The annual presentation dinner was held last Saturday (17th May) at Crewe Golf Club. A smaller (but perfectly formed) group than usual met to dine on Steak Pie or Chicken, and a large choice from the sumptuous sweet table. Guest of honour -- no less than our new president David Sumner and wife Terry. Last year was all about seeing Dave off as Chairman, this year it is about welcoming him as President. The new Chairman Carl McGregor-Ogden opened proceedings with a warm welcome to everyone. Ruth Raiswell distributed table quizzes and the serious business of eating, drinking and quizzing began.
Around 9.00 just after tea/coffee was served, we began with the tournament re-presentations. A number of the winners from the Masters (November), Open (February) and Handicap (March) were present to take their accolades. President Dave Sumner handed the trophies over. Kara Robinson summed up the three tournaments. We then moved on to the John Ford team competition. Brian Horrocks reviewed the progress of the tournament from the preliminary matches through to the final between Canute and Knutsford. The match itself was a really hard fought affair with a narrow margin of just 9 points in Canute's favour. Brian summarised the handicaps in each round and we all agreed that the overall handicapping was excellent and profuse thanks go to the few brave soles who do this. Canute were there to pick up the trophy.
Brian then narrated the divisional titles awarded as follows
Hybrid 2 to Cegelec and Hybrid 1 to Welsh Row. The hybrid league has proved popular. Cegelec were very strong and should find a more competitive experience next time. Then it was the turn of the Ladies which Welsh Row retained. Following this we had the three mens divisions. Old favourites Weaverham got division 3 and were there to receive it. Crosses took division 2, and they stepped up as Crosses players to receive the trophy from the Crosses chairman. Mens 1 went to Canute after a hard fought battle with Welsh Row. They were present to be crowned top of the pile in mens badminton. We then looked at the mixed single division which ended up with Canute topping that pile also. Mention was made of Knutsford who triumphed in the experimental plate competition in that division.
The Exec then presented Terry Sumner with flowers in recognition of her continued management of the President!
Two special awards are always made at the end. Often we can't present them without the recipients attending. This was the case with the Tony Hickson award for outstanding administrative contribution to the league. We'll keep you all guessing for the time being. However, we were able to present the Stan Smith trophy for the most improved player in the league. Carl Mc outlined the progress made by our young recipient. A rapid rise through the junior set up and now senior ranks, with team representation and a very significant presence in the tournaments and the singles ladder, our winner was presented - James Stewart of Canute. Well done James! (older members may picture an aged American actor who was a firm favourite of our parents, James looks nothing like that - far more handsome).
The final presentation of the night was a very special one. Ruth is standing down after a massive 19 years as our fixture secretary. The league is so thankful to Ruth for this service. Carl Mc gave the narrative which went beyond just fixtures world, but a major contribution to the league in Cheshire tournaments (Baxter and Len Knight), stalwart of our own tournaments, and a significant voice in the exec. John Hunter presented Ruth with a number of mementos of our thanks. Ruth's final task was to announce the quiz answers (which she had organised)
Photos are in the gallery on the web site - look under the General menu choice.