SWINDON and District Bowling Association held their 43rd annual dinner and presentation evening at the Winners Lounge.

Principal guests were John Wilks of Wootton Basset, the outgoing Wiltshire Bowls Association president, and David Greenleaf, marketing manager of the Stroud & Swindon Building Society.

The building society have been long time sponsors of the S&D Leagues and Greenleaf confirmed that the sponsorship would continue for the 2004 season.

The 20 years devoted service of Cricklade's Mike Large, who has held many posts within the association, were recognised when he was made the S&D's first life member.

In his last duty as the 2003 president, Large made the presentations to all of the association's competition winners and runners-up.

And he also made cheque presentations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Woodpecker ward at the Great Western Hospital.

Large's last formal duty was to hand over the chain of office and instal Ken Downton of Shrivenham as the 2004 president.