Page 17 - Spring 2019

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In the other semi, Sylvia Payne & David Gilraine also closed out their match against Alan
& Brenda Hutty with four shots over the closing three ends to win 8 - 5 coming from 4-5 17
down. In the final Dennis & Malcolm quickly took control and led 8 - 2 after six ends and despite
all of Sylvia & David’s efforts they could not fight back, leaving Dennis & Malcolm as clear 9 - 4
champions.
How are the mighty fallen?
How are the mighty fallen?
The South East Essex Short Mat Bowls League Chairman Tony
Ealham confirmed that a notice has been published on their web-
site that the league has terminated the League Membership of a
GPCA player. Their statement under the heading “Disciplinary Ac-
tion” goes on to say that “the Club and member have been in-
formed of this decision” and continues “This means that he is
banned from any League matches, League associated competi-
tions and from attending future League meetings.”
It further states that “The contacts of the clubs in Division One
will be informed of who this member is and will receive an email of “what to do” if he tries
to play in a match from Tony Hayes - the League Fixture Secretary.” There has been
mounting speculation that the player concerned has a high profile in the sport both at
county and national level and the action taken is likely to be challenged.
ED - this originally came off the Norfolk website and I read the statement on the South
East Essex Website. It apparently refers to England Chairman Barry Hedges. I am led to believe
that in response Barry apparently threatened legal action. I have been told that the relevant
Committee apparently felt they could not afford any legal action, no matter what the strength of
their case and subsequently withdrew the ban.
I would send out a message to stress that personally, I am not afraid of anyone threatening
action against me or the magazine as the defences in Defamation are relatively clear and my
strong response would be “bring it on”.
Defamation is basically split into two categories, Slander which is in a transitory form e.g.
the spoken word and Libel which is generally in a printed or written form. Also, legal cases are
very, very expensive to initiate! And I would counter claim for costs and expenses.
Anything that is absolutely true can usually be printed without recrimination and is a de-
fence against a Libel case, as is “fair Comment”. Try the internet for more information on
Defamation, it is a subject not fully understood and there have been some great cases!

EMAIL CONFUSION
EMAIL CONFUSION
I am missing some items as they don’t end up in
the right email box, so please note the following.

For the Magazine
For the Magazine
bob@indoorbowler.com
bob@indoorbowler.com
For Short Mat Holidays
For Short Mat Holidays
bob@short-mat-holidays.com
bob@short-mat-holidays.com
Anything general
Anything general
bob@short-mat-bowls.com
bob@short-mat-bowls.com
I am retaining the other email address’s but will
not look at them as often as the above - please take note.