THE Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League has held its Annual General Meeting, setting the wheels in motion for another exciting season of skittles this winter, writes Marc Bright.

The league welcomed Jamie Milton and Les Marke onto the management committee, increasing its membership to six.

David Derrick continues as League Chairman, supported by Marc Bright as league secretary, Darren Sparks as league treasurer and Dan Rodger.

The league will once again comprise 28 teams for the 2026/27 season, with 13 teams competing in the Chris Bullock Championship and 15 teams in the Gerald Thorne Championship.

There are also a number of changes ahead of the new campaign: Cottage Pies have appointed Lee Ellis for his second spell as captain and have moved their home fixtures to the upstairs alley of the Conservative Club; Oaks will play their home matches at Nynehead Club; All Stars have moved from the Victoria Arms and will now play on the upstairs alley of the Conservative Club; Here 4 the Beer have relocated from the Rockwell Green Institute to the upstairs alley of the Victoria Arms.

The new season officially begins on Friday, 21st August, when Ex-Servicemen, the WESSL champions and HWH Payne Challenge Cup holders, face Mowers (Ken Bright Cup holders) in the Jim Blackmore Champions Cup..

The league's summer competition, the Harry Dowson Pairs Cup, gets underway on Friday 24th July on the upstairs alley of the Conservative Club.

First Round Draw - 7:30pm Mike Young / Lewis May v Andrew Cleland / Allan Sydenham; 8:00pm Lee Ellis / Paul Robinson v Jordan Bryant / Albert Hughes; 8:30pm Paul Desborough / Andy Chappell v Sam Vile / Jordan Perry; 9:00pm Glen Escott / Jacob Sparks v Dan Rodger / Owen Milton; 9:30pm Liam Desborough / Callum Richardson v Darren Sparks / Kevin Sedgebeer.

Byes: Adrian Maidment,Anthony Maidment; Jamie Milton,Tyler Cox; Lee Baker, Ricky Baker.

The draw was also made for the first round of the HWH Payne Challenge Cup, with ties to be played across Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September. Match dates and venues will be confirmed nearer the time.

First round draw: Reservists v Shooters, King Pins v Home Guard IV, Hot Shots v OBA, Report Centre A v Foresters, Holywell Lake v Rebels, Cottage Pies v Bell Green. Queens Legs v WRFC, Outsiders v Oaks, Fireguard A v Mowers, All Stars v Scuppas, Ex-Servicemen (holders) v Odds and Ends, Nynehead Club v Here 4 the Beer.

Byes: United Services, Club Rockers, Relyon, Home Guard II.

Before the close of the meeting, members paid tribute to the late Dave Perry, who died suddenly in May whose contribution to the league over many years was remembered with great affection.

The league also approved the purchase of the David Perry Memorial Trophy, which will be presented annually to the season's outstanding sticker-up, ensuring Dave's name and legacy remain a lasting part of the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League.

*There is to be a three-day celebration of the life of Dave Perry. It will be held at the Rockwell Green Institute and will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - the 17th, 18th and 19th July (opening times are 4.30 till 12 on the Friday, 7 till 12 on the Saturday and 12 till 8 on Sunday when there will be a BBQ. The proceeds will be going to David’s three favourite charities.