AEBBA COMMITTEE 2014

[Chris]

Dear All

Following Phil's statement that he intends to stand down as chair - what are we doing in advance of the AGM???

Surely we should be asking if any more officers are standing down?? and if so they should please declare before the AGM. It surprises me that nothing goes out prior re the AGM re Officers and elections??

I am willing to support Dave Alder by standing to support in a position if required, ( not as chair) but feel there is no process for those that may wish to also.

Dave does an astounding job ... what committee does he have to support him next year???

Being Forth wright

Best wishes to all

Chris x

[Chris_Sav]

I will be resigning as Treasurer at the 2013 AGM, the AEBBA committee are already aware of this. I will complete my Bournemouth organising obligations for 2014.



Sav.

[barbelman]

Oct 29, 2013 13:06:56 GMT Chris_Sav said:

I will be resigning as Treasurer at the 2013 AGM, the AEBBA committee are already aware of this. I will complete my Bournemouth organising obligations for 2014.

Sav.

That is news indeed Chris and it is difficult to see where the AEBBA goes from here.  I, for one, hope that you will reassess your position before the AGM.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Tony

Yes - a real pity. Thanks for the fantastic output from your efforts this year tho, Sav.

The turnaround in the AEBBA's financial position and reduction of liabilities is dramatic. We are immensely grateful.

Yes - a real pity. Thanks for the fantastic output from your efforts this year tho, Sav.

The turnaround in the AEBBA's financial position and reduction of liabilities is dramatic. We are immensely grateful.

[The Chubbster™]

That's news Chris,


Your contribution to bar billiards has been tremendous, not only over the last year, but for a good few years now. What you have done with the finances (at least, from what I can tell) has been nothing short of outstanding.

I hope you still play a part in the running of the game, with the tables and especially this forum. I’ve not commented on anything outside the Brighton Forum for a good long while now, but I’ve been watching at the various stick you’ve been taking, and the lack of gratitude your magnificent work has received.

You are and always have been I feel…. the kind of person who is the heart and soul of the Bar Billiards community. I for one worry about the game without your input and hard work on so many levels.

I’m sorry for landing you with this forum.

[bigtj]

A day for bar billiards and the AEBBA, I can only echo all sentiments already voiced. With Phil standing down it is hard to see where the AEBBA goes from here, I wish to say that both of you do a great job and have take some abuse for doing a job that is voluntary and is done as you have a passion for our game.

AS I SAY A DAY.

[BB Warrior]

I agree entirely with everything stated above and would like to thank everybody on the current AEBBA Committee for their hard work helping to run the game that enables all of the rest of us to enjoy playing it.

As asked above, the question now seems to be where does AEBBA now go in the future with both Phil and Chris resigning this year?

Here is a list of the current AEBBA Committee members:-

President - Vacant (position not filled last year)
Chairman - Phil Hawkins (Resigning this year)
Vice Chairman - Kevin Tunstall
Secretary - Dave Alder
Asst Secretary - Nigel Senior
Treasurer - Chris Saville (Resigning this year)

There would appear to be nothing in the AEBBA Rules that requires nominations for these positions to be sent in advance so presumably this is all done on the day of the AGM? Let's hope that the right people come forward to ensure that the future of the game remains in good hands.

[BB Warrior]

PS. Although I do not believe that they are part of the actual AEBBA Committee, I believe that we may also need new selectors for the England Teams as I think that Keith Sheard and Pauline Withey indicated earlier this year that they would not be wiling to continue in these positions?

Such a shame that accepting a position on the game's governing association often turns out to be a poisoned chalice. Sav's year as Treasurer being a prime example: so much effort and application given, absolute transparency with the accounts, regular updates. All too few plaudits in return.

However......... Sav has only stated his intention to stand down as Treasurer.......I wonder if with a bit of arm twisting he would accept one of the other Offices falling vacant ? The game needs him.

[colinm]

A sad time indeed with both Phil and Sav announcing they wish to resign from their posts. Though given the flack they get I am not surprised.

Perhaps those that continually moan and complain about those that do something will at last stand up and put themselves forward but I very much doubt it!

[gandalf the untidy]

Perhaps those that continually moan and complain about those that do something will at last stand up and put themselves forward but I very much doubt it!

yep those that do thankless tasks should be cherished as good will only lasts so long, as i know only too well from bitter experience.

[BB Warrior]

Oct 8, 2013 19:53:39 GMT Chris said:

I am willing to support Dave Alder by standing to support in a position if required, ( not as chair) but feel there is no process for those that may wish to also.

Wouldn't it be really nice if we got some more positive responses like this one about taking a position on the AEBBA Committee.... from reading some of the other posts it makes me wonder why anybody would ever want to volunteer.

Phil and Chris have both done a great job for AEBBA and have their own reasons for standing down this year.... perhaps we should all consider that maybe they wouldn't be taking that decision if they (and the other members of the Committee) had been given a bit more support on occasions in the past?

Obviously it is a great shame that two of the best people we currently have on the AEBBA Committee are standing down, both of them have the games best interests at heart and they have been responsible for many good things in the past, but rather than saying that we fear for the future should we not be thinking that maybe this is also an opportunity to move forward?

We all have different ideas on how things should be run and organised, I hear people talking about that frequently at both National Competitions and in the local League that I play in.... sadly, it's usually people grumbling rather than offering any constructive suggestions.... but if we want our game to continue we have to start to work together and we need AEBBA to lead from the front.

This Forum is a great place to voice our opinions.... of course, we will not always agree about everything and we do not make any decisions here.... but through discussion and with input from lots of different people will come ideas of things that we can look at in the future and (hopefully) the AEBBA Committee will be among the people that can take the best of those suggestions forward.

So let's see if we can put some positive ideas forward and see if we can find the right people that are willing to take on a role within AEBBA.

[The Chubbster™]

I find myself in complete agreement with Tommo on this one with regards to his reference re the poisoned chalice.

I think it’s fair to say I’m never going to be a big deal in the Bar Billiards world… and I would be lying my face off if I said I held such an ambition. Maybe that now puts me in a position to ask some questions that others just may be afraid to ask….

For example…..

Chris Saville is a good man, someone who has worked his behind off for the good of our game in so many ways. Now I may be wrong about that of course, and others may not agree…. But that said I can only speak for myself, and I believe that this opinion is shared by the majority. If this is the case, should we not be asking WHY Sav is suddenly stepping down?

Should we not be asking the same thing of Phil Hawkins?

Is it as Tommo suggested due to lack of plaudits and gratitude for the work they have done (which either way, I agree with), or is it something else?

On that theme, should we not be asking Keith and Pauline (2 people who I both like a hugely respect) why they are stepping down as England selectors?

I would be truly interested in some sort of exit survey or something like that, because we can’t ever hope to create a strong organisation if people for whatever reason are just getting disillusioned and stepping away. If there are problems within with in the AEBBA, we need to fix them or no matter who steps up we are eventually going to be back to square one. But we can’t fix the problems unless we know what they are.

Could it be just sniping and bickering on this forum? Maybe…… Is there a lack of respect? Probably…….I more than anyone am aware of the toll this place can take on someone in particular….but I can’t help feeling we are not hearing the whole story here. I don’t know what’s going on, but I for one am keen to find out.

I would implore those who are stepping aside to be frank and honest about their experiences at this year’s AGM. It’s the only way we will ever learn, ever grow, and ever hope to truly safeguard our game.

Dave makes a great point above, one that I agree with. But my concern is that we are not hearing the whole story. Something’s not right. I don’t have to be told that, I can sense it. I may be wrong of course, but unless we know why good people are stepping aside, I fear the same fate awaits anyone who steps up to the plate.

Oct 30, 2013 18:21:00 GMT The Chubbster™ said:

Is it as Tommo suggested due to lack of plaudits and gratitude for the work they have done (which either way, I agree with), or is it something else?

Some good points made by Glenn and I agree we should intend to pursue this further. Sav has indicated that he will fulfil his current obligations re Bournemouth, one would hope then that Chrissie will continue with her role in the organisation thereof. Much depends on her answer.

The 'poisoned chalice' reference overlaps Sav's administration - his predecessor Traffs did the job for a couple of years and heavily invested himself in the purchase of the AEBBA Championship set of tables, a project which will soon shown to have reaped dividends for the association.

Let's not forget that it was the enterprise of Brian Daniels and Tony Webster who started the ball rolling and kept the championship events going in the first place.

In the early days Simon Ellam was a helper with the deliveries and setting up of tables and commented to me once that a free entry to one of the tournaments would have been a nice thank you for his efforts but when he suggested the same, he was more or less told to get stuffed. Perhaps once the AEBBA start to become "cash rich" (ie once the final investors are paid off) this is something that should be considered for helpers ?

All the investors listed recently on here deserve our thanks for their part in helping the Opens and tournaments to continue. And we have a 'white knight in Paul Sainsbury for his regular and generous sponsorship of the game. And not forgetting Dave Alder of course - a colossus and the hub round which it all revolves. Nigel too, beavering away in the background and providing useful support where necessary.

If I have missed anyone, I'm sorry, but we (Joe public) really do appreciate your effort - even if it never seems to be patently obvious.

[BB Warrior]

Glenn and Clive....

Oct 30, 2013 18:21:00 GMT The Chubbster™ said:

I would implore those who are stepping aside to be frank and honest about their experiences at this year’s AGM. It’s the only way we will ever learn, ever grow, and ever hope to truly safeguard our game.

Dave makes a great point above, one that I agree with. But my concern is that we are not hearing the whole story. Something’s not right. I don’t have to be told that, I can sense it. I may be wrong of course, but unless we know why good people are stepping aside, I fear the same fate awaits anyone who steps up to the plate.

I think that you will find that pretty full explanations have already been given here on the Forum for why several of these people have stated that they intend to stand down.... in fact you have both commented at some occasion about their decisions on the threads concerned.

Perhaps there have been mistakes made in the past, but rather than dwelling on those and raking over them all again, would it not be better to look to the future? I am sure that whoever takes on roles within AEBBA at the AGM this year will have their own ideas on how that should be run and what changes (if any) are needed to improve things.... so the chances are that things will be different anyway.

By all means let us offer our thanks to the people that have worked so hard to keep AEBBA running during a fairly difficult last few years.... and then let us all offer our support to the people who take on these roles in the future.

[The Chubbster™]

Dave sent me a PM to point me to some forum threads (one of which I actually commented on myself lol) which better explains why people are stepping down, so I apologise for not seeing/reading/remembering them before my previous post. I'm afraid I'm very out of the loop with Bar Billiards and don't really play an active part in the forum anymore. I stuck my head out of the water with regards to my last post.... I'm now going to go back into obscurity where I probably belong!

Keith stated his reasons, but also that he hopes the AEBBA can sort something out in the future with regards to the selection process. So I hope that can be achieved. Also with regards to Phil, it would seem that he was "kept out of the loop" somewhat with regards to current affairs. I can't really comment on that to be honest. That only leaves Sav really, who may well have agreed to take on his current role on a temporary basis to straighten things out. If that's the case then fair enough.

I really wish I could better articulate just how grateful myself and so many others are with regards to all the hard work and contributions so many people put in on our behalf. Thanks you all for that. I really do wish I could do something to help, but I will be the first to admit I have neither the time nor inclination to do so, therefor it's down to better people than myself to keep the game running and offer there ideas as to a way forward. But make no mistake I will always be aware that the game I enjoy is kept alive by so many good hearted, good natured people who get no rewards, and for that I will always be eternally grateful.

I feel obliged to answer Dave as well as he addressed both of us.

Dave, no-one is trying to point the finger and I should imagine that Sav's frustrations cover a wider area than the organisation of Bournemouth. If they didn't, he'd have just resigned that commission and stayed on as Treasurer.........Chubbster and I were just trying to coax something more out of Sav about the way he feels: "general apathy" are probably what he would cite as his reasons - as I see it.

Your idea of a complete Committee overhaul - a "new broom sweeping clean" concept is good in theory, but I would be very surprised if it finally became applied to the old dinosaur that is the AEBBA. Only with the advent of the Forum did it become anything more than a figurehead.

Yes we could always do with someone new with some zest and energy and I hope the people come forward. Some of the names already bandied about deserve consideration for the President, Chairman etc posts, and I hope that Sav can find it in his heart to maintain an active interest with the running of the Association - even if he will no longer be Treasurer.

regards
tommo

[Chris_Sav]

I would add at this point that I will not be publically slagging off people on this forum, or opening the door for others to, on the reasons why I am retiring. The AEBBA committee were told in July.

My end of year report to the AGM is the time and the place to discuss things face to face.

Chris Saville,
AEBBA Treasurer.

[Pete S]

A committee meeting was held on Sunday 28th. minutes will be prepared and distributed in the next couple of weeks.

[The Chubbster™]

Hi Pete,

It's been 3 weeks now and we're still waiting. Naturally I have an overview of what happened because I'm fortunate to be good friends with one of the committee members, however many people don't have that.

Do you have a refined timeframe for the above statement? Also when you say distributed, may I ask where and how the minutes are going to be distrubted in the absense of a current AEBBA website? They may be out there somewhere that I've not seen or know about, in which case please just point me in the right direction.

Cheers and thanks in advance.

[BB Warrior]

Jul 20, 2015 11:27:13 GMT The Chubbster™ said:

Hi Pete,

It's been 3 weeks now and we're still waiting. Naturally I have an overview of what happened because I'm fortunate to be good friends with one of the committee members, however many people don't have that.

Do you have a refined timeframe for the above statement? Also when you say distributed, may I ask where and how the minutes are going to be distrubted in the absense of a current AEBBA website? They may be out there somewhere that I've not seen or know about, in which case please just point me in the right direction.

Cheers and thanks in advance.

To the best of my knowledge, minutes of committee meetings are normally only sent to committee members and would not appear on the AEBBA website.... I think that probably applies to most other organisations as well.

[gandalf the untidy]

I think that most committees would report to their membership via newsletter of some type any pertinent facts relating to committee meetings, I would presume the membership in this case would be the affiliated counties... provided there is something to report.

regards accidental troublemaker

[Chris_Sav]

As the principal reason for the committee meeting was my resignation, all I can tell you is that I have, yet again, heard nothing in writing from AEBBA.

The Chairman approached me at the Kent inter-leagues and has confirmed my resignation from all AEBBA responsibilities as AEBBA considers the abuse and threats of violence I, an AEBBA committee member and old age pensioner, suffered in Guernsey from a fellow committee member to be outside their area of responsibility.

Chris Saville.

[JB]

Are you on the Committee Glenn?
If what was discussed at the meeting is being discussed to friends who are not AEBBA committee members then surely the minutes should be made public to everyone and not just committee members and a select few?

[milhouse]

Jul 23, 2015 10:50:46 GMT JB said:

Are you on the Committee Glenn?
If what was discussed at the meeting is being discussed to friends who are not AEBBA committee members then surely the minutes should be made public to everyone and not just committee members and a select few?

Minutes from any AE committee meeting should be made available to it's members