Page 26 - Summer 2017

Project1:Layout 1 14-Jul-17 8:30 AM Page 1

26 Hi Bob
Just finished reading the latest copy of SMI; excellent read as
always. I do have one point that I would like to clarify, if you
are able to comment, concerning the possible fixing of the
fender to a Mat using Velcro or other such material.
You advise that there was no ESMBA rule that covers
this. I would be grateful for your view/opinion on the rule re-
garding equipment as published in para 3 the ditch and
fender; sub para b that advises
“The fender shall be coloured white and shall be of rigid
timber construction with the fixed return ends being 90° to the
How do you want it fixed? back rail. It MUST NOT be covered with any type of material
(see Appendix)”.
My interpretation is that fixing a fender to a Mat in any way IS against the ESMBA rules. Happy
for any feedback you can provide as your wealth and depth of experience is greater than mine.
Ed - Firstly, the rule says “covered” but Velcro underneath the fender between the fender
and the mat is not covering and it is not visible. Secondly, the rule amendment was introduced
because someone decided to completely cover a fender in green material because they thought
it was neat looking! It probably was but it was hard to see from the other end of the mat and the
characteristics were not the same when a bowl hit it, especially as the fender in consideration at
the time was also made of aluminium! This is how the amendment came about and cover
means cover but Velcro on the bottom of a fender is definitely not covering.
As to allowing fixing all those years ago, it was decided that it was better if the fender did
not move so that when it was hit hard neither the bowl(s) nor the jack would end up rolling along
the floor between the disturbed fender and the very end of the mat. There had been a number
of arguments as to where they should be replaced. Thus, it was better that the fender did not
move. At the same time it was accepted than a foot behind a fender to stop it moving was an
acceptable practice and no rule preventing it was introduced. It is a practice I still do today AND
THERE IS NO SP[ECIFIC RULE THAT SAYS FENDERS CANNOT BE FIXED!.
The problem with some of the rules is that people do not know why they were introduced
in the first place. I have a bee in my bonnet about the last bowl delivered before changing ends
with skips. Not crossing the deadline rule was something I stressed very strongly with Reg Kett,
who wrote our rules all those years ago.
about four years ago I had delivered a bowl, which was well up the mat approaching the
head and I started to walk up to change ends. Two ladies from Devon, in different games, with
whom we have a strong mutual dislike, tried to claim I was following my bowl up the mat when I
was merely changing ends as they were. One of them may well be reading this and so be it.
I did try to get a clarification by writing a rule amendment and presented it to the ESMBA.
However, they changed the AGM venue and I was not informed. I turned up at the “old” venue
but couldn’t find anyone who knew where the new venue was. Therefore as I was unable to
present it in person and explain the amendment, so it was lost.
Velcro History - Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral invented his first touch fastener
when, in 1941, he went for a walk in the woods and wondered if the burrs that clung to his
trousers — and dog — could be turned into something useful. He patented it in 1955 and sub-
sequently refined and developed its practical manufacture until its commercial introduction in
the late 1950s.
The fastener consisted of two components: a lineal fabric strip with tiny hooks that could
"mate" with another fabric strip with smaller loops, attaching temporarily, until pulled apart. Ini-
tially made of cotton, which proved impractical, the fastener was eventually constructed with
nylon and polyester. De Mestral gave the name Velcro, a portmanteau of the French words
velours ("velvet"), and crochet ("hook"), to his invention as well as his company, which continues
to manufacture and market the fastening system.(From Wikipedia).