It is a sad fact that over the last few years so many of the County’s Affiliated Clubs appear to have lost sight of the Benevolent Fund, and the work it does for our old friends, and their dependants, who may be experiencing a degree of financial hardship. This often results when there is a change of Club Officers, and when the incoming President, Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer is not aware of the Benevolent Fund and the work that it does.

Well, let’s put our purpose on record for those who may not be aware of us . . .

The Charitable Fund, known as the Kent County Bowling Association Benevolent Fund, is for the sole purpose of granting aid or relief to bowlers (who are, or have been, members of subscribing clubs affiliated to the Kent County Bowling Association) or their dependents who, from age, illness or any other cause, are impoverished or in distressed circumstances.

So, there you have it.

The Fund needs an annual income of something like £8,000 each year if we are properly to look after our old friends in need, and something like 120 of our affiliated clubs offer no help to us at all. The proceeds from a ‘Spider’ special raffle or special club event would make a lot of difference to the help we can give our old and needy friends, if all 120 of these clubs were to help.

But it is just as important that you are aware of your own club members’ needs, especially the ones who may no longer be members of your club. It is so easy to lose sight of them when they no longer appear on the Green, but it doesn’t take too much effort on your part to look in on them occasionally - just to see how they are getting on. We can only take action on their behalf when a club, that’s you, tells us about them.

It only takes a little effort from you, but it can make a big difference to someone else.