News
11 October 2021 Death of Derek Talbot
It is with
sadness that I have to report the death of Derek Talbot, Men’s County President
in 2011, former County Men’s Match Secretary and Benevolent Fund Committee
member.
John Ottaway
Men’s County Secretary
29 September 2021 County Competition Rules & Byelaws for 2022 update
Update to County Competition Byelaws
& Regulations for the 2022 Season
Following the
confirmation of playing formats for competitions that lead to the National Championship
finals announced by Bowls England on 15th September 2021, our County
Competition Byelaws & Regulations have been updated and can be viewed on
the <Rules & Regs> page.
21 September 2021 Men’s Clubs Meeting held on 12th September 2021
Report & bullet points
Presentation by Jon Cockcroft (BE Chief Executive)
JC presented on the role of a National Governing Body and then on the future strategy of Bowls England and the plans to take the game forward in 2022 and beyond.
Various documents detailing the strategy were published & sent to Clubs in August (and can also be downloaded from the Bowls England website via https://www.bowlsengland.com/fit- for-the-future-strategy-2021-2026/.
The documents set out how Bowls England will implement this. The strategy has taken into account the results of recent survey that has been undertaken. 900 clubs participated in the survey including 30 in Norfolk
The strategy and plans are wide ranging & Clubs are urged to read these and consider how these could be adopted at Club level. Bowls England support will always be available and should clubs have any questions or comments then these should be addressed to Bowls England.
Update from John Ottaway (NBA Men’s Secretary)
· The last
18 months
Thanked
all Clubs, their officers & members for their help, assistance & patience
over the last 18 months or so and their willingness to accept and take on board
the various changes that had to be made, including that to the County events playing
programme with, some at short notice, to get Clubs back in business and to get
their members back on the green, all in a Covid safe manner. Not too many
issues arose and when they did, they were suitably resolved.
· 2022
season
Thoughts
have now turned to the 2022 season and our planning for the season has begun.
Entry forms for the 2022 County Championships including the Club/Team events &
County League have been issued and should be returned with the appropriate
payment to John George (Competition Secretary) by 1st November 2021.
The playing formats for the 2022 County Championships that lead to the Bowls England National Championships have still to be confirmed but this is expected during the week commencing 13th September and Clubs will be notified. Whilst the dates of the National
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finals have not yet been confirmed, it is almost certain that due to Commonwealth Games being hosted by Victoria Park Leamington these will be held in late August/early September. With the National Finals being put back to a later date than normal, there is scope within our County programme to adjust our own Championship programme.
The 2022 playing formats & conditions of the Middleton Cup, White Rose Trophy & Balcomb Trophy are awaited as are those for the Bowls England National Competitions (i.e. those that are controlled direct by Bowls England)
NOTE – The playing formats for 2022 have now been confirmed as have the dates of the National Finals and formats for the Middleton Cup, White Rose Trophy & Balcomb Trophy. Details have been issued to Clubs
There are no plans to change the playing formats of our own County events, namely Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup & Jermy Cup (i.e. fours over 21 ends).
· County
operations
Despite
the various restrictions in place, the County Management Committee have continued
to meet (either virtually or in person). On some occasions decisions had to be taken
by key officers but such decisions were then put to Management Committee for
ratification.
· Men’s AGM
This
will be held on Sunday 5th December 2021
at County Arts BC starting at 9.30am and will be followed by the County League
AGM.
Nominations of officers, including those that are already in office, must be received by 15th September.
Harry Geary (Dereham St Nicholas) will become President by succession at the AGM but the JVP/SVP positions remain vacant and it is important that these are filled.
There is interest in the vacant Child Protection/ Safeguarding Officer and this will be confirmed in due course
There is also interest in the vacant Benevolent Fund Committee member position and this will be confirmed in due course.
Motions must be submitted by 15th October for the Men’s AGM and by 7th November for the League AGM.
· Main AGM
The
Executive level AGM is held March.
The Executive Board are proposing that the AGM is only held if there is actual business to conduct This will require changes to the Constitution. Other changes to the Constitution are also being considered in respect of the insurance of trophies & the examination of accounts.
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Details will be circulated to all Clubs in due course and it is hoped that these matters may be dealt with & approved via email rather than by a formal meeting.
· County
Administrator
The
County administrator is appointed for 3 years and this then subject to a
re-appointment process. John George is willing to continue in this position for
a further 3 years and details will be issued to Clubs asking if there are other
nominations. If there are then a ballot process will be undertaken otherwise
the intention is to reappoint John George and seek approval to this by email.
· Website
Chris
Evans has been appointed webmaster, replacing Allan Covell who is now resident
in Australia.
Some issues arose during the last year but these have now been addressed.
A review of content held on the website is to be undertaken.
· Sponsorship
As
we were not able to comply with the requirements regarding product placement,
the sponsorship arrangements with East Bilney Garage did not take place in 2020
or 2021 but it hoped that this will be reinstated in 2022.
· Coaching
There
is the possibility that Wymondham Dell will become a Centre of Excellence for
coaching in Norfolk where all coaching courses for Norfolk will be hosted.
Update from John George (NBA Men’s Competition Secretary)
· · Entry forms for the 2022 have been issued and must be returned to the Competition Secretary with payment by 1st November.
· · Entry Fees remain unchanged
· · Fees may now be made by Bank Transfer rather than by cheque
· · Club Secretaries are urged to ensure entrant details have the correct contact details
· · The Group 2 Competition Secretary position will become vacant and a new
appointment is being sought
Update from David Naunton (NBA Treasurer)
· · Finances are stable despite the issues of the last 18 months
· · There are no plans to increase Affiliation fees
· · Affiliation fees will be due on 1st May 2022 & forms will be issued at the appropriate
time
· · The Bank Balance is approx. Ł38,000 and consideration needs to be given as to how
these funds could be used for the benefit of Clubs and will be considered by the
Management Committee
· · Funds remain available in Benevolent Fund should any Club wish to apply for a
grant payment to any of their members in need
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Update from David Naunton (NBA Match Secretary)
· · Despite restrictions that have been in place the Friendly Match programme went ahead although changes had to be made as we went along.
· · Unfortunately, due to various circumstances some matches had to be cancelled
· · Plans are now underway for the 2022 programme .
Update from Mark Elliott (NBA League Secretary)
· · We ‘lost’ 9 teams who had previously entered due to various issues but it was not possible to carry out any restructure of the zones
· · Changes to 2021 published fixtures had to made at short notice with the first 3 fixtures moved to the end of the season.
· · Despite this and with other issues that arose during the season, the league programme was successfully concluded
· · The league structure for 2022 is now being considered.
· · The closing date for entries is 1st November. If Clubs expect that their entries will be
different to those in 2021 then please let the League Secretary know.
· · Thorpe Rec BC is considering putting a motion to the League AGM to change the
playing format of the League to 3xtriples with 3 bowls per player. Clubs are asked to consider the implications of this change if the motion is submitted as it is a material change to a league which has been a successful part of our programme since 1966.
The following matters were raised in relation to the Thorpe Rec proposal and need to be considered:-
1. 1) The League rules/Constitution require a 67% vote in favour to any change that materially affects changes to the structure of the League (see League Constitution paragraph 2 below)
Constitution para 2
“Any alteration or change that materially affects the structure of the League
and its zones shall be made only at the Annual Meeting or at a Special General Meeting and at such meeting such alteration or change shall be put to the vote by (a) the appointed representatives of the clubs and (b) members of the League Management Committee. Any alteration or change shall require a 67% vote in favour”
2. 2) Will a change to triples result in Clubs being able to enter extra teams or will Clubs with only team still enter one team of 9 players meaning that 3 players per match will miss out and not be able to take part each week?
3. 3) Our Fours league is the envy of many Counties and serves as a good platform for players seeking to progress to County Team events which are all played under a fours format and a change to triples might detract from this and weaken our County teams.
4. 4) Is there a possibility of retaining the Premier League as fours but playing the Zones as triples? If so this will mean the team winning the League Zone playoffs under a 3x triples format will need to find an additional 3 players to compete in the Premier League (3x fours) if they accept the ‘invitation’ to join the Premier League. If they do
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not and neither do the runners up (per League Rule 15 below) then there is the danger of the Premier League becoming a closed shop.
League Rule 15
The winner of the League Championship shall be invited to join the Premier
Zone. Should that club decline, the runner-up shall be invited.
The bottom team in the Premier zone shall be relegated to an appropriate Zone provided the winner or runner up of the League Championship wishes to join the Premier Zone.
The Meeting closed at 12.05pm
21 September 2021 Norfolk successes in Eastern Counties
Bowling Association Championships
The finals of the 2021
Eastern Counties Bowling Association Championships were held at Scole &
District BC & Diss & District BC at the weekend.
Norfolk took two of the
titles at stake with Jack Larter of County Arts BC lifting the Junior Singles
beating Adrian Allen from Bedfordshire comprehensively by 21 shots to 7. The
Wymondham Dell rink of Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter
Roseblade took the Fours trophy with a 19-13 victory over Sam Burgess’s Essex
rink.
16 September 2021 BOWLS ENGLAND OUTLINES
PLANS FOR 2022 DOMESTIC SEASON
The introduction of shorter formats in all events provided the maximum flexibility for players, clubs and counties to arrange their respective matches. The change in format has led to a healthy debate on our national competition programme and, building on previous insight, we have digested the recent survey which was completed by both current and prospective participants.
As part of our core aim to grow participation in lawn bowls, a priority is to deliver an annual programme of national competitions which provide a structure and environment for all players to feel challenged, rewarded and committed to our sport. This involves satisfying the needs of existing competitions entrants, whilst ensuring competitions are accessible for as broad a range of bowlers as possible. There is little doubt the number one barrier to people entering competitions, or entering more competitions, is pressures on their time.
To that end, our outline plans for 2022 were sent to all county associations last week and, following their feedback, we are pleased to share them more widely.
National Finals 2022
We have repeatedly outlined that 2022 is a challenging year for the domestic calendar, and we have been advised that Birmingham 2022 has use of the Victoria Park venue until Thursday 18th August. Building in venue set-up time, the indicative dates for the Bowls England National Finals are Thursday 25th August to Sunday 11th September inclusive. We will be meeting with Birmingham 2022 and Warwick District Council to confirm this and are mindful of the challenges of the later date on players and spectators.
We will be reflecting on this year’s National Finals and making improvements based on your feedback. We aim to go on ticket sale for the 2022 National Finals before the end of 2021. Please sign up to our Jack newsletter for updates.
National Championship 2022 – Formats and Qualification
Following an analysis of the survey results and feedback from counties, we will be running all the National Championships using the following formats:
· · Singles (including Junior Singles) – 21 up
· · Pairs (including Junior Pairs) – Four bowls 18 ends
· · Triples – Three bowls 18 ends
· · Fours (including Senior Fours) – Two bowls 18 ends
· · Two-bowl singles – Two bowls 21 ends
07 September 2021 Death of
Tom Kelly (Wymondham BC)
It is with sadness that I have to report the death of Tom Kelly, a long standing member of Wymondham Dell BC.
Tom was not only a very successful bowler, winning County titles and representing the County in the Middleton Cup on many occasions but was also a great innovator in the game of bowls and many of you will have known Tom through his successful bowls business.
Our thoughts go out to Tom’s family and his many friends in the bowls world.
Funeral details will be announced later
31August 2021 National Pairs-
Willgress & Tufts
lift Bowls England National Pairs title
John Tufts and Wayne
Willgress of Norfolk BC are the new Bowls England National Pairs champions
having beaten the highly fancied and previous winners Louis Ridout & Sam
Tolchard from Devon in a high quality the final at Victoria Park, Leamington
Spa. Willgress in particular was in inspired form in the final playing
outstanding bowls in a 15 shots to 6 victory.
In earlier
rounds, Tufts & Willgress battled through the first day with 3 narrow
victories but hit top form on the second day with comfortable victories in the
quarter & semi-finals and were fully deserving of the title.
The title was
Willgress’s second national title having lifted the triples title in 2007 and
follows previous wins for Norfolk in the Pairs championship by Eddie Bell &
Malcolm Wade in 1979, Roger Guy & John Ottaway in 1990 & Ian Wynter
& Jamie Chestney in 2004.
The National
finals continue over the next week and full results & reports may be found
on the Bowls England website https://www.bowlsengland.com/live-scores-benfinals21/
31August 2021 Hansells pairs Wayne Wil& John Tufts lift National Pairs title
County Arts lift the
Hansells Cup
The last
silverware of the County season was decided on Saturday when County Arts ‘B’ lifted
the Hansells Cup for the County League Zone 2 winners. A dominant performance
particularly on the rink skipped by Steve Carr saw them beat Kings Lynn in the
final by 63 shots to 48. With a similar performance in the semi-final they beat
Long Stratton 64-48 whilst Kings Lynn reached the final by overcoming
Dickleburgh 79-44.
Results (skips
names only)
Semi-finals
County Arts ‘B’ 64 Long Stratton 48
S. Carr 31 B
Searle 10
N. Gant 24 K.
Staff 15
R. French 9 P.
Lovett 23
Kings Lynn 79 Dickleburgh 44
G. Bonnick 25
A.Green 13
G. Upton 29 P.
Wright 16
A. Coulson 25
D. Shimmell 15
Final
County Arts ‘B’ 63 Kings Lynn 48
S.Carr 28 A.
Coulson 16
A. Curtis 17 G.
Bonnick 12
N. Gant 18 G.
Upton 20
30 August 2021 meeting
Men’s President 2021 – Denis West
CLUBS MEETING
Date:
Sunday 12th September
2021 Time: 10.00am
Venue: COUNTY ARTS BC (Norwich)
AGENDA
1. Introduction & welcome from
Chairman (Alan Willer)
2. Introduction of County Officers
in attendance (Alan Willer)
3. Presentation by Jon Cockcroft –
Bowls England Chief Executive followed by question & answer session
4. Report & update from Hon.
Secretary/Bowls England Delegate (John Ottaway)
5. Report & update from Hon.
Competition Secretary (John George)
6. Report & update from Hon.
League Secretary (Mark Elliott)
7.
Report
& update from Hon. Treasurer (David
Naunton)
8. Report & update from Hon.
Match Secretary (David Naunton)
9. Open forum for questions & comments
from Club representatives
22
August 2021 2022 County Championship Entry forms
The entry forms
for the 2022 County Championships both individual & Club as well as the
County League (as detailed below) have been sent to all Club Secretaries and
may also be downloaded from the <COUNTY COMPS> page.
Individual Championships
·
Two
bowl singles
·
Singles
·
Pairs
·
Triples
·
Fours
·
Senior
Fours
·
Junior
Singles
·
Junior
Pairs
Club/Team Championships
·
Club
Championship (Bales Cup)
·
Lord
Fermoy Cup
·
Jermy
Cup
·
County
League
Please note the
closing date for submission of entries to the County Competition Secretary
(John George) is 1st
November 2021 so entrants should ensure that their entries be passed to
their Club Secretary well ahead of this date (by 1st October) to
give time for the relevant paperwork to be processed.
Playing formats
You will be
aware that the playing formats for the County Championships that lead to the
Bowls England National Championships were changed for the 2021 season. We
cannot confirm what these will be for 2022 but Bowls England is carrying out a
Survey asking for views on the formats for next season and beyond. It is
important that the views of Clubs & Players are given to Bowls England so I
would urge that all participate in the Survey so the full spectrum of views is
given to Bowls England. The survey can be accessed on the Bowls England website
and also via the following link: https://www.bowlsengland.com/competitors-survey-2021/.
The deadline for completing the survey is Sunday 29th August at
5.00pm. Bowls England will then reflect on the findings and make decisions for
the future. Please ensure your members are aware of the survey so they may
express their views. I expect the conclusions from the Survey and the playing
formats for 2022 will be determined before the closing date for entries to our
County Championships. Finally, I would confirm that we have no plans for
changes to the playing formats for the Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup, Jermy Cup
& County League though these could be a matter for discussion at the Clubs
Meeting on 12th September.
John George John
Ottaway
Hon. Competition Secretary Hon.
Men’s Secretary
22 August 2021 Bales Cup
& Lord Fermoy finals & Hansells Cup play-offs
Norfolk BC have
retained the Bales Cup with a comfortable victory over County Arts at Wymondham
Dell. They were always in control and ran out winners by 63 shots to 39.
The win was
Norfolk’s 11th moving into 3rd place in the winners table
behind County Arts & Wymondham Dell who have won the competition 12 &
13 times respectively.
Rink scores:
Nick Slater,
Aaron Stimpson, Richard Summers & Mark Riches 24 Rob Bunting, Ben Curtis,
Brian Taylor & Jack Larter 11
John Colcombe,
Matt Flatman, Tom Segolo & James Segolo 17 Gary Mallett, Gary May, Ian
Groves & Dan Mills 13
Charles West,
Ian Wones, Neil Moulton & Wayne Willgress 22 Noel Jarvis, Clive Derry, Mick
Brown & Mark Turner 15
Downham Market
are the new County Two Fours champions having won the Lord Fermoy Cup with
victory over Wootton Park in the final held at Swaffham Town BC, winning on
both rinks and overall by 44 shots to 30. The win was Downham Market’s fourth
in the championship and the first since 2005.
Rink scores:-
John Gooch,
Mark Wright, Gavin Cater & Peter Chestney 20 Ryan Hudson, Mike Smith, Dan
Cawthorne & Vernon Hudson 16
Max Harrison,
Matt Warnes, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero 24 Andy Sayer, Tom Baker, Ian
Whiley & Adrian Folker 14
The final silverware
of the County season will be decided next Saturday with the league play offs
for the Hansells Cup at Wymondham Dell. In the semi-finals at 10.00am County
Arts ‘B’ play Long Stratton whilst Dickleburgh meet Kings Lynn with the winners
meeting in the final at 2.00pm.
18 August 2021 2022
County Championship & League Entries
Individual
Championships
· Two
bowl singles
· Singles
· Pairs
· Triples
· Fours
· Senior
Fours
· Junior
Singles
· Junior
Pairs
Club/Team
Championships
· Club
Championship (Bales Cup)
· Lord
Fermoy Cup
· Jermy
Cup
· County
League
Closing
date for entries
The closing date for entries to the
County is 1st November 2021 so please ensure that individual entries
are passed to your Club Secretary by 1st October so that these may
the processed by the closing date. The closing date is earlier than last year
so planning for the 2022 season may commence.
Playing
formats
You will be aware that changes to the
playing formats for the County Championships that lead to the Bowls England
National Championships were changed for the 2021 season. Discussions are
on-going with Bowls England as to the formats to be played in 2022 and beyond
and at this stage we cannot confirm what these will be. Bowls England will be
issuing a survey to Counties, Clubs & Players were they will be able to
give their views on the playing formats and the results from this will be
considered by Bowls England in establishing the formats in 2022. It is
important that the views of Clubs & Players are given to Bowls England so I
would urge that all participate in the Survey so the full spectrum of views is
given to Bowls England. Please ensure your members are aware of the survey so
they may express their views. I expect the results of the Survey and the
playing formats for 2022 will be determined before the closing date for
entries. Finally, I would confirm that we have no plans for changes to the
playing formats for the Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup, Jermy Cup & County
League though these could be a matter for discussion at the Clubs Meeting on 12th
September
John George John
Ottaway
Hon. Competition Secretary Hon. Men’s Secretary
17
August 2021 Bowls England launch survey on playing formats
Bowls England
have now issued their promised Survey on their National Championship formats
which will also apply to our own County Championships. You may well have
received details direct from Bowls England either by email or through social
media channels but if not then this may be accessed via the Bowls England
website or through the following link https://www.bowlsengland.com/competitors-survey-2021/
There has been
much comment over the season on the playing formats used this year and if you
have an opinion on these then it is important that you give these via the
survey which will assist Bowls England in determining the formats to be used in
2022 and beyond.
The deadline
for completing the survey is Sunday 29th August at 5pm.
16 August 2021 GW
Staniforth win WP Baker Cup & other news
There was however disappointment for Norfolk BC ‘B’ where
despite a late surge in form they are relegated to the regional zones. They
will be replaced in the Premier League by GW Staniforth who won the regional
play-offs for the WP Baker Cup with victory over Gissing in the final by 62
shots to 58. GW Staniforth return to the Premier League, having last played in
it in 2011. In the earlier semi-finals, GW Staniforth overcame Caister 60-52
whilst Gissing, having beaten RG Carter Group in the preliminary round,
progressed straight to the final when Hunstanton conceded the semi-final.
The County League concludes with the play-offs for the
Hansells Cup which are to be played at Wymondham Dell on Saturday 28th
August. In the semi-finals, which start at 10.00am County Arts ‘B’ play Long
Stratton and Dickleburgh play Kings Lynn, with the winners progressing to the
final which will be played at 2.00pm.
The finals of the Lord Fermoy Cup & Bales Cup will be
played later in the week. The Lord Fermoy Cup is an all West Norfolk affair
with Downham Market meeting Wootton Park at Swaffham Town BC on Thursday whilst
in the Bales Cup, Norfolk BC meet County Arts at Wymondham Dell on Friday.
The Bowls England National Championships start later in the
week with the winners of the individual County Championships looking to bring
home national titles. Daily results and reports including the live streaming of
some of the matches will be available on the Bowls England website www.bowlsengland.com.
9
August 2021 County
Finals
At the Norfolk
Bowls Association County Championship finals held over the weekend, Norfolk
BC’s John Tufts lifted two titles taking both the prestigious Singles crown as
well as the Pairs title. In the singles, he overcame Peter Roseblade 21-15
following a mid-match delay for rain and then followed this by partnering Wayne
Willgress to the Pairs title with victory over Freethorpe’s Matthew Carter
& David Smith by 20 shots to 7. For Tufts & Willgress this was the 4th
time they have lifted the Pairs title.
Carter &
Smith were joined by Dan Seabourne in the Triples and overcame their earlier
disappointment to take the title with a 17-15 victory over Dan Mills, Jack
Larter & Mark Turner from County Arts in a high quality match.
Likewise, Peter
Roseblade gained some recompense for this defeat in the Singles, by skipping
his Wymondham Dell rink comprising Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley & John
Ottaway to a 17-11 victory over John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Richard Summers &
Wayne Willgress of Norfolk BC.
Peter Boldero
of Downham Market BC won the 2 bowl singles, to add to his Senior Fours title
won earlier in the season by beating County Arts Dan Mills 14-7
The County team
championships are now reaching their conclusion with the semi-finals being held
this week. In the Club Championship County Arts play Wymondham Dell whilst
Norfolk BC play RG Carter Group, with both matches being played at RG Carter
Group BC on Friday.
In the Lord
Fermoy Cup, the semi-final line up sees Downham Market play Acle St Edmunds
whilst Norfolk BC play Wootton Park. These matches will be played on Thursday
on a home & away basis
County Final results
Singles - Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 15 John Tufts (Norfolk BC) 21
Two
Bowl Singles - Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 14 Dan Mills (County Arts) 7
Pairs
- Matt Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) 7 John Tufts & Wayne Willgress
(Norfolk BC) 20
Triples - Dan Seabourne, Matthew Carter & David Smith
(Freethorpe) 17 Jack Larter, Dan Mills & Mark Turner (County Arts) 15
Fours - Geoff Batley, Gary Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter
Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 17 John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Richard Summers & Wayne
Willgress (Norfolk BC) 11
5 August 2021 Norfolk
BC retain Jermy Cup
Norfolk BC
retained the Jermy Cup with victories over Acle St Edmunds BC in the semi-final
and then County Arts BC in the final.
The semi-final
between Norfolk BC & Acle was a one sided affair with Norfolk BC running
out winners by 45 shots winning on all three rinks. It was a similar story in
the final with Norfolk BC again winning on all 3 rinks and by 26 shots.
The other
semi-final was a much closer affair which went down to a dramatic last end with
County Arts beating Kings Lynn BC by a single shot.
Results/Scores
Semi-finals
Norfolk
BC 75 Acle St Edmunds 30
C. Rednall, J. Devitt,
A. Stimpson & T Segolo 21 J. Kirby, S.Siely, S.Elliott & A.Siely 9
E. Johnson, S. King, M.
Riches & W. Willgress 26 A. Morton, M. Morton, B. Downie & W. Willimott
14
N. Segolo, B.Whitehead,
K. Brooks & J. Segolo 28 J. Woollaston, R. Himpleman, M. Himpleman &J.
Sparrow 7
County
Arts 57 Kings Lynn 56
D. Eves, L. Farman, M.
Steppings & B. Taylor 25 M.Upton, L.Oakley, J. Francis, G. Bonnick 13
S. Hunt, L.Potter, C.
Webb & T. Webb 13 S. Fenner, J. Hatley, M.South & G. Upton 18
B.Taylor, L. McMillan,
J. Carter & D. Mills 19 H. Young, P. Sayer, J. Bird & J. Abbott 25
Final
Norfolk
BC 67 County Arts 41
C. Rednall, J. Devitt,
A. Stimpson & T Segolo24 B.Taylor, L. McMillan, J. Carter & D. Mills 14
E. Johnson, S. King, A.
Johnson & M. Riches 17 D. Eves, L. Farman, M. Steppings & B. Taylor 14
N. Segolo, B.Whitehead,
K. Brooks & J. Segolo 26 S. Hunt, L.Potter, C. Webb & T. Webb 13
3 August 2021 County Championship Finals
Men’s County Championship Finals
at Norfolk BC on
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th August 2021
Saturday 7th August at
2.00pm
SINGLES
Peter Roseblade
(Wymondham Dell)
-v-
John Tufts (Norfolk BC)
TWO BOWL SINGLES
Peter Boldero (Downham
Market)
-v-
Dan Mills (County Arts)
Sunday 8th August at
10.30am
PAIRS
Matt Carter & David
Smith (Freethorpe)
-v-
John Tufts & Wayne
Willgress (Norfolk BC)
Sunday 8th August at
2.00pm
TRIPLES
Dan
Seabourne, Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
-v-
Jack
Larter, Dan Mills & Mark Turner (County Arts)
FOURS
Geoff
Batley, Gary Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)
-v-
John Tufts,
Matt Flatman, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress
(Norfolk
BC)
1 August 2021 County Championship semi-finals
The semi-finals
of the County Championships have now been played.
Norfolk BC’s
John Tufts has reached 3 finals. In the singles, he overcame Hingham Rectory’s
Bob Hall 21-13. In the final, he will meet Peter Roseblade from Wymondham Dell
who beat defending champion, Downham Market’s Max Harrison
In the Fours,
the defending champions, Norfolk BC, skipped by Wayne Willgress and with John
Tufts at lead are through to the final following a narrow victory over St.
Lawrence, skipped by Mervyn Chapman. Peter Roseblade reached his second final
by skipping his Wymondham Dell quartet to a comfortable victory over another
Norfolk rink skipped by James Segolo.
John Tufts
third final is in the Pairs, when he partnered Wayne Willgress to victory over
past winners Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum. In the final Tufts and Willgress
will meet Freethorpe’s Matthew Carter & David Smith who beat other former
winners, Roger Guy & John Ottaway from Wymondham Dell.
Having lost in
the fours semi-final, there was further disappointment for St Lawrence in the
triples where the rink skipped by Mervyn Chapman lost to the County Arts trio
skipped by Mark Turner whose rink included the Junior Singles champion, Jack
Larter & former National Junior Singles champion, Dan Mills. In the final
they will meet the Freethorpe triple skipped by David Smith who overcame, John
Ottaway’s Wymondham Dell triple on the last end.
The finals will
be played at Norfolk BC over the weekend of 7th/8th
August and the programme of matches will be announced shortly and will be
published on the Norfolk Bowls Association website www.norfolkbowls.co.uk.
Semi-final results
Fours
Aaron Stimpson,
Karl Brooks, Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 6 Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade
(Wymondham Dell) 18
Chris Wright,
Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman 12 John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress
(Norfolk BC) 15
Triples
Jack Larter,
Mark Turner & Dan Mills (County Arts) 19
Chris Wright, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) 10
25 Jul 2021 Notice for Clubs
Norfolk Bowls Association
Men’s County Championship Semi-finals
The quarter finals of
the Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours County Championships take place during
the week commencing 26th July with all matches starting at 6.30pm
FOURS
To be played on Monday 26th
July at RG Carter Group BC
- Aaron Stimpson, Karl Brooks, Tom
Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley,
John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)
- Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy
Hailes & Mervyn Chapman -v- John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Richard Summers
& Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
TRIPLES
To be played on Tuesday 27th July at
Harling Rec. BC
- Jack Larter, Mark Turner & Dan
Mills (County Arts) -v- Chris Wright, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman
(St. Lawrence)
- Peter Roseblade, Garry Oakley &
John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- Dan Seabourne, Matthew Carter &
David Smith (Freethorpe)
PAIRS
To be played on Thursday 29th July at
Aldiss Park BC
- Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum
(Wymondham Dell) -v- John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
- Roger Guy & John Ottaway
(Wymondham Dell) -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
SINGLES
To be played on Friday 30th July at GW
Staniforth BC
- Bob Hall (Hingham Rectory) -v- John
Tufts (Norfolk BC)
- Max Harrison (Downham Market) -v-
Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)
The County finals will be
played on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th August at Norfolk
BC
25
Jul 2021 County Championship quarter final results & semi final
draws
The quarter
finals of the Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s County Championships have been
played.
In the fours,
defending champions, Norfolk BC skipped by Wayne Willgress reached the semi-
final with a one shot victory over the Wymondham Dell rink skipped by Kevin Guy
and are joined in the semi-finals by rinks from Wymondham Dell, St Lawrence
& a 2nd Norfolk BC rink.
The triples saw
victories by County Arts, Wymondham Dell, St. Lawrence & Freethorpe whilst
in the pairs three former winners are through, Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum
(Wymondham Dell), John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) & Roger Guy
& John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) and are joined by Matt Carter & David
Smith from Freethorpe.
In the blue
riband singles, Max Harrison is on course to defend his title by narrowly
beating Downham Market team-mate Peter Boldero. In the semi-final, he meets
Wymondham Dell’s Peter Roseblade whilst the other semi-final sees Bob Hall from
Hingham play Norfolk BC’s John Tufts.
Full quarter
final results & the semi-final draws are:-
Quarter final results
Fours
Aaron Stimpson,
Karl Brooks, Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 18 John Gooch, Harry
Cater, Gavin Cater & Peter Chestney (Downham Market) 13
Geoff Batley,
Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 15 Dan
Seabourne, Mick Harvey, Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) 14
Adie Fox, Peter
Bailey, Roger Guy & Kevin Guy (Wymondham Dell) 11 John Tufts, Matt Flatman,
Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress
(Norfolk BC) 12
Max Harrison,
Mark Wright, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 8 Chris Wright,
Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Alan Bateson (St. Lawrence) 20
Triples
Ryan Hudson,
Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) 9 Noel Jarvis, Jack Larter &
Mark Turner (County Arts) 15
Chris Wright,
Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) 18 Ady Fox, Peter Bailey &
Kevin Guy (Wymondham Dell) 13
Peter
Roseblade, Garry Oakley & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 25 David Willgress,
Nigel Carter & Andy Brooks (Upwell) 10
Dan Seabourne,
Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) 14 Charles West, Robert Hadingham
& Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC) 9
Pairs
Matthew Warnes
& Jack Wells (Downham Market) 13 Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham
Dell) 14
Steve Engledow
& Bob Allen (St. Lawrence) 16 John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
18
Roger Guy &
John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 20 Ady Folker & Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 5
Charles West
& Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC) 3 -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith
(Freethorpe) 21
Singles
Bob Hall
(Hingham Rectory) 21 Chris Rowe (Downham Market) 13
Tom Cooper
(Freethorpe) 17 John \Tufts (Norfolk BC) 21
Peter Roseblade
(Wymondham Dell) 21 Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC) 7
Peter Boldero
(Downham Market) 19 Max Harrison (Downham Market) 21
Semi-final draws
Fours
To be played on Monday 26th
July at RG Carter Group BC
Aaron Stimpson,
Karl Brooks, Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Geoff Batley, Garry
Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)
Chris Wright,
Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman -v- John Tufts, Matt Flatman,
Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
Triples
To be played on Tuesday 27th July at
Harling Rec. BC
Jack Larter,
Mark Turner & Dan Mills (County Arts) -v- Chris Wright, Andy Hailes &
Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence)
Peter
Roseblade, Garry Oakley & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- Dan Seabourne,
Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
Pairs
To be played on Thursday 29th July at
Aldiss Park
Barry Flatt
& Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell) -v- John Tufts & Wayne Willgress
(Norfolk BC)
Roger Guy &
John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
Singles
To be played on Friday 30th
July at GW Staniforth
Bob Hall
(Hingham Rectory) -v- John Tufts (Norfolk BC)
Max Harrison
(Downham Market) -v- Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)
23 Jul 2021 Bowls
England 2021 National Championship Finals
Bowls England
have issued details of the arrangements for their National Championships finals
to be held at Victoria Park Royal Leamington Spa in August & September and these are summarised below & can also
be found, with more details on the Bowls England website or direct via the
following link https://www.bowlsengland.com/the-national-finals-2021/
|
.
20 Jul 2021 Disappointment in Balcomb & White Rose Trophies
There was
disappointment for the County in the Regional finals of the Balcomb & White
Rose Trophies.
At Brampton,
Norfolk fell agonisingly short of a place in the Balcomb Trophy National finals
as the lost by a single shot on the last end against Northamptonshire in the
regional final, the first time they were behind in the match. Earlier in the
semi-final they overcame a strong Essex team by 3 shots in a match where they
were always ahead.
In the White
Rose Trophy, played at Newmarket Avenue BC Norfolk’s young bowlers lost in the
semi-final to Northamptonshire who then went on to beat Suffolk to qualify for
the National finals. In their match, Norfolk looked to be control of the match
but slipped up over the closing ends to lose by 8 shots.
20 Jul 2021 Jack Larter Crowned County Junior Singles Champion
15
Jul 2021 County
Championship Quarter finals
Men’s County
Championship Quarter finals
The
quarter finals of the Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours County Championships
take place during the week commencing 19th July
FOURS
To be played on Monday 19th
July 2021 at Aldiss Park BC starting at 6.30pm
- Aaron
Stimpson, Karl Brooks, Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- John Gooch, Harry Cater, Gavin
Cater & Peter Chestney (Downham Market)
- Geoff
Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v- Dan Seabourne, Tom Cooper,
Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
- Adie
Fox, Peter Bailey, Roger Guy & Kevin Guy (Wymondham Dell) -v- John Tufts, Matt Flatman,
Richard Summers & Wayne
Willgress (Norfolk BC)
- Max
Harrison, Mark Wright, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) -v- Chris Wright, Simon Peach,
Andy Hailes & Alan Bateson (St. Lawrence)
TRIPLES
To be played on Tuesday 20th
July 2021 at Thorpe Rec BC starting at 6.30pm
- Ryan
Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- Jack Larter, Mark Turner & Dan Mills (County Arts)
- Chris
Wright, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) -v- Adie Fox, Peter Bailey &
Kevin Guy (Wymondham Dell)
- Peter
Roseblade, Garry Oakley & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- David Willgress, Nigel Carter
& Andy Brooks (Upwell)
- Dan
Seabourne, Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) -v- Charles West, Robert Hadingham & Chris
Willgress (Norfolk BC
PAIRS
To be played on Thursday
22nd July 2021 at GW Staniforth BC starting at 6.30pm
- Matthew
Warnes & Jack Wells (Downham Market) -v- Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell)
- Steve
Engledow & Bob Allen (St. Lawrence) -v- John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
- Roger
Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell ) -v- Ady Folker & Tom Baker (Wootton Park)
- Charles
West & Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
SINGLES
To be played on Friday 23rd
July 2021 at Aldiss Park BC starting at 6.30pm
- Bob
Hall (Hingham Rectory ) -v-
Chris Rowe (Downham Market)
- Tom
Cooper (Freethorpe) -v- John
Tufts (Norfolk BC)
- Peter
Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v-
Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC)
To be played on Thursday
22nd July 2021 at GW Staniforth BC starting at 6.30pm
- Peter
Boldero (Downham Market) -v-
Max Harrison (Downham Market )
The semi-finals
will be played during the week commencing 26th July
- FOURS
on Monday 26th July at RG Carter Group BC
- TRIPLES
on Tuesday 27th July at Harling Rec BC
- PAIRS
on Thursday 29th July at Aldiss Park BC
- SINGLES
on Friday 30th July at GW Staniforth BC
The County
finals will be played on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th
August at Norfolk BC
JUNIOR
SINGLES
The semi-finals & final
of the Junior singles will be played on Saturday 17th July at
Wymondham Dell with the semi-finals at 10.30am & the final at 1.00pm
approx.
- Dan
Mills (County Arts) -v- Harry
Cater (Downham Market)
- Jack
Larter (County Arts) -v- Alex
Deal (Acle St Edmunds) or Ryan Hudson (Wootton Park)
12
Jul 2021 County
Championship Quarter finals
FOURS
To be played on Monday 19th
July 2021 at Aldiss Park BC starting at 6.30pm with
match details known after the last 16 matches are played on 13th
July
TRIPLES
To be played on Tuesday 20th
July 2021 at Thorpe Rec BC starting at 6.30pm
- Ryan
Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- Jack Larter, Mark Turner & Dan Mills (County Arts)
- Chris
Wright, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) -v- Adie Fox, Peter Bailey &
Kevin Guy (Wymondham Dell)
- Peter
Roseblade, Garry Oakley & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- David Willgress, Nigel Carter
& Andy Brooks (Upwell)
- Dan
Seabourne, Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) -v- Charles West, Robert Hadingham &
Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC
PAIRS
To be played on Thursday
22nd July 2021 at GW Staniforth BC starting at 6.30pm
- Matthew
Warnes & Jack Wells (Downham Market) -v- Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell)
- Steve
Engledow & Bob Allen (St. Lawrence) -v- John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
- Roger
Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell ) -v- Ady Folker & Tom Baker (Wootton Park)
- Charles
West & Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)
SINGLES
To be played on Friday 23rd
July 2021 at Aldiss Park BC
- Bob
Hall (Hingham Rectory ) -v-
Chris Rowe (Downham Market)
- Tom
Cooper (Freethorpe) -v- John
Tufts (Norfolk BC)
- Peter
Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v-
Chris Willgress (Norfolk BC)
To be played on Thursday
22nd July 2021 at GW Staniforth BC
- Peter
Boldero (Downham Market) -v-
Max Harrison (Downham Market )
The semi-finals &
final of the Junior singles will be played on Saturday 17th July at
Wymondham Dell with the semi-finals at 10.30am & the final at 1.00pm
- Dan
Mills (County Arts) -v- Harry
Cater (Downham Market)
- Jack Larter (County Arts) -v- Alex Deal (Acle St Edmunds) or Ryan Hudson (Wootton Park)
12
Jul 2021 Middleton
Cup disappointment but success in Balcomb Trophy
Rink scores:-
John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Mark Turner & Wayne Willgress
10 Martin Rumsby 23
Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Dan Cawthorne & Peter Boldero
16 Danny Ramsbottom 16
Dan Seabourne, Jack Larter, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell
9 Mark Royal 20
Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Mark Riches & James Segolo 28
Kyle Leeks 13
Dan Mills, Ian Wones, Matthew Carter & David Smith 13
Elliott Last 23
Aaron Jonson, Aaron Stimpson, John Ottaway & Richard
Summers 21 Dom Warren 23
There was better news in National inter county two rink
competition for the Balcomb Trophy where Norfolk have progressed to the
Regional finals to be played at Brampton Institute on Sunday 18th
July. Norfolk reached this stage by overcoming Hertfordshire at Royston BC,
winning on both rinks & overall by 39 shots to 30.
Rink scores:-
John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne
Willgress 20 Scott Lepley 12
Max Harrison, Dan Seabourne, Richard Summers & Peter
Boldero 19 Tom Muir 18
Also on 18th July, Norfolk’s young bowlers are
in the Regional finals of the White Rose Trophy when they take on
Northamptonshire at Newmarket Avenue.
9 Jul
2021 Middleton cup V Suffolk
Saturday 10th July
Norfolk begin
their Middleton Cup campaign on Saturday 10th July with a local
derby against Suffolk who beat Essex in the preliminary round.
The match will
be played at the Borough of Eye BC with an 11.00am start.
The team
selected is:
John
Tufts, Matt Flatman, Mark Turner & Wayne Willgress
Max
Harrison, Jack Wells, Dan Cawthorne & Peter Boldero
Dan
Seabourne, Jack Larter, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell
Tom
Baker, Karl Brooks, Mark Riches & James Segolo
Dan
Mills, Ian Wones, Matthew Carter & David Smith
Aaron
Jonson, Aaron Stimpson, John Ottaway & Richard Summers
5 Jul 2021 Junior Pairs & Senior Fours Champions crowned
The finals of the
County Junior Pairs & Senior Fours were held at Aldiss Park BC on Sunday
with the Freethorpe/Downham Market combination of Dan Seabourne & Jack
Wells lifting the Junior Pairs title & John Gooch, Rocky Lewis, Peter
Chestney & Peter Boldero of Downham Market the Senior Fours title.
In the
semi-finals of the Junior Pairs Seabourne & Wells were on great form
beating Ryan Hudson & Rhys Morgan of Wootton Park BC 21 – 9 and took that
form into the final beating Harry Cater & Matt Warnes of Downham Market by the same score. Earlier Cater & Warnes
reached the final by beating Aaron Johnson & Dan Mills15-10.
In the Senior
Fours final, the Shouldham quartet of Chris Jones, Keith Brand, Peter Lunt
& Keith Camp from Shouldham looked to be in control taking a 6 shot lead
into the penultimate end but a count of 6 shots by the Downham Market four
brought the scores level and they then won the final end to take the title with
a 19-18 victory.
Both winners
now go on to represent Norfolk in the Bowls England National Championship
finals at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August.
The other
County Championship final stages are approaching with the quarter finals being
held at various locations during the week commencing 19th July with
the semi-finals in the following week & the finals at Norfolk BC on 7th/8th
August.
3 Jul 2021 Bowls England Newsletter JUNE 2021
Bowls England have issued a Newsletter which can be viewed on the
Bowls England website https://www.bowlsengland.com/bowls-england-commits-to-a-review-of-its-disciplinary-regulations/
30 Jun 2021 County Update-June 2021
With the bowls season now proceeding I thought it prudent to give you an update of the position on various matters.
COVID SUMMARY & THE RETURN TO BOWLS
The situation with the pandemic does seem to be improving following the vaccine roll out and we all hope for better times ahead. The easing of some of the restrictions has allowed our bowling season to get underway albeit with some changes and I have covered the situation on the bowls front below. Clubs as well as the County have needed to be adaptable to operate under the various restrictions in place but things do seem to going relatively well despite this.
I will not go into detail into the restrictions that we have been operating under and I hope you have found the guidance that has been issued by Bowls England both informative & useful and further guidance will be issued as restrictions ease further, hopefully on 19th July. I have received some queries and questions on the guidance issued and have answered and have clarified these where possible but as you will appreciate whilst the Bowls England bowls related guidance is fairly clear, the Government restrictions under which we have operate are a bit of a minefield.
The past year or so has been challenging for everyone, not just on the bowls front and we all hope for better times ahead and that Clubs can recover and return to a similar position to that prior to the pandemic.
In view of the situation we have found ourselves in it has been necessary for us to impose certain approaches in the short term that are not fully in line with our Constitution & Rules. Any actions & decisions made will always be made with the best interests of the County & it’s Clubs in line with Object 2(a) of our Constitution “to promote, foster & safeguard the game of outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk” and I hope I will have your continued support as we move forward.
I now turn to various matters specifically on 2021 bowls season and County operations
1. COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
As a direct result of the restrictions in place when the 2021 season was due to get underway, it was necessary to revise our County Championship programme and dates originally issued. Whilst this meant much had to be done, a revised programme was put in place and has not appeared to have caused too many issues for Clubs & competitors who have shown a great deal of flexibility in ensuring the championships run to the revised schedule.
Added to the mix have been changes to the format of those Championships that lead to the National finals. Again, Clubs & competitors have generally accepted these understanding the reasoning why these were needed for 2021. Bowls England have said that a comprehensive review of the championships and their formats will be undertaken at the end of the season and I am sure they will give Clubs the opportunity to give their views ahead of any decisions being made affecting future years. If at this stage, you have any points you wish to make then please let me know and I will put to Bowls England.
Another change this year is that only our County Championship winners qualify for the National finals and again this will form part of the review for future years.
We will have to wait & see the results of the review but I do expect that the 2022 may be similar to 2021 so far as formats are concerned due to the impact of the Commonwealth Games on the National Championships and the availability of the greens at Leamington Spa for the National Finals.
Our own ‘internal’ championships, namely Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup & Jermy Cup have continued to be played under the 21 ends format and it will be interesting to see if Clubs wish these to continue under these formats or be changed to the revised format that Bowls England introduced.
2. COUNTY LEAGUE
As with the County Championships, restrictions meant the dates of the early fixtures had to be moved to later in the season and I would thank Clubs for accepting these changes so readily.
As the league got underway, it was apparent that Clubs were struggling to field teams and as a result, some Clubs found it necessary to withdraw teams. It was not feasible to re- balance the league zones so some of the zones have a reduced number of teams for the 2021 season. It is hoped that bowlers will return to the sport once confidence in the post- Covid world returns and Clubs will be able to re-enter teams in 2022. However, it will almost certainly be necessary to carry out a review of league structure & zones in preparation for the 2022 season.
The reduction in Club member numbers is a concern for us all and we must do all we can to both retain existing members and also to attract new people to our sport. Bowls England are working on initiatives for Clubs to attract new members. One innovation was the ‘Big Bowls Weekend’ which was held at the end of May and I am sure Bowls England will come up with other ideas & proposals to help clubs and it is hope Clubs will participate in these initiatives.
3. PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
Following the decision not to hold an Annual Luncheon/Prize Presentation, the presentation of Trophies etc. will be made immediately following the County Finals and following the WP Baker Cup & Hansells Cup play-offs. Competition entries have fallen and hence the entry fee income but with the cost of prizes awarded remaining the same and in some cases increasing as a result of inflation etc. it may be necessary to review the prizes that are awarded and I will raise this matter for discussion at the next Clubs Meeting.
4. COUNTY FRIENDLY MATCHES
As will other bowls matters it has been necessary to be adaptable so far as County Friendly & President’s Invitation matches are concerned. Whilst some of the early matches fell foul of the pandemic we are on course with most of the other scheduled matches although these will be subject to any restrictions which might be in place. I am pleased to report that there has & continues to be good support for these. David Naunton & Barney Wymer are working hard behind the scenes to ensure these go ahead in a safe manner and if any members wish to play in any of the forthcoming matches and have not yet put their names forward then please get in touch with David.
5. CLUBS MEETING
It has not been possible to hold our usual bi-annual meetings with Clubs. The hope is that we will move to Step 4 on 19th July and this will then allow indoor meetings to take place. If so then I will arrange a meeting as soon as possible after this date and will confirm details as soon as I am in a position to do so. These meetings are very important and they provide a platform for the County Officers to pass on information and for Clubs to raise matters at an informal meeting and not be restricted to the confines of an Annual General Meeting.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM due to be held in December 2020 had to be deferred and despite attempts to hold this in the spring, it was agreed to defer this until 5th December 2021. In the interim, the Officers & Management Committee has remained in position.
Whilst no action is yet needed ahead of the AGM I would remind you of the relevant dates that need to be met should you wish to submit motions or officer nominations.
a) Notices of Motions
Any Notices of Motions to the AGM must be submitted in writing to the Men’s Hon.
Secretary by
15th October
2021 with
details set out in Rule 2 of the Men’s Rules which are on the County website:--
www.norfolkbowls.co.uk. If you have any motions
to put forward then please submit accordingly.
B) Nominations for Management Committee & Non Management Committee positions Your Management Committee is appointed at our AGM along with the non-Management Committee positions:-
Nominations are required for the following Management Committee positions
· · President (Harry Geary – Dereham St Nicholas BC - by succession)
· · Senior Vice President
· · Junior Vice President
· · Chairman (currently Alan Willer - Ashill)
· · Hon. Secretary (currently John Ottaway – Wymondham Dell)
· · Hon. Assistant Secretary (currently John Mason – County Arts)
· · Hon. Treasurer (currently David Naunton – Wymondham Dell)
· · Hon. League Secretary (currently Mark Elliott – Acle St Edmund)
· · Hon. Competition Secretary (currently John George – Wymondham Dell)
· · Hon. Match Secretary (currently David Naunton – Wymondham Dell)
· · Hon. Assistant Match Secretary (currently Barney Wymer - Caister)
Nominations are required for the following non-anagement Committee positions
· · Visiting Tourist Liaison Officer (currently Barney Wymer - Caister)
· · County Tour Manager (currently Brian Howes – Norfolk BC)
· · Benevolent Committee members (currently Derek Talbot & Ken Ince)
· · Greens Maintenance Advisory Officer (currently Brian Taylor – County Arts)
· · Greens Inspection Committee (currently vacant)
· · County Coach
· · Eastern Counties Bowling Association Co-ordinator (currently Don Whyatt –
Downham Market)
· · Child Protection Officer (currently vacant)
· · Press Officer (currently John Ottaway – Wymondham Dell)
· · Webmaster (currently Chris Evans)
· · English Bowls Umpires Association (Eastern Area) Committee
Representative (currently Roger Jarvis - Martham)
Nominations are invited from members for any of these positions and anyone interested should seek the nomination of their Club and submit an application to me in writing by 15th September 2021 by completing & returning to me the attached Nomination form. Existing officers need formal nomination by their Clubs and assuming they wish to stand again then please ensure that a formal nomination is submitted. I will re-issue the Nomination Form nearer the closing date.
Other Management Committee positions include a Bowls England Delegate, which is appointed by the Management Committee and a Delegate appointed by Norfolk County Indoor Bowling Association. The County Administrator (John George) is also entitled to attend Men’s Management meetings. Representatives of the four Groups also attend meetings and they are appointed by their respective Groups. The representatives are currently
· · Group 1 - John Mason
· · Group 2 – Roger Greef
· · Group 3 – Malcolm Struthers
· · Group 4 – Andrew Howlett
Should anyone wish to have an informal conversation about any of the above positions then please contact me and I will be happy to provide any further information required.
The League AGM follows the main AGM and the timetable for submitting motions for any alteration or addition to the League Rules is that these must be submitted in writing to the League Secretary at least four weeks prior to the Meeting so if you have any motions then these must be received by 7th November 2021.
7. WEBSITE
Our webmaster, Allan Covell emigrated to Australia last year and Chris Evans has been appointed Web-master, and is now updating the information held on our website. This is a big task especially during the playing season. Chris is now getting to grips with the intricacies of the site and is doing a great job. If there have been glitches along the way then I ask you be bear with us.
It is probably necessary to review the information held on the website particularly the information shown on the Clubs pages and I will report further on this in due course and probably at the next Clubs Meeting.
8. MENS’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Restrictions have meant that face to face meetings have been limited but the Committee have met virtually and County operations have continued. The Committee work tirelessly behind the scenes and you will appreciate that much has been done this year with the pandemic and all that this has entailed.
9. EXECUTIVE BOARD
As with the Management Committee, the Executive Board has not been able to meet face to face. As most of the County’s business is conducted at Management Committee level, it has felt unnecessary for the Board to meet but it will as soon as restrictions allow.
I appreciate that I have covered
many topics but I hope you find the all of the above useful and if you have any
queries or require further information then please let me know otherwise I look
forward to seeing you at the next Clubs meeting when we be able to hold this.
See link to nomination form
Regards & keep safe,
John
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s Secretary Norfolk Bowls Association 29th June 2021
tele: 01953 605879 or 01953
850450 mobile: 07766611309
21 Jun 2021 Middleton Cup, Balcomb
Trophy & White Rose Trophy teams selected
Norfolk open their Middleton Cup campaign on 10th
July when they play the winners of the Essex/Suffolk match. The match will be
played on a neutral green which has still to be decided. This year the
competition is to be played on a knock out basis rather than in regional groups
as it has in previous years. The team shows some changes from the last time the
Middleton Cup was played in 2019, with some players not being available which
gives other players the chance to shine in this prestigious event and the
selected team is:-
John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Mark Turner
& Wayne Willgress
Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Dan Cawthorne
& Peter Boldero
Dan Seabourne, Jack Larter, Andy Siely
& Darren Rowsell
Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Mark Riches
& James Segolo
Dan Mills, Ian Wones, Matthew Carter
& David Smith
Aaron Jonson, Aaron Stimpson, John
Ottaway & Richard Summers
Reserves:
Rhys Morgan, Ritchie Bly, Ben Hunter, Chris Rowe & Mick Brown
In the Balcomb Trophy, Norfolk travel to Royston BC to play
Hertfordshire on Sunday 11th July with the match starting at 10.30am
and the selected team is :-
Max Harrison, Dan Seabourne, Richard
Summers & Peter Boldero
John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo
& Wayne Willgress
Reserves:
Andy Siely & Dan Mills.
The winners will progress to the Regional Finals to be
played on 18th July at Brampton Institute BC
Having previously beaten Essex, Norfolk’s junior bowlers
have reached the Regional finals of the White Rose Trophy which is to be played
on Sunday 18th July 2021 at Newmarket Avenue BC and an unchanged
team has been selected namely:-
Aaron Johnson, Dean Rudling, Dan
Seabourne & Jack Wells
Rhys Morgan, Harry Cater, Jack Larter
& Dan Mills
Reserves
to travel: Tom Cooper & Ryan Hudson
Non
travelling reserves: Matt Warnes & Alex Deal
The Regional finals draw is still awaited with the
semi-finals starting at 10.00am & the final at 2.00pm. The Regional winners
progress to the National Finals to be held in Leamington Spa on 5th
September
21 Jun 2021 Senior Fours &
Junior Pairs results & final details
The Norfolk County championships are progressing and the
finalists in the Senior Fours known. The final to be held on Sunday 4th
July at 1.30pm at Aldiss Park BC and will be an all West Norfolk affair with
Peter Boldero’s Downham Market quartet taking Keith Camps four from Shouldham.
The results from the quarter finals & semi-finals played at Swaffham Town
BC on 20th June were
Quarter finals:-
John Gooch, Mick King, Peter Chestney & Peter Boldero
(Downham Market) 20 Ian Groves, Mike Steppings, Norman Gant & Steve Carr
(County Arts) 6
Paul Kane, Terry Novell, Dave Smith & Mike Holbrook (GW
Staniforth) 13 Abe Merrick, Tom Fearn, Steve Bedingfield & Roger Preston
(Northwold) 11
Terry Gotts, Malcolm Nicholson, Micky Brown & Brian
Taylor (County Arts) 11 Geoff Batley,
Roger Guy, Peter Roseblade & John Ottaway (Wymondham
Dell) 13
Chris Jones, Peter Lunt, Keith Brand & Keith Camp
(Shouldham) – walk over
Semi-finals
John Gooch, Mick King, Peter Chestney & Peter Boldero
(Downham Market) 21 Paul Kane, Terry Novell, Dave Smith & Mike Holbrook (GW
Staniforth) 4
Chris Jones, Peter Lunt, Keith Brand & Keith Camp
(Shouldham) 13 Roger Guy, Peter Roseblade & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)
11
The Junior Pairs has reached the semi-final stage with this
& the finals to be played at Aldiss Park on Sunday 4th July from
10.00am with Dan Mills (County Arts) pair playing Harry Cater pair (Downham Market) and Ryan Hudson (Wootton
Park) taking on Dan Seabourne (Freethorpe).
30 May 2021 Press
Report -Bowls
Press Report – Bowls
In Norfolk’s first competitive match in almost two years,
the County’s junior bowlers beat former winners Essex in the first round of the
National White Rose trophy by 42 shots to 29 at Cambridge Chesterton Bowls
Club. The victory means Norfolk qualify for the Regional finals to be held on
18th July at Newmarket Avenue where they will play the winners of
the Northamptonshire/Huntingdonshire tie in the semi-final which will then be
followed by the regional final with the winners progressing to the National
finals in Leamington Spa.
Norfolk took an early lead of 3 shots at the 5 end stage and
gradually increased this as the match progressed to gain a comfortable and
deserved victory. Both Norfolk rinks recorded wins with Dan Mills’s rink
winning by 10 shots and Jack Wells by 3.
Rink scores:-
Rhys Morgan, Harry Cater, Jack Larter & Dan Mills 23
Allan Eldridge, Tom Lesslie, Alex Rouse & George Butcher 13
Aaron Johnson, Dean Rudling, Dan Seabourne Jack Wells 19
Luke Smith, Adam Bailey, Shane Rowley & Dan Hughes 16.
The next match in the County programme is in the Balcomb Trophy
where Norfolk will play the winners of the preliminary round match between
Hertfordshire & Huntingdonshire with a place in the Regional finals at
stake. The match will be played at a neutral venue which will be decided, as
will the date once the preliminary round match is played. Following this
attention will then focus on the Middleton Cup, which this year will be played
on a knock-out basis with Norfolk meeting the winners of the Essex/Suffolk
preliminary round match in the first round on 10th July.
12 May 2021 return
to play Guidance for Step3 May 2021
This
is also on the Bowls England website https://www.bowlsengland.com/coronavirus-guidance/
Return to Play: Step Three
Issued: 10 May 2021
Bowls has a big role to play in providing fun, local, outdoor activity as the lockdown restrictions continue to ease. We have been delighted to share some great stories of clubs opening their doors over the past few weeks, welcoming back old friends and introducing some new faces to our sport.
At each stage of the government’s roadmap, in preparing our guidance for affiliated clubs and counties, we have been driven by three key principles:
1.
Providing
a safe environment for participants to enjoy our sport
2.
Maximising
participation
3.
Empowering
clubs and counties to adopt a flexible approach to the organisation of activity
At Steps 1 and 2 of the government’s roadmap, we have endeavoured to strike a responsible balance between those key principles. It has been great to see the confidence that has built amongst the bowling community over the last few weeks and we thank our affiliated clubs for their support in adhering to the guidance.
In accordance with its roadmap, the government has now announced its plans to move to Step 3 from Monday 17 May, and in line with the government’s announcement we are delighted to confirm the following:
1.
All restrictions on formats and numbers for organised
activity under the jurisdiction of Bowls England will be removed.
2.
Car sharing, spectators and indoor hospitality will be
permitted
This latest announcement is a great step forward for our sport, as we expect the majority of clubs to be able to operate in a fairly normal manner from Monday 17 May. All participants and clubs are encouraged to review our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for more information on specific items that will have been addressed earlier in the government roadmap.
We recognise that the restrictions on car sharing and spectators in particular have presented challenges for some clubs and players and, like other sports, made representation to government on behalf of our affiliated clubs. We are therefore delighted that these will be permitted from Monday 17 May.
With growing confidence among players returning to the sport and a high number of participants vaccinated, we are also pleased to confirm that all restrictions regarding the number of players on the green at any one time will be removed from Monday 17 May. We would encourage clubs to plan sessions with reduced capacity for those who may still be building their confidence in returning to the club environment.
This latest announcement is a fantastic boost for the 600 affiliated clubs who are running events during Bowls’ Big Weekend. This national initiative is under 3 weeks away and promises to be a fantastic showcase for our sport. The easing of restrictions will hopefully see more people coming to clubs up and down the country to try our sport for the first time. You can still register your event here.
This latest ‘return to play’ guide will be valid until Step 4 (no earlier than Monday 21 June).
We recommend that all clubs consider this document together with the government guidance. All items may be adapted as necessary to meet your club’s specific circumstances, so long as your actions remain consistent with government advice and social distancing requirements.
If your club is not affiliated to Bowls England, please email us at clubs@bowlsengland.com and we can take you through the affiliation process, including connecting you with your County Association.
This guidance is applicable from Monday 17 May and replaces all previous guidance that we have issued.
At Step 4 (Monday 21 June at the earliest) we expect all restrictions to be lifted. We shall update our guidance to affiliated clubs once the government has confirmed the country is moving to Step 4 (a decision is expected on Monday 14 June).
As the picture is now clearer, and with the season underway, we will be spending time over the coming weeks exploring the delivery of the National Finals at Victoria Park from Thursday 19 August to Sunday 5 September inclusive and will advise on plans as soon as they are developed.
We want to thank everyone in the bowls
community for their patience and diligence over the past year. It has been a
difficult time for everyone and now, as the country opens up, we can all share
excitement at the prospect of normality.
Contents
Step 3: Monday 17 May – Key points................................................................................................ 4 Format of Play................................................................................................................................... 4
Social Interaction .............................................................................................................................. 4 Equipment ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Spectators ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Travel ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Changing rooms ................................................................................................................................ 5 Coaching ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Hygiene ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Hospitality......................................................................................................................................... 5
Frequently asked questions ............................................................................................................... 6 Does guidance on face coverings apply for playing bowls? .............................................................. 6
Do I need to be vaccinated to participate in outdoor bowls? ........................................................... 6
Can we provide refreshments? ......................................................................................................... 6
Can we open the changing rooms and toilets? ................................................................................. 6
Are spectators allowed? ................................................................................................................... 6
Are club meetings permitted? .......................................................................................................... 6
Is greens maintenance work permitted? .......................................................................................... 6
Can I travel to take part in the sport of bowls?................................................................................. 6
Is coaching permitted?...................................................................................................................... 6
What should we do to keep facilities and equipment clean? ........................................................... 7
What advice do you have to maintain hygiene? ............................................................................... 7
Will there be different local restrictions? ......................................................................................... 7
What activities can disabled people take part in? ............................................................................ 7
Where disabled people need support from a carer or personal assistant during activity, will this be allowed, e.g. a visually impaired bowler? ......................................................................................... 7
Do I need to maintain social distancing if I'm working with a disabled person who needs support? 7 What are the test and trace regulations? ......................................................................................... 8 Elite sport.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Additional Information ..................................................................................................................... 9 Organised sport ................................................................................................................................ 9
Roadmap Timeline ............................................................................................................................ 9 Useful Links..................................................................................................................................... 10
Step 3: Monday 17 May – Key points
From Monday 17 May until Step 4, the following applies to outdoor lawn bowls:
·
Play
is permitted in accordance with the format of play below
·
Bowls
coaching and other curriculum-based activity is permitted
·
Greens
maintenance is permitted
·
Car
sharing is permitted in accordance with government
guidance
·
Spectators
are permitted in accordance with social distancing rules and social gathering
limits (no more than
group of 30 outdoors)
·
Clubhouses
and facilities that serve both indoor and outdoor hospitality are permitted in
accordance with government guidance. Social distancing rules and
social gathering limits
must be strictly
adhered to.
·
Changing
rooms can be opened in accordance with the guidance on
page 5
·
Clubs
are advised to continue with pre-booking systems
Format
of Play
|
Organised sport |
Informal activity |
|
Singles – Use of
every rink (marker permitted) Pairs – Use of every rink |
Up to 30 people per session |
Any combination of formats
may be played under the ‘organised sport’ exemption,
therefore the maximum number of participants on a six-rink outdoor green for
‘organised’ activity at any one time is 48. Clubs with less or additional rink
capacity may amend figures accordingly.
Social
Interaction
Social interaction
before and after play should only take place in separate and distinct groups
consisting of up to 30 people. We recognise that each club is different and may
wish to set its own limit for numbers of people off the green at any one time.
Equipment
We would advise
players to avoid using shared equipment whenever possible – players are advised
to have their own mat/jack during any session. If you are sharing equipment,
for example jacks/mats, practise strict hand hygiene including sanitisation
after using any shared equipment. Should measuring be necessary, players (or
marker if used) must use their own measure.
The following items
can be utilised during any session:
·
Mat
·
Bowls
·
Jack
·
Rink
markers
·
Gloves
·
Scorecards
(these should be retained by one person only if required)
· Bowling arm/lifter (for use by one person only if required) • Bowling aids (for players with a disability if required)
The following items are deemed optional – it is for individual clubs to permit their use or otherwise:
·
Scoreboards
·
Bowls
pushers
·
Ditch
markers
·
2m
distance sticks
·
Chalk
(Spray chalk only)
Spectators
Spectators for all
outdoor sports are permitted at Step 3, but need to adhere to social distancing
rules and social gathering limits (groups of 30 outdoors). This number is in
addition to those who are participating on the green.
Travel
Car sharing will be
permitted in Step 3 for all sports. The guidance for
safer travel will be updated ahead of Step 3 to provide further information
about this.
Changing
rooms
Changing rooms can be
opened, but participants should be encouraged to avoid or minimise use where
possible. Participants should socially distance whilst in changing rooms.
Subject to available space, more than one household can use changing facilities
at one time but they must not mix and must adhere to capacity limits set by the
club. Face coverings should be worn at all times when indoors. Use of these
areas for essential activity, such as provision of first aid or access to
essential equipment for training and matches, is allowed. Toilet facilities can
also open.
Coaching
Bowls coaching and
other curriculum-based activity is permitted.
Hygiene
We recommend using
hand sanitiser at regular intervals, especially if you have to touch communal
surfaces or equipment. Once you are home, remember to wash your hands
thoroughly.
Hospitality
Clubhouses and
facilities that serve food and drink can open. In Step 3, both indoor and
outdoor hospitality will be permitted. The guidance on
hospitality settings will be updated ahead of Step 3 to provide further
information about this. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must
adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance for hospitality.
Frequently asked questions
Does guidance on face coverings apply for playing bowls?
You’re not required to wear face coverings while taking part in the sport of outdoor bowls. Sport England advises that all forms of face coverings may restrict breathing efficiency and should not be used during exercise unless your doctor advises it.
Do I need to be vaccinated to participate in outdoor bowls?
There is currently no requirement from government for participants to have been vaccinated and clubs are advised not to restrict access to our sport to anyone who has not yet received the vaccine.
Can we provide refreshments?
Clubhouses and facilities that serve food and drink can open. In Step 3, both indoor and outdoor hospitality will be permitted. The guidance on hospitality settings will be updated ahead of Step 3 to provide further information about this. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance for hospitality.
Can we open the changing rooms and toilets?
Changing rooms can now be opened, but participants should be encouraged to avoid or minimise use where possible. Participants should socially distance whilst in changing rooms. Subject to available space, more than one household can use changing facilities at one time but they must not mix and must adhere to capacity limits set by the club. Toilet facilities can also open. Face coverings should be worn at all times when indoors.
Are spectators allowed?
Spectators will be permitted at Step 3, but need to adhere to social distancing rules. Spectators need to adhere to social gathering limits (groups of 30 outdoors).
Are club meetings permitted?
30 people are permitted to meet outdoors from Monday 17 May. Should you wish to meet indoors you must stick to the rules on social gathering, of six people (the ‘rule of six’) or two households. We recommend that any larger meetings that can’t be held outside are conducted virtually until further notice. Sport specific guidance on organising virtual meetings, including Committee Meetings and AGMs, is available from Sport England Club Matters.
Is greens maintenance work permitted?
Yes – greens maintenance work is permitted as it is ‘work that cannot be carried out at home’. The most comprehensive advice for greens maintenance is available via the Grounds Management Association, of which Bowls England is a member.
Can I travel to take part in the sport of bowls?
Travel to participate in bowls is permitted. Car sharing will be permitted in Step 3 for all sports. The guidance for safer travel will be updated ahead of Step 3 to provide further information about this.
Is coaching permitted?
Outdoor coaching sessions are classed as organised outdoor sport, and can take place where it’s formally organised and follows Covid-secure guidance.
What should we do to keep facilities and equipment clean?
Cleaning protocols should be put in place to limit coronavirus transmission in public places. Touch points (e.g. handrails and gates) should be particular areas of focus for increased cleaning.
What advice do you have to maintain hygiene?
To help everyone maintain good hygiene, consideration should be given to the following:
. Using
signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to
increase handwashing frequency, avoid touching your face and to cough or sneeze
into your arm. Consider how to ensure safety messages reach those with hearing
or vision impairments
Providing regular reminders and signage to
maintain hygiene standards
Providing hand sanitiser in multiple locations in addition to washrooms
Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept
clean and social distancing is achieved
Enhancing cleaning for busy areas
Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection
Using disposable paper towels in handwashing facilities where possible
Minimising use of portable toilets
Provision of automated hand sanitising dispensers in public places
Will there be different local restrictions?
At this stage, in England we understand that the relaxation of restrictions will occur at a national level at the same time. Clubs/counties must adhere to any local restrictions should any be imposed in the future.
What activities can disabled people take part in?
Organised outdoor bowls can take place where it follows the government's guidance on recreational team sport and grassroots sport and leisure activity.
Where disabled people need support from a carer or personal assistant during
activity, will this be allowed, e.g. a visually impaired bowler?
Yes. People who provide essential support (e.g. carers) to disabled people are exempt, and don’t count towards gathering limits. Therefore, disabled participants can be supported by a carer(s)/personal assistant(s) while taking part in the sport of bowls.
Do I need to maintain social distancing if I'm working with a disabled person who
needs support?
Social distancing should be maintained where possible, but in some circumstances people will need physical assistance to be active. It’s important you discuss this with the person to consider their needs and preferences. Any sports coaches or trainers undertaking one-to-one sessions should ensure they’re complying with relevant national governing body safeguarding policies and procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under-18s and vulnerable adults.
What are the test and trace regulations?
Clubs should display an NHS QR code that participants can scan using a mobile device. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus. Alternatively, ensure you maintain a separate log including contact details so that contact tracers can get in touch with people if required. To support NHS Test and Trace, you must hold records for 21 days. This reflects the incubation period for coronavirus, which can be up to 14 days, and an additional seven days to allow time for testing and tracing. Notify the venue operator if possible.
Elite sport
Elite athletes and support staff can use indoor and outdoor sport facilities for training and competition. Elite sport events can continue to take place in sport facilities, where permitted in line with the guidance on elite sport.
Additional Information
Organised sport
For the sport of outdoor lawn bowls any activity organised under the jurisdiction of Bowls England by affiliated clubs, counties and associate members is recognised as organised sport in accordance with DCMS guidance. This includes:
·
International
and High Performance events (including training)
·
National
Championships (including County Championship qualifying rounds)
·
National
Competitions
·
District
and county competitions involving affiliated clubs only
·
District
and county leagues involving affiliated clubs only
·
Fixtures
between affiliated counties
·
Club
fixtures between affiliated clubs
·
Internal
club events or organised sessions for club members
·
Coaching
by a qualified coach (see section on coaching for details)
·
On
green training provided by the Bowls Development Alliance
Any activity not
listed above is not recognised by Bowls England as organised sport and will
need to follow the guidance on outdoor legal gathering limits as this is
considered to be informal or self- organised sport. This includes any casual
play (for example ‘roll-ups’) and any activity involving clubs, leagues or
associations not affiliated to Bowls England.
Whilst organised
sport removes the restriction on legal gathering limits during participation,
the relevant organising body (club, county, league or Bowls England) must
consider the risks and set out ways to mitigate them so people can participate
safely in accordance with this guidance. Informal or self-organised sport is
not covered by any exemptions.
We will review our
guidance for organised sport as the restrictions are eased to maximise
participation whilst maintaining a safe environment for all participants. If
you wish your club or leagues activity to be defined as organised sport and are
not affiliated to Bowls England, please email us at clubs@bowlsengland.com
and we can take you through the affiliation process, including
connecting you with your County Association.
Roadmap
Timeline
The government has
reviewed four tests ahead of each Step. The dates outlined within this document
are the earliest that we may move to each step and may be subject to change.
You can read a summary of what will be included in each step on the
government's website.
·
Step
1: Monday 29 March
·
Step
2: Monday 12 April
·
Step
3: begins no earlier than Monday 17 May
·
Step
4: begins no earlier than Monday 21 June (confirmation expected w/c Monday 14
June)
We’re continuing to
work with the government, via DCMS, and Sport England to answer your questions
about the roadmap and what this means for our sport.
As we move through
each new Step of the government’s roadmap, we will update our guidance
accordingly. Please note that this guidance is based on the information
published by the government
to date, and will be updated following any further updates. A maximum of one week’s notice ahead of each change is expected.
Useful Links
Guidance for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-grassroots-sports-guidance-for-the-public-and- sport-providers#organised-sport
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/restaurants-offering- takeaway-or-delivery
Sport England – Return to Play Guidance and Club Resources
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/return-play
Activity Alliance – Specialist support for disabled people
http://www.activityalliance.org.uk/how-we-help/covid19
30 April 2021 Competition
Byelaws/ Regulations & League Rules changes April 2021
Following the changes on playing formats for National/County
Championships recently announced for the 2021 season the County Competition
& League Rules have been updated.
In addition Bowls England have revised their Dress Code
regulation on the wearing of shorts and the new regulation allows for shorts manufactured for the sport of bowls and
not restricted to only Bowls England licensed and approved shorts. This change
has been made to our own Competition & League Byelaws, Regulations &
Rules
Please refer to the relevant web pages for details of the
format & dress code changes
21 April 2021 All
fixtures have been updated
The
fixtures on website has been updated
9 April 2021 Changes
to 2021 County League & County Championship Programme
The changes have been
made taking into account the Guidance received to date and the anticipated
further easing on 17th May & 23rd June. It is
anticipated that the changes made comply with future easing but it is always a
possibly that further last minute changes will be required but hopefully this
will not be the case.
If you have any queries
or questions on the revised programme then please direct these to:
·
COUNTY LEAGUE – Mark Elliott (League
Secretary)
·
COUNTY COMPETITIONS – John George
(Competition Secretary)
It is hoped that you
all understand why changes are necessary and that such changes do not present
too many problems. The changes have been made in line with guidance received
and also with the aim to keep all our members safe which must be the primary
concern.
The website is now being updated with
the revised Competition dates & County League fixtures and will be
completed as soon as is possible but this may take a day or so. Much thought
and work has gone into the revised programme & I hope that all will go to
plan but I expect there may be a few bumps in road and these will have to dealt
if & when they occur.
COUNTY LEAGUE
Changes to the details
previously published:-
- With Step 3 of the easing of
lockdown planned for 17th May the league fixtures scheduled
prior to this date are to be moved as follows:-
28th
April to 2nd August with a 6.15pm start per League rule 8(a)
5th
May to 4th August with a 6.15pm start per League rule 8(a)
12th
May to 9th August with a 6.15pm start per League rule 8(a)
- The preliminary round match for the
WP Baker Cup (North 1 v South 1) will be on 11th August
- The semi-final & final of the WP
Baker Cup will be on 15th August
- The Hansells Cup will still be held
on 28th August
- All other fixtures will remain as
published.
- The format of play will still be
‘3x fours’ over 21 ends but we must reserve the right to change the format
(for example to 3x triples) should restrictions require us to do so.
It is
appreciated that changing dates of the early matches to August may present
Clubs with issues with clashes with already confirmed fixtures. The new August
dates may be changed to other dates with the agreement of the opposition but
please advise the League Secretary (Mark Elliott) of any such changes. All
fixtures for the Premier League must be played by 9th August as
should Zone 1 matches due to the WP Baker Cup play offs that follow and those for
Zone 2 by 16th August due to the Hansells Cup play offs that follow.
The current
‘Return to Play’ Guidance allows for organised Fours play provided play is on
alternate rinks and the number on the green does not exceed 24 so if both Clubs
agree and the guidance is complied with then the matches moved to August may be
played on the original date in May but this is a matter for the Clubs concerned
and both must be in agreement.
For those
Clubs with more than one team in the League Player Registration for their ‘A’
team will be required per the League Rules and the relevant Registration Form
will be issued to those Clubs in due course.
This year
will be somewhat different to other years so some flexibility on the League
rules will be given and should issues arise please refer these to the League
Secretary. Any decisions made by the League Secretary/League Management
Committee will be final.
This year
it will be even more important to submit results in a timely manner and can you
please ensure that this happens.
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Changes to the details
previously published:-
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
These will be played
under the revised formats as previously advised
Fours (2 bowls per player over 15 ends)
The early rounds of the
fours championship scheduled for May have been moved and the new dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 29th June
·
Round
2 on 6th July
·
Round
3 on 13th July
Triples (2 bowls per player over 18 ends)
The early rounds of the
triples championship have been moved back and will be played as follows:-
·
Round
1 on 3rd June
·
Round
2 on 10th June
·
Round
3 on 15th June
Pairs (3 bowls per player over 18 ends)
This will still
commence in May and the revised early round dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 10th May
·
Round
2 on 17thMay
·
Round
3 on 7th June
·
Round
4 on 14th June
Singles (4 bowls– first to 21)
This will commence in
May and the revised early round dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 25th May
·
Round
2 on 1st June
·
Round
3 on 8th June
·
Round
4 on 22nd June
·
Round
5 on 2nd July
2 bowl singles (2 bowls over 21 ends)
This will commence in
May and the revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 21st May
·
Round
2 on 28th May
·
Round
3 on 11th June
·
Round
4 on 25th June
·
Quarter
finals & semi-finals on 28th June
Senior Fours (2 bowls per player over 15 ends)
The early rounds are on
a ‘play by date’ basis and have been changed to:-
·
Round
1 play by 31st May
·
Round
2 play by 6th June
·
Round
3 play by 13th June
·
Quarter
finals & semi-finals on 20th
June
·
Final
on 4th July
Junior Singles (4 bowls – first to 21)
The revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 play by 31st May
·
Quarter
final play by 27th June
·
Semi-final
& final on 18th July
Junior Pairs (3 bowls per player over 18 ends)
The revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 – play by 6th June
·
Semi-final
& final on 4th July
The QUARTER FINALS of the Singles, Pairs,
Triples & Fours will be played in the week commencing 19th July
The SEMI-FINALS of the Singles, Pairs,
Triples & Fours will be played in the week commencing 26TH July
The COUNTY FINALS will be played over the weekend
of 7th/8th August
COUNTY TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
It is anticipated that
these championships can be played under the existing fours format but this may
have to be reviewed should restrictions make this impossible.
Bales Cup (3x fours, 2 bowls per player over 21 ends)
The revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 4th June
·
Round
2 on 18th June
·
Quarter
finals on 6th August
·
Semi-finals
on 13thAugust
·
Final
on 20th August
Lord Fermoy Cup (2x fours, 2 bowls per player over 21 ends)
The revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 17th June
·
Round
2 on 24th June
·
Round
3 on 8th July
·
Quarter
finals on 5th August
·
Semi-finals
on 12thAugust
·
Final
on 19th August
Jermy Cup (3x fours, 2 bowls
per player over 21 ends)
The revised dates are:-
·
Round
1 on 6th June
·
Round
2 on 13th June
·
Quarter
finals on 25th July
·
Semi-final
& final on 1st August
Individual
match notification details will be sent direct to competitors by the Group
Competition Secretary or Competition Secretary in due course.
If you have any queries or questions on any of
the above then please raise these with:-
- JOHN GEORGE - County Championships
Email: jgeorge41@hotmail.co.uk: phone 01603 435948/07907 625910
- MARK
ELLIOTT - County League
Email MJElliott1234@hotmail.com; phone:/01493 750539/07920 798224
- JOHN
OTTAWAY – any general matters
Email john.ottaway08@btinternet.com: phone 01953 605879 or 01953 850450/07766 611309
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s Secretary
Norfolk Bowls
Association
8th April
2021
1 April 2021 Eastern
Counties League 2021
Due to issues with
matches, particularly those scheduled for early in the season & taking into
account the restrictions in place, the 2021 Eastern Counties League has been
cancelled.
John Ottaway
Hon.
Men’s Secretary
Norfolk
Bowls Association
1st
April
29 Mar 2021 Changes to 2021
County/National Championships
For the 2021 National
Championships & Competitions there are some quite significant changes made
which will have a direct impact on our own County Championships as well as the
National Competitions that are run direct by Bowls England
For our County Championships namely:
·
2
bowl singles
·
Singles
·
Pairs
·
Triples
·
Fours
·
Senior
Fours
·
Junior
Singles
·
Junior
Pairs
The significant changes
that have been made, which will apply to our 2021 County Championships & the National finals are:
Format of play
The format of play in
each of the above will be:-
·
Singles will be 4 Bowls – 21 up (no
change)
·
2 Bowl Singles will be 2 Bowls over
21 ends (no change)
·
Pairs will be 3 per player bowls
over 18 ends
·
Triples will be 2 bowls per player
over 18 ends
·
Fours will be 2 bowls per player
over 15 ends
·
Senior Fours will be 2 bowls per
player over 15 ends
·
Junior Singles will be 4 bowls - 21
up (no change)
·
Junior Pairs will be 3 bowls per
player over 18 ends
An Addendum to our
Rules & Regulations will be issued in due course. These changes apply for
2021 but will be subject to review for future years. There are no plans to
change the format of the Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup & Jermy Cup or the
County League
National Finals
qualification
The number of
qualifiers will be limited to 48 being made up of the 35 County Championship
winners plus the runners-up from those Counties with the highest number of
entries in each event. With our number of entries, Norfolk will have only one
qualifier for each event, namely the County winner.
National
Championship finals dates
The National Championships
held in Leamington Spa, have been put back and will run from 19th August to 5th September with the Middleton Cup semi-final & final
on 11th September. The championships will be a combined Men’s &
Ladies event with their championships being run side by side. The full National
Championship programme is on the Bowls England website.
Entry fees
Bowls England have said
that no refund of entry fees will be made unless due to restrictions a
particular discipline is not able to be played and the Norfolk Bowls
Association will also take this approach.
For inter-county events, there are also changes
Middleton Cup
In 2021 this will be
played on a knock out basis starting on 3rd July rather than in
regional zones with the semi-finals & final being put back to 11th
September. Early rounds will be played at a neutral venue or provided the
participating Counties agree 3 rinks at home & 3 away. All matches will
continue as 6 rinks and played over 21 ends
Balcomb Trophy &
White Rose Trophy
These events will be
played on a knock out basis with regional finals on 18th July and
the semi-final & final on 5th September
As for National
Competitions, being events entered direct to Bowls England and run by them
which for ease of reference are:-
·
Club
Two Fours
·
Tony
Allcock Trophy
·
Top
Club
·
Senior
Singles
·
Senior
Pairs
·
Mixed
Pairs
·
Mixed
Fours
·
Family
Pairs
·
Champion
of Champions
Format of play
As for the
Championships, you will see that the formats have changed for some. Details are
contained in Bowls England’s email but for your ease, I have summarised these
below:
·
Club
Two Fours - 2 bowls per player over 15 ends per rink
·
Tony
Allcock Trophy - 2 bowls per player over 15 ends per rink
·
Top
Club – see BE rules for full details
·
Senior
Singles will be 4 Bowls – 21 up (no change)
·
Senior
Pairs - 3 bowls over 18 ends
·
Mixed
Pairs – 3 bowls over 18 ends
·
Mixed
Fours – 2 bowls per player over 15 ends
·
Family
Pairs– 3 bowls per player over 18 ends
·
Champion
of Champions will be 4 Bowls – 21 up (no change)
Round dates
The dates of the various
rounds are detailed in Bowls England’s email. The draws and individual match
notifications will continue to be issued direct by Bowls England.
John Ottaway
26th March 2021
26 Mar 2021 Bowls England return to
play: Step one
Back
to bowls -please see link: https://www.bowlsengland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/return_to_play_step_one_260321_FINAL.pdf
22
Mar 2021 Men’s Annual General
Meeting & County League Annual General Meeting
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s Secretary on behalf of the
Management Committee
22nd March 2021
09 Mar 2021 Bowls England ‘Bowls
Big Weekend’
Bowls England have formally launched the Bowls Big Weekend
which will take place over the weekend of Friday 28th to Monday 31st May 2021
and please see their news release below.
The weekend will give Clubs the opportunity to open their
Club & facilities to new bowlers and to attract new members particularly
during these difficult times.
BOWLS’ BIG WEEKEND TO SHOWCASE ‘SPORT FOR ALL’
Taking place over the Spring Bank Holiday of the 2021 season (Friday 28th to Monday 31st May), Bowls’ Big Weekend is a national initiative offering clubs the opportunity to promote our welcoming and socially-distanced sport and attract new members.
We know that 20% of new bowlers join our sport on the back of open weekends, that our clubs want support to help recruit new players and that there are plenty of people out there who would love to have a go at bowls.
Bowls' Big Weekend is open to clubs affiliated to Bowls England and British Crown Green Bowling Association, and is being run alongside the Bowls Development Alliance and Disability Bowls England. It takes place over the four-day period allowing clubs to organise activity that best fits within their club’s calendar and complies with Return to Play guidance.
Affiliated clubs who sign up will be able to access FREE resources, including bowls-specific workshops to help run a great event and grow your club. In addition, publicity material and creative resources for social media channels, websites and within your local community will be made available. It will be supported by a national marketing campaign to help raise awareness of the events across the country, and some clubs will get a visit from an England Commonwealth Games Squad bowler.
To ensure that you are the first to receive notification when new material is available, as well as being on our exclusive mailing list for workshops where numbers are strictly limited, sign-up here.
06
Mar 2021 Norfolk
Bowls Association
Statement on County Championships & County League
I thought it prudent to
give you an update of where we are with the return to Bowls for the upcoming
season and particularly on the County Championships & County League.
Bowls England will be
issuing guidance on the ‘return to bowls’ following the Government’s
announcement on the lockdown easing timetable and this is expected by the end
of the month at the very latest when they have received clarification on bowls
specific matters from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport. As you will
appreciate, there are many matters that need to clarified and confirmed but
please be assured much work is going on behind the scenes.
What does seem to be
the case is that particularly in early May and before the intended move to
Stage 3 of the Government’s timetable (which will be no earlier than on 17th
May), some restrictions on the ability to play will be in place, but these
should be clearer when Bowls England complete and issue their guidance.
In the meantime, we as
a County are looking into contingency planning so far as our County
Championship & County League programmes are concerned and the result may be
that we may need to make adjustments to the Championships & League fixture
dates that have been published. Whilst I cannot say at this stage what these will
be, we are specifically looking into moving the Fours & Triples championships to dates later in season
as well as the League fixtures that
are scheduled to be played prior to 17th May. Changes to the
dates of other Championship rounds may also need to be made. What the outcome
will be is unclear but I thought I should keep you in the picture and please
bear with us in the meantime and I will advise further as soon as I am able.
One matter which will be
of interest is that Bowls England have indicated that the National
Championships at Leamington Spa are
likely be moved to later in August between 21st August and 5th September and if
this change does occur it will give us more scope to adjust dates to our
Championships. I will let you have details on the actual National Championship
programme as soon as this is published plus other changes to the Championships
which they are considering.
The original draw dates
& league fixtures are still shown on our website and once our revised dates
& programme are finalised we will update.
Finally, our intention
is to give our members the opportunity to take to the greens this summer but
this must always be in line with lockdown restrictions and with the priority to
keep all our members safe.
I trust you appreciate
the situation we find ourselves in and ask you to bear with us in what are
still challenging times.
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s
Secretary
Norfolk
Bowls Association
23 Feb 2021 Bowls
England COVID-19 update
BOWLS
ENGLAND UPDATE - 22nd February 2021
Guidance
following Government’s road map for easing lockdown restrictions
Bowls England has
issued the following statement after the Government’s announcement on 22nd
February of the roadmap for the easing of restrictions. As and when things
become clearer particularly as to how these affect Clubs and our County
Championships & County League, details will be circulated to Clubs.
BOWLS ENGLAND
LOOKS FORWARD TO THE START OF THE 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON
Today’s roadmap for the
easing of lockdown restrictions enables Bowls England, counties and affiliated
clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime
Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be
able to open from 29 March.
Our overriding
objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe
manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact
activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across
the country.The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to
bowlers and the sport in general.
Whilst the overwhelming
majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have
received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness
about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our
development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated
clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the
fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:
‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs
Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs
Online rink booking and cashless payments
Promotional material and funding advice
We also aim to
facilitate as much domestic competition as possible. We have developed a
series of Covid-contingency scenarios and, with the information now available,
will look to reshape our national competition schedule. We will issue a further
update on the championships and competitions programmes once we have had the
opportunity to consult with counties and clubs on any potential changes.
Our National Open Weekend planning will continue and we believe
there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun,
family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with
affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events
that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience.
Chief Executive, Jon
Cockcroft, said: “With the roadmap laid out by the Prime Minister, we are
excited about our sport’s prospects for the coming season. With sensible
interventions in place, bowls is a sport that can be enjoyed authentically and
safely within the government guidelines and it will be a huge boost for the
wellbeing of the bowls community to be playing the sport they love and
connecting back in with their local communities. We will be working in
partnership with all stakeholders, notably affiliated clubs, to navigate
through any challenges and, whilst mindful to retain a level of caution, are
very excited about the outdoor bowls season beginning soon.”
We understand today’s
developments will provoke a range of questions and we would ask people to bear
with us as we work through the various implications. As soon as we can, we will
be issuing more detailed guidance on the Bowls England website.
|
Matt Wordingham |
22 Feb 2021 Clearing
Browser History
The problem maybe your
browser history on your PC needs clearing - (your PC remembers which pages you view
and puts a copy into your PC's cache so the next time you visit that page it
gets it from your PC cache rather than the website (it's quicker).
How you clear your
browser history depends on who’s browser you use, try going to the link below
to find out about clearing the browser history from the various web browsers.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/browsers/f/clear-cache.htm
Hope this helps
Allan
To clear cache on i-phone or i-pad
Delete history, cache and
cookies
1. To clear your
history and cookies, go to Settings > Safari, and tap Clear History
and Website Data. ...
2. To clear your
cookies and keep your history, go to Settings > Safari > Advanced >
Website Data, then tap Remove All Website Data.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201265
I hope this helps
Chris
18 Feb 2021 2021 County Championship draws & County League fixtures
The draws for the 2021 County
Championships have been made and can be found on the COUNTY COMPS page.
Similarly, the 2021
County League fixtures have also been compiled and these may be found on the LEAGUE FIXTURES page.
02
Feb 2021 Norfolk Bowls Association update
·
County
League 2021
·
County
Championships 2021
·
Annual
General Meeting
Please see the following update of where we are as regards the 2021
County League, 2021 County Championships & the deferred 2020 Annual General
Meeting.
COUNTY LEAGUE
Now that the closing dates for County League entry has passed, Mark
Elliott, the League Secretary has been working on the structure for the 2021
season. Unfortunately, some Clubs have decided that they will be unable to
enter teams and other Clubs have reduced the number of teams they will be able
to enter (there are 65 teams entered being a reduction of 6 on last year) so
some changes to the structure have had to be made. The proposed League
structure has been sent to all Club Secretaries for comment prior to the
fixtures being produced & when finally agreed will be posted to the
website. The reduction in the number of teams is to some extent expected based
on where we are with the pandemic and come the end of the season we may have to
carry out a further review of the league structure for subsequent seasons.
There are still many ‘unanswerables’ concerning the ability to play
bowls during the Summer including the use of changing rooms & other club
facilities but at this stage we can only plan for a ‘normal’ County League on
the same playing basis as in previous years i.e. as 3x fours on a home/away
basis.
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The closing date for County Championship entries has also passed and the
Competition Secretary, John George, will be processing the draws and publish on
these on or website over the coming days. As for the County League at this
stage, we are planning a ‘normal’ season for our County Championships.
FORMAT OF COUNTY LEAGUE
& COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
As the situation develops over the coming weeks and following the Government’s
recent announcement that a review of the current lockdown will be announced
around 22nd February we may have to make changes to the format of both the
County League & County Championships but I am sure you will appreciate at
this stage we cannot say as we do not know what the position will be concerning
restrictions that might be in place come the start of the season. I would add
that Bowls England is working on guidance to Clubs on ‘the return to bowls’
when this is to hand the Management Committee will consider this and I will
also forward to you.
I am sure you will agree that what we all want to do is get bowlers back
on the green in as safe an environment as possible and the priority will always
be the health and safety of our members. If and when things change, which we
all hope will be for the better I will let you know.
2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
On another matter, the AGM (and League AGM) that was due to be held in December
was deferred until 14th March. With the situation as it is, the Management
Committee has recently met to discuss this and other matters and have decided
to defer the AGM again, until 25th April when it is hoped the situation will
allow this to be held. A ‘virtual’ AGM was considered but it was felt that this
was not practical. Whilst the situation is not ideal, I trust you agree with
the approach being taken. An update will be given and when I am in a position
to do so.
Finally and in the meantime, please stay safe.
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s Secretary
1st February 2021
09 Jan 2021 GW
Staniforth BC update
I am delighted to report that following further discussions between the Club, their Landlords & the local Council agreement has been reached for the Club to continue for the 2021 season following which further discussions will take place as to a more permanent future for the Club.
This is
great news for the Club & its members and hopefully the Club will be in
apposition to continue for many more years
06 Jan 2021 UPDATE to
Clubs – 4th January 2021
Firstly, I hope you, your family and your fellow Club members are all keeping safe & well during the challenging times we all find ourselves in. Sadly, several of our members have passed away in recent months and I offer my sincere condolences to their families & friends.
Further to the update I issued in
August as the very limited 2020 season was drawing to a close, much has changed
in the meantime though the situation is far from clear as to where we will be
when the 2021 season gets underway. However, the release of the vaccine does
give cause for hope that we will be in a position to get back on the greens. As
I have previously mentioned as a County we are putting in place plans for a
full County programme similar to previous years but will need to constantly
review this based on any restrictions which might be in place and if and when
anything changes, I will let you know
As I said in August, in view of the
unprecedented times we continue to find ourselves in it may be necessary for us
to impose certain approaches in the short term and that are not fully in line
with our Constitution & Rules. Any actions & decisions made will always
be made with the best interests of the County & it’s Clubs in line with
Object 2(a) of our Constitution “to promote, foster & safeguard the game of
outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk” and I hope I will have your
support as we move forward
I will now turn to specific matters.
1) Management Committee/Officers
The restrictions in place over recent months have meant that the Committee has not been able meet as often as they would like. However, the business of the County has continued behind the scenes and will continue to do so.
2) AGM on 14 March 2021 & Clubs Meeting
The Men’s AGM & League AGM that were due to held in December have been postponed to Sunday 14th March. It is not yet clear if these will be able to be held and will be under constant review taking into account restrictions in place. I will advise further as soon as I can and the contingency should they not be able to be held.
The same goes for our regular Club’s Meetings and it is hoped that we will be able to meet up and there is much we need all to consider. Again, I will advise further as soon as I can
3) 2021 Competition & League Entries
As previously advised the closing date for entries to our 2021 County Championships including the Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup, Jermy Cup & County League is 1st FEBRUARY 2021. If you have not yet submitted your entries can you please do so as soon as possible as much preparatory work is needed ahead of the season. This is particularly important so far as the County League is concerned as Mark Elliott will need to consider the structure of the League based on the entries received and then to generate the fixtures. It is appreciated that the number of teams may be less than in previous years so much consideration may need to be given to this. The matter of post-match refreshments where these are provided is another matter that will need to be considered and much will depend on any restrictions which might be in place.
To date those Clubs that have submitted entries are:
|
Bradwell |
|
R G Carter
Group |
|
Downham Market |
|
Freethorpe |
|
Great Plumstead |
|
Harling Rec |
|
Cliff Parade |
|
King's Lynn |
|
Lakeside Pilgrims |
|
St. Lawrence |
|
Shouldham |
|
Thorpe Rec |
|
West Winch |
As for National Competitions entered direct to
Bowls England, the closing date for entries is 1st March and details are
on the Bowls England website:-https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/
4) 2021 Affiliation Fees
The date for payment of Affiliation Fees has been put back to 1st May when Clubs will have a better idea of their membership numbers and the County Treasurer will be issuing the Affiliation Fees Payment Form to you in the coming weeks. I can confirm that the fees will remain unchanged and will be:-
Bowls England playing member levy - Ł5.00 per player
Norfolk Bowls Association playing member levy - Ł2.00 per player
Annual Club Subscription to Norfolk Bowls Association - Ł6.00
However, should restrictions remain which result in playing season be limited or curtailed consideration will be given to the fee payment and to some extent we will be led by guidance from Bowls England.
5) Annual Club Return form
This form which Clubs complete with updated Club information & Officer details will be issued shortly. I am still waiting for details of any additional information that may be required by Bowls England and hence the reason why issue of this has been delayed.
6) Bowls England Matters
Following
the appointment of Jon Cockcroft as Chief Executive, the Bowls England Board
& staff have been reviewing the operation of Bowls England with a view to
improving the services they provide to Clubs & County Associations. Many
virtual meetings have taken place and in the coming weeks various changes &
initiatives will be announced but one major initiative already announced is a National Open Weekend over the 2021 May
Bank Holiday (29th to 31st).
Further
details will be circulated in due course, which will include
·
A
club guide with step by step advice on planning, delivery and follow up of an
open event.
·
A
variety of editable marketing templates such as flyers and banners.
·
Digital
marketing templates to be used online and on social media e.g. Facebook,
Nextdoor.
·
Training/Guidance/Tips
for club volunteers to access in the build up to the campaign
I
would ask that you consider whether your Club wants to participate. The County Management Committee will
be considering its role in this and how it could support Clubs.
Bowls England have during the course of the pandemic provided guidance & support to Clubs and also used this time to carry out a comprehensive insight and development programme which will lead to a new five year strategy which is to be launched in 2021 and details will be circulated. As part of this, a consultation process will begin on staff organisation to enable the delivery of the new strategy. This will also involve the creation of four new roles Head of Communications, Events and Competitions Officer, Marketing Officer and People and Governance Officer and applications for these positions is open to all.
Summary
I
appreciate that I have covered many topics but I hope you find the all of the
above useful and if you have any queries or require further information then
please let me know otherwise I look forward to seeing you at the next Clubs
meeting or the AGM should we be able to
hold these. If and when things change, I will keep you advised & updated
There is no doubt this has been a challenging year for everyone and it is important for the health of the sport that some form of normality returns for the start of the 2021 outdoor season and we all hope this will be the case and I look forward to working with everyone who cares about the game to achieve this.
In
the meantime, please stay safe.
Regards,
John
08
Dec 2020 GW
Staniforth BC (Thetford)
Due to issues with the renewal of their Lease with their Landlords, the GW Staniforth Trust it is with reluctance that the Club has decided to close.
The GW Staniforth club has been one of the stalwarts of the Norfolk Bowls Association for many years, have always been welcoming to the Association and will be a great loss to bowlers in both the south west of the County, the County as a whole and the many clubs across the country who has visited the club.
Over the years, the Club have provided County Officers and lifted several County titles namely:-
County
Officers
· County President 1968 – H.Leech
· County President 1986 – W.Massingham
· Middleton Cup Manager 2000 to 2002 – D.Betts
County
titles
· Club Champions (Bales Cup) – 1997
· Jermy Cup – 2003 & 2009
· Jermy Cup – 1963
· WP Baker Cup – 1994 & 2010
· Fours 1980 – J. Whalebelly, P Carter, R. Miller & D. Betts
· Triples 1988 – M. Struthers, R. Hall & D. Betts
03 Dec 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND
– Latest COVID Alert Rules
Following
the introduction of the new Tier Restrictions effective from 2nd December 2020
Bowls
England have issued the guidance below following the introduction of the new
Tier Alert system introduced on 2nd December 2020
We are aware that many of our clubs with artificial surfaces are keen to return to the green following the Government’s introduction of a new three-tier system to control Covid-19. We are therefore pleased to provide this short update to our members, which should be read in conjunction with our earlier guidance issued on 18th September 2020.
Government guidance published today (Wednesday 2nd December 2020) advises that organised outdoor sport is permitted in all three tiers therefore organised outdoor bowls can return at all COVID-19 alert levels within the rule of six, permitting play without restriction on number of households. In providing this advice, we do recommend that all participants (particularly those within Tier 3) display additional vigilance and avoid close proximity with anyone outside their household/bubble.
The following revised guidance applies to those clubs with bars/restaurants:
Tier One: MEDIUM RISK
Club bars and restaurants are permitted to be open under the rule of 6, but with table service only, between the hours of 5am to 11pm. Last orders have to be at 10pm with all guests leaving the venue by 11pm.
Tier Two: HIGH RISK
Club bars and restaurants can remain open between the hours of 5am to 11pm but are only allowed to have people from the same household / support bubble on a table. Alcohol is only permitted to be sold with a substantial meal. Last orders have to be at 10pm with guest leaving the venue by 11pm.
Tier Three: VERY HIGH RISK
Club bars and restaurants will not be allowed to open but are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery services.
To see which level of risk applies to you/your club please use the Government’s post code tracker.
We remind all clubs that items may be adapted as necessary to meet your club’s specific circumstances, so long as your actions remain consistent with the latest Government guidance and that the Government guidance on social distancing is adhered to at all times.
The Government will be reviewing the areas within each Tier on 16th December 2020. To ensure you receive the latest updates from Bowls England, sign up to our e-newsletter now.
26 Nov 2020 BOWLS
ENGLAND – Plans & initiatives for 2021 & beyond
A virtual meeting was held with Bowls England on 21st November and attended by representatives from County Associations. At the meeting, Bowls England set out their plans for 2021 & beyond and please see the attached summary document detailing the matters raised and which makes interesting reading Click here
05 Nov 2020 BOWLS
ENGLAND STATEMENT – COVID 19 update
4th November 2020
Following the announcement of the new restriction, Bowls England has issued the following statement. The contents are fully as expected but the good news is that essential greens maintenance may continue. Let’s hope that come December our Clubs may re-open for non- bowling activities.
Any further guidance will be published should this be forthcoming but in the meantime please continue to stay safe and let us all get through the current ‘lockdown’ without too many difficulties.
John
Ottaway
We are aware that some of our clubs, particularly those with artificial surfaces, have been continuing to enjoy our sport in a Covid-friendly manner.
However, the Government has announced that all indoor and outdoor leisure facilities must close from Thursday 5th November as part of the national lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19. Therefore, no outdoor bowling activity will be permitted from this date and clubs must remain closed for any other non-bowling activity, for example meetings and social events.
We are aware that some clubs are also seeking advice on greens maintenance. The Government guidance is that where people cannot work from home they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace and therefore we advise that essential greens maintenance work can continue. The Government advises that the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced by following COVID-secure guidelines closely.
The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2nd December. At the end of this period, the Government will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data, and we shall advise clubs further at that stage.
Full
details on the new national restrictions can be viewed here.
26 Oct 2020 NORFOLK
BOWLS ASSOCIATION – Update to Clubs
I hope
you & and your members are keeping safe and well.
I am
now able to give up an update on various matters on County affairs.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The
Men’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 13th December 2020 but
in light of the restrictions currently in place and the probability that these
will still be in place or even more restrictive on the date of the AGM, the
Management Committee has met to discuss
if & how the AGM could be held. Various options were considered:
·
To
hold the AGM as normal
·
To
hold the AGM virtually
·
To
deal with the AGM business by email
& proxy votes
·
To
defer the AGM to a later date
After
much consideration on each of the options, it has been decided to defer the AGM
to a later date with a date of Sunday 14th March pencilled in when
it is hoped that restrictions will have eased. Whilst the deferral is not in
accordance with the Men’s Rules, I trust you will agree that taking into
account all matters & with the safety & wellbeing of delegates paramount,
this is the best course of action available to us. Under our Constitution
Object 2(a) states, the objective of the Association is “to promote, foster
& safeguard the game of outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk”
and this is what I believe we are doing. By deferring the AGM, the business of
the Association can continue with all existing officers remaining in place
until the AGM is held. Should it not be possible to hold the AGM in its usual
format in March then further consideration will be given as to how we move
forward.
LEAGUE AGM
This
normally follows the Men’s AGM and as with the Men’s AGM, the Management
Committee has decided to defer the League AGM to follow immediately after the
main AGM with 14th March pencilled in. As with Men’s Officers, the
League Officers will remain in position until the League AGM with League
business continuing in the meantime.
As
for the League and the plans for the 2021 season, at this stage we are
anticipating the league will be played under the same format as in other
years but with the situation as
it exists and as it maybe when the season gets underway this may have
to be reviewed. The League AGM in March, provided it is able to be held,
will give us the opportunity to consider this ahead of the season getting under
way. With the change to the League entry
date being put back to 1st February along with entries to
Competitions, Mark Elliott, the League Secretary will not be in a position
to confirm the League structure until
after this date and it is hoped that this will not present problems to Clubs.
The League fixtures will be published as soon
as possible after the league structure is set and this will be a little
later than in previous years and again hopefully this will not present problems
as Clubs will be able to set aside Wednesday evenings for the League fixtures
and then add the actual fixtures when
these are known. Should you have any
questions concerning league entries, league structure & fixtures then can I
please ask you to direct these to the Hon. League Secretary, Mark Elliott.
PRESIDENT 2021
It
was hoped that Denis West would be able to continue his Presidency to cover the
2021 season but due to personal circumstances, he is unable to do so. Harry
Geary, the Senior Vice President did not have the opportunity to learn the
‘President’s ropes’ during 2020 so will continue in that role during 2021 and
assume the Presidency in 2022. Hence, we will not have a President in position
for the 2021 season and in view of this a President for the Day, from past
Presidents of the Association will be appointed for each County event, much as
happened in Colin Brown’s year. The Junior Vice President position remains
vacant and if you know of anyone who may be interested in the position then I would
be very pleased to hear.
MIDDLETON CUP MANAGER
With
the 2020 Middleton Cup programme having been cancelled I can confirm that Mark
Turner’s period as our Middleton Cup Manager has been extended by 1 year so
will cover the period up to & including the 2022 season.
GENERAL MATTERS
I am
conscious that much information has been provided over past months and as an
aide to you, I thought I would confirm some key dates:
·
Closing
date for entries to County Championships, Team Competitions & County League
-1st February 2021
·
Date
for payment of Affiliation Fees – 1st May 2020 (please
note the relevant Fees payment form has not yet been issued and will be in
early 2021)
·
Club
Annual Return Form - this has not yet been issued and will not be until the new
year when Bowls England confirm any additional Club information they may
require
Changes to
Competition Regulations & other matters relating to Championships &
Competitions have been made by Bowls England to provide players with greater
flexibility and confidence when entering competitive events.
·
Junior
Pairs – whilst this continues to be played over 18 ends it will now be 3 bowls
per player
·
Family
Pairs – the eligibility rules have
changed to allow husband/wife & civil partners (please note this is a National Competition run direct by Bowls
England)
·
The
entry date for National Competitions administered direct by Bowls England has
been changed to 1st March with no deadline extension
· Entries will be accepted from any individual that will
be a member of a club affiliated to Bowls England on 1st May annually
·
Should
the National Championships and/or National Competitions not take place in 2021
due to Covid-19 a full refund will be offered
·
As a
condition of entry in National Championships and National Competitions, all
entrants must give contact information in accordance with current ‘Test and
Trace’ requirements, with the choice to ‘opt in’ for Bowls England
communications.
I
hope you find the above useful and if you have any questions particularly on the
deferral of the AGM then please let me know.
Finally
on behalf of the County Association I would thank you for all you have done to keep your members
safe over this difficult period and for keeping our great sport alive and lets
all hope for a better 2021.
John Ottaway
Norfolk Bowls Association Hon. Men’s Secretary 26th
October 2020
30 Sep 2020 Notice to
Clubs on the next Clubs Meeting & Annual General Meeting
Due to current COVID 19 restrictions in place and with the safety
& well-being of members paramount, it is with reluctance that the next
meeting of Clubs due to be held at the end of September has been cancelled.
Whilst it is disappointing that we cannot get together to discuss all that has
occurred over the past few months and the planning for the 2021 season, I am
sure you will agree the correct decision has been made. Hopefully there will be
some easing of the restrictions that will allow us to meet but following the
Government advice recently given this does not seem likely in the near future.
I will however keep monitoring the situation and will advise further.
The next significant date is our Annual General Meeting scheduled
for 13th December 2020. This is a little way ahead and the Management Committee
will be meeting shortly to decide if this can go ahead and in what format. The
possibilities are:-
·
To hold the AGM as usual provided restrictions allow