After 75 years of involvement in badminton, Bob Pearson has decided the time is right to retire from his post as NBA President. He served for very many years on the NBA Management Committee as well as on Badminton England Committees. As a gesture of thanks from NBA, Bob and his wife Lily were treated to an afternoon tea at Eshott Hall, which they both thoroughly enjoyed.
At the Northumberland Badminton Association AGM on Sunday 17th September, the following message from Bob was read out:
I was so looking forward to being at the AGM on Sunday and meeting up with members of the Management Committee and all the club representatives, for the last time as their President. Unfortunately I have to offer my apologies for my absence as I have suffered badly for the last two weeks with this terrible virus that is going the rounds. It’s improving but far from clear.
It has been a huge honour and privilege to hold the position of NBA President at the end of my 75 year deep involvement in Northumberland badminton. 50 of these have been associated with NBA, including appointments as County Match Secretary, County Tournament Referee, Chairman and President, and over 20 years associated with Badminton England as NBA’s representative on the BE Council, as a member of their Competitive Play Board, and as Chair of their Tournament Policy Group. I am confident I am leaving behind a very strong and thoroughly dedicated NBA leadership team in place and I wish them every success in meeting the challenges still to be faced – there are many. For instance, the need to grow membership, particularly women members, and the need to rebuild our presence in Northumberland (outside Newcastle). Any support you and your clubs can give to them would be greatly appreciated.
Age and health dictated my decision to retire but as a continuing Honorary Vice President (since 1987) I will now follow the developments and successes of badminton in Northumberland with considerable interest, from the side lines and hope to get to a few matches and tournaments.
Good luck to you all! BOB PEARSON PAST PRESIDENT