EnglishRound-up All the latest from the English bowls scene, by Michael McEwan
Bowls England reps lobby Parliament B
owls England
representatives were among a number of
national governing bodies who met MPs and Peers at the Houses of Parliament recently to urge them to do more to protect clubs within their constituencies. Chief executive Tony Allcock MBE was joined by board members David Tucker, Norma Hazzledine and development officer Alistair Hollis at the event, which was organised by the Sport & Recreation Alliance. Parliamentarians pledged their support for a range of issues that the Sport & Recreation Alliance, supported by Bowls England, is currently working on, including the call for community amateur sports clubs to receive Gift Aid on junior subscriptions and continuing efforts to agree on an affordable music licensing scheme for sports clubs. Allcock said: “Clubs across all sports, not just bowls, are facing greater financial challenges in the current climate, and therefore we were delighted to have the opportunity to attend this event to raise the profile of our sport and call on MPs to make some small changes that would make a big difference to our clubs.”
New data released by the Sport & Recreation Alliance at the event showed that a quarter of all sports clubs are currently operating at a loss, with half managing to just break even. It also revealed that those clubs making a surplus have seen it almost halve over the last two years. Tim Lamb, chief executive of the Sport & Recreation Alliance said that having the support of MPs illustrates the politicians’ empathy for their cause. “The fact that MPs attended our event and signed up to the pledge tells us that they understand the needs of clubs in their constituencies,” said Lamb. The Sport and Recreation Alliance is the umbrella organisation for 320 national governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK, including Bowls England. The Alliance speaks and acts to promote, protect and develop the interests of sport and physical recreation from the grass-roots through to elite level.
All clubs are encouraged to ask their MP to support the pledge, which can be found at:
www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/ pledge
Ditton BC is ‘Club of the Year’
Ditton BC in Kent has been named the 2011 Bowls England ‘Club of the Year’. They beat off stiff opposition from Clarence BC in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, to win the prestigious competition that is generously sponsored by Drakes Pride. Highcliffe BC, Hampshire, was placed third in the competition. The award proved to be ‘third time lucky’ for the club, which had been highly- commended in the competition for the last two years and has continued its efforts to promote the club and recruit new members to the sport of bowls. Ditton BC was also one of the first outdoor bowls clubs in England to achieve Clubmark accreditation from Sport England, which is recognition of the club’s commitment to developing a high quality and welcoming environment for young people to take up sport. Clarence BC also produced an exceptionally strong entry, demonstrating
the considerable efforts they had made with an extensive recruitment campaign over the past 12 months. Tony Allcock MBE, Bowls England chief executive, was delighted to hand out the award.
“All three of finalists were once again of an exceptionally high standard, but Ditton BC proved that the old adage of ‘if at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again’ still holds true,” said Allcock. “I would like to congratulate all those clubs who reached the final stages and thank Drakes Pride for their continuing support of this competition, which really does highlight the great work that is going on in clubs across the country to support our sport." As winners, Ditton BC will receive an array of prizes, such as: six sets of Drakes Pride Bowls; the Tony Allcock Trophy (to be kept for one year); a Bowls England pennant and ‘Club of the Year’ flag; and a badge for each club member.
Tony Allcock MBE, David Tucker and Norma Hazzledine at Parliament
King reverses retirement call
Commonwealth Games star Mervyn King has announced his wish to be re-considered for international selection. King said: “I’ve missed the competitive side of bowls this season and would like to make myself available for all internationals.”
Introductory scheme success
Bowls North of the Tyne devised two one-day sessions to enable experienced bowlers to introduce non-bowlers to the sport of bowls. A total of 30 bowlers attended the sessions, together with employees from the local council.
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