Officials

VBL administration is led by a Management Committee, usually 10 in number, but 9 this year because one is also your 2008 Vice-President.   There is also a 6-man Competitions Committee, all its members are on the Management Committee.   All of the men you elected have many years of experience and are well known in Northern Ireland’s bowling circles.   Some have already given in excess of 15 years of continuous service each on your behalf.

The administration is in a transition stage.   This is due, in large measure, to the increasing scope of the programmes now available for the members.   And although it is probably undeniable that in days gone by the pen was mightier than the sword, things have moved on.    When presenting possible new men for the Executive, VBL tries to ensure they meet three main criteria.   (1) They are at the lower end of the age group, (2) they have computer literacy, and (3) they love the game we all play, share in a vision of progressing VBL forward, and wish to contribute something.

VBL is fortunate in that the five newest men all fit these admirably.

2008 President Eric Mairs (Malone B.C.) brings a practical sensitive approach to our deliberations.   He has been on the NIPGBL Committee for the past 15 years, Eric is a Past President and a former Hon Secretary of Malone Bowling Club.

Vice-President Jim Flynn (Divis B.C.)    At 63 he is our youngest member. He has a wealth of experience within his own club    In addition, he is heavily involved in West Belfast Zone for Short Mat bowling.

Past President ( 2007)Andy Warnock (Finaghy B.C.) is a tireless worker, with the uncanny knack of persuading sponsors that we are deserving of their support.  He enjoyes challanges, and is taking computer courses to enhance his ability to serve you for some more years.   Andy has recently been elected to NIBA Executive for a second time.

Hon. Treasurer Billy Murdie (North Belfast B.C.) has been with VBL Executive since 1993.   He served initially asZone A's Section Secretary, and became our money man in 2000.   He is actively involved with his own club, and finds time to do sterling administrative work for his Church and many other organisations.

Hon. Secretary Art McCullough (Donaghadee B.C.) is 73 and has held this office since 2004.   A founding member of 58th Old Boys B.C. in 1957, he feels he still has some energy left.   He finds time to be Hon. Secretary / Treasurer of The Boys’ Brigade Centenary MVC, and is involved in Stedfast.   His business experience is in Cost Accounting.

Jim Flynn is 2008's Competitions/cup Secretary and came on the Executive in 2006 as Zone B's Section Secretary for 1A and 2A .   He (along with Art McCullough and Harold Gilmour) is one of three men all able to set up a VBL season’s programme.   Jim was in the Civil Service.

Zone A's Section Sec Norman Neill (Newtownabbey B.C.) is new in 2008.   Already he has had a hand in getting Zone A’s League Fixture programmes prepared.

Section Sec Zone B1, B2 and B3’s Harold Gilmour (Shaftesbury) at 65 came on the Executive in 2006 as our Cup/Competitions Secretary.   A long-time servant to his club, Harold brings a wealth of management experience from a major company.   He too, has Church commitments.

Section Sec B1A, and B2A's Sammy Crothers (Donaghadee B.C.) has a financial industry background.   He is 2008 President of his club.   In his mid-80s, the wee man has been on VBL Executive since 1997.   Sam is President of Stedfast N.I. , on Boys’ Brigade Centenary MVC, active in his Church, and gives time to his community.

Section Sec Zone B4 has been administered since 2000 when it began, by Arthur Cairns (Queen’s Island B.C.).   He is another ‘old hand’, on VBL Executive in 1994  as VBL Hon. Secretary until 2003.