HSMBA President Sue Stannard (Fownhope SMBC) has been awarded the first ever HSMBA Life Membership in recognition of her 25 years’ service at the special 25th Anniversary Presentation Evening held on Saturday 5th October at Ross Bowling Club.
The final award of the evening, Sue received a standing ovation from the 85+ members in attendance as HSMBA Chair Joe Loveys gave a speech outlining Sue’s huge contribution to the Association having served as its Secretary for 20 years following its creation in 1999. 5 years as Membership Secretary followed before Sue was voted into the role of President at the 2024 AGM in May.
During that time, it is estimated that Sue has attended nearly 200 committee meetings whilst taking part in 370 Winter League matches and bowling an estimated 15088 bowls (and that is just in the league!). Sue’s achievements on the mat include but are not limited to:
- Member of Herefordshire ESMBA Inter County “A Team” Championship Winning Team
- 1 x HSMBA Division One Winner
- 5 x HSMBA Division One Runner Up
- 2 x County Championship Winner
- 8 x County Championship Runner Up
- 8 x National Championship Appearances
- 1 x win each in the LEH, Bromyard Triples and Macmillan respectively
Off the mat, Sue has been heavily involved in the running of the Association’s two biggest events, the Macmillan Tournament and Presentation Evening, as well as various County Competitions over the years.
The Chairman finished his award speech with tribute to Sue on behalf of the HSMBA’s membership:
“For our 25th Anniversary, it made perfect sense to the entire committee to recognise the person who was there when all this began and has been a constant companion for us all throughout. Someone without whom we likely would not all be gathered here tonight.
Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Association’s membership past and present and all those that have had the privilege of playing alongside or against her, it gives me great pleasure to announce the HSMBA’s first recipient of life membership in recognition of her incredible service to us all for the past 25 years goes to Madame President, Sue Stannard.”
Following a standing ovation, Sue recieved an engraved glass plaque and was in a severe state of shock as shown in the photo above!
A full report on Presentation Evening will follow later this week and in the meantime, the Association gives its thanks to Sue for her 25 years dedicated service and we are already looking forward to the 30th Anniversary!