News
22nd MAY 2025
Cawston lift the 2024 Hansells Cup
Cawston BC has won the 2024 Hansells Cup
In the final played, which was postponed in August due to bad weather, they defeated Swaffham Town BC by 63 shots to 51 at Aldiss Park BC.
Rink scores (Cawston names first):-
G.Waits, L. Sheen, S. Wilson, S. Adcock 25
N.Baber, D. Futter, M. Hammond, T. McCelland 15
E.Hayward, G. Durrant, A. Hardesty, D Page 18
A. Chamberlain, K. Shepard, G. Lathwell, P. Scarffe 11
C. Sharp, R. Adcock, J. Neale, J. McCann 20
J. Lovick, A. Heinson, D. Dawson, J. Griffiths 25
20th MAY 2025
Norfolk lose in defence of Balcomb Trophy National title
Norfolk’s defence of their Balcomb Trophy title is over.
In the newly formatted Championship, the County team travelled to Brampton Institute BC over the weekend for the Regional Finals in a round robin contest against Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire with a place for the overall winners in the National Finals at stake.
A disappointing opening defeat against Huntingdonshire and then with results of other matches meant that victory in the 2nd match against Bedfordshire was critical if Norfolk were to have a chance of reaching the National Final in the their final game. Having looked in control for most of the match against Bedfordshire, Norfolk fell away over the closing ends and slipped to a disappointing defeat. The final match against Cambridgeshire could not affect the overall position and once again, Norfolk slipped to defeat.
So, it was a hugely disappointing weekend for the players and Manager who will will now re-group with even greater determination in readiness for the Middleton Cup campaign which begins in June.
For full details of all Balcomb Trophy results, please go to https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/home/balcomb-trophy
Norfolk young bowlers ready for White Rose Trophy challenge
Norfolk travel Hadleigh BC in Suffolk on 31st May & 1st June in the Regional Finals of the White Rose Trophy looking to qualify for a place in the National Finals to be held at Leamington Spa in August
The format has been changed this year with matches played in Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours in sets on a round robin basis and against Suffolk & Essex
Norfolk and the other 2 Counties have both entered 2 teams and the playing schedules may be accessed via https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/home/white-rose-trophy and then click on the link where shown
The Norfolk teams will comprise the following players:-
Jude Smith
Ryan Fox
Matthew Mills
Leo Cook
Stanley Turner
Sam Gowler
Owen Frostick
Daniel Codman
Tom Codman
Christopher Lea Harwood
Christopher Barker
Bowls England 2025 National Championships
County representatives in each Championship event now confirmed
Bowls England have now confirmed the number of representative each County will have in the 2025 Bowls England Men’s National Championship Finals with the number being decided on the total number of entries for each County.
As a result, it is now confirmed that for Norfolk the number of representatives in each Championship will be:-
· Singles x2
· Pairs x2
· Triples x2
· Fours x2
· 2 Bowl Singles x2
· Junior Singles x1
· Junior Pairs x1 (as for all Counties)
· Senior Fours x1 (as for all Counties)
Where 2 qualifiers these will be our County Championship Finalists and where 1, the County Champion.
14th MAY 2025
Norfolk to defend Balcomb Trophy and other news
Norfolk gear up for defence of Balcomb Trophy National title, success in the ECBA Finals & defeat in the Eastern Counties League
Norfolk travel to Brampton Institute BC (Huntingdonshire), next weekend, 17th & 18th May to begin their defence of the Balcomb Trophy National title won at Leamington Spa last August.
The format has been changed this year with matches played in Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours on a round robin basis against Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire with the winners progressing to the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August.
Norfolk’s matches are
· Saturday 17th May at 9.30am –v- Huntingdonshire
· Sunday 18th May at 1.00pm –v- Bedfordshire
· Sunday 18th May at 4.00pm –v Cambridgeshire
Last year’s successful team forms the bulk of the team for this year:
Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)
David Smith (Norfolk BC)
Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC)
Jack Wells (Downham Market BC)
Daniel Seabourne (Norfolk BC)
John Tufts (Norfolk BC)
Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC)
Max Harrison (Downham Market BC)
Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC)
Richard Summers (Norfolk BC)
with Mark Turner once again Team Manger
The players playing in each of the formats will be announced later
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Norfolk tasted success in the 2024 Eastern Counties Bowling Association Finals held at Elsenham BC with the Four of Matt Warnes, Chris Rowe, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero of Downham Market BC lifting the title following last end wins in the semi-final against Huntingdonshire and then in the final against Cambridgeshire.
There was however disappointment in the Junior Singles and Pairs where Ryan Fox (Acle St. Edmunds BC) and Aaron Johnson/Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC) had to settle for runners-up following defeats in the final.
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Norfolk’s competitive County programme opened on Saturday with the opening match in the Eastern Counties League against Hertfordshire at Hatfield and unfortunately it was a defeat by 4 shots, 93 -97 but with the County winning on 3 of the 5 rinks but losing overall by 6 points to 14.
Rink scores
Jude Smith, Glen Harwood, Karl Brooks & Andy Siely 23 A. Harman 14
Regan Simper, Ryan Fox, David Lamb & Jack Larter 21 S. Horwood 15
Matthew Warnes, Harry Cater, Matthew Fox & Jack Wells 9 M. Coles 32
John High, Ryan Hudson, Steve Johnson & Aaron Johnson 19 M. Plume 22
Chris Reynalds, Mark Turner, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero 21 T. Keeling 14
17th APRIL 2025
Report to Clubs
Summary report of the Clubs Meeting held on 6th
April 2025
NORFOLK BOWLS ASSOCIATION UPDATE
County Sponsorship
We are delighted to announce the agreement to a sponsorship arrangement with
Howden Insurance based at 1 Surrey St. Norwich which will provide direct
financial benefits to both the County Association and affiliated Clubs.
Howden Insurance will become the headline sponsors of our County League and
have provided branded scorecards which have or is in the process of being
distributed to Clubs and ask that these be used for County League matches
As part of the arrangement, the County will receive a cash payment and for any
Club member who arranges insurance through them the Club will receive a cash
payment to them of £25.00 paid to them on a quarterly basis. When asking for a
quote, they will be asked how they heard of Howdens and provided the cover is
then placed the Club will receive the £25.00.
To advertise the services that Howden’s provide, they are asking Clubs if they
will display one of their advertising boards and if you are willing to do so then
please liaise initially with David Naunton, who is managing the arrangement. It
is appreciated that some Clubs already have local sponsorship deals with other
insurance brokers which may create a conflict of interest and prevent such
advertising being displayed
Howden’s cover over 100 types of insurance business and to see details please
go their website https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/norwich where the
Manager is Neil Carver.
Please do share this information with your membership and make them aware of
the potential benefits to both them and your Club.
County handbooks & Howden Insurance branded scorecards
These have or will be distributed to all Clubs. The contact for any issues is John
George.
Clubs
Newly affiliated Clubs for 2025:-
· Wellesley BC (Great Yarmouth)
· Hempton BC
· Aylsham (Ladies) BC
Unfortunately, Saxon BC has decided not to re-affiliate in 2025 and GW
Staniforth has closed.
2025 County Championships & Bowls England National Finals
Draws for our County Championships have been made and published including
the inter-Club events
The Group Competition Secretaries are
· Group1 /2 Ian Groves
· Group 3 Malcolm Struthers
· Group 4 Malcolm Struthers
John George looks after inter-clubs competitions (Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup &
Jermy Cup)
The programme for the 2025 Bowls England National Finals has been published
and is on the Bowls England website. The number of qualifiers we have for each
Championship will be confirmed when received from Bowls England.
County dress
We have agreed to introduce a new playing shirt with black shorts/trousers for
National Inter County events for 2025.
The design is the same as adopted by our Ladies Section so we have a dress
code covering both genders which we see as a way forward and integration
across the whole County.
Additional kit will be available including a hoodie and training top and these too
will be available. Going forward we may extend the kit range to include rain &
shower proof tops.
Members will be able to purchase all kit direct from the Suppliers but we will
hold some stock but there will be a lead in time of up to 5 weeks.
Full details will be circulated in due course
2024 AGM
Rules updates
At the AGM in December, motions were passed to change various rules and
these have been incorporated into the current rules and regulations, namely:
· County League to 18 ends including WP Baker & Hansells Cups
· County League changed to open to allow lady members (for any ladies
that play they MUST be affiliated and affiliation fees paid)
Please ensure your Team Captains are aware of these changes
The new League Secretary is Ian Groves - contact details:
· Email – leaguesec64@outlook.com
· Phone - 07584 287456
In addition, the 2024 Hansells Cup final between Swaffham Town & Cawston was
postponed last year due to bad weather. This will now be played on at 10am on
Saturday 17 th May at Aldiss Park (under the ‘2024’ rules’).
Teams with more than 1 team in the County League must register 12 players for
their ‘A’ team by 30 th April and the Registration Form has been sent to those
Clubs where this needs to be done.
Officer vacancies
There are vacancies for the following positions should any members be
interested:-
· Junior Vice President
· Press Officer
· Safeguarding Officer - I am covering at present but we a looking to
appoint a permanent officer should anyone be interested
· Disciplinary Officer - with changes to Bowls England Regulation 9 we need
to appoint a County Disciplinary Officer and this is being pursued
Middleton Cup
As last year, this will be a round robin with home matches at County Arts.
Fixture details are on our website
Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy
Changes approved at the 2024 Bowls England AGM have been implemented for
2025 and there will be Regional Finals played for both events under the new
playing formats.
The Balcomb Trophy is at Brampton Institute BC in Huntingdonshire on 17 th/18 th
May where we will start our defence of the title with the White Rose Trophy at
Hadleigh BC in Suffolk on 31 st May/1 st June.
As previously announced the playing formats for both these events have
changed in 2025 to:-
· Balcomb – team of 10 playing singles, pairs, triples & fours
· White Rose – teams of 5 playing singles/fours, pairs/triples
Over 60 Inter-County Team Competition
This is a new knock out event for 2025 comprising a team of 12 men & 12 ladies.
We have entered a team with Mark Turner & Christine Webb as joint Managers.
Our first round match is against Cambridgeshire on 17 th June at County Arts.
Eastern Counties League
There have been changes in that the matches will now comprise 4 rinks + a rink
comprising players aged over 60/ County Officers.
There was a risk of the League folding due to lack of support from other
Counties and the above change has meant the League will continue in 2025.
County Friendlies
Application forms for matches have been issued to Clubs for return to the Match
Secretary (Barney Wymer).
The full programme of matches is on our website though the programme is
smaller this year mainly due to the reluctance of some Counties to travel.
County Tour
The 2025 Tour, hosted by President Chris is to Leicestershire and the
Tour Manager is John Mason
BOWLS ENGLAND UPDATE
Affiliation Fees 2025
Following a change at the 2023 Bowls England AGM, the Bowls England
affiliation fee will increase annually based on the CPI at October.
The Bowls England fee for the 2025 season will be £7.10 per member.
The NBA Affiliation fee remains unchanged at £2.00 per member. However we
are not immune to rising costs and may have to consider an increase at some
time, but we have no plans to increase at present.
The Hon Treasurer (David Naunton) has issued the relevant paperwork to Clubs
with payment of the fees required by 10 th May 2025.
Late Affiliation Fee payment for new members joining after the May affiliation
payments will be requested later in the year.
County Development Programme – Norfolk 2025
Norfolk has been selected as one of 5 Counties to get dedicated support from
the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) in 2025.
The first stage was a Roadshow held in conjunction with Bowls England at
County Arts in February. More information will be provided by the BDA on how
they can support Clubs and I urge Clubs to consider the help and support that
can be provided to them on many topics.
Details of Club sign-up to the 2025 Norfolk County Development Programme
have been sent to Clubs along with details of a ‘Club Health Checker’ both of
which could provide great support to Clubs and Clubs are urged to consider
these
The contact from the BDA is their East Region Development Officer, Annie
Dunham whose contact details and other useful information may be found on the
BDA website including the County Development Programme & Club Health
Checker.
Safeguarding
Much work has been undertaken to ensure Clubs have an Officer in position by
1 st May, this being a Sport England requirement.
Most Clubs now have or are in the recruitment process but those who have not
are being actively chased.
Clubs with any issues or concerns should contact the Hon. Secretary or the
Bowls England Safeguarding Lead, Juliette Maggs-Bowen
Misconduct/Disciplinary
Currently this is covered in Bowls England Regulation 9 which all Clubs must
adhere to as a condition of their affiliation.
The current Regulation is complicated and very difficult to adhere to so
Bowls England is undertaking a review of the Regulation and will be making this
simpler and easier to follow. Work is ongoing and when completed Board
approval will be sought and the Regulation implemented with more details given
at that stage.
Fit for Future strategy
The 5 year strategy is on-going and covers such things as
· Bowls Big Weekend
· Bowls Bash
· Play Bowls platform
Full details are the Bowls England website and I would urge Clubs to take a look
to see if any of these are a ‘fit’ for them. Bowls England will provide support &
guidance
Bowls Big Weekend 2025
This is in its 5 th year and many Clubs across the Country have signed up for this
over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
Bowls England AGM
The AGM was held in February and there is not too much of importance to Clubs
to report but if anyone requires a copy of the minutes these will be provided.
The Annual Awards Night followed and I’m delighted to report that Brian Taylor
of County Awards received the prestigious National Greenkeeper of Year award.
International update/Performance Team Update
Changes have been made to the Performance Team international trial
nominations with a new Performance Team now in place
The Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy Regional finals will now be treated as
a key element of the selection process, particularly for the Senior Team, though
performances in other events will be taken into account.
As for Juniors, some Counties have not entered a team in the White Rose Trophy
so a Junior International Trial as well as an Under 18 training day will be held
and nominations for these are being sought (details are on the BE website).
In addition, Bowls England is planning Regional Under-18 Talent Days followed
up with a National Development Day at Leamington 2025.
Details on the above may be found on the Bowls England website
Another item of news is that Bowls England has expressed interest in hosting the
2027 World Bowls Championships and further news is awaited.
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c:\users\user\documents\my documents from e drive\nba - secretary docs etc\clubs meetings\2025
04\report\report to clubs.docClubs data/Club dashboard
Bowls England hold, on their website, data for all Clubs and are developing this
further to be a ‘one stop shop’ for any one searching for a bowls club and the
bowling & facilities that they provide.
Whilst Bowls England will populate Club information with the details that they
hold and which have been provided, once this is live, responsibility for update
will lie with Clubs.
There are items of information that will be mandatory, including Club
Contact/Secretary but there will be other information that the Club may record
should they think fit, including contact details of other key Club Officers. The
‘site’ is still at the development stage and more details will be provided in due
course.
Bursaries – Safeguarding, Umpiring & Coach Bowls
Bowls England has previously offered bursaries towards the cost of Coaching,
Umpiring & Safeguarding but they have advised that they have currently
suspended payments whilst they undertake a review, which I understand will be
completed very soon.
The Norfolk Bowls Association Coaching bursary (for 50% of the course fee for
Coach Bowls Level 1 for 2 members per Club over a 2 year period) will continue.
John Ottaway
Hon. Men’s Secretary
13 th April 2025
Circulation:-
Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s Club Secretaries
Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s Management Committee
Mark Turner – Middleton Cup Manager
Christine Rednall – Norfolk Bowls Association Ladies Section Secretary
Brian Taylor awarded the Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year
At the Bowls England Annual Awards Night held at Leicester Athena on Saturday, Brian Taylor of County Arts BC was awarded the prestigious ‘Greenkeeper of the Year’, a richly deserved honour for his work and dedication at both his own Club and many other Clubs across the County over many years.
The Bowls England citation given stated “Brian’s 30+ years green-keeping transformed County Arts BC into one of Norfolk’s finest. His expertise helped to revive the green after major setbacks and he supports other Clubs as Norfolk’s Greens Maintenance Advisory Officer showcasing unmatched dedication to bowls services”
Many congratulations to Brian from the County Association and the many players both in Norfolk & beyond who have had the pleasure of play the greens you have worked on over many years.
County Comps 2025 now on website and click the link here.
Norfolk Bowls Association League Fixtures 2025 now on website and click the link here
NOTICE of County League Annual General Meeting on 8th December 2024
NOTICE OF COUNTY LEAGUE AGM
Notice is hereby given that the Norfolk Bowls Association COUNTY LEAGUE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place on Sunday 8th December 2024 at County Arts Bowls Club, Plumstead Road East, Norwich immediately following the Men
Attached is the Agenda together with:-
· Agenda item 3 - Minutes of the AGM held on 3rd December 2023
· Agenda item 6
· Agenda item 8 - League format for 2025 but this is still dependent on league entries received and which do not close until 15th November and if you have not yet submitted your Club
Please note the two motions that have been submitted which are shown in Agenda item 5 & explained in the Appendix, namely:-
· Change from 21 ends to 18 ends
· Change to an
If you have any queries or comments prior to the Meeting then please address these to the Hon. League Secretary - Mark Elliott (email: markelliott1962@outlook.com).
Links to following
2. Minutes of last AGM held on 3rd December 2023
