The summer softball season may have come to an end, but that doesn't mean that all things softball ceased. The chairman of the Bristol Softball Association Chris Moon keeps us up to date with all things "softbally" with November's newsletter:

The Bristol Softball Association Annual General Meeting was held on Monday, November 2, 2009, at Racks Wine Bar. BSA was very fortunate to have with John Boyd who is Head of Development and Joint CEO of BaseballSoftball UK.

BSUK are supporting BSA in a number of ways – we already have very good quality new kit for beginners and we should see further evidence of their support next year with backstop fencing for four diamonds and portable dugouts. Minutes from the meeting will be sent to captains and available on the website as will the new committee contacts.

End of Season Charity Match

The end of season charity match was a huge success – thanks to all who took part, and particularly Saghi Zarbafi for organising it all. The shield was won by the All Stars – it will now be engraved and put on display. LSD’s chose the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal as their chosen charity and we raised £242.80.

All Stars Tournament and Single Sex Tournament 2010:

Mark Fenton is looking to recruit players for the All Stars Tournament in Birmingham (June 12/13) and men for the Single Sex Tournament July 24/25. Robyn Belt will organise the womens team. We will be asking Division Representatives to help as we need to utilise all tools at our disposal to make sure Mark and Robyn have enough players in time to organise training sessions.

Indoor Training 2010:

Pre-season training starts on January 15, 2010 at the County Ground, Neville Road from 8-10pm for new and inexperienced players. Please contact Jo Stretton Training Liaison Officer for details.

Change of dates for BSA Tournaments:

Due to the European championships next year, the Wreck Tournamnet will be in July and the Main Tournament in August. Therefore BSA tournaments are: First Ball (date tbc), DD Cup, May 29/30, WRECk July 3/4, Bristol Main, August 21/22.

2010 Dates to be confirmed:

Captains Meeting in February

BASU and BLU courses – Feb/March

Rules Clinics

First Ball - April

Start of Season - April

More information in the next newsletter.

Bristol Evening Post:

We have the fantastic opportunity to see Softball reported in our local paper Bristol Evening Post on Tuesday nights with league write-ups and pictures together with results also appearing on www.thisisbristol.co.uk/softball. Many thanks to Sarah Pritchard-Williams. If you would like to write a match report for Bristol News and Media please submit it through your Division Representative. Also take your camera's to the game and capture any magic moments and team photos.

Softball on the BBC:

Follow this link which will take you to Mike Bushell’s report on softball filmed at last year’s European Championships. Nothing Soft About Softball.

Softball Clothing:

Primate8 has a great range of clothing and they also provide BASU with their snazzy new shirts.

Bristol Softball Contacts:

If you want to get in touch with a Committee member, please use the link on the contacts page.

British Softball Federation (BSF):

www.britishsoftball.org. This is to keep up to date with national/international news – lots of info on softball and baseball.

Budding Authors:

Do you seek fame and glory? Have you got anything interesting to say about softball? If you would like to submit an article for our e-news, please send it to me, Chris Moon. Use the link on the contacts page to Chairman.

Old Kit:

(That’s not me….)

If you have an old glove or bat that you no longer need, Training Liason Officer, Jo Stretton will put it to good use in the beginners kit bag. All donations gratefully accepted.

Non Approved Bats 2010:

Following a ruling made by the BSF on October 10, 2009, it has been agreed that for next season bats that are legal for use must have either ASA 2000 or 2004 kitemark and not appear on the ASA Non Approved Bat list. Now you know what you can put on your Christmas list!

Ciaou bambinos. Moon the Magnificent. Editor. Journalist. All round good egg. Thatchers drinker.

For more information about playing softball in Bristol visit the Bristol Softball Association website.