Suffolk's first national president

Nick Garnham

FOR the first time in Suffolk's bowls history they have a national president in Cliff Waterman.

Cliff, 82, plays his bowls at West Row and has been president of the county on two occasions, as well as being Eastern Counties president both outdoors and indoors.

He became national president of Bowls England (formerly the English Bowling Association) in December and has a busy year ahead of him with more than 40 matches arranged throughout the country - only three of which are in Suffolk. Cliff's involvement with Bowls England will span a period of six years.

The Eastern Counties President for this year is Chris Leake, 67, of the Hopton Bowls Club, Chris whose company EIATUK Ltd sponsor the county's Middleton Cup team and also the new county under 18s competition.

He is a past president of Suffolk and is a great supporter of bowls nationally.

Percy Rowe, the Suffolk County EBA secretary, said: “It is the first time that Suffolk have had a president of England since 1936 when we joined the EBA.

“Cliff will be in a unique position as he is the first president of Bowls England following unification with the ladies and also because his election coincides with the president of the Eastern Counties coming from Suffolk.”

Cliff Waterman, Chis Leake and Terry Swift, 70, who has just taken over office from Peter Wilson as president of Suffolk, met up at Ipswich Indoor Bowls Club on Tuesday evening - the only time that they are likely to do so during the course of the year.

A county executive meeting was taking place at the club in Rushmere Road, at which Derek Farr was made a life member of the association for his involvement in Suffolk bowls for more than 60 years.

The 83-year-old, who is a member of the Margaret Catchpole Bowls Club in Ipswich - he was still playing up till last year - and former landlord of the pub of the same name, was presented with his medallion by county president Terry Swift.