Peter Kemp 1935-2016

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The Tournament Committee was deeply saddened upon hearing the news that Peter kemp, out former Tournament Secretary and Committee Life Member, had passed away on Sunday 2th November 2016.

I am sure that everyone associated with the event, in whatever capacity, will join wih the Tournament Committee in offering our sincere condolences to Peter's Widow Edna and the family on their sad loss.

In Peter's memory, we will be holding a minute's silence during the Tournament Opening Ceremony on Monday 2th July 2017 and the flags at Atherley Bowling Club will be flown at Half-Mast.


​A Tribute to Peter Kemp - Tournament Secretary 1989-2008

Peter Kemp joined the Tournament Committee as a Junior Presidential Officer of the Southampton & District Bowling Association in 1986, in the role of Tournemant Committee Vice Chairman, before then assuming the Offices of S&DBA President and Tournament Committee Chairman in 1987.

In 1989, Peter was elected to the post of Honourary Tournament Secretary, replacing the out-going Secretary, Alan Sparling. During his 18 year tenure as Secretary, Peter embraced his duties wih great entheusiasm, dilligence and good humour thus ensuring the secessful running of each year's Tournament.

He also guided the Tournament through the turbulent break-up in the 1990's of the partnership between Southampton City Council and the Tournament Committee and the subsequent adoption of Atherley Bowling Club as the Tournament's new headquarters. Peter also instigated many changes and improvements to the Tournament's format and although fiercely protective of bowls tradional values, was always willing to adapt to psitive change if it was for the greater good of the Tournament. These achievements were even more commendable given that during his tenure, Peter was also juggling his time with his duties as the Manger of the Middleton Cup Team, having the honour to be the first man appointed to the role by the hampshire County Bowling Association.

By early 2008, Peter decided that the time had come for him to hand over the reins and in September 2008 Brian Hopper was appointed Tournament Secretary, with Kerry Clements and Fay Buckingham elected as Assistant Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Those who were present at the meeting may recall that Peter mischievously joked that it had taken three people to replace him! However, he remained a valued member of the committee continuing to offer his guidance and advice to the new team. In 2009, the Tournament Committee made Peter a Life Member, an honour he accepted with his usual modesty. Sadly by 2015 increasing health issues eventually prevented him from attending committee meetings, but we were all delighted that he was able to attend and enjoy last year's Finals afternoon.

Those of us who had the pleasure to work with Peter over the years, both on the committee and in the Tournament Office during the event, will each have our own fond memories of him and no doubt we will all reflect on these during this year's Tournament. Whilst we mourn the loss of a dear friend and colleauge, we also fondly remember him and will be forever grateful for his extraordinary contribution to our Tournament.

Kerry Clements - Hon Assistant Secretary

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