Di Stannard

Since not everyone is able to attend the various Ladies Council meetings across the year, including the AGM held earlier today, I wanted to take this opportunity to send a message to all of the fabulous members of Suffolk Ladies BE.

Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone for the kind words and wonderful array of gifts that I received during the AGM today – all were perfectly chosen – and I was blown away to receive so many lovely things.

When I took on the role of Ladies Secretary in November 2015, who would have thought that I would hold that post for 10 years … but that’s exactly what has happened. Taking over the reins from Barbara Beevor was quite scary, in more ways than one, and I definitely felt like “a rabbit in the headlights” for a while. My “knight in shining armour” was Percy Rowe, who was there on the end of the phone whenever I needed advice and support, and for that I will always be grateful – thank you Percy! When Percy stepped down, along came Dave Dowman and he has also been a great support to me over the last few years.

During my 10 years as Secretary, I’ve had some wonderful ladies by my side, so my thanks go to all of the Past Presidents who have been there whenever I have needed them; Angel Goodwin, Eileen Parker, Jill Lemon, Dorothy Pryke, June White and Sue Bard-Bodek. My thanks also go to all of the former and current members of the Ladies Management team and ladies who have held roles within the wider team; Shirley Upton, Gill Lamprey, Julie Spice, Marie Spink, Sue Westgate and Chrissy Beamish.

I’d also like to thank all of the council delegates, past and present, for putting up with me at the meetings, and also thank Borough of Eye Bowls Club for encouraging me to take on the Ladies Secretary role and for supporting me throughout my tenure.

Last but by no means least, and probably my hardest “goodbye” goes to "my partner-in-crime and longstanding sidekick" Helen Swift. One of the greatest things about the sport that we all love is the friendships that we make along the way, and for me, my friendship with Helen (my “Bowls Mum”) is the biggest thing that has come out of holding the Secretary role. We’ve been through an awful lot together since she became the Competition Secretary nine years ago, both bowls-related and not, particularly over the last year which has been personally challenging for us both. I will forever be grateful for your support, friendship and love Helen, it means more to me than you know.

So as Suffolk Ladies BE moves forward without me, I wish our new President, Shirley Pert, all the very best in her Presidential year, I know that you will all give her all of your support. I also wish Suffolk Ladies BE and the wider Suffolk BE every success on the green over the coming seasons – for a fairly small county we are MIGHTY – don’t forget it!!

With my best wishes to you all

Di