Wednesday 28 September 2011

Best Documentary in the World ...

... that is until the next episode!  Absolutley fantastic work by our Team Photographer Jim. 

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Paintballing!

For many of the Bobcats who attended, it was their first time paintballing – and they were in for a treat! 
Chris & Debbie

The Bassetts Pole National Paintballing Field, near Sutton Coldfield, is one of the largest paintballing venues in the UK, with over 200 acres of playing zones ranging from jungle warfare and alien invasions to Wild West shootouts and diamond smuggling.  Their unique and realistic zones include trenches, villages, streams, bridges, temples, guard towers, embassies and vehicles and they have an incredible paintball arsenal – including heavy gunners, snipers, explosives etc.
Quentin, Ross, Justin, Debbie, Mike & Chris

Debbie, Mike, Reinout, Jocelyn, Hiram, Trent, Ross, Quentin, Chris, Justin and Kate arrived at the venue at 9am where they signed their lives away (don’t worry – only disclaimer forms) and in return were given a mask, camouflage jumpsuits and a gun.  We were assigned to Delta squadron, which consisted of approximately 50 people.  After a short and nerve-racking debrief (during which Debbie was warned about friendly fire) we loaded up with ammo and were led into the first arena. 
Trent, Ross, Quentin, Hiram & Jocelyn
 
Justin, Chris, Debbie & Reinout

Unfortunately due to the amount of people on the team the Bobcats instantly became separated – Quentin ran down the centre; Kate, Trent and Ross took the left side and the newbies defended the flag.  Needless to say the Bobcats (and the rest of the green team) were victorious! Following the game, it was encouraging to see that everyone was in high-spirits and pumped up on adrenalin. 
Reinout, Hiram, Trent, Ross, Justin, Debbie & Mike

The following game was in the Trench zone – one of the smallest arenas in the park.  This had limited cover and a number of Bobcats were picked off.  Again Kate, Trent, Ross and Quentin charged forward – but this time they were followed by Hiram, Justin and Mike.  After the game Reinout asked Kate where her ‘killer’ instinct came from and that he would not like to cross her path in the following game.  However, in the subsequent games he found out and became a formidable force in his own right – shooting Quentin in the last game at close range. 
Kate, Mike, Reinout, Quentin, Jocelyn, Hiram, Justin
Chris, Trent & Ross

After a quick pause to drink water and cool down (it was boiling in those suits) we were back in the field.  However, while waiting to enter the arena Mike was checking his gun and accidently fired – straight into the back of Debbie –at point blank range.  I suspect he is going to suffer for that for a long time!
The Mess

The games continued – everyone was hit at least once, but due to the thrill and adrenaline nobody seemed to mind.  In fact one of the highlights of the day is to compare bruises!  The best arenas we played in were the Temple of Doom and Tombstone.



In the third game, Kate decided she would disobey the team captain’s orders and conduct some of her own sniper, guerrilla warfare.  She snuck down the left side, climbing under and over thick branches until she came to a path, which led directly into the camp of the other team.  No-one knew she was there and she had a clear view of six enemy targets.  She stood in the open and picked them all off before any of them figured out where the firing was coming from.  Absolutely exhilarated she entered the next game – only to be shot by friendly fire (not Debbie).
Kate & Quentin

Following a quick lunch, the games continued into the afternoon.  Everyone became more and more adventurous throughout the day and in the brief breaks in between battle scars were examined and tales of heroism were passed around.  At 4pm it was time for the big showdown.  This involved every squadron (approximately 160 people) in the smallest arena.  The game was to last 10 minutes; the first of which you shot the other team, the latter you shot anyone.  In this game it didn’t matter if you were shot – you continued playing until you ran out of bullets.  Kate and Chris made a pack and ran to the centre of the arena, which contained lots of barricades that would defended them from the teams to the north and south.  Although they had to undertake a kamikaze attitude to get there – Kate was shot in the head four times and subsequently had a mild concussion – they were able to defend their post without too much trouble. 
Kate & Debbie

Overall the day was a huge success.  Everyone had a fantastic time and will no doubt be talking about it for a while to come.  It has been agreed that there should be another paintballing day in a couple of months so watch this space. 

Birmingham Sports & Cultural Day

The annual Birmingham Sports & Cultural Day is a community driven event that uses sports as a vehicle to promote the importance of cultural diversity & cohesion, widen access to sports and to increase participation.  It is also intended to be a family occasion where people of all nationalities and all age groups are able to attend and enjoy a wide variety sports, performing arts and cultural activities.  Naturally, this would be the perfect venue for the Bobcats to raise awareness about Softball. 
Newly elected committee member, Chris Williams, jumped upon this opportunity and was able to obtain a free space for the Bobcats to erect a stall and four VIP passes.  He also had a banner made and set up a table with props (gloves bats and balls) and leaflets to hand out about softball in general, the West Midlands Softball League, and of course the Bobcats in particular.  On the day he was assisted by Debbie, Tad, Saps (& Lorna) and Reinout. 
Here’s his account of the event:
If we had seen the official programme we might have taken into account the laid back nature of the people of Handsworth.  The organisers had planned the ‘lunchtime Entertainment’ to start at 16.35!
However, we set up bright and early for 10am.  By 12.30 we had only seen five people and two of them were Bobcats!
  Chris and the stall (Photos: Debbie) 

A lot of effort had gone into preparing our stall and the end result was convincingly professional.  Despite the odd heavy rain shower, the park became livelier as the afternoon slipped by, but it didn’t quite provide the teeming hoards which we had imagined.
Yet the ‘Softball for Beginners’ leaflet was very popular and we hope the enthusiasm and naturally-fun approach of the Bobcats will result in more than a few newcomers in the next few weeks.
Debbie with the 'Softball for Beginners’ leaflet
The highlights of the day included free Jamaican patties, almost speaking to the Lady Mayor, yummy cakes -  “happiness in every bite” – which provided an unexpected tea time treat with samples of six cakes (Kate: clearly a Bobcat’s heart is through their stomach!) and a customer feedback questionnaire – it was hard work but somebody had to do it.  Many of us also found out about Kabaddi (national team game of Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh) for the first time too. 
Chris, Tad and Reinout  
Many thanks go out to Debbie, Tad, Saps (& Lorna), and Reinout for flying the Bobcat flag. 
Chris Williams

Friday 2 September 2011

Meet the Birmingham Bobcats Committee

Chairman: Alex Levine
Alex is the Chairman of the Birmingham Bobcats Softball Club.  He has run the club for five years and has lifelong experience of the game.  Alex's role is to preside over meetings, be the representative and spokesman of the club, to organise tournaments and to oversee the general setup/duties of the club. 


Secretary: Justin Evans
Justin has been playing softball in Birmingham for 20 years.  As Secretary, Justin is responsible for ensuring that accurate and sufficient documentation exists for the club.  He takes the minutes at meetings, ensures their accuracy and availability, and assists the Chairman with the day-to-day running of the club. 


Treasurer: Debbie Evetts
Debbie has been involved in Softball for over 20 years.  In her day job she is an accountant so her position as Treasurer is a sensible one.  Her role is to ensure the financial stability of the club, to keep a detailed record of the accounts and to approve any purchases.
  

 Social Secretary: Kate Page-Smith
Although Kate only started playing Softball last year, she has been socialising for over 20 years.  Her role as Social Secretary involves the organisation of the club's social events, to organise friendly or charity games, to update the blog, to maintain good public relations in collaboration with the Chairman and general duties associated with the committee. 


Fundraising Manager: Jeff Nash
Jeff has been with the Bobcats for two seasons, but has been playing baseball and softball all his life.  At the beginning of this season Jeff obtained a sponsorship from Straightline for the club.  He also organises and undertakes raffles at tournaments and is in discussions with the Social Secretary about charity and fundraising events in early 2012. He also undertakes general duties associated with the committee.


Player Representative: Reinout Mildner
Reinout is a one of our two coaches for the team.  He is also a Doctor at Birmingham Children's hospital, so he is well placed to make sure the Bobcats are fit, healthy and happy.  Reinout has the perfect temperament for a player representative - he is approachable, positive, friendly, knowledgeable, discreet and tolerant.  Reinout also undertakes general duties associated with the committee.


Newslitter Editor: Chris Williams
Chris started playing softball in London, but joined the Bobcats this year.  He has thrown himself into the committee by starting up and maintaining the Newslitter and setting up the Indoor winter season for the Bobcats.  He also arranged and undertook our first Bobcat stand at a major sporting fair.  Chris also undertakes general duties associated with the committee.



Thursday 1 September 2011

WEST MIDLAND SOFTBALL COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 2011

The Committee meeting started as all meeting should commence – with Cava, Cake and a sing song – to celebrate Kate’s birthday. 



However, we did remain sober and had a productive meeting.  Here is a summary of the minutes:

Treasurer’s report:
We now have 32 paid up members.  The budget for new equipment was discussed - especially for indoor softball and new bases.

Social Report:
Picnic was a success and there is a lot of interest in Paintballing this weekend.  August is not a good time for social events as people are on holiday so next year there will be no ‘official’ social events in August.  A venue still needs to be located for the Murder Mystery.  It was voted that the Christmas Party will include Dinner and Karaoke – Kate to contact Pad Thai asap.  Invitations with strict RSVP will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.  Kate has been chasing the Solent League and the Bristol League concerning the TourCats Autumn Trip.  Although they are keen, they have not yet confirmed and time is ticking away.  It was suggested that rather than cobbling together a last minute trip, if there is not further response in the next week, the trip will be postponed. 

Tournaments:
Diamond league assumed defunct following difficulty of Leamington/Coventry/Stratford in getting teams.  Will push this forward for 2012 as it is agreed a worthwhile thing to pursue.  There may still be a game on Sunday, to be decided at training tonight. The Police game will now be rescheduled for early 2012 season due to illness and riots.  The Ice hockey game will now be rescheduled for early 2012 season due to the six week course taking precedence for the rest of the season.  Spring 2012 Derby game – Perry Park would be ideal venue. Birmingham Children’s Hospital would be a good choice of charity as many of members are connected to the charity. Other sports clubs have been invited and already keen feedback. Leics tournament and Stroud tournament; we have entered, but we need to accumulate players, particularly females.  2012 tournament schedule has not yet been finalised, tournaments such as Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Windsor, Leicester, Edinburgh and Jersey have been suggested. 

Kit:
Shirts should be mandatory for all players as it encourages players and provides a necessary identity.  There have been complaints about the style which will be reviewed for next season.  Both Jeff and Kate have options. 

Indoor Softball:
Chris has organised a venue and it will start on the 11th Jan at Kingsbury.  It will cost each player £2 per week.  Alex and Chris will visit venue soon and prepare suitable rules based on BSUK and London Teams recommendations. 

Other updates:

The Committee will meet at the end of the season to prepare a five year plan and discuss the future of the club.  Once this has been decided we can agree what grants to go for. 

Jim Kent and Kate will be submitting photos and a video on behalf of the Bobcats for the BSUK competition.  The video is in preparation (based on the Netherlands trip) and Kate will ask members for suitable photos this week. 

Every member has joined BSF thanks to Justin. 

The Handsworth Sports & Cultural Day was attended by Chris, Debbie, Reinout, Saps and Tad.  There was unfortunately poor public attendance, but our stand looked great.  More information to follow in the next blog post. 

BSUK will organise an umpire and coaching course for early 2012. 

Softball for Beginners

The Birmingham Bobcats and BaseballSoftballUK are running a six week softball course for beginners.  It is funded by Sportivate and is open to all over 14 years of age.  The course starts this evening (1st September) at 6.30 and will be led by Will Lintern, BSUK's Regional Coach and Club Development Officer.  The course will be held at Hallfield School, alongside regular Bobcats practice - so you can meet the team and decide whether you are as bonkers as we are!  If you can't make it this evening, please pop down any Thursday night to join.