OPENING OF CONSETT PARK BOWLING GREENS

The Bowling Greens in Consett Park were opened last Saturday afternoon by Mr. Ralph Alsop General Manager and Director of The Consett Iron Co. Ltd., after which the annual match between the President's and Chairman's sides took place.

Following an enjoyable game the players were entertained to tea in the Park Road Methodist Sunday School. Mr Alsop presided over the gathering and in moving a vote of thanks to “The Company” and Chairman Coun. Thos. McAloon said it was nice to know such a nice feeling existed between the people who provide employment and the people who work for ‘The Company’. He had seen very forcible evidence of that fine feeling on the Greens that afternoon (hear hear). Continuing Coun McAloon said that people in public life had to be careful in what and how they say it, and when they say it. If sometimes you feel the councillors have said something that is not right then he could say he had some justification for saying that thing. However he could say now without fear of contradiction that the relations between the local councillors and The Consett Iron Co. Ltd., had always been of the best. Perhaps they had not seen eye to eye with “The Company’ on all questions, yet in the main the local authority and the C I C had got on well together more especially since the amalgamation took place (hear, hear).

As chairman of the Consett Council he was glad to know the Consett lron Co Ltd. provided such nice outdoor amenities.

It enables the employees to obtain fresh air and exercise they otherwise would not get if the Bowling Greens were not there. It was therefore up to the public to use such fine facilities placed at its disposal.

Such healthy recreation undoubtedly made the workmen a better man and more able to perform his work. In conclusion Coun McAloon said he was very sorry indeed that Sir Edward George was not with them that afternoon owing to illness but he would like Sir Edward to know they wished him a speedy recovery and also how much they appreciated him for the grand work he has done for the district. (Applause)

Seconding the resolution County Coun. J R Ashby J.P. said it was a good thing now and again to find that the local Council has its defenders The Councillors need them too (laughter).

Welcoming Mr Ralph Alsop back for a few hours, Coun Ashby humorously remarked they had tried to discover why Mr Alsop went to London. He had told Mr Alsop that the Consett Park was now full of daffodils and there were none in the Streets of London (laughter). He (Mr Ashby) had also told him they liked to have their chairman here. Proceeding Coun Ashby said he was glad Mr McAloon had mentioned Sir Edward George and was also delighted to know Sir Edward was getting better. Sir Edward and Mr Alsop both take a very keen interest in the outside life of the Officials and workmen of the Company.

It was easy for an employer to take his 8 hours out of an employee and be content with that. That did not happen here and they were very fortunate indeed to have Officials who looked after their workmen.

Some districts he went into said Mr Ashby he found a very strained feeling existing between employer and employee, but here he found they were one great family and that afternoon's gathering was only one instance of the family and community life of theirs.

Coun Ashby concluded by saying they were grateful to The Consett Iron Co. Ltd. for providing those facilities in these very trying times.

Replying Mr Alsop first announced the result of the match which showed that the President's side won by scoring 129 against 106 shots. The result had been  a surprise to him for on looking at the scores he found his rink were 12 shots up.

That meant his colleagues had not followed his example. (laughter).

Speaking on behalf of The Consett Iron Co Ltd. Mr Alsop said he appreciated very much the remarks of Couns McAloon and Ashby. After listening to Coun McAloon’s excellent speech he felt sure they would all agree in saying how well the district had chosen its new chairman (hear, hear). He (Mr Alsop) had a lot of experience in taking the Chair and had come to the conclusion the best chairman was one who did not speak at all. (laughter) however he wished to offer Coun. McAloon his heartiest congratulations on his appointment (applause).

Continuing Mr Alsop said they all joined in feeling with Coun. Ashby, that gathering was not quite complete without Sir Edward George and he would like Mr Lake to send a letter to Sir Edward expressing their sincere wishes that he would soon be back amongst them again (hear hear).

Speaking of the Consett Park Club Mr Alsop said he was sorry he would not be with them this season but would think of his friends taking part in their games on the greens.

He did feel and he had expressed it on many occasions that not only do they appreciate their greens but also the wonderful spirit of friendship which permeates the Bowlers and he was quite sure that as long as they can keep together their relationships will always be good and happy (loud applause).