Friends of English Bowling
Home Objectives FAQs Officers / Committee Link to Us News Sponsors Bowls England Corporate Friends Corporate Individuals.. 2008 2007 2006 How to join Joining Benefits Events 2007 Championships 2006 Championships Matches 2008 2007 Photo Gallery Lubramine Middleon Cup 2008 General Photos Commonwealth Games 2002 Contacts Contact Us Your Comments		News from Friends of English Bowling We would firstly like to welcome all new "Friends" to the Association as Individual members, County Associations and Corporate sponsors. We would also thank all our existing members for their continued support in 2008. We have lost very few members since the "Friends" was originally set up and are continually recruiting new members committed to putting something back into the sport we all love and support. As the majority of members are aware at the Special General Meeting held in December the revised and amended Constitution was adopted by the meeting; the main aim in amending the Constitution was to enable us to apply for CASC status and reduce our tax burden. Unfortunately the goalposts for registration appear to have changed and we were unsuccessful in our application; in consequence the Executive Committee agreed to withdraw our appeal in this respect rather than incur additional significant costs. As members are aware from 1st January 2008 the English Bowling Association ceased to exist and the EBA and EWBA amalgamated under the new company "BOWLS ENGLAND". Although the majority of the members of the "Friends" are men we are continually expanding our membership to encompass the ladies and we hope to fully support both genders within our unified sport and would welcome all interested ladies to become "Friends" and help us to achieve this aim. Incorporated within the new constitution was a change in title to "FRIENDS OF ENGLISH BOWLING" and this will be incorporated in due course in a new badge and logo. At our Committee Meeting held in May, John Austin announced his resignation as Honorary Treasurer and Membership Secretary and Committee Member Kath Lloyd, who was assisting John in the preparation of the accounts, has been appointed as Treasurer for the remainder of the year. Kath, with the assistance of Mike Poole, has been busy chasing the late subscription payers and we would thank Mike for his help. We would ask that if any member is able to help in reviewing the accounts and financial statements she would be most grateful to hear from them. John Austin had been Membership Secretary and Treasurer since the inception of the Association and we sincerely thank him and Freddie for their input and guidance, particularly in recruiting new members to the "Friends" in this very important period. It is now more important than ever that we maintain and increase our membership in order to enable us to continue to sponsor some of the major Competitions. As members are aware, in 2007 we successfully sponsored the EBA Champion of Champions, National Pairs and National Fours Championships, the Mixed Fours Competition and the Middleton Cup. In addition, as in previous years, we also sponsored the cost of youth trips to Worthing during National Championship fortnight and also provided the 'Friends' hospitality marquee to meet old friends and like minded bowlers. The marquee was a great success will be repeated for this season's Championships and we look forward to seeing you all there. Bowls England has obtained separate sponsorship this year for the Mixed Fours Competition and the Middleton Cup so it is proposed that, in addition to the other Championships we are already sponsoring, that the Friends sponsorship will be transferred to the Men's National Club 2 x 4's, the National County Top 2 x 4's, provision of National Championship Travel Subsistence and also to sponsoring the Ladies Champion of Champions Event. In our sponsoring of one of the Ladies major Championships we hope that it will encourage more Ladies to become members of the "Friends" and assist with our sponsorship of bowls. In order to protect the financial benefit available to Clubs and Counties, and as a major support and fund raising venture this year, the Friends have taken over the Grand Draw previously operated by the EBA. In former years this was run by a commercial lottery agency on behalf of the EBA and experienced a decline in ticket sales and increase in costs. By operating the "BOWLERS DRAW" ourselves we hope to reduce operating costs, printing and postage and hopefully deliver a considerable profit for all participating clubs with any remaining funds being ploughed back into sponsoring the National Championships and youth visits to Worthing. As previously all clubs receive 50% back from the tickets they sell for their club funds. Tickets can be obtained from any member of the Committee. The draw is being masterminded by our Chairman Graham Clark, John Austin and Howard Pryse and we thank them for their input in the immense amount of work involved in this venture. As members are aware, although we are not an Association playing a multitude of matches, John Durston, our Match Secretary, is active in arranging a few matches each season. The first match this year was against Dorset CBA at Gillingham in June with Dorset running out winners by 2 shots. The annual match against Bowls England competing for the Ian Woodcock Trophy was held this year in July at the Borough of Eye BC in the President's home County of Suffolk with the Friends regaining the trophy. Further matches have been arranged against Bowls England Ladies President's Teams at Leamington, the Bowls England President's Select Team at Worthing, Three Counties BA, the Runner-Up Club of the Year Prittlewell BC in Essex and Yorkshire CBA at Kingston BC Hull. John reports that it is a problem to find sufficient players for some of these matches and ALL members are asked to make themselves available for some of the remaining matches to enable John to select competitive teams. If any member has not been given an opportunity to apply for the remaining matches this year please contact John direct at home or by Email at and he will endeavour to fit him or her into one of the matches. A number of matches are being arranged for next season against the Bowls England President's Teams, the Bowls England Select Team at Worthing, the Metropolitan Police (Bushey) BC and the Runner-Up Club of the Year together with possible games against Bedfordshire CBA and Wiltshire CBA. If you have any comments about the number of matches being arranged John would be pleased to hear your comments. We would advise you that the Annual General Meeting of the Association is to be held in the Conference Room at Bowls England Worthing Headquarters on THURSDAY 21st AUGUST 2008 commencing at 2.00pm, Notice of the Meeting is enclosed and we would urge you to attend if you are available. Nominations for the Officers and Committee Members to be with me no later than Saturday 9th August 2008 together with any items you would like discussed under "Any Other Business". If you have a colleague that would like to become one of the "Friends" could you ask them to contact either myself or any member of the Committee. Roger Carter, Hon Secretary 47,The Ryde, Hatfield, Herts AL9 5DQ Telephone: 01707 262035 Email: Graham Clark, Chairman 2 Fleming Close Ferndale, Yaxley, Cambs PE7 3ZD Email: News Check here to see what's happening at Friends of English Bowling August 2008 'Friends' v Prittlewell B.C. Prittlewell Bowling Club, Southend on Sea, Essex was runner up in the 2007 Club of the Year Competition. To celebrate this success a fixture was arranged between the 'Friends' and the Club and was played on 4th August. It was perhaps fitting that this game was arranged for 2008 as the Club was also celebrating its 80th anniversary. The day started off in brilliant sunshine but the weather did deteriorate in the afternoon and although looking very threatening, fortunately, we only had a few spots of rain. There was much banter on the green and it was obvious that all were thoroughly enjoying themselves. The 'Friends' team was captained by the Bowls England Men's President, Cliff Waterman, but unfortunately the rink that Cliff played on, which included myself and also David Green the Essex Hon. Secretary and skip, Ken Clarke, the 2008 Essex President, were well and truly walloped by the Prittlewell executive rink by 29 shots to 11. By coincidence the only other rink to lose was the 'Hunts' rink which included the Chairman of the 'Friends', Graham Clark and skipped by Bob Morton. Not a good day for the hierarchy, I am afraid, but no matter, it was only a game, as they say. Thanks to the other four rinks we won the game by 26 shots, 133 to 107. Prittlewell really did us proud. They provided a magnificent buffet and after match meal for the 'Friends' and our partners at no cost. Our best winning rink comprised Don Alen, Ken Playle, Colin Dunstone and John Scholey, who were awarded priceless Bowls England spoons by the Captain of the day as was the Prittlewell best winning rink. The Club was also presented. with a glass engraved plaque to commemorate this splendid occasion. John Durston Match Secretary 'Friends' v Bowls England Lady President's Team The fourth game of the season was played against the Bowls England Lady President's team at a very busy Leamington, on Friday 1st August. Arrangements were made for the men to change at the cricket pavilion which is some distance from the greens. Rumour has it that it was designed to wear us out before the start of the game. A very enjoyable sit down 'ploughmans' was provided in the Leamington Clubhouse prior to the game by the Leamington Club. The 'Friends' team was captained by the Chairman, Graham Clark (non playing due to his commitment with the Ladies Champion of Champions Competition which was being played at the same time and which the 'Friends' were sponsoring) and was played in very good spirit on a rather windy but otherwise lovely afternoon. The 'Friends' were instructed not to try too hard as we wanted to create a good impression with the Ladies and most complied with the exception of the rinks skipped by Mike Haigh who won 27 shots to 12 and Alan Gray who won by 21 shots to 14. The rink I played on, skipped by Mike Bond, at 18 ends was 24 shots to nine down. We thought we had overdone the good impression bit and decided to pull out the stops on the last three ends, gaining a four, two and a six which meant we were only three shots adrift at 21 ends. However it might have been that Kay Kerley who was skipping against us felt sorry for us. The final score was 'Friends' 119, Lady President's Team 106 a win for the 'Friends' by 13 shots. It was a very enjoyable afternoon except that my rink, despite the late rally were declared the worst losing rink and had to suffer the ignominy of being presented by the Lady President, Angela Harris, with a yellow plastic duck. Unfortunately, there was no after match meal as the Lady Officers were attending an early evening civic ceremony connected with the Leamington fortnight. We look forward to battle again next year. John Durston Match Secretary July 2008 'Friends' v 3 Counties Bowling Association The 'Friends' played their 3rd game of the season against the 3 Counties Bowling Association at Leominster Bowling Club on 17th July 2008. The Captain for the day was Don Pugh of Herefordshire CBA . Don telephoned the Match Secretary just before the game and advised that the opposing President, his old adversary, David Holloway, would be putting out a strong rink against him and asked that a bit of strength be put into his rink by including our Chairman Graham Clark. I thought that was a somewhat contradiction of terms but duly obliged. Much to my surprise they came out on top by 3 shots but mind you I did select John Wilks of Wiltshire as their skip. Despite the triumph of the Captain's rink we unfortunately went down the pan by 20 shots. It was perhaps surprising that 3 Counties won the game having regard to the fact that they fielded three County Presidents in addition to their own President, Max Hart of Gloucestershire, John Bevan of Herefordshire and Mike Bond of Worcestershire. It seems that Presidents are better players now than those who were around in my era. The worst losing rink was that skipped by Colin Dunstone but he did have a handicap with Wesso (John Weston) as his third. Our Captain had great delight in presenting the losing rink and in particular Wesso with their booby prizes (in Wesso's case a hand grenade which was nonchantly thrown to him which fortunately did not go off). All the other rinks were pretty close, only three or four shots the difference. No matter the score, it was a good fun game on a lovely afternoon and by the banter on the rinks was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Leominster Bowling Club for allowing us to use their facilities and for providing an excellent buffet and after match meal. The next game is with the Ladies President's team at Leamington on Friday 1st August. John Durston Match Secretary 'Friends' v. the Bowls England (Men) Presidents team The 'Friends' played their second game of the season against the Bowls England (Men) Presidents team on 7th July at Borough of Eye BC, Suffolk captained by Ian Morrill. The weather on this day was dreadful and the Bowls England Captain of the day, Chris Smith, having eyed up the opposition, tried to use it as an excuse not to play. However at 1.45pm the Borough of Eye President, much to Chris's disappointment, declared the green fit for play and 24 stalwarts took up the cudgels. Miraculously the rain stopped and other than a slight shower half way through the game, it was completed in the dry. Needless to say the 'Friends' won, albeit by only six shots. Mind you we left it a bit tight as our success was achieved by the rink skipped by Charles Sharpe with Stuart Lake, Ken Playle, and Ian Bates who scored all eight shots (hot shot) on the last end. If you don't believe it look in Bowls International, the card was snatched from my grasp to send in for the feat to be recognized. Despite the weather it was an excellent day. The Borough of Eye Club did us proud with an excellent buffet lunch and after match meal for which we are extremely grateful. It was a pity that they couldn't lay on the weather as well. Never mind, everyone seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The next game is against the 3 Counties Bowling Association at Leominster on Thursday 17th July. John Durston Match Secretary June 2008 The 'Friends' played a game with Dorset County Bowling Association at Gillingham on 4th June 2008. Unfortunately the date selected was during the week of the Dorset Tour so most of their Officers were not available. However the team was ably captained by the Dorset Secretary, Ray Aldridge, resulting in a win for them by two shots. What a pity that two rinks lost shots on the last end, that skipped by Mike Newth lost one shot and that by David Holloway three shots. Mike would say it was the fault of his number 3, David Wederell and as I was observing from the bank I would tend to agree with that. David Holloway's rink had a bit of a 'tanking' anyway, losing by 34 shots to 16. They were presented with a shoe shine kit at the after match meal in order to polish up their game. The rink skipped by Michael Rich managed to lose a six on the third end but that obviously woke them up as their opponents only scored twice after that and they won by 33 shots to 9 and were the highest winning rink. The 'Friends' team was captained by the Chief Executive of Bowls England, Tony Allcock, who managed to find the time from a very busy schedule to play. He very rarely plays these days yet bowled as if he had never given up competitive bowling and skipped his rink to a 28 shots to 14 win. I understand he was overheard to say he couldn't understand why people found the game so difficult. The weather was kind, a very pleasant sunny afternoon and the green, although a bit 'pushy' played quite well. The hospitality of the Gillingham Club was second to none, and in addition their Ladies put on an excellent buffet lunch and after match meal. Overall a very enjoyable afternoon. My thanks to Joe Burdett, the Dorset Match Secretary for arranging the game. The next game is with the Bowls England Men's President Cliff Waterman at Borough of Eye on Monday 7th July 2008. John Durston Match Secretary September 2007 A total of £22,500 was donated to the EBA to support the National Championships and Competitions. The cheque was presented to EBA President Peter Arnold at Worthing by the Friends Chairman Ian Morrill and their main Fundraiser John Austin. The donations were allocated to: 2007 £ Champion of Champions 2500 Mixed Fours 2500 National Pairs 1600 National Fours 1600 Middleton Cup Entries 2100 Middleton Cup Travel subsistence 3700 Youth visits 4000 Sponsors Marquee 2000 Banners & new County name Boards 2500 2007 Total £22,500 The Youth visits to the National Championships were a great success. All the youngsters from Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire enjoyed their day out. Friends of English Bowling - Game with Somerset County Bowling Association Patrons, 5th September 2007 The fifth and last game of the 2007 season was with Somerset County Bowling Association Patrons who were celebrating their 40th Anniversary. The game was played at Yeovil Bowling Club on 5th September. In line with the other four games played, it was an excellent day. The weather was glorious the green played exceptionally well and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, even the rinks skipped by Vernon Evans and Don Pugh who lost by 11 shots and 10 shots respectively. There was not a lot in the other rinks and the Friends lost overall by 27 shots. The opposing Captain, David Wederell, the Chairman of the Somerset Patrons, had gone to great lengths to field a very strong team in order to engineer the inevitable result. Captain of the day for the 'Friends' was the Match Secretary whose rink, skipped by Mark Martin, lost by just two shots as a result of the opposing skip, Alan Gray, receiving his usual generous helping of luck. The Yeovil Club put on an excellent buffet at lunch time followed up by another excellent three course after match meal. So of the five games played we won three, lost one plus a disputed loss against the EBA President due to 'match fixing'. The Match Secretary is now working on the 2008 programme of matches. Games are currently being arranged in Herefordshire, Dorset, Yorkshire, Suffolk, and Worthing. The runner up in the Club of the Year Competition, when known, will be offered a game and there is one more in the 'pipe line' which may or may not reach fruition. Full details will be circulated in due course and all those who indicate on the membership renewal form, soon to be sent out by the Hon. Secretary, that they wish to be considered for matches, will be sent an availability sheet. John Durston Match Secretary August 2007 Friends of English Bowling v EBA Select Team played at Beach House Park Worthing on 23rd August 2007. The fourth 'Friends' game of the 2007 season was played at Beach House Park, Worthing on 23rd August 2007. This is always a much sought after game as everyone wants to play on the 'hallowed turf' and in particular on 'A' green where both last year's and this year's game was played. There was much skulduggery before the game with Peter Arnold, the EBA President poaching players who had been selected for the 'Friends' based on the argument that the Junior Vice, Dennis Cousins, had deserted the Select team to captain the ''Friends' team. This game is always described as a 'fun game', and this one really was, and that the score does not matter. No, we the 'Friends' were not bothered about the score as we won by 5 shots. Peter Arnold would say that we won because he included players who had not played previously but he more than made up for that by including 'star players' who had been knocked out of the later stages of the National Championships the result of which the rink on which the Match Secretary played and skipped by Alan Gray was 'thrashed' by Arthur Hockley's four. The President's team included most of the Office staff present and past and also the Lady Mayor of Worthing. After the game the players, accompanied by their wives and partners, retired to the indoor green at Field Place, Worthing for an after match meal. The food was really excellent, there was much 'banter' and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A draw was made during the proceedings and over £300 raised for the Lady Mayor's charities. John Durston Match Secretary August 2007 The 'Friends' played their third game of the season on Thursday 2nd August 2007 at Banister Park, Eastleigh against the EBA President's team. Ian Morrill, the Friends Chairman, was Captain of the day and the team was graced with the presence of the EBA Chief Executive, Tony Allcock who himself stated that he had decided to play for the 'enemy'. The President, fearful of being beaten, picked a very strong team and this coupled with the fact that he manipulated the Rules of the Sport on his rink, skipped by Alan Chase, in order to beat Tony by two shots resulted in the President's team winning overall by 5 shots. Mind you the thrashing of Alan Gray by his Somerset County compatriot, Mike Martin, by 26 shots to 10 didn't help either. What a way to treat a colleague!!! However, never mind, it was an excellent afternoon played in glorious sunshine (the showers came before and after the game). As the President, Peter Arnold, always says, the score does not really matter (unless you lose), it is the conviviality that is important and there was plenty of that evident during and after the game. Anyway the President's team only really won by 1 as they won on three rinks, the Friends on two and one was drawn. Many thanks to Banister Park who put on an excellent buffet and after match meal for the players and their ladies. The next game is against an EBA Select team on Thursday 23rd August during the second week of the National Championships. There were over 60 applications for this game and the Match secretary apologises for having to disappoint so many. The criteria has been to ensure that all those who applied for games have been selected to play at least once. John Durston Match Secretary June 2007 Friends of English Bowling v Worcestershire CBA - 13th June 2007. The second Friends of English Bowling game of the 2007 season took place at Worcester BC on Wednesday 13th June 2007 with Worcestershire CBA. It was captained by traitor, John Weston, Worcestershire's 2003 President and current Match Secretary. The weather was 'iffy' to say the least and the calibre of the players was such that they refused to play in the rain. We had to come off twice during the heavier spells and the game was restricted to 18 ends. Nevertheless from the banter on the green it was obvious that it was a very enjoyable afternoon albeit rather damp. As usual the 'Friends' were victorious, this time by 13 shots, the highest winning rink on the 'Friends' side comprised Roy Sutton, Robert Turner, David Clarke and Don Pugh. A loaded rink if ever there was one. The highest winning rink for Worcestershire was skipped by T. Hall who was playing against a rink skipped by Adie Lloyd. Adie was a bit miffed at having to come off at 18 ends as he was coming back fast. The Worcestershire rink skipped by Vernon Evans were crowing as they thought they were home and dry as the winning rink on their side only to lose a six on the last end. Worcester B.C. entertained us to a superb buffet lunch and after match meal which helped to overcome the disappointment of the inclement weather. Played 2, won 2, three to go. The EBA President's team at Banister Park, Eastleigh on 2nd August will be the next scalp. John Durston Match Secretary May 2007 The first game of the season for the 'Friends' was played against Nottinghamshire EBA at the Notts HQ. It was a very enjoyable game played in good weather conditions. The green was a bit 'pushy' but overall played well. The President of Notts, Mike Boon, captained their team and the Friends was captained, ironically, by the Senior Vice President of Notts, Chris Bromley, who was labelled a Traitor. Never the less the Traitors team was victorious by 20 shots thanks, in particular, to the highest winning rink of Graham Clark, Robert Turner, Pat Geary and Les Parnell who beat their opponents skipped by Chris, yes it really was, Chris Smith by 33 shots to 9. It was perhaps, fortuitous that they had such an easy ride as the Friends rink skipped by Vernon Evans accompanied by John McCarthy, Ernest Mills and Philip Cole was trounced by John Martin's rink by 40 shots to 14. After the game the teams and the accompanying ladies, tucked into a delicious four course meal. Many thanks to Notts EBA and in particular Chris Smith who made the arrangements, for this very enjoyable occasion. Our next scalp, Worcestershire CBA at Worcester Bowling Club on Wednesday 13th June. John Durston Match Secretary January 2007 A message from Tony Allcock MBE A new organisation has been formed within the bowling fraternity, the Friends of the English Bowling Association. With the opportunities for commercial sponsorship becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, the concept of inviting those who had over the years derived pleasure from their sport, to contribute to improving both its existence and status seemed an excellent idea. This has now been formalised and in August 2006, the Friends of the English Bowling Association was officially established. Whilst The Friends of English Bowling is not a bowling association, in order to show appreciation of Members' contributions and to foster further interest, it was agreed that each year a few matches would be played against selected clubs/teams. The EBA is grateful for this generous show of support and congratulates all who in the early months ensured that the idea was carried forward and brought to fruition.   December 2006 The status of Friends of English Bowling It should be emphasised that 'Friends of English Bowling' is not a part of, or controlled by, Bowls England, but an independent society of bowlers and like minded people who, for years, have derived great pleasure from the sport and wish to put something back into the game and to contribute to improving both its existence and status. One principal aim is to sponsor major National Championships that would otherwise struggle to exist without any form of sponsorship. It is our intention in 2007 to again sponsor the Champion of Champions and Mixed Fours Championships, but also to sponsor the Middleton Cup, together with covering the cost of youth trips to Worthing during National Championships fortnight.     Hospitality Marquee I am sure that those of you who visited Worthing last summer made good use of the hospitality marquee to meet old friends and like minded bowlers. It is proposed that this will continue to be a regular fixture in 2007 and future years, and we hope that you will all make good use of it when you visit the Nationals. Matches Although we are not an Association playing a multitude of matches, we propose to arrange up to six matches every season, and we would very much like to know if you would like to play in any of these matches. We would hope to give all those who would wish to play at least one game during the season. A match programme is being put together by John Durston (e-mail: johndurston@newbridge-fine-wines.fsnet.co.uk) and we will be sending out nomination sheets to those interested when the details have been finalised Hospitality Marquee October 2006 First Meeting The first full meeting of the "Friends" was held on the 31st August 2006 at Worthing, and the following were elected: Chairman Ian Morrill Vice Chairman David Mitchell-Gears Hon. Secretary Roger Carter Hon. Membership Secretary/Treasurer John Austin Match Secretary John Durston Elected member Tony Allcock MBE Elected Member Howard Pryse Elected Member Kath Lloyd Elected Member Mike Poole The Temporary Committee agreed to make a start by supporting two competitions in 2007: The Champion of Champions and Mixed Fours, at £2,500 each. The cost of the production of Sponsor Banners was also met. In his report to the meeting, the temporary Chairman suggested the additional sponsorship of the The Middleton Cup for two years at £5,800 per year, and of youth trips to the Worthing Finals at £4,000. A further suggestion that has been made is to provide or restore the score boards to help spectators. Membership as at the end of 2006 Friends of English Bowling membership is as follows: Personal members - 200 County Members - 22 Corporate members - 7 Membership Income to date is £49,000 Subscriptions Subscriptions for 2007 become due on 1st January 2007, as before at £100 per ordinary member. If you have a colleague that would like to become one of the "Friends" could you ask them to contact: John Austin, Membership Secretary 30, High Street, Croughton, Brackley, Northants NN13 5LT Telephone: 01869 810610   Top