 17:39:05 GMT
As Dave says the traveling is a factor, and I do not arrive home from work on a Monday until at the earliest 6.30 (assuming public transport is on time). Quick shower out and usually nothing to eat, I can at least use a subsidized canteen at work for lunch. I do feel we must be encouraging more teams to participate in the leagues, but would be interested in others views, especially maybe from others who do participate in the debates usually. Lewes is a good league, and I am sure would like to strengthen its numbers, and with Eastbourne struggling for teams it would seem logical for them to enter Lewes for more competition. As Dave says, we enjoy the evening with the guys from Eastbourne, and I think this is something that needs consideration, as it may be counter productive if we start to loose some existing teams due to traveling. Hi Big tj/Warrior/robbo Traveling is a major issue and will only become more-so as fuel prices increase, we have suggested up to 3 new teams and i had started the discussion ball rolling at the Lewes captains comp. We are checking on the principle of how Lewes would respond to such an application from other teams based in Eastbourne whether it would be 1,2 or 3 remains to be seen. Obviously our preference would be to support our existing landlords and play from pubs we already use in Eastbourne as we have been well looked after by them over the years. I know there would be an application for a 2ND Team to play at the star and have been told that The Hospital club have said that they will probably be able to place a team, i also expect some of the Hurst players to play. We have an Eastbourne team playing in Hastings based at the Plough Westfield which means driving min 45 mins each way every Wednesday and i don't get back before midnight either. We asked Hastings if teams would travel to Eastbourne and we got a definite "no its too far" luckily i can drive so we agreed to place a team at a new venue which i think has worked really well. Weather other Eastbourne teams will want the bother of "Playing Away" every week I'm not sure, i can say we are looking to place a 2ND team at the Plough next season it is certainly difficult (though not impossible) to get enough regular drivers to take on this task even though i would have no problem raising a team. We have to say we love playing in Hastings, even with the traveling being a bit of a bind driving so far EVERY week and we have been welcomed by all we meet in Hastings. We get the same welcome from Lewes teams as well and it is much more fun playing different venues and as i keep saying we must keep this game fun for as many as possible. Once i get confirmation on what basis Lewes wants us to proceed, i can bring it to our AGM and advise all of the options, weather its yes bring in 1,2 or 3 teams only or a compromise option of say 1 additional team based in Eastbourne and any others will have to be playing within a certain catchment area. The last thing we want to do is place a team in Lewes and force another out. regs cs PS only spelt 23 words wrong ..so far ;D
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 6, 2012 18:11:48 GMT
We are checking on the principle of how Lewes would respond to such an application from other teams based in Eastbourne whether it would be 1,2 or 3 remains to be seen. Once i get confirmation on what basis Lewes wants us to proceed, i can bring it to our AGM and advise all of the options, weather its yes bring in 1,2 or 3 teams only or a compromise option of say 1 additional team based in Eastbourne and any others will have to be playing within a certain catchment area. The last thing we want to do is place a team in Lewes and force another out. Some excellent points Gandalf and very well put. 8-) As I am sure is the same in every League, the only way that you can get a decision on whether Lewes League will accept more teams from Eastbourne is for the teams that are interested to apply at the AGM.... however, hopefully, we will get enough replies from different teams on here to give you a feel what everybody thinks about it. ;) There is a Committee Meeting in 2 weeks time and I am sure the subject will be raised there and, as most teams are represented, perhaps Committee members could find out the thoughts of their teams during the next couple of weeks to enable a meaningful discussion to take place at the meeting?
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Post by little legs on Mar 6, 2012 18:50:04 GMT
After speaking to Colin i spoke to some of the captains last week and didn,t get too much of positivity (mainly from the teams in west sussex). It seems the Lewes and District league is certainly more DISTRICT than Lewes,it wasnt so long ago we heard the comments" all the way to Newhaven" or "oh no we've been drawn at the Bridge" but hopefully now everyone seems to be ok with this. Personally last night i didnt get home a lot later than travelling to other venues (tho i am fortunate to live quite centrally).This did mean for us that Alan couldnt play because of his work shifts and if it fell wrong he would have to miss these games which is somthing we wouldnt want. Obviously depending on the number of teams in the league , the League Cup (originally introduced as a filler to the season) may have to be lost and then only 3/4 trips to Eastbourne. Lets hope we a situation can be sorted to accomodate all, without losing teams on either side of the boundaries. As Dave said this my personal view and not of my team or the committee.
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Post by gandalf the untidy on Mar 7, 2012 8:41:29 GMT
As Dave says the travelling is a factor, and I do not arrive home from work on a Monday until at the earliest 6.30 (assuming public transport is on time). Quick shower out and usually nothing to eat, I can at least use a subsidised canteen at work for lunch. I do feel we must be encouraging more teams to participate in the leagues, but would be interested in others views, especially maybe from others who do particpate in the debates usually. Lewes is a good league, and I am sure would like to strenghten its numbers, and with Eastbourne struggling for teams it would seem logical for them to enter Lewes for more competition. As Dave says, we enjoy the evening with the guys from Eastbourne, and I think this is something that needs consideration, as it may be counter productive if we start to loose some existing teams due to travelling. I suppose that we could always reaarange the odd match to a sunday afternoon for a team that has logistical troubles, may cause stato a bit of a headache but may be a simple solution provided the fishy players still have available time in their diaries
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Post by H on Mar 7, 2012 10:10:47 GMT
This doesn't help - Eastbourne is only just up the road for me ;)
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 7, 2012 11:14:15 GMT
This doesn't help - Eastbourne is only just up the road for me ;) You only play HOME games though H...... ::) ;D
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Post by H on Mar 7, 2012 11:28:43 GMT
Only because I work...and yes sorry, I was being mischievous with that comment! XD
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Post by Q on Mar 7, 2012 15:22:14 GMT
As an outsider looking in my first thought is that most comments against the new teams are very selfish, after all the main complainants are people from OUTSIDE of the Lewes area who CHOOSE to play in Lewes league. If you choose to play in a league that is x number of miles from home then you have to accept that it will mean travelling every week.
We have to encourage new players and new teams, if that means a little extra travelling then sobeit, the ideal answer would be to expand the Eastbourne league so that the 2 could coexist in their own right but we dont live in ideal times.
When I lived in Crawley I chose to help out a Brighton team which meant I travelled every week, home or away, and as I was the only player from my area it was all down to me, I was lucky in that my petrol was 'free' so it was only time that caused the problem. But it was MY choice, I didn't start complaining that I had to go towards Worthing to play some away games, it was part of the adventure.
I might also add that I played Lewes league that season as well, & my usual Mid Sussex and Horsham commitments so travelling was all part of the game.
Likewise (and Clive will confirm) when Crawley league folded and joined Horsham & District the Crawley teams accepted that they had to travel to play away matches, one (or was it two) 'Horsham' teams were accepted from Pulborough which was a horrendous journey (to a horrendous table) but it was accepted that we only had to travel once a season whilst they had to do it every other week.
If this discussion is taken to committee the I hope that the 'outsiders' from West Sussex allow the Lewes locals to make the decision without resorting to threats of removing teams, after all it is the Lewes & District League and should therefore be decided by Lewes & district players, and when all is said & done Lewes to Eastbourne isn't a bad trip at all, and that is the main consideration.
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Post by JB on Mar 7, 2012 15:49:38 GMT
Not sure your right with some of your comments Q. I know the people choosing to play in Lewes league have to go along with the Committe decision but I think its the players from the original teams in Lewes that would be against it. (Could have worded that better lol)
What you have to remember is there is actually only one venue in Lewes. I know when the Bridge first entered the league people then didnt like the travelling. (Lewes to Newhaven 8.5 miles) Lewes to Eastbourne 17 miles (ok but look at the other teams if they were travelling from there home venue in Lewes league) Laughing Fish Isfield - Lewes to Isfield 6 miles - Isfield to Eastbourne 21 miles. Brewers - Burgess Hill to Lewes 11 miles - Burgess Hill to Eastbourne 29.5 miles
Just a couple of examples coz cant be bothered to work them all out.
So you can see its not only going to be the 'outsiders' that would have a problem with the travelling
Just my opinion as a part time Lewes player. Would be interested to hear from the non 'outsiders' or a report from the next committee meeting.
Just one more thought. We wanted to enter a team in Worthing. (This was 4 Brighton girls and 1 Worthing girl) so what did we do. Found a home venue in the centre of Worthing.
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Post by little legs on Mar 7, 2012 16:43:40 GMT
On the point of people choosing to play in the Lewes league, this probably applies to our team and the Fish more than most, but by choosing to play we have chosen venues in the boundaries allowed rather than supporting our chosen pub from the League we already play in, so maybe a move to a closer table would be possible.
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 7, 2012 18:24:00 GMT
With all respect to Q, I have to say that I am very unhappy with some of the wording he has used in his post.... >:( The "outsiders" from West Sussex have been regular players in the Lewes League for the last 4 years, some are members of the Lewes League Committee and others represent the Lewes League in the Inter League competition. I feel that we are therefore fully entitled to express our opinions on the proposal to bring additional teams into the League.... ;D Had Q taken the time to read the posts on here properly, he would have noticed the note that I put with my original post.... I have started this thread to give any other members of the Lewes League the opportunity to comment on it, which hopefully may give useful feedback for Gandalf and allow a way for more teams to play in Lewes League next year. 8-) .... and he would perhaps have realised that the purpose of the thread was not to prevent new teams and players from joining the Lewes League, but to try to find out the views of existing League Teams and their Players on allowing additional teams into the League based from Eastbourne itself, or if the Eastbourne teams would need to find venues nearer to the other venues that are already in the League. When we joined the Lewes League 4 years, us West Sussex "outsiders" did not ask to join the League from a venue in Brighton or Worthing.... we went out and found a suitable venue within the catchment area of the Lewes League and entered our team from there. 8-) Looking at posts for matches played in the Hastings League, it seems obvious that when an Eastbourne Team wanted to join the Hastings League this season that they were asked to find a suitable venue within the Hastings area.... which they did.... and that would appear to be the obvious solution to the "problem" of allowing new teams with Eastbourne players to enter the Lewes League. ;) It is not a case of not wanting more teams.... simply that it is obvious that if you want to play in a League, your team should be based within the catchment area of that League. The decision to allow the existing Eastbourne team to enter the League last year was made at the AGM last year, with most people being of the opinion that we would give it a trial and see if it works.... From the replies so far, both on the Forum and from people who attended the Captains Cup Competition last week, it would appear that a vast majority of League Members would be unwilling to allow additional teams to enter from Eastbourne venues.... after all, it is the LEWES League. ;D Clearly, the Lewes League Committee do have to consider the possibility that if it does accept new teams from Eastbourne itself, that it may cause existing League Teams to withdraw from the League if they don't wish to travel that far on multiple occasions during the season.... it would seem to defeat the object of having new teams enter the League, if you lost as many existing members for the same reason. :P Possibly that it a selfish view.... however I would suggest that making the journey from Worthing to Eastbourne (about 35 miles, journey time about 50 minutes) 8 times a year is probably rather more time consuming and expensive than driving from Crawley to Pulborough (perhaps 20 miles, maybe 25-30 minutes) twice a year, and petrol prices have gone up a bit during the many years since Q left the area.... :P No decision as to whether the additional teams will / won't be allowed to enter the League will be made here on the Forum, that will be decided by either the Committee or at the AGM.... ;) However perhaps I could ask 2 things.... 1) Would the new Eastbourne teams consider playing from a venue within the Lewes area? 2) Please could we keep this thread restricted to ONLY responses from Current players within either the Lewes League or those teams that are interested in entering from Eastbourne.... Not people who have no connection with OUR League beyond playing half a season of games 5 years ago. >:( :P
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 7, 2012 18:42:54 GMT
Jean..... Just one more thought. We wanted to enter a team in Worthing. (This was 4 Brighton girls and 1 Worthing girl) so what did we do. Found a home venue in the centre of Worthing. ....and Kevin.... On the point of people choosing to play in the Lewes league, this probably applies to our team and the Fish more than most, but by choosing to play we have chosen venues in the boundaries allowed rather than supporting our chosen pub from the League we already play in, so maybe a move to a closer table would be possible. ....have hit the nail on the head here exactly. If you want to enter a team in a different League, you need to find a venue within the area of that League. We did exactly the same 4 years ago. ;) Otherwise you could end up with teams from Cornwall wanting to enter a Sussex League and us "West Sussex Outsiders" would be considered "selfish" if we didn't want to travel to away games..... :-X :P >:(
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Post by Chris_Sav on Mar 7, 2012 22:21:15 GMT
Time to stick my oar in!!
1) As a forum moderator
Anybody is entitled to express an opinion in any post in the members areas. There are comments above which I consider are of a personal nature, I don't want to see any more. This is an interesting topic with interesting debate, remember people often do not express clearly what they mean using the written word. Keep the debate going, put your point of view, do not belittle others.
2) As an Individual.
My opinion is that I don't agree with Bernie's post on letting Lewes players decide, I believe a league belongs to all its players. Having said that outsider teams to wishing to join my league would be expected to find a venue within our bounds. If we talked about accepting teams from outside our normal remit we would have (and have had) teams threatening to leave. Some teams get taxis to away venues in our league cos they like a pint as much (if not more ;D) as the billiards and would not travel enormous distances.
Sav
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Post by Q on Mar 7, 2012 22:49:28 GMT
Time to stick my oar in!! 2) As an Individual. My opinion is that I don't agree with Bernie's post on letting Lewes players decide, I believe a league belongs to all its players. Having said that outsider teams to wishing to join my league would be expected to find a venue within our bounds. If we talked about accepting teams from outside our normal remit we would have (and have had) teams threatening to leave. Some teams get taxis to away venues in our league cos they like a pint as much (if not more ;D) as the billiards and would not travel enormous distances. Sav Point taken Chris, I was just commenting on how it looks from this side, which seems to be a one sided arguement, I wanted to put across the other side, especially to let people know that it takes more than one person to make a decision. I can understand people not wanting to travel, but in a few cases the decision to travel has already been made.... by joining a league outside of their own area. And Dave, sorry mate, this is an open forum, anyone can make comments if they feel they have a relevant point. And I presume from your response that you wont want an invite to the 1st Cornish open if and when I get it organised :P
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 7, 2012 23:49:50 GMT
Point taken Chris, I was just commenting on how it looks from this side, which seems to be a one sided arguement, I wanted to put across the other side, especially to let people know that it takes more than one person to make a decision. I can understand people not wanting to travel, but in a few cases the decision to travel has already been made.... by joining a league outside of their own area. And Dave, sorry mate, this is an open forum, anyone can make comments if they feel they have a relevant point. And I presume from your response that you wont want an invite to the 1st Cornish open if and when I get it organised :P A brief response.... 1) You are correct to state that it won't be one person who makes any decision within the League, obviously it will be decided either by the Committee or by the AGM. ::) 2) When players join any League, they must expect to do some travelling. But they must then decide on how far and often they wish to travel if the teams and venues within the League change. I do not know of any other League that would have initially accepted a team from so far outside their normal catchment area to enable them to play in our League.... certainly neither Brighton, Worthing or Mid-Sussex would consider it.... but now we are being criticised for being reluctant to accept more teams by somebody who is not even connected with the League. :P 3) POSITIVE comments that offer a solution to the situation are welcomed from anybody.... however describing existing members of a League as either "selfish" or "outsiders" are frankly insulting to those players who are clearly committed to playing in the League and have been for several years. >:( >:( >:( 4) If Cornwall does ever hold an Open Competition.... I think that the word "Open" could just indicate that I wouldn't need an invitation to enter. :P I have to say that if there was any doubt in my mind before about how I would vote at the next Committee Meeting, the posts from Q have definitely made up my mind.... >:( I would love to see more teams in the Lewes League.... but ONLY if they play from venues within the Lewes area and I will therefore be proposing a new Rule at the AGM that all new teams must be based within a 10 mile radius of Lewes town centre. 8-)
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Post by Q on Mar 8, 2012 0:29:15 GMT
Toys & Prams spring to mind Dave. ;)
Can everyone reading this please understand that these are only personal opinions and that everyone should make up their OWN mind on how they would like THEIR league run.
(I quite like this yellow emphasis, you might be starting a trend Dave) ;D
And as I had already stated Horsham accepted Pulborough teams (a onehour country drive from Crawley) :P 8-)
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Post by bigtj on Mar 8, 2012 8:45:14 GMT
This seems to be getting of the point, and unfortunately a lot of people who could be classed as Lewes stalwarts do not comment on the forum (and seeing the way this discussion has headed prehaps we can understand why), we need to have those teams canvassed (which I know Kev Stoner did at captains evening) and a sensible report made to the Lewes committee.
Also please note I have at no point said I would pull out of the league but that it could result in teams using their given right and re-evakuate their situation. I am all for leagues increasing at a time that the game is struggling for teams and venues, and hope a swensible conclusion is reached to the advantage of all people involved.
At the moment this is all only being run on ideas, as neither have Eastbourne stated that they are definitely said they are going to put in extra sides, or the league being in a position to make any decisions. We are looking here at people who care about the game, Dave Ingram`s passion cannot never be faulted, and Colin Southouse is always looking to improve Eastbourns lot by looking at ways to give players in a league with only four sides a better chance to compete. We need these people to keep our lovely game going, so lets keep everything in perpestive and not get personal.
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Post by barbelman on Mar 8, 2012 9:44:29 GMT
Very interesting thread and excuse my intrusion on Lewes ;)
I am secretary of a very rural league in deepest Oxfordshire (Witney), and growth of the league (or at least maintaining numbers) is very important to us as we are running near the viable minimum as it is. All but one of our local tables are used by teams so there is no potential for growth there, and we can't ask teams to play closer to the epicentre because there is no-where for them to play.
We recently had approaches from teams in Gloucestershire (just) and I petitioned my teams through our newsletter to see if there were any objectors to them joining. Even though, at it's extreme, it would mean a 45 minute drive across Oxon for some teams, there were none and most were very positive about their joining. They could see that it was the ONLY way that our league could grow and prosper but the point is that communication was the answer. Ask ALL the teams and get a consensus of opinion, explaining the facts, the whys and the wherefores without bias. I know that are some associations that won't allow anyone in that they can't get a taxi to ;D ;D but we cannot afford that luxury if we are to remain as a league. Members are very forgiving if someone is going to be late due to work commitments and we will always swap the draw round to accommodate them
BTW we have since had two more tables installed in the Witney area with another possible enquiry so things are looking rosy here for a change!
cheers Tony
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Post by oldseagull (R.I.P.) on Mar 8, 2012 10:13:13 GMT
I am in total agreement that the lewes league needs new players and teams However we tend to struggle at the cock with players work commitments to put out two teams on both Mondays and Wednesday nights. I know that four of us would find it hard to play at Eastbourne on a more frequent basis.it could become quite possible that we could not raise enough players and therefor Deny our opponents of a genuine 5 0 win. I did have my reservations about this season but i was informed that it would mean only one trip to Eastbourne.However when the plough and the cock were drawn together in the cup the venue chosen was the star.As i explained to certain members of the committee that it was unreasonable for two teams Less than one mile apart to take 10 players on a 50 mile round trip.I still have a slight problem going to newhaven(France)due to work commitments.The star has a good team with a nice bunch of lads.But i for one would not be delighted with more trips to the Continent
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Post by BB Warrior on Mar 8, 2012 10:30:40 GMT
Very interesting thread and excuse my intrusion on Lewes ;) I am secretary of a very rural league in deepest Oxfordshire (Witney), and growth of the league (or at least maintaining numbers) is very important to us as we are running near the viable minimum as it is. All but one of our local tables are used by teams so there is no potential for growth there, and we can't ask teams to play closer to the epicentre because there is no-where for them to play. BTW we have since had two more tables installed in the Witney area with another possible enquiry so things are looking rosy here for a change! Some very interesting points made by Tony about how another League has overcome a similar problem.... and very glad to hear that things have worked out and their League has grown. There are currently several venues within the Lewes League area that either have teams that play in another League (Mid-Sussex) on a different night of the week and all of the venues currently in the Lewes League have single teams only so could accommodate another team within the League. So there would be plenty of acceptable venues that new teams wishing to apply to the League could choose to play from, if they were prepared to travel to a home venue themselves.
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Post by JB on Mar 8, 2012 11:11:10 GMT
Members are very forgiving if someone is going to be late due to work commitments and we will always swap the draw round to accommodate them This is the same in Lewes. I know of 3 teams that have to change the draw around to accomodate players and it is always done without any problems. The trouble is for some players it would be impossible to get to Eastbourne after finishing a late shift or to get from Eastbourne back to start a night shift. Some teams only have 5 players so this could be a problem.
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Post by JB on Mar 8, 2012 11:31:05 GMT
As an outsider looking in my first thought is that most comments against the new teams are very selfish, after all the main complainants are people from OUTSIDE of the Lewes area who CHOOSE to play in Lewes league. If you choose to play in a league that is x number of miles from home then you have to accept that it will mean travelling every week. When I lived in Crawley I chose to help out a Brighton team which meant I travelled every week, home or away, and as I was the only player from my area it was all down to me, I was lucky in that my petrol was 'free' so it was only time that caused the problem. But it was MY choice, I didn't start complaining that I had to go towards Worthing to play some away games, it was part of the adventure. Isnt this what the 'outsiders' are doing? Travelling to play in the Lewes league at a venue that is within the Lewes league boundaries. Likewise (and Clive will confirm) when Crawley league folded and joined Horsham & District the Crawley teams accepted that they had to travel to play away matches, one (or was it two) 'Horsham' teams were accepted from Pulborough which was a horrendous journey (to a horrendous table) but it was accepted that we only had to travel once a season whilst they had to do it every other week. Isnt this exactly what the Lewes league have done this year? It would be interesting to know if 4 teams from Pulborough or further had asked to join would the Horsham league have accepted this? In your own words Q "it was accepted that we only had to travel once a season" I dont really understand your first comment about people being selfish and outsiders as surely we are only doing exactly what you have said in your post.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2012 12:04:35 GMT
I didn't really want to comment on this, but now that Horsham is being quoted as an example........... Have a look at this little map, which might be useful for reference in the discussion: www.mid-sussexbbl.co.uk/page2.htmlPoints have been made on this (very interesting) thread about catchment areas. Some localities are urban, others rural. It seems Lewes started off as 'urban' but now covers the Lewes Rural District. Horsham BB League Rules are such that teams are elible from within the Horsham Rural District - which is huge, and certainly takes in Pulborough ! In fact the furthest we've ever had to go was the White Horse, Bury, a 52-mile round journey - but no-one really complained because we were all keen to play and have as many teams in the league as possible. Another very good point has been made about if you join an 'alien' league you find a venue from within that League's catchment area. Jean's team of 80% Brighton people found a Worthing venue from which to enter the Worthing League. I can remember in the late 1970's a team of Brighton players (Chris Tupper, Dave Lewes, Dave Elliott, Harry Leeson etc) wishing to enter the Crawley League, and this they did by choosing an East Grinstead venue. There are loads of other examples I could quote, a Littlehampton team entering Billingshurst league from the Bury venue, a team of Crawley lads entering Redhill league from the Flying Scud etc etc. In fact Crawley has been both unlucky and lucky in its location....lost its (Urban) league but its teams have been welcomed to the various leagues surrounding it, despite it being on the periphery. These leagues "stretching a point' for us and displaying a degree of flexibility. I am not offering an opinion on what should/will or should not happen - none of my business - but just to say that Lewes set maybe a rather unwise precedent in allowing one Eastbourne team in this season, and would have to make it clear what they want at the next AGM and include it in their constitution. tommo PS - Looking at the little map, Brighton is adjacent to the Lewes D.C. Have Brighton teams ever been allowed to play in Lewes from Brighton venues ? I'll answer that one myself: No, as they have their own League. But if Brighton were ever to lose their league, they would probably be welcomed.
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Post by Q on Mar 8, 2012 12:17:05 GMT
As an outsider looking in my first thought is that most comments against the new teams are very selfish, after all the main complainants are people from OUTSIDE of the Lewes area who CHOOSE to play in Lewes league. If you choose to play in a league that is x number of miles from home then you have to accept that it will mean travelling every week. When I lived in Crawley I chose to help out a Brighton team which meant I travelled every week, home or away, and as I was the only player from my area it was all down to me, I was lucky in that my petrol was 'free' so it was only time that caused the problem. But it was MY choice, I didn't start complaining that I had to go towards Worthing to play some away games, it was part of the adventure. Isnt this what the 'outsiders' are doing? Travelling to play in the Lewes league at a venue that is within the Lewes league boundaries. Likewise (and Clive will confirm) when Crawley league folded and joined Horsham & District the Crawley teams accepted that they had to travel to play away matches, one (or was it two) 'Horsham' teams were accepted from Pulborough which was a horrendous journey (to a horrendous table) but it was accepted that we only had to travel once a season whilst they had to do it every other week. Isnt this exactly what the Lewes league have done this year? It would be interesting to know if 4 teams from Pulborough or further had asked to join would the Horsham league have accepted this? In your own words Q "it was accepted that we only had to travel once a season" I dont really understand your first comment about people being selfish and outsiders as surely we are only doing exactly what you have said in your post. Very good points Jean, I do think that if there were 4 teams from Pulborough the attitude may have been different, it didn't happen so we cant say for definate. I apologise for the 'outsider' inference Jean, it was purely an effort to make a distinction between players who live in the L&D area and those who choose to play in the L&D area. The whole point of my original post was to invoke debate, the originator of the thread had made a very strong case but it was purely an individuals opinion, any debate needs to see more than one side of an arguement so I provided an alternative. If I have upset anyone I am truly sorry.)
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Post by gandalf the untidy on Mar 8, 2012 18:06:02 GMT
We are checking on the principle of how Lewes would respond to such an application from other teams based in Eastbourne whether it would be 1,2 or 3 remains to be seen.
Once i get confirmation on what basis Lewes wants us to proceed, i can bring it to our AGM and advise all of the options, weather its yes bring in 1,2 or 3 teams only or a compromise option of say 1 additional team based in Eastbourne and any others will have to be playing within a certain catchment area.
The last thing we want to do is place a team in Lewes and force another out. [/color] Some excellent points Gandalf and very well put. 8-) As I am sure is the same in every League, the only way that you can get a decision on whether Lewes League will accept more teams from Eastbourne is for the teams that are interested to apply at the AGM.... however, hopefully, we will get enough replies from different teams on here to give you a feel what everybody thinks about it. ;) There is a Committee Meeting in 2 weeks time and I am sure the subject will be raised there and, as most teams are represented, perhaps Committee members could find out the thoughts of their teams during the next couple of weeks to enable a meaningful discussion to take place at the meeting? [/quote] Hi All Thanks TJ for your latest comments, The above highlighted extract is in a nutshell the extent of my enquiry, as we have enjoyed playing in lewes this season with 1 team others in Eastbourne league have wanted to play and we have been unable to fit them into an established team (that includes me as well) and many declared an interest in playing in lewes next year as well I will definately be playing in lewes next year one way or t'other Quite fancy playing at the cock, the plough or the black horse, if you want to make a bid post me an offer (offer must include candle lit dinner) ;D regs cs
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Post by oldseagull (R.I.P.) on Mar 9, 2012 7:55:57 GMT
Hi gandalf If you can handle the cock your most welcome. would a bag of crisps do ps we are always looking for players
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