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19/10/20: ROY PYNIGER ABINGDON BC

The County Association has been informed that Roy Pyniger of Abingdon BC passed away yesterday.  Roy was a great supporter of Abingdon and had been a County Bowler for many years.

No information is known regarding the funeral arrangements but once know will be published on this site.

Our thoughts  are with Roy’s  family at this very sad time.
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19/10/20: HEATHER BROWN NEWBURY BC

It is with great sadness that we have to inform members that Heather Brown of Newbury BC passed away a few days, about ten days after her partner Ted Sinfield.

No information is known regarding the funeral arrangements but once know will be published on this site.

Our thoughts  are with the families of both Heather and Ted at this very sad time.
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09/10/20: RAY SPACKMAN READING BC

The County Association is saddened to report that Ray Spackman passed away this morning after some time of illness.  Our sincere condolences go to all of his family, especially his wife Mary.

It is rare to find someone who showed such devotion to the Reading BC over many years.  Ray was a highly respected past President of Reading BC as well as Men’s and KLX Captain.  He was highly organised and with his keen brain helped the club through many challenges including the organisation of it’s bi-centenary celebrations in 2003.  Ray was a very active member and took on many roles within the club including making objections to the Council when parking restrictions were first introduced in the Kendrick Road area many years ago as well as dealing with the local press.  Even in recent times he was still contributing by helping with the gardens. Ray was certainly a character and he will be sorely missed.

The funeral will take place on Thursday 15 October 2020 at 10.45am at Reading Crematorium – South Chapel.  Unfortunately, due to the current situation the funeral is limited to a total of 20 people.  The family have requested ‘family flowers’ only and with any donations to Cancer Research.

Memory Giving Fund Page

The link above contains details on how to access a live web link on the day for those who would like to log in and watch the funeral.  Information on how to make an online donation can also be found via this link.
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07/10/20: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020

At a meeting of the Management Committee of TRCBBA on  7^th October 2020, it was agreed that due to the current Covid-19 regulations concerning social distancing and also the rule of six, that the Annual General Meeting cannot be held in its usual format this year but would have to be conducted electronically with the agenda, documents and reports sent to Club Secretaries by e-mail.  A voting document will also be issued asking each Club to complete and return (only one per club) ahead of the original meeting date of Sunday 22 November 2020.

The Management Committee  are sure you will appreciate and understand that the safety of all bowlers in the County was their primary consideration for taking this decision.

If there any further issues you wish to raise send  them to at stewartwright298@btinternet.com  who will endeavour to reply to all questions.
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07/10/20: TRCBBA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The County are wishing to recruit a “Development Officer”.  A Job Specification for this role can be viewed via this link. 

The position is open to open to either gender and the successful applicant will be co-opted onto the Management Committee.

If any member of the County Bowling Association is interested in this position they should submit their application by e-mail to Stewart Wright stewartwright298@btinternet.com not later than 30 November 2020.
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02/10/20: BOWLS ENGLAND NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

Enter now for your chance to play at the ‘Wembley of Bowls’!

 With the summer season now coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead positively to 2021 with entries for the BE national competitions now open.

These competitions are open to players of all abilities and we offer a range of events designed to meet your individual requirements.

Playing in bowls competitions with your partner provides memorable shared experiences.  BE have extended the eligibility criteria for the Family Pairs to enable those related by marriage – Husband and Wife/Civil Partnership – to participate together next season.

In addition any clubs that had the opportunity to organise a Club Singles Championship this year will be permitted to enter their club champion into the Champion of Champions Singles, in addition to their 2019 champions who will also be eligible to participate in 2021.

Steve Wade, the inaugural winner of the Family Pairs competition in 2012, said: “The Family Pairs offers a great opportunity for bowlers to spend some vital family time with their loved ones, and enables them to create some special memories on the green.  Winning the Family Pairs with my Dad was not only a proud moment for us, but a moment that we were able to share with the whole family.”

Jon Cockcroft, Bowls England Chief Executive, said: “The past few weeks have proved that there is little doubt in the appetite for people to enjoy our sport in a social and informal manner, which is complimentary to work and family life.  However, we are also aware that many participants enjoy the challenge of competition – so whether you be a regular competitor or new to our sport we have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.  We particularly welcome entries from those who may not have entered one of our competitions before, as this is your chance to improve your game, take on one of our elite athletes and perhaps win a place in the National Finals at Royal Leamington Spa, which will host the Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls event in 2022.”

Entries are now being accepted for the following events:

• Senior Singles (Men and Women)
• Senior Pairs (Men and Women)
• Champion of Champions Singles (Men and Women)
• Top Club (Men and Women)
• Club Two Fours (Men)
• Tony Allcock Trophy (Mixed Over 60’s Double Rink)
• Family Pairs
• Mixed Pairs
• Mixed Fours

BE are encouraging all entrants to manage their entry though our online Competitions Portal at www.bowlsenglandcomps.com, where registration can be processed within minutes.

Once registered, you will be able to select the events that you wish to enter and proceed to the secure payment. All entrants will receive a confirmation e-mail, and will be able to view all events entered within the ‘My Account’ area at the top of the page. The e-mail address provided will be used to communicate draw information during the playing season and enable you to enter results immediately at the conclusion of each match.

The deadline for entries to be received is 1^st March 2021.

BE are always happy to guide any members through the entry process if they require further assistance.

Please call Lee Rowland on 07340 887687 or email: comps@bowlsengland.com

Matt Wordingham
Publications / Media officer
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24/09/20: MEN’S SECTION D RESULTS COMPILER

After many years of dedicate service to the County Clive Behmber has decided to stand down as the Competitions Results Coordinator for Section D.  The County would like to than Clive for all the hard work he has put in to help ensure the smooth running of the Men’s County Competitions.

If anybody in Section D wishes to know more about this important role or would like to take up the post, could they please contact the Competition’s Secretary Keith Sawdon.
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22/09/20: BOWLS ENGLAND SELECT PROVISIONAL TEAM ENGLAND SQUADS FOR BIRMINGHAM 2022

Congratulations to Andrew Knapper on his selection in the Bowls England preliminary squad for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Gamesas part of Team England.

For full details of this High Performance squad please click on this link.
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18/09/20: BOWLS ENGLAND – COVID-19: UPDATED GUIDANCE

Strategy Development was the main item discussed at the Bowls England Board meeting which took place on Wednesday 26^th August.  Board members explored the organisation’s vision, mission and objectives going forward as a precursor for further discussion in September.  Minutes of this meeting can be seen via this link.

BE are currentlytalking to key stakeholders and non-bowlers to understand what they need to consider to attract new audiencesand new players.  Do you have a suggestion for the future of our sport or would you be keen to get involved in a focus group? If so BE would love to hear from you. All views are valued and BE will factor them into their thinking as we take our sport forward. Just e-mail: ourfuture@bowlsengland.com

The strategy will be launched in the New Year and BE are planning a series of national roadshows ahead of the 2021 season to help engage the whole of the bowls community.

A number of items were covered in the Chief Executive’s Operational Update.

In conjunction with the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA), BE launched the Let’s Roll marketing campaign.  The objective is to encourage clubs to provide free, introductory sessions for new bowlers and support the initiative from a national level with digital resources and Facebook advertising.  It’s not too late to join the 350-plus clubs that have signed up, further information at: https://www.bowlsengland.com/lets-roll/

Following the Board’s commitment to support plans for a national recruitment drive during the 2021 season, an outline proposition has been drafted for an annual national bowls weekend, with more details being released in due course. The future of BE podcasts also featured on the agenda.  Feedback for the podcasts has been very positive with future episodes featuring club-level players with interesting and inspiring stories to tell, with a shorter more conversational style. You can view all the podcasts on the Bowls England YouTube page: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjtPZ9KqcGZA1L0fHqxfMeg

In the international arena, BE have received the indicative outcome of the assessment on the Commonwealth Games Preparation Programme funding submission, which is subject to a resubmission based on Sport England’s initial feedback.  In addition, it was acknowledged that the future unification the of the British Isles Bowls Council and British Isles Women’s Bowls Council gave the opportunity to fully review the purpose and governance of these events in order to create a structure that is fit for purpose. It was also noted that, working with the Birmingham 2022 organisers, Warwick District Council is continuing the renovation of its Victoria Park greens in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

Good governance is vital to all organisations and BE are aiming to achieve Sport England’s Tier 3 Code of Governance. Advertisements to join the Governance Working Party was shared by seven external agencies, as well as promoted across all of the Bowls England social media channels.  Following a positive level of interest, the interviews were held on Wednesday 2^nd September and BE will announce the composition of the Working Party shortly.

Finally, following discussion, it was resolved to change the competition regulations in regard to the wearing of Bowls England branded shorts in order to allow clubs and counties to wear their own branded shorts, providing they conform to our uniform regulations so that we can present a consistent image for the sport. The regulations will be updated in the coming weeks.

With a new Chair, Chief Executive and a long term strategy in development, this is an exciting and seminal period for Bowls England.  Owing to two existing board members’ terms coming to an end, BE are seeking applications for the member-elected Director of Development and Director of Coaching positions, to join our Board of Directors.   You can find more information, in relation to these positions at:  www.bowlsengland.com/vacancies/

Helen Slimm
Executive Assistant
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16/09/20:BOWLS ENGLAND EMAILS

Bowls England has today been made aware that some bowls clubs have received suspicious emails, that appear to be signed on behalf of a member of the Bowls England team.  

Whilst these emails appear to be from Bowls England, they list a @gmail.com email address.  BE would advise all our members to be vigilant with email correspondence and to check the email address of the sender before responding.  BE would never ask any club or contact to provide payment details over email or pass on contact details to a third party.  All Bowls England emails finish @bowlsengland.com.  If you receive an email from any other account, BE suggest you delete the email and do not reply or forward.  

If for any reason you are suspicious about an email that you have received, please call us on 01926 334 609 and BE will be able to confirm if the email is genuine before you respond.

Helen Slimm
Executive Assistant
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16/09/20: BOWLS ENGLAND BOARD OPPORTUNITIES

With a new Chair, Chief Executive and a long term strategy in development, this is an exciting and seminal period for Bowls England.  Owing to two existing board members’ terms coming to an end, BE are now seeking applications for the member-elected Director of Development and Director of Coaching positions, to join our Board of Directors for a three-year period from the Bowls England AGM in February 2021.   

As a member of the Bowls England Board, Directors are required to be involved in the organisation’s strategic development, strategy and aims, ensuring that the necessary resources are in place for the organisation to meet its vision, mission and objectives.  Promoting the highest standards of corporate governance is critical.  Responsibilities for both positions are highlighted below:

The Director of Development:

• Club and County Services
• Player Recruitment and Retention
• Junior Development
• Disability Bowls England
• Facilities
• Volunteering

The Director of Coaching:

• The development of a culture within the sport, where coaching is valued and respected by players at all levels
• The recruitment, retention and education of coaches
• Criminal records check
• Liaison with external partners
• Coach Bowls membership, qualifications and courses

A detailed job description is attached for both positions can be viewed via the link below.  Bowls England is an equal opportunities employer, and applications are welcome from all suitably qualified individuals.  A application form is attachedwhich will need to be signed by either a County Association or Board Member.     

• Director of Development Job Description
• Director of Coaching Job Description

Applications should be submitted, with an accompanying CV to helen@bowlsengland.com by 9am on Monday 28^th September 2020.  

If more than one application is received for either position, a ballot form will be circulated to the County Associations for an electronic vote.   

Helen Slimm
Executive Assistant 
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10/09/20:BE STATEMENT:  COVID-19 UPDATE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATION FROM GOVERNMENT

Further to yesterday’s statement, BE are delighted to confirm that our clubs can continue to offer organised bowling activity in a Covid-safe manner.

Sport England has announced, following clarification from Government, that people can continue to take part in organised outdoor sports when restrictions on social gatherings are introduced from Monday 14^th September.

With the end of the season fast-approaching for the majority of our clubs, BE trust players will continue to enjoy our sport in a socially-distant manner, particularly if wishing to play fours at this time.

BE also encourage clubs to take this final opportunity to introduce new people to our sport through our ‘Let’s Roll’ initiative, which has already seen nearly 1,000 individuals sign up for a free trial session at their local club, and the Great British Week of Sport (Saturday 19^th September to Sunday 27^th September).

Click here to view the latest DCMS guidance

Click here to view the latest Bowls England guidance

In light of the clarification received, the BE guidance issued on 31^st July 2020 remains unchanged.

To receive the latest Bowls England news straight to your inbox, please sign up to their e-newsletter.

Matt Wordingham
Publications / Media officer
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09/09/20:  BE STATEMENT: COVID-19- GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS ON GATHERING

The Government announced last night that social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday (14^th September).   The change will ban larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors but includes some exemptions including for organised sports.

BE  are seeking clarification from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport on what this means for our sport, and will issue an update once this is received.

The current DCMS guidance (updated 19^th August 2020)and BE’sown guidance (issued 31^st July 2020)should be followed until Monday 14^th September.

BE kindly request that all members await their further update at this time and continue to stay alert and stay safe.

To receive the latest Bowls England news straight to your inbox, please sign up to their e-newsletter.

Matt Wordingham
Publications / Media officer
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02/09/20: VACANCY – LADIES ASSISTANT SECRETARY

A vacancy has become available on the County Women’s Executive committee for an assistant secretary.

The person that we are looking for must have access to a computer and be able to use spread sheets to produce the information for the yearbook and website.

Anyone interested should apply to Gillian Chambers (Ladies Secretary) for a full job description.
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27/08/20:BE OBITUARY – DAVID J. BRYANT CBE (SOMERSET)

Bowls England is saddened to learn of the passing of the man regarded by many as the greatest lawn bowler of all time, David J. Bryant CBE, at the age of 88.

David won five Commonwealth Games gold medals, eleven World Outdoor Bowls Championship medals and nine titles at the World Indoor Championships during an illustrious career.

He was widely recognisable as the face of bowls and was renowned for using a tobacco pipe whilst playing. He was awarded the MBE and then CBE for services to lawn bowls.

David Tucker, Bowls England Board Chair, said: “David was an icon for many decades, whose name was synonymous with our sport. He was well-respected by all who knew him. I was fortunate to compete against David on the green on many occasions, often coming on the wrong end of the scoreline, but a match against him was always a pleasure and includes many memories that I will never forget. My thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this time.”

David claimed his first Commonwealth Games successes at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, where he secured Gold in both the singles and fours. He went on to claim singles gold in 1970, 1974 and 1978.

He won the inaugural World Outdoor singles title at Kyeemagh, Australia, in 1966 and went on to win a further four gold medals at the World Outdoor Championships (two singles, one triples and one team), securing eleven medals in total (five gold, three silver, three bronze) between 1966 and 1988.

At the World Indoor Championships, David won no fewer than nine World Championships – three singles and six pairs titles with Tony Allcock OBE.

He also helped his county, Somerset, win the Middleton Cup on numerous occasions, as well as being crowned National Champion on 16 further occasions:

• National Singles – 1960, 1966, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975
• National Pairs – 1965, 1969, 1970
• National Triples – 1966, 1977, 1985
• National Fours – 1957, 1968, 1969, 1971

Bowls England sends its condolences to wife Ruth and the rest of David’s family and friends. His service to the sport will not be forgotten and he will be missed by many.

Matt Wordingham
Publications / Media Officer
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12/08/20:WORLD BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS DEFERRED TO SEPTEMBER 2021

The staging of the World Bowls Championships has been delayed a further 105 days, as announced today by World Bowls and Bowls Australia.

The quadrennial event will now be staged from Tuesday 7th September to Sunday 19th September 2021 in Gold Coast, Queensland, as a result of the current global COVID-19 climate and uncertainty around international travel restrictions which could impact the expected 36-attending nations.

The Bowls England team is looking forward to competing at the Championships.

For more information, visit: https://www.bowls.com.au/world-bowls-championships-deferred-to-september-2021/

Matt Wordingham
Publications / Media Officer
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