Saturday 5th October saw the HSMBA celebrate its 25th Anniversary in style as Ross Bowling Club played host to a special Presentation Evening of enjoyment, good food and occasional laughter!
Following last year’s successful evening and move back to Ross Bowling Club, an increase in attendance of 24 saw an incredible 87 members join together to celebrate. Awaiting guests on their tables as they entered the specially decorated Ross BC hall (on the assumption they made it past HSMBA Vice Chair and bouncer Steve Kite) was committee member and resident quiz master Sophie Heather-Warner’s annual quiz set against the backdrop of some all time classic music.
The presentation of awards kicked off with a speech from HSMBA Chair Joe Loveys who gave an overview of the evening ahead as well as reflecting on the previous year’s achievements for the Association and its clubs. Joe then invited HSMBA President Sue Stannard to join him for the presentations themselves following her election to the role at the 2024 AGM. The trophies were once again provided by the fantastic Chrome Awards of Gloucester and organised by Sophie Heather-Warner in a fantastic display (photos below).
One of the moments of the night saw Ross “Wolves” picking up the Division One Winners Trophy after a 20+ year wait and many runner up finishes. The HSMBA County team were also recognised for their unbeaten group stage run last season with commemorative medals and a rare group photo! The Llangarron Achievement Award went to Weston under Penyard’s Kate Williams to recognise her decade as an England Ladies player whilst the final award of the evening saw a standing ovation for a very shocked HSMBA President Sue Stannard who was awarded the County’s first ever life membership in recognition of her 25 years service. A full report on Sue’s award was published earlier in the week and can be found here.
Following the awards, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived as the fantastic two course supper was served. With bellies now full, the results of the quiz were announced before the eagerly anticipated raffle was drawn. Joe Loveys closed the night by thanking all those involved in making the night happen, with a special thanks to Becci Cox for organising the event and most importantly the food as well as Dean Rudman for doing the work of 5 people in the kitchen. The Association’s thanks also goes to Ross Bowling Club for hosting as well as Diane behind the bar who as always got one of the biggest cheers of the evening!
The HSMBA thanks all those who attended and made the night so successful. Thus far we have received some lovely feedback including more than one quoting it to be the “best yet”. Whether you are in agreement with that or not, we’re keen to hear any or all feedback including where we can improve as we continue to look to make Presentation Evening the jewel in the Association’s calendar! Please contact hsmbachair@gmail.com should you wish to get in touch.
