Chairs Report

I’m sorry I can’t join you all in Northern Ireland due to commitments in my role as Secretary of the Chief Fire Officers Association (Scotland). I would however want to say a few things about the year and some of the challenges we face.

The FSSAA ruling on serving members and holding posts in national sections, together with the more recent suggestion that our grants be reduced to fund a central post promoting sport generally, are issues that, in my view, are not good for bowling and we strongly objected to both. Regretfully the matter of retired members (the backbone of our sport) being potentially excluded from office was introduced and we await the outcome of the funded post.

As you prepare for another Four Nations and the tremendous friendly but competitive atmosphere that creates we remember the loss of some of those who have supported fire service bowling and are no longer with us, our thoughts are with them. I said last year that we are united by the profession we’ve followed and our sport and long may that continue.

We all witnessed the very public profile of the fire and rescue service during the recent floods. All of us are proud to be associated with the fire service and there should be a particular pride in representing your country at this level.

The event isn’t just about the competitors. Friends and partners, those that support us and the local bowling fraternity make this competition special. I’m sure the wonderful Irish hospitality will be most appreciated.

As Chair, I feel very privileged to be part of the family that is fire service bowls, I really do wish I could be with you. My sincere best wishes for the Four Nations, I hope the weather is kind to you and that your bowls run true. Good luck and enjoy the event.

Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel QFSM MA

Chair UK Bowls

9^th August 2007