The Eric Bateson Retirement League
Minutes of the AGM held at 2pm on November 22nd 2025 at Thirsk Athletic S & S
In attendance:-
Malcom Hartley - Thirsk
Glenys Midgley, Dottie Hill, Ruth Boulton – Bedale
Margaret Dale, Elizabeth Swires– Masham
Ann O’Halloran, Richard O’Halloran, Mick Metson - Harrogate
Basil Birchall ,Carol Pawson, Sue Edmond – Bishop Monkton
Ivan Lister, Les Potter – Northallerton
Paul Hodgson - Leyburn
Sallyanne Morley , Gillian Green, Janet Hobson – Sowerby Flatts
The Chairwoman Glenys Midgley welcomed everyone to the meeting.
1)There were no apologies all clubs were represented
2)The 2024 minutes had been circulated and there were no matters arising.
3) Congratulations to Harrogate Valley Gardens who were league winners this year.
5)There were more entrants for the Elsdon Metcalfe Trophy this year, a trend we hope will continue this next year. This year’s winners John Russell and Ian Brickley from Harrogate
6) As circulated the account shows an increase in revenue, the question was asked ,should we collect any fee , and agreed it was not necessary.
7) The rules of the Elsdon Metcalfe were discussed. It was agreed that the dates given for entries to be received and dates when each round had to be completed by had to be adhered to. Only in very exceptional circumstances , and by the agreement of both parties, can a game be delayed and the organiser informed.
8) Applications were made to join the league by Northallerton , to put an additional team in and by Sowerby Flatts to rejoin the league .Both clubs having an influx of players who were keen to play , they wanted to encourage and give them opportunity to play in competitions. An additional one team would take the number to 10 and remove the necessity of clubs having byes . Two additional teams would extend the season and necessitate two byes per team. Discussion ensued as to the implications and the impact each option would have on the clubs, which varied considerably but a decision had to be made and voted on.
At that point Northallerton reiterated what they had mentioned earlier that they had other options they could, and had, pursued due to the number of players they have so very gallantly and generously stepped down to let Sowerby Flatts take the place in the Bateson League, taking it to 10 teams. This was met by generous applause and approval of their actions.
8) A.O.B Basil has advised the clubs prior to the meeting that he wished to step down from the role of Webmaster . He is looking for a volunteer who he would show, guide and encourage from the compilation of the league fixtures to the input of the results
Dress code. It is acceptable for clubs and players who do not have club tops to wear white tops with grey or black trousers
Harrogate still have remedial work being carried out on their green and hopefully showing signs of improvement following a concerted effort . The use of mats used this year will be used in the future if deemed necessary
Date for next year’s 2026 AGM set as Friday 20th November at 2pm at Thirsk S & S club