NI Veterans Bowling League

VBL administration is led by a Management Committee, 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 that these men are prepared to give their time for the sport.

Office-bearers and Committees for 2011

	Arvon Bickerstaff - President 2011 An enthusiastic member of Balmoral Bowling Club, his name betrays his Welsh roots! Arvon plays for his club ‘B’ team as well as representing the Veterans. He is Balmoral’s Veterans Section Secretary. A family man, he relies on the support of wife Margaret and his children to see him through this special year! Though he doesn’t look nearly old enough, Arvon has a young grandchild.
	Brian Connor - Honorary Secretary Brian came into office as Acting Secretary in 2010 and was elected officially in 2011. Playing out of Whitehead, he won the V.B.L. Singles in 2008 but lost in the Fours final at Belmont in 2010. Honorary Secretary at The Jim Baker Stadium also, he is a dog-lover with a Yorkie and two toy Poodles.
	Billy Murdie - Honorary Treasurer Billy has been a member of the V.B.L. Executive since 1991! He has served as Section Secretary for Both ‘A’ and ‘B’ Zones, but found his true calling when elected Honorary Treasurer in 1998; this is a post he has carried with distinction ever since. Billy’s bowling career dates back to 1964 when he became a playing member of North Belfast Working Men’s Club Bowling Section. Before long, he was skipping on the ‘A’ Team and, with the passage of time, Graduated to Veterans Bowling. When he moved down the coast, Donaghadee benefitted from his vast experience.
	Dessie Simpson (Past President) - Secretary Section A1, A2 ,A3 Dessie plays his bowls at Ulster Transport but, many years ago, has been President of Shorts. An Executive Member since 2009, he was elected VBL President in 2010 and, of course, is our immediate Past President. Led teams to victory in both the VBL V NIPBVL game and the NIBA V PGL Veterans’ Challenge. Dessie, though modest by nature, is proud of his recent victory in his Club’s veteran Singles final!
	Jim Flynn - Competitions Secretary Past President of the VBL and of Divis Bowling Club, Jim handles the massive Cup and Championships entry from our 68 member clubs. Though his phone is red hot during the season, he has never been known to panic – much! By the way, Jim also serves as senior Presiding Officer in Local and Westminster elections.
	John Millar - Vice President John is the latest to take office as Vice-President and is the baby of the bunch! He is a member of Ballymena and serves as Secretary/Match Secretary for their Veterans’ Section. His claim to fame is that he once beat Roy McCune in a club Final!
	Harold Gilmour - Secretary Section B1, B1a, B2, B2a Harold has been serving on the VBL Executive since 2004 and controls no fewer than four sections with a firm hand! In real life, he worked for a major airline for 35 years and only converted to Bowling after his early retirement. He is Treasurer for Shaftsbury Veterans.
	Harry Magihon - Secretary Section B5 Harry stresses that his name is pronounced ‘magowan’, and controls Section B5. Replaced Andy Warnock in 2009 and has served loyally since then. Captained Finaghy Veterans to a memorable victory against the might of the North-West in 2009. Harry is currently treasurer at Finaghy.
	Arthur Cairns - Secretary Section B4 With Billy Murdie, Arthur is the longest serving member of the V.B.L. Executive Committee and we gave him a glad welcome back from illness and surgery. He is a past Honorary Secretary and played for Queens Island and Orangefield Bowling Clubs.