It is an absolute privilege to be President of this wonderful County and I will endeavour to keep up the high standards and traditions of all the outstanding Presidents that have come before me. 

 

I would like to thank my Club West Wickham for nominating me for this role. I never envisaged myself achieving this Office and I look forward to the season with tremendous pride and joy. 

 

I started playing the game at aged 14 starting at Twinlock BC and continued at Bellingham BC

Old Colefians BC, Bromley BC and West Wickham BC. I have had many wonderful times at all these Clubs and I remain indebted to the membership for providing me with so many happy memories. 

 

The County has another full programme for 2025 with 9 County Friendly matches as well as 12 President Council matches. In addition thanks to Allan Chase we have the usual block of Past President fixtures. I look forward to meeting old friends and new ones at these games. 

 

I wish to put on record my thanks to all County Officers and  Administrators for their total dedication to their roles as without them the County simply could not function. 

 

I am looking forward to the National Championships at Royal Leamington Spa in August and for all players who are entering the County Competitions as well as the County teams in the Middleton Cup, Balcomb and White Rose I wish you the best of luck. 

 

For bowlers who do not enter such events I fully respect you desire not to do so. Nevertheless I hope you have a most enjoyable and successful season. 

 

This year sees the introduction of the new Inter Divisional League where matches are played against each other division over 6 rinks. These will be organised through your Divisional Secretaries and will enable the County Selectors to see many more of the competitive bowlers that the County has in abundance. Please communicate with them if you would like to be considered for selection. 

 

My charity is Make A Wish - raising funds for terminally ill children and those with long term health conditions. 

 

I am pleased that the Annual Presentation Dinner has been resurrected and will take place at the Masonic Rooms Maidstone on Saturday November 8 2025 

 

My one regret is that my late parents are not here to share my year of Presidency with me. I owe everything to my late father for introducing me to the game of bowls and I have no doubt that they are both very proud and smiling from above . 

 

In conclusion I hope everyone has a great season but above all a healthy one 

 

Chris Smith

President KCBA