Who's who

Please follow the links below to see "Who's who" at West Hoathly.

The President

Vice Presidents

The Chairman

Life Members

The Officers & Committee

For the last thirty or so years West Hoathly Bowls Club has turned its nose up at the idea of having a President. That was no reflection on the few good men and ladies who might have aspired to this position but more to do with the fact that we, at West Hoathly, do things a bit differently to everyone else.

So at the AGM in November 2005 little did anyone expect that change was in the air. It was suggested and backed enthusiastically that we turn our previous policy on its head. No sooner had the idea been floated than the obvious and ideal candidate was nominated to the new post.

So, welcome, President DAI HOWICK, our first president of the 21st century.

Dai pictured here with the Sussex Man of the Year Trophy - in both formal & normal poses!

Dai has been a member of the Club for the best part of 40 years and during that time he has held just about every office we have. On top of that he was and still is a very good bowler. He is known throughout the County as probably the most genuine, most sporting and fairest bowler you're ever likely to meet. This proud reputation was recognised when he was elected as the Sussex Man of the Year in 2005.

Now that we have a President we will have to sit down and think what the role and responsibility should entail.

For those in the Club and, indeed, for those from further afield, please click here to see a tribute to Dai that was published in the December 2005 newsletter.

In 2007, MAURICE STYLES was elected as Vice President of the Club. Like Dai, Maurice has held most of the offices of the Club. He is our longest serving bowler having started playing for the Club in the mid to late 1950s. In 2008, he had two reasons to celebrate. First of all, after years of competition, he was awarded his Sussex County badge when he reached the semi-finals of the Mens' County Triples. Secondly and in the same year, Maurice was elected by members to become a Life Member in recognition of his long service and of his work for the Club.

In 2006, in recognition of their long relationship with the Club, we have appointed two non-members to be Honorary Vice Presidents. They are DEREK GOSLING who was Chairman of Mid Sussex Bowls League for many years & a keen bowler at Burgess Hill Bowls Club and JOHN WILKINS who was and still is one of the mainstays of Newick Bowls Club. Derek & John have no specific duties but they are regular supporters of the Club and jointly make significant contributions to bar profits.

GLYN LYFORD was elected Chairman in 2007 taking over from Duncan Pickering. Even now in his third year, he claims to be still feeling his way as he comes to grips with the traditions and odd ways of the Club.

Glyn took early retirement from one of the City based US investment banks - he got out before being found out and denies any responsibility for the collapse of the UK & US banking systems. Since retirement, he has taken the opportunity to become a bowler but, by his own admission, he is yet to master the game.

It is worth pointing out to anyone with hopes of succeeding Glyn in the future that for nearly 25 years now each Chairman has been over 6 feet tall. Don't want to put anyone off but ....

* Dai Howick was elected as President of the Club in 2005

** Maurice Styles was elected as Vice President of the Club in 2007

The Life Members are elected by the members in general meeting in recognition of outstanding and long service to the Club. The Life Members do not have any specific duties to perform but act as guardians of the heritage & traditions of West Hoathly Bowls Club.

The rules of the Club permit the appointment of a maximum of six people to be Life Members at any one time.

Despite the title, Life Members can be removed by members for as yet unspecified sins or omissions.