Huntingdonshire lady Daphne honoured to accept a presidential post

Buckden bowler Daphne Meats has been sworn in to the English Women’s Bowling Federation role for 2016.

Daphne, 78, was unable to take up the post when last put forward by her Huntingdonshire county in 2005 due to her late-husband, Eric, being in poor health.

However, she is privileged to have been recommended for the post again after a quarter-of-a-century in the sport.

Daphne said: “I was unable to accept when the opportunity came up 11 years ago as my husband was very poorly at the time.

“But I’m very proud to able to become president now and I’m very honoured to have been recommended by my county again.”

Daphne has already attended her first engagement as president – an awards ceremony and lunch in Nottinghamshire earlier this month – even though her term does not officially start until next year.

Her role will require her to be present at national indoor and outdoor finals in 2016 and she will also stage her President’s Day at home club Buckden in July.

Daphne is the sixth Huntingdonshire lady to serve as national president.

She follows in the footsteps of Mrs K. Shepperson in 1968, Mrs A. Saint in 1975, Mrs G. Henson in 1984, Mrs R. Allen in 1994 and Mrs I. Meeks 10 years ago.

Daphne, who lives in Godmanchester, took up the sport in 1990 after moving to this area from London.

“I was introduced to the game by a friend and got bitten by the bug,” she added. “I’ve had some very enjoyable years of bowls and still play for the county.”

Daphne has also had stints as president of both the Huntingdonshire Women’s Bowling Federation (HWBF) and the Huntingdonshire Bowling Association.

She also served as HWBF secretary for 11 years and has been the county’s national delegate for six years.

Current HWBF secretary Lynda Childs said: “Daphne is well respected in the county and at national level. We know she will do a wonderful job.”

Away from the greens, Daphne is accomplished in sugar craft and is a keen choral singer.