Embedded Files
Think About It
Think About It
The rule change proposals that will voted on at the 2022 MSBL's AGM on Monday 17th January at Wellington's Bayley Club (7pm) have already been sent to member clubs.
But it's only right that all the League's bowlers get the chance to see them and talk them over - and if they have strong views they should relay them to their clubs
The proposals below will be sent out again to club delegates and officers - with the reasons for the proposed changes, and as per the constitution - with the agenda for the December meeting on Tuesday the 7th.
Rule Change Proposals to go before 2022 AGM on 17th January
FROM THE LEGUE
Alteration of Rules:
Addition to ensure any proposals going before the AGM are seconded (with proposed addition in bold):
7. The rules of the League may only be altered at the Annual General Meeting. Proposals to make such amendments or alterations shall be given in writing to the League secretary not later than the 31st October. The League secretary shall distribute the Proposals to Clubs together with the notice for the December meeting. All proposals will require a seconder at the December meeting to go forward to the AGM. See also rule 14.
Structure of League:
Change from February to give clubs more time, bearing in mind the February meeting is often cancelled as it is held so close to the AGM (with proposed change in bold):
11. The number of divisions and the number of teams per division for the forthcoming season will be finalised at the League’s meeting in March.
Registration of Teams:
Change from February to give clubs more time, bearing in mind the February meeting is often cancelled as it is held so close to the AGM (with proposed change in bold):
12 (b) Clubs shall by the League’s March meeting advise the Fixture Secretary of the number of teams that they will be entering in the League for the forthcoming season, together with the green that each team will play on, if the Club has more than one green.
COMPETITION RULES
Harris Cup:
New Rule 6 to do away with replays, making certain that all ties up to the final are settled in one go (with proposed new rule in bold below).
6. Winners of ties will be decided by aggregate. If that is drawn, the victors will be the team with the most winners from the 12 games. If that is level, the outcome will be decided by the best card – and if that is the same it will be the second best card etc.
FROM SINCLAIR
League Rules:
Rule 2. (a)
Change rule from 12 players per team to 10 players per team. To read:
2. (a) Each Friday division team shall consist of 10 bowlers, male or female, and shall play home and away matches with all other teams in the same division. Each game shall be 21 up.
Named Players Rule 21. (a)
Change rule from 8 registered players to 6 registered players. To read:
21. (a) A Club with two or more teams playing in different divisions shall name their best 6 players and these players shall only play in their first team. A Club with three teams shall name their best 12 players, the first 6 may only play in the first team, the second 6 may play in the first or second team. A Club with four teams shall name their best 18 players, the first 6 may play in the first team only, the second 6 may play in either the first or second teams and the third68 may play in the first, second or third teams. These named players must be seen to be playing on a regular basis for that team, or the team above, and may be changed under rule 21(f).
FROM HORSEHAY
League Rules
Rule 2. (b) becomes rule 2. (c) and there is a new rule 2 (b) to read:
2. (b) Each club is allowed to play 2 players twice in their lowest Friday team (if a team has a A, B & C team on Fridays, their C side would be able to have 2 players play twice). Only the first result of a player playing twice would be recognised in the individual averages of these players. When entering the match results on the website, such scores need to be entered in the correct order, in order for this to be implemented.
FROM TRENCH
League Rules
Rule 21. (a) and (b) to be amended to read:
21. (a) A Club with two or more teams playing in different divisions shall name their best 6 players and these players shall only play in their first team. A Club with three teams shall name their best 12 players, the first 6 may only play in the first team, the second 6 may play in the first or second team. A Club with four teams shall name their best 18 players, the first 6 may play in the first team only, the second 6 may play in either the first or second teams and the third 6 may play in the first, second or third teams. These named players must be seen to be playing on a regular basis for that team, or the team above, and may be changed under rule 21(f).
(b) Clubs with two teams in the same division must list 8 players for each team. These 8 players must then play for that listed team unless a transfer is authorised by the fixture secretary in accordance with rule 21 (f), on evidence of previous individual results.
Rule 21. (c) - To remain the same.
Additional Ruling
Should the League agree to ‘Doubling Up’ for the 2022 season we propose the following Rules be implemented:
1. Players may only ‘Double Up’ at the venue at which they played their first match of the evening.
2. A handicap system will be in operation for players who ‘Double Up’. A home player playing in his/her second match of the evening, shall give his/her opponent (the Away bowler) 5 chalks start. An away bowler who ‘Doubles Up’, playing in his/her second match of the evening, shall give his/her opponent (the Home bowler) 2 chalks start.
3. A maximum of 2 players per team may ‘Double Up’ at any one fixture. The players ‘Doubling Up’ must be nominated and agreed with the opposing Captain before the start of the match. The playing position of the nominated players ‘Doubling Up’ should also be agreed before the start of the match.
Dark Days
19 Nov 2021Dark Days
It’s not been officially confirmed to the League yet, but the cat is out of the bag with the news posted on social media and announced at Monday's county executive meeting that another bowling green has been lost to the sport in Shropshire.
And the demise of the Elephant & Castle club in Shawbury means the League will be losing a team from the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division when the planned post Covid re-launch goes ahead in 2022.
The pandemic had reduced E & C’s playing numbers to just 12 this year – from more than 40 - and there was nobody left prepared to ease the burden on long-serving and respected greenkeeper Dave Hanson. And with a new secretary and treasurer needed to keep the 75-year-old club functioning, folding it was only option left to the handful of members remaining at a special meeting last month.
It’s a very sad story – and particularly hard to bear given the demise of the nearby Ercall Magna green just four miles away in 2015. And it’s a tale of woe that shows just how quickly things can change.
For Elephant & Castle were champions of the Tanners Shropshire League as recently as 2016 and the tight and tricky green was used by Shropshire for a British senior county championship match against Cheshire as recently July 2018.
In 2019, before Covid struck, the club had one team in the Tanners league, two in the Wem League and also the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division team.
Dark days indeed . . .
MSBL90
MSBL90
It’s autumn, the clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in fast and most bowlers have gone into hibernation – but the League is awake and already making plans for 2022.
The year’s programme will start with AGM on Monday 17th January at the Sir John Bayley Club, starting at 7pm.
There will be 4 rule change proposals from the officers to consider that night, plus proposals put forward by 3 clubs to vote on, all having been outlined at the November management committee meeting.
That’s when webmaster Steve Wall told delegates that, sometime soon, he will be putting all the photos from the 2021 season into a single movie clip to be then put on the website via a YouTube link.
There was also news of a potential new sponsor for next year, with talks to be progressed at the December meeting – when Chris Child of Energize hopes to attend to advise member clubs about funding opportunities now that both Shropshire and T & W’s playing pitch strategies have been updated with bowls included.
Before that most of the League’s officers will be having a trial meal at the West Stand @ Telford Utd later this month, which they are paying for themselves, with a view to returning to the venue under its new ownership for a function next year and then the annual dinner in January 2023.
And it could just be that there is a League function there next year as 2022 is the 90th anniversary of the League’s formation and also will see League President Mike Potter serve his second term as County President.
Two really good reasons to celebrate – and there should be many more too as a number of ideas are already being worked on to mark nine decades of crown green bowls in the Mid Shropshire League.
Proposals Outlined
Proposals Outlined
Posted 31 Oct 2021
The 3 rule change proposals received from member clubs will be outlined to delegates at the League’s November management meeting on Tuesday the 2nd.
And, following a recent review of the rule book by League officers – that was done annually pre-Covid – there are other changes to be considered.
All will be presented in full, as per the constitution, at the December meeting before going forward to be voted on at the League’s AGM in January, on a date to be confirmed at next week’s meeting.
Meanwhile, 3 clubs have made changes to their details on Club Contacts under Admin on this website. They are Albrighton, Allscott Heath and Highley Miners Welfare.
And just so everyone is in the know, the agenda for the November Management Committee Meeting is:
1 Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting
2 Apologies & In Memoria
3 Minutes of the October Executive Committee Meeting
4 Matters arising
5 General Secretary’s report
6 Correspondence
7 Treasurer’s report
8 Competition Secretary’s report – team knockouts re-launch in 2022?
9 Fixture Secretary’s report
10 Plans for the League in 2022 – including 3 proposals received from clubs
11 Life Member nominations for 2022 AGM
12 Planning for 90th Anniversary in 2022
13 County matters - next executive meeting on Mon 15th Nov at Tilstock BC
14 Any Other Business
15 President / chairman to close the meeting
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – December management on Tuesday the 7th at SJBC at 7.30pm
Statement of Intent
Posted 15th Oct 2021Statement of Intent
Sunday 31st October is the deadline for member clubs to get any rule change proposals in writing to the general secretary.
And, following the October executive meeting, two clubs – Sinclair and Horsehay – have already sent in proposals that will be put before the AGM in January.
They have reacted quickly following a ‘statement of intent’ from the officers that three 12-a-side divisions playing on Friday nights, three 10-a-side divisions on Mondays and a re-launched Dennis Lewis Thursday Division (8-a-side) is their ultimate goal for the 2022 season.
They want to see in the League’s 90th anniversary year marked by a return to a pre-Covid ‘normal’ - with the possible exception of the Saturday afternoon division, which will probably remain in cold storage.
But the goalposts are not set in stone and ultimately the clubs will have the final say by a majority vote – however, clearly, the sooner the League knows the decision, the better the officers can plan for the season ahead.
It was obvious from the comments of delegates at the executive that some clubs would prefer to continue with 10-a-side fixtures on Friday evenings – and the League is loath to lose any teams, see the size of its divisions reduced and allow the number of bowlers playing in the League to fall.
But officers are urging clubs to see the bigger picture by keeping in touch with all their members who have returned to the game this year; by contacting those who have not played and urging them to return in 2022; by adopting an open door and inclusive approach to new recruitment; and by shouting what they have to offer and the benefits of playing the game from the rooftops in their locality.
Key to this is taking part in the Big Bowls Weekend early next year – and, in the meantime, if there is any way at all the League or County Development Officer Pauline Wilson can help with boosting club numbers then officials only have to ask. It’s simply too easy to not try and give up – that way clubs eventually die and more greens will be lost.
Plans for the League in 2022 will be on the agenda again for the November management meeting on Tuesday the 2nd and officers will be looking to move closer to getting a final decision on what lies ahead – they need time to alter the rules, adjust budgets etc etc if there are to be major changes.
Wouldn’t it be good in our 90th year if the League’s dream of a return to 12-a-side games on Fridays with three full divisions of 14 teams became a reality. . .
And finally, the Final Tables for the one-off 2021 season have now been completed and can be seen via the Results icon
October exec round-up
October exec round-up
posted 18 Aug 2021
It's the Ideal time to reflect on 2021 to date. I think it has been a pretty successful half season since July with the overwhelming majority of bowlers just happy to be back playing again. The League has coped with everything that has been thrown at it, including coping with positive Covid tests by producing its own guidelines – with very little help from the game’s governing body.
The good news is that 4,500 of Shropshire’s 6,000-plus registered bowlers pre-Covid have returned to the game – and the percentage figure is probably slightly higher in Mid Shropshire.
That gives your officers real hope for the future, starting with next year when we hope for a far more near-normal campaign. Plans for 2022 area big talking point and it will be imperative for clubs to keep in touch with their bowlers over the winter as the League looks to make some big decisions well before the April start date.
One decision we have to make will be how to mark the 90th anniversary of the League next year – which coincides with our very own President Mike Potter serving as County President for a second time (he’s asking clubs to nominate themselves if they want to be considered as hosts for the County Merit finals in June 2022).
As for decisions made already, at a recent officers meeting we decided to extend a couple of deadlines – the first being that for the payment of club end of season bills, which this year is 31st October.
The other is the deadline for payments by the four member clubs who took advantage of Junior Bowls Scheme in 2020. They now have an extra year – until Sunday 25th September 2022 – to hold an official coaching or open day (aimed at attracting new and younger members), or they will have to pay the other half of the full cost of the bowls, which were £55 per set.
And at the executive meeting, it was decided that in order to produce final tables for 2021, any games not completed would result in the teams involved being awarded their average home or away points this season for that fixture.
Back on the subject of money, Molson Coors have agreed to resume sponsorship of the League but at the reduced rate of £300 for the Covid-hit year of 2021, the joint aim being to return to £800 in 2022.
And make no mistake, three 12-a-side divisions playing on Friday nights, three 10-a-side divisions on Mondays and a re-launched Dennis Lewis Thursday Division (8-a-side) is the ultimate aim of your officers for the 2022 season.
Malcolm Fletcher (gen sec)
Driving Force Hero
Posted 9 Sep 2021Driving Force Hero
Belated, but sincere, congratulations to Pete Driver of Bylet who is one of 3 Unsung Heroes of Shropshire bowls for 2021.
He’s pictured receiving the special award from County President Wendy IcKe at the Shropshire association’s Senior Merit finals at Nantwich Park Road.
He was nominated by the Bridgnorth-based club and described by secretary John Palmer as 'Mr Bylet’.
Having looked after the club’s two greens on the island in the River Severn until recentLY, Pete is now bar secretary and treasurer, John adding: “I don’t know what we would do without him and his wife Kath.”
County secretary Dawn Gray said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bylet BC for taking the time to make the nomination - it is very clear that Pete Driver is the epitome of an Unsung Hero at Bylet Bowling Club.”
Meanwhile, entries are still being taken for the Mid Shropshire Senior Merit on Saturday 25th September, start time to be determined by the number of entries.
But before then League comps chief Phil King will attempt to run the Over-60 Merit on Saturday 18th September – if he gets enough entries.
Entries for both Merits should got to Phil ASAP - call or text him on 07745-6574280; email him on phillipking103@gmail.com or via messenger through Facebook.
And finally, good luck to both Newport and Wrockwardine Wood for their Shropshire Cup final clash at Hadley USC on Saturday 11th September, 6.30pm start
To see the 1 to 12 pairings please go to https://bowlingresults.co.uk/scgba/
League's cup cracker
posted 27 August 2021League's cup cracker
An all Mid Shropshire League final of the Shropshire Cup between Wrockwardine Wood and Newport next month has already got many local bowls fans licking their lips in anticipation.
They will meet at a neutral venue yet to be announced on the evening of Saturday 11th September after enjoying semi-final successes this week.
The Wrockites, on course to top the 12-a-side Friday Division A, won another all Mid Shropshire affair against Hadley USC by 15 chalks at Allscott Heath. thanks largely to big wins by Tony Garmson (21-2) and Louise Cotton (21-3).
Newport, having opted out of the Premier League for a year, are already top of the 10-a-side Friday Division B and showed real quality to beat cup holders Telepost by 42 on the bigger green at Bridgewater in Whitchurch, where Ayden Smith (21-4) and John Breeze (21-5) did the biggest damage.
And talking of finals, Mid Shropshire’s A and B teams contested the consolation final at the Shropshire Junior inter-league championship on Sunday 22nd August at Whitchurch’s Chester Road.
The picture with this post shows A team captain Joe Killen receiving the trophy from County President Wendy Icke – please go to Competitions for details and another picture.
Last, but not least, League competition secretary Phil King has been a busy man this week, working up plans for the Senior Merit and Over-60s Merit.
Said Phil: “Due to a lack of entries there will be no Senior Merit qualifiers this Saturday (August 28). I will attempt to run it as a one day event in September.”
And he has Saturday 18th September in mind for the Over-60 Merit, with entry details to be announced after the bank holiday weekend.
County chairman Phil Scott also said: “It was great to see 42 youngsters in action and the newcomers have given the selectors plenty to think about when it comes to picking the Shropshire team for the 2022 junior county championship.”
Juniors Are Ready
Juniors Are Ready
It’s nearly time for the cream of the League’s under-18 bowlers to defend the Shropshire Junior inter-league championship they won the last time it was contested, in 2019.
The 2021 re-launch of the six-a-side round robin competition is on Sunday 22nd August at Chester Road BC, Whitchurch (SY13 1NL) with seven teams involved. And that means a split starting time with the group of 4 sides to get underway at 10am and the group of 3 teams at 11.30.
The following squads have been selected to represent the League:
Mid Shropshire A
Mid Shropshire A
Joe Killen (Shifnal) captain, Tom Killen (Shifnal), Akeel Khan (Shifnal), Callum Corbett (Sinclair), Jordan Millman (Sinclair), Will Thompson (SJ Bayley)
They will play in Group B starting at 11.30 against Tanners Shropshire A and Whitchuch B on the smaller ladies green
Mid Shropshire B
Mid Shropshire B
Byron Fletcher (Sinclair) captain, Dan Corbett (Sinclair), Thomas Oare (Sinclair), Lillie Clayton (Shifnal), Harvey Rudkin (Shifnal), Brandon Phillips (Charlton), Ben Cutler (Edgmond)
They will play in Group A starting at 10am against Tanners Shropshire B, Whitchurch A and Whitchurch C on the bigger men’s green.
In addition, Rowan Fuller (Wrockwardine Wood) has been put on standby for the day.
All players selected are asked to report to selectors Brenda Slingo and Derek Killen at least 15 minutes before their scheduled start time to receive their League tee shirts and any last minute instructions.
If any of the above bowlers have any problems regarding the day, for instance with transport, they should please contact Brenda by ringing 07929-729123 or emailing her at this address: bbslingo@icloud.com
Two of the A team, Shifnal twins, Joe and Tom Killen flew the flag for the League and Shropshire in real style when the reached the semi-finals of the British Junior Merit Trophy at Heaton Park in Manchester last weekend with 3 wins before both bowing out 21-18.
Positive C-19 Test Policy
Positive C-19 Test Policy
posted 21 June 2021
While the crown bowls world waits for official guidance on how to deal with Covid positive cases, the League has decided to act and introduce its own policy.
Following a positive Covid test for a Mid Shropshire bowler last week, League chairman Sean Round, fixtures secretary Ric Hudson and general secretary Malcolm Fletcher spoke and resolved to contact all clubs to implement the following procedure:
If a bowler from your club tests positive within 48 hours of playing in a League match, that club should call off its fixtures for the next 10 days, having notified the opponents they played in that match.
This may be an ultra cautious approach but, with the number of cases rising so fast, they feel it is better to be safe than sorry.
There is plenty of time and scope before early October to re-arrange any fixtures that have to be postponed – just make sure you let opposing clubs and Ric know of the call-offs and new dates ASAP.
And if any club feels there are valid reasons to argue this procedure does not need to be implemented in a particular case, then the message is to contact Ric and talk over the matter with him.
Mobile phones will be allowed to be carried by bowler on greens for the track and trace app – BUT THEY MUST BE ON SILENT, and not used for any other reason than to respond to a track and trace App message.
And even after the lifting of all lockdown, bowlers are urged to continue carrying a mask with them as some clubs will sensibly still be insisting on their use when indoors.
Said Malcolm: “We all have a duty of care to others – and the League has a duty of care to its bowlers . . . and that’s why we want this new procedure followed.”
County chairman and safeguarding officer Phil Scott has confirmed that the sport’s governing body, the BCGBA, would be issuing more guidance this week on bowls matches in Covid positive cases.
UP FOR THE CUP
14 Jul 2021UP FOR THE CUP
There’s no more big televised football matches to avoiding clashing with as Mid Shropshire clubs set out, hopefully, on the road to glory in the county’s two big team knockouts tonight (Wednesday 14th July.)
There were due to be three preliminary round matches in the Shropshire Cup for non Premier bowlers, but Edgmond have withdrawn from their 12-a-side clash with Castlefields.
That leaves Charlton to take on Prince of Wales Hotel at Bowring No.2 (the former Premier green) while Wrockwardine Wood meet Bowring on the bottom green at St Georges, both 7pm starts.
And to avoid clashing with the county team knockouts is one of the reasons that League fixture secretary Ric Hudson has made some alterations to the 2021 programme.
So the midweek fixtures scheduled for Friday Division teams on Wednesday 21st July have been moved to Wednesday 8th September.
And, for Monday Division teams, the fixtures for 30th August have been moved to Wednesday 25th August, due the 30th being a Bank Holiday.
Please see the updated fixtures under the Results section of this site.
Set in Stone
Posted 19 June 2021Set in Stone
The negotiations and re-shuffles are over – the make-up of the MSBL structures for the one-off season that will be 2021 is now set in stone.
Fixture secretary Ric Hudson has done his utmost to accommodate the wishes of member clubs - so there shouldl be no going back - and aims to publish all the fixtures this weekend.
There will indeed be 4 divisions on Fridays from July 2 and now 5 more divisions on Mondays from July 5, giving League officers hope that the demand for competitive bowls is still there and that a return to something like normal can be achieved in 2022 – with the Dennis Lewis Thursday and Saturday divisions re-launched too.
Clubs with teams in divisions with 9 or 10 sides need to know that those teams will have to play on 4 Wednesdays (or non scheduled evenings) go get all the fixtures played by early October.
So here we go and, fingers crossed, there will be no turning back now . . .
FRIDAY NIGHTS
FRIDAY DIVISION A (12-a-side, 9 teams):
Charlton A, Chelmarsh A, Horsehay A, Much Wenlock A, Newport B, Newport C, Shifnal A, Shifnal B, Wrock Wood A
FRIDAY DIVISION B (10-a-side, 10 teams):
Allscott Heath A, Bowring A, Bylet A, Donn Wood A, Hadley USC A, Newport A, Sinclair A, SJ Bayley A, St Georges A, Trench A
FRIDAY DIVISION C (10-a-side, 10 teams):
Albrighton A, Allscott Heath B, Bridgnorth A, Broseley A, Edgmond A, Horsehay B, Madeley CC A, Sinclair B, SJ Bayley B, St Georges B
FRIDAY DIVISION D (10a-side, 8 teams):
Bowring B, Bridgnorth B, Donn Wood B, Hadley USC B, Maddocks A, Madeley CC B, Trench B, Worfield
MONDAY NIGHTS
MONDAY DIVISION A (10-a-side, 7 teams):
BROSELEY B, DONN WOOD C, HORSEHAY C, MADELEY CC C, NEWPORT D, SHIFNAL C, WROCK WOOD C
MONDAY DIVISION B (10-a-side, 7 teams):
ALBRIGHTON B, BOWRING C, HIGHLEY, MADDOCKS B, MADELEY CC D, MUCH WENLOCK B, TRENCH C
MONDAY DIVISION C (10-a-side, 7 teams):
ALBRIGHTON C, BOWRING D, CHARLTON B, DONN WOOD D, EDGMOND B, NEWPORT E, SJ BAYLEY D
MONDAY DIVISION D (8-a-side, 7 teams):
ALLSCOTT HEATH C, BRIDGNORTH C, HADLEY USC C, SINCLAIR C, SINCLAIR D, SJ BAYLEY C, ST GEORGES C
MONDAY DIVISION E (8-a-side, 6 teams):
ALLSCOTT HEATH D, BRIDGNORTH D, BYLET C, SHIFNAL D, ST GEORGES D, WROCK WOOD D
READY TO ROLL
June 3 2021READY TO ROLL
It’s all systems go to start League fixtures in the first week of July – ending a drought that stretches back to October 2019.
Delegates at the League’s AGM voted unanimously in favour of the ultimate flexibility for what will be a one-off campaign - aimed at getting as many bowlers back on the greens as possible - approving the following:
* Friday fixtures from 2nd July with 12-a-side AND 10-a-side divisions
* Monday fixtures from 5th July with 10-a-side AND 8-a-side divisions
* Up to 2 bowlers allowed to play twice in fixture if a team is short – nominated by captain of that team
* No registrations – clubs urged to respect opponents and use common sense
* No post match refreshments – but possibly on last night of fixtures
* No promotion or relegation; No prize money or trophies presented; No fines.
* Standard match fee to be determined once the League knows how many teams will be entering and how many bowlers per side the divisions will be.
And the early signs, from a straw poll conducted during the AGM, are very encouraging – with lots of entries in the various divisions!
A rough guide at this early stage shows:
At least 11 teams for 12-a-side divisions on Friday nights and 23 for the 10-aside set up.
At least 20 teams for 10-a-side divisions on Monday nights and 12 for the 8-a-side option.
And that’s without any response from the one member club not represented at the AGM.
League officials are sure these numbers will grow – and the deadline for clubs to confirm team numbers to Ric Hudson is Friday 11th June
BCGBA– Return to Play Guidance for Affiliated Clubs, Counties and Associate Members
Step Three – Issued 12 May 2021
Step Three – Issued 12 May 2021
The key changes for our sport at Step 3 are:
• All restrictions on formats and numbers for organised activity under the jurisdiction of British Crown Green Bowling Association will be removed.
• Car sharing will be permitted.
• Indoor hospitality can resume.
• Spectators can return.
The return of sport and physical activity is vital to the physical and mental health of the nation, and we know our sport has a big role to play in providing an opportunity for outdoor activity as the lockdown restrictions ease.
The guidance we have developed below for our affiliated clubs supplements the Government guidance by covering situations specific to the sport of bowls.
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 BCGBA
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.
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 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 ‘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 BCGBA, please email us at registrar@bcgba.org.uk 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).
Step 3: Monday 17 May – Key points
Step 3: Monday 17 May – Key points
From Monday 17 May until Step 4, the following applies to outdoor 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
Format of Play
Any combination of formats may be played under the ‘organised sport’ exemption.
Social Interaction
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
Equipment
We would advise players to avoid using shared equipment whenever If you are sharing equipment, for example jacks/mats, practise strict hand hygiene including sanitisation after using any shared equipment.
Spectators
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.
Changing rooms
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
Coaching
Bowls coaching and other curriculum-based activity is permitted.
Hygiene
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
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. (Rule of 6 applies for groups indoors).
The future
The future
Step 3 (Monday 17 May at the earliest)
• Larger groups able to gather at clubs
• Inside catering permitted with restrictions
• Overnight stays allowed
Step 4 (Monday 21 June at the earliest)
Step 4 (Monday 21 June at the earliest)
• All restrictions are expected to be lifted
Useful Links Guidance for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical
activity during COVID restrictions
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
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
The New Plan
Published 16 April 2021The New Plan
The League and its member clubs are working to a new, agreed plan for this year’s re-launch of fixtures after a constructive April management committee meeting – the aim being to give ultimate flexibility.
A final decision on the structures of the divisions for Fridays and Mondays will now be taken at the delayed AGM to be held on Wednesday 2nd June – and, hopefully, in person!
Then clubs will have until a new deadline of Friday 11th June to tell the League how many teams on which nights they will be entering - given the set-up approved by democratic votes at the AGM - giving Fixture Secretary Ric Hudson 3 weeks to work with Mike Beckett on the final 2021 programme.
Only Donnington Wood, Highley and Madeley Cricket Club (for technical issues) were not represented at this week’s virtual meeting which was wrapped up within an hour and approved the following:
# Fixtures to start on Friday 2nd July and Monday 5th July, both giving the League 14 Fridays and 14 Mondays up to 1st October and 4th October respectively.
# Division sizes organised as near to 8 teams as possible to try and stick to one fixture per week (using finishing positions in 2019 as a guide to divisional make up if required).
# Possible registration of a certain number of Premier League bowlers – but NO other registrations. Clubs will be asked to advise of the strengths of the teams being entered (and asked to respect the relative abilities of bowlers playing on the different nights and urged to give all their members a game each week).
# No promotion or relegation (aim to return to ‘normal’ structure in 2022); No prize money or trophies presented (a definite ‘one-off’ season); and No fines!
And in terms of ultimate flexibility . . .
Fridays to have separate divisions for clubs who want to field 12-a-side teams and those who prefer 10-a-side.
Mondays may have separate divisions for clubs who want to field 10-a-side teams and those who prefer 8-a-side.
Bowlers allowed to play twice in a fixture if a team is short (numbers to be agreed)
Match fees set once divisional numbers and bowlers per side details are known
And after the AGM on Wednesday 2nd June . . .
League Competition Secretary Phil King will look at running either team knockouts and / or competitions in the countdown to fixtures starting on the first week of July!
Time to Decide
Published 10 April 2021Time to Decide
Make-your-mind up time is fast approaching for the League’s member clubs.
A series of votes will determine when action re-starts and what it will look like later this year.
Club delegates will cast their votes during a virtual management meeting on Monday night with league officers eager for them to agree to post pandemic fixtures re-starting in the first week of July – as outlined in the separate 2021 Fixture Proposal post.
They will also decide on numbers per team in the Friday and Monday divisions and registrations – if any – for what will be a one-off season with no promotion or relegation, prize money or trophies presented.
Decisions made by majority will be formally be ratified at the delayed AGM on Monday 24th May– hopefully to be held in person.
And clubs would then have until Wednesday 2nd June to tell League fixture secretary Ric Hudson how many teams on which nights they would be fielding – given the one-off structure approved.
The full agenda for Monday’s meeting is:
Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting
Apologies & In Memoria
Minutes of the March Executive Committee Meeting
Matters arising
General Secretary’s report
Correspondence
Treasurer’s report
Fixtures in 2021 – (decisions to be made by majority vote, and formally ratified on 24th May
Ron Adams’ scorecards & captain’s books
Junior Bowls Scheme in 2021?
County matters
Any Other Business
President / chairman to close the meeting
2021 Fixtures Proposal
2021 Fixtures Proposal
3 Apr 2021
The formal proposal below was outlined to delegates at the March executive committee meeting and member clubs are hopefully now consulting with their bowlers about it.
In the sincere hope that the pandemic concerns continue to ease, and that the Government can stick to its published Road Map, the points below are what the League will be asking clubs to vote on at another meeting, again via Zoom, on Monday 12th April (7pm).
Decisions made by majority that night would then be ratified at the delayed AGM on Monday 24th May and clubs would have until Wednesday 2nd June to tell League how many teams on which nights they would be fielding, given the structure approved at the AGM
ISSUES TO VOTE ON:
Fixtures to start on Friday 2nd July and Monday 5th July, both giving the League 14 Fridays and 14 Mondays up to 1st October and 4th October respectively - so at the very least we can cope with divisions of 8 teams playing Home and Away
Division sizes organised as near to 8 teams as possible, based on the number of sides entered by clubs on each night, to try and stick to one fixture per week. Use finishing positions in 2019 as a guide to divisional make up.
Friday divisions 12-a-side as usual or reduce to 10?
Monday divisions 10-a-side as usual or reduce to 8?
No registrations. Clubs will be asked to advise of the relative strengths of the teams being entered. They will then be urged to respect the relative abilities of bowlers playing on the different nights and urged to give all their members a game each week
No promotion or relegation – aim to return to ‘normal’ structure in 2022
No prize money or trophies presented – this will be a ‘one-off’ season
Standard match fee (25p / 30p / whatever – to be determined once the League knows how many teams will be entering and how many per side the divisions will be - aim is to let clubs build up balances while the League aim is to finish with the same balance as it started the year)
Normal team fee of £10 to be either cut in half or waived (see above)
Thursday Division and Saturday Division both put into cold storage for 2021 to give the League and its clubs extra flexibility if needed in terms of fixtures – both Prince of Wales Hotel and E & C Shawbury have been informed.
PLEASE NOTE:
FROM 17TH MAY (when the 30 people outdoors rule is due to start) THROUGH TO 27TH JUNE the competition secretary will look to run various open events on Saturdays and Sundays, one aim being to give bowlers unable to use their green as their clubs have not been able to reopen some practice. Clubs interested and available will be asked to notify him.
AND / OR WE COULD RUN THE TEAM KNOCKOUTS on Fridays & Mondays . . .
First Step on Monday!
Posted 20 Mar 2021First Step on Monday!
Fingers crossed, but it looks like the countdown to re-starting League fixtures again in July is going to plan.
The latest weekly figures released by the health authorities show that the dramatic fall in confirmed coronavirus cases in Telford & Wrekin has continued, this time by 45% after 68% the previous week.
An infection rate of 58 per 100,000 population is now the lowest in the West Midlands - and below the national average. And there were zero new cases reported in the over 60s.
So it is still with caution, but with increasing confidence that officers are preparing to put the meat on the bones to their ‘2021 MSBL Fixtures Proposal’ at the March Executive Committee meeting on Monday night.
A delegate from each club is expected to log in to the meeting, via the Zoom conferencing app, to take part in discussions on the agenda below:
1 Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting
2 Apologies & In Memoria
3 Minutes of the December Management Committee Meeting
4 Matters arising
5 General Secretary’s report
6 Correspondence
7 Treasurer’s report
8 Playing plans for 2021 – see accompanying document
9 Re-opening of clubs - report by County Development Officer Pauline Wilson
10 County matters – executive meetings held February 22 & March 15
11 Any Other Business
12 President / chairman to close the meeting
League In Morning
League In Morning
posted 10 March 2021
Mid Shropshire bowls is in mourning today after the loss of one of its legendary figures of recent decades.
Peter Roden lost a two month battle with cancer – which had been kept very private – just before noon yesterday (Tuesday 9th March) in hospital, aged 63.
His bowls feats were stellar and as recently as 2018 Peter skippered Mid Shropshire to success in the Shropshire veterans inter-league championship in Whitchurch in his own inimitable way.
But Peter, widely known as Harkin due to his passion for Shrewsbury Town Football Club, boasts a bowls CV that stretches back to the 1980s, being part of the brilliant Donnington Wood team that did the treble of the Mid Shropshire League, Harris Cup and County Cup in 1987.
A key founding father of the of the Shropshire Premier League in 1994, Peter served as its competition secretary for three years from 2005, a post he later went on to fill at Mid Shropshire and county association levels, before serving Shropshire as a senior selector.
Having bowled for two seasons at Wrockwardine Wood, Peter eventually signed for Bowring with his son Rob, with the ultimate goal of getting the Wellington club into the Premier League.
He ruffled a few feathers but delivered the dream in 2008 when Bowring won the Mid Shropshire League’s first division and then beat his old club Donnington Wood in the Premier play-off final.
Another hugely proud moment was seeing his son crowned County Merit champion in 2015 at Allscott, followed a year later by Bowring winning the County Cup at Prees.
In 2018 he moved to bowl closer to home at Trench with wife Pauline, but he remained always happy to give his opinion from his vast knowledge of the sport he held so close to his heart.
Rest in Peace Harkin
This post has published at the instigation of Peter’s family, who kindly request that everyone respects their privacy during these difficult days.
All Systems Go
Mar 6 2021All Systems Go
Monday 22nd March at 7pm - League meeting via Zoom to explain options agreed by officers at meeting on 1st March to delegates ahead of Monday 29th March, when clubs can re-open greens
Monday 12th April at 7pm - League meeting (again via Zoom) for clubs to vote on proposals to set an agreed structure in place to work to
Monday 24th May at 7pm - League meeting (delayed AGM?) to formally approve set-up for 2021 - just before Back to Bowls weekend.
Wednesday 2nd June - No meeting but DEADLINE for clubs to tell League how many teams on which nights they are fielding, given the structure we are trying to working to. They will be asked to advise of the relative strengths of those teams. Then the fixture secretary has 4 weeks work out fixtures. Possible face to face meeting Mon 28th June?
Friday 2nd July - FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT FIXTURES (gives us 14 Fridays up to 1st October, so at the very least we can cope with divisions of 8 teams playing H and A)
Monday 5th July - FIRST MONDAY NIGHT FIXTURES (14 Mondays up to 4th October, so at the very least we can cope with divisions of 8 teams playing H and A)
PROPOSED FORMAT
Division sizes organised as near to 8 teams as possible, based on the number of sides entered by clubs on each night, to try and stick to one fixture per week
Options – Fridays 12-a-side or 10? Mondays 10-a-side or 8? Clubs to vote to decide
NO registrations – clubs will be asked to respect the relative abilities of bowlers playing on the different nights and urged to give ALL their members a game each week
NO promotion or relegation – aim to return to ‘normal’ structure in 2022
NO prize money or trophies presented – this will be a ‘one-off’ season
Standard match fee (25p / 30p / whatever – so clubs can build up balances while the League aim is to finish with the same balance as it started the year)
Normal team fee of £10 to be either cut in half or waived (see above)
Thursday Division and Saturday Division both put into cold storage for 2021 to give the League and its clubs extra flexibility if needed in terms of fixtures?
FROM 17TH MAY THROUGH TO 27TH JUNE the competition secretary will look to run various open events on Saturdays and Sundays, one aim being to give bowlers unable to use their green as their clubs have not been able to reopen some practice. Clubs interested and available will be asked to notify him.
Road to Bowls
Road to Bowls
23 Feb, 2021
Further to the government announcement on Mon 22 February, which is largely positive at this stage for our sport’s prospects this season, we have prepared the following for our counties and clubs utilising content within the joint statement.
Please feel free to amend/update for your own audiences if you wish to do so.
This is a shared statement with Bowls England and Disability Bows England and further information will be distributed once the full guidance has been issued by the Dept. of Sport
BRITISH CROWN GREENBOWLING ASSOCIATION LOOKS FORWARD TO THE START OF THE 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON
Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables BCGBA, 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 29th 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 booking
· 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.
The National Open Weekend 28th May 2021 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.
We have been in discussions with our partner organisations to ensure a safe return to play, with the Prime Ministers road map we look forward to clubs being able to open safety within government guidelines
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 BCGBA website.
League’s Road Map To Re-Start
League’s Road Map To Re-Start
Ahead of the Government’s Road Map To Recovery plan, scheduled to be announced on Monday, here are the key elements of an email sent to all member clubs last weekend by the general secretary. . .
“Apologies for not making formal contact earlier this year, but I want to assure you that League business is still going on behind the scenes, in the positive hope that we can and WILL resume Mid Shropshire fixtures this year.
“To that end, officers plan a meeting once PM Boris Johnson speaks on Monday 22nd February about what will follow when Lockdown III is due to end over the weekend starting Friday 8th March.
“Once we know how the land is going to lie then, the officers will start to firm up the various options for the 2021 season, publish them to clubs and then explain them at a meeting (mid to late March/early April?) for all delegates - again via Zoom, as in December – so that they can go back to their clubs and discuss.
“The League would then probably hold the delayed AGM (late April/early May?) with a view to making firm decisions on issues such as the divisions that will re-launch, how many bowlers per fixture, do we play home and away matches as usual, or play games home and away on the same night (as per cup fixtures) etc etc.
“This set-up my well only be in place for a year, to get the League and its clubs back up and running again, the ultimate aim being to return to the usual programme in 2022.
“But the key thing to do in this exceptional year is to agree on a START DATE.
“It does not have to be set in stone and can be put back as prevailing circumstances dictate, but we have to have a target to work towards with an agreed plan in place so we are ready to
Chairmans's New County Job
Chairmans's New County Job
22 Jan 2021
The League is proud to report that chairman Sean Round has accepted a role at county level as the changing of the guard at the start of a new era for the SCGBA looms.
Phil Scott, who will succeed Barry Jennings as county chairman on February 1st, said: “I am delighted to announce that Sean Round has agreed to accept the role of Vice-Chairman going forward.
“I hope for the time being that current officers will support his appointment to the role - I certainly look forward to working with him".
Following the retirement of several of the county’s most prominent and dedicated officers over the last couple of decades, we move forward into a new era of Shropshire bowls administration from February 1st with a number of new officers.
“I appreciate all new officers are required to be approved by the County Executive and the members of Shropshire, when it’s safe to do so in the future.”
Sean, who succeeded the late Dennis Lewis as League chairman in 2014, will increase the Mid Shropshire presence at county level.
League president Mike Potter, currently serving as County Deputy President, is already county competition secretary while League minute secretary Rob Burroughs has agreed to do the same job in a new post for the county association, as well as resuming charge of a newly structured County Cup committee.
And it could just be that another League officer is offered a new post at county level very shortly . . .
Subsidy Means It’s Not All Bad News
Subsidy Means It’s Not All Bad News
posted 7 Jan 2021
England may have just entered Lockdown III due to spiralling Covid figures, but there is a little slice of good news for Mid Shropshire clubs – even though bowling greens have been ordered to close by the BCGBA until restrictions are lifted.
For all of Mid Shropshire clubs – who all paid their BCGBA fees of £35 for 2020 (and then later had the money granted to them by the League) – will only have to pay a £20 fee in 2021.
Mark Bircumshaw, on behalf of the sport’s governing body’s executive committee, explained: “The rules of the Association indicate a fee of £35 being the annual fee payable by member clubs.
“The BCGBA executive committee is not able to alter the fee without a rule change at the AGM, so the fee therefore remains at £35.
“However, following analysis of the current financial position and to help struggling clubs, we have agreed to subsidise the fee for 2021.
“Member clubs who have paid the fee for 2020 will pay just £20 in 2021, adding up to a total of £55 over the 2 years in question.”
As all bowlers know, 21 is always better than 20!
As all bowlers know, 21 is always better than 20!
So here’s wishing all Mid Shropshire bowlers – their families and friends – and member clubs a happier, healthier and more active 2021 . . . with League fixtures!
And one lucky club in the county has the chance to sign up to a new scheme that boosts membership numbers in the new year.
But there’s no time to waste as the deadline for applications to be considered for the Club Development Programme, run by the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA), is the 31st January 31.
A BDA spokesperson said: “Since 2017 we have worked with over 150 clubs and used our expertise to inspire committees ad volunteers to promote, transform and modernise their club - and help them kick-start successful recruitment campaigns that bring new members.”
Each county affiliated to the sport’s governing body, the BCGBA, has been allocated one place on the Club Development Programme – and Shropshire development officer Pauline Wilson is eager for county clubs to think about applying.
“It’s a development opportunity for a club within Shropshire and the BDA would work with the club to help promote it and the club will get a pack of equipment,” said Bridgnorth and Broseley bowler Wilson.
“Clubs have until January 31 to apply and they can either apply directly (full details on the SCGBA website) or I am happy to help and / or discuss the programme with any interested club.
“It really needs a club that is actively willing to help themselves in terms of promotion and investment in coaching, with a desire to improve their club.”
2021 AGM
2021 AGM
Clubs voted by majority that the MSBL AGM be deferred (from the scheduled date of 26th January 2021) and held at a more appropriate date (when any new rules needed to re-start fixtures can be voted on).
Clubs voted by majority that the MSBL AGM be deferred (from the scheduled date of 26th January 2021) and held at a more appropriate date (when any new rules needed to re-start fixtures can be voted on).
This decision, made as an executive within a management meeting (given the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic), is covered under General Rules in the League constitution: “Any matter not provided for in these rules shall be dealt with by the League Executive whose decision is final.”
This decision, made as an executive within a management meeting (given the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic), is covered under General Rules in the League constitution: “Any matter not provided for in these rules shall be dealt with by the League Executive whose decision is final.”
League chairman Sean Round had called for the delay as felt the AGM should be open to everyone and he was not comfortable with a meeting via Zoom limiting clubs to one delegate.
League chairman Sean Round had called for the delay as felt the AGM should be open to everyone and he was not comfortable with a meeting via Zoom limiting clubs to one delegate.
So the 2021 AGM will go ahead later in the year, when safe and appropriate and hopefully as socially distanced face to face – even if it has to be held outdoors!
So the 2021 AGM will go ahead later in the year, when safe and appropriate and hopefully as socially distanced face to face – even if it has to be held outdoors!
Playing Plans for 2021
Playing Plans for 2021
The chairman and secretary both stressed it was of vital importance for clubs and the League to be positive and get prepared to be ready to go next year.
The chairman and secretary both stressed it was of vital importance for clubs and the League to be positive and get prepared to be ready to go next year.
Covid and the usual winter hibernation of bowlers makes this hard but everyone needs to keep pushing with communications to try and get a good response to the questionnaire that had been sent out with the agenda.
Covid and the usual winter hibernation of bowlers makes this hard but everyone needs to keep pushing with communications to try and get a good response to the questionnaire that had been sent out with the agenda.
Only that way could better plans be made for a hoped for return of league fixtures in April, May, June, July or whenever!
Only that way could better plans be made for a hoped for return of league fixtures in April, May, June, July or whenever!
Clubs who had not already surveyed their members were urged to do so ASAP.
Clubs who had not already surveyed their members were urged to do so ASAP.
The League has a number of fixture options that have already been discussed, including slimmed down divisions, more local divisions, smaller numbers per team etc etc
The League has a number of fixture options that have already been discussed, including slimmed down divisions, more local divisions, smaller numbers per team etc etc
Honoraria
Honoraria
Full figures paid in 2019, nett and gross, and possible percentages for this year, were supplied to clubs with the agenda.
Full figures paid in 2019, nett and gross, and possible percentages for this year, were supplied to clubs with the agenda.
The chairman said he felt all officers should all be offered something, while being mindful of protecting the League’s balances. They had all stood for office and undertaken some work during the year.
The chairman said he felt all officers should all be offered something, while being mindful of protecting the League’s balances. They had all stood for office and undertaken some work during the year.
Delegates felt the meeting should honour the figures set at the AGM and officers should be paid in full – and then it would be up to them if they took the money, or whatever proportion they felt appropriate, given the amount of work they had done in the Covid-hit year. Officers were trusted to do the right thing.
Delegates felt the meeting should honour the figures set at the AGM and officers should be paid in full – and then it would be up to them if they took the money, or whatever proportion they felt appropriate, given the amount of work they had done in the Covid-hit year. Officers were trusted to do the right thing.
This proposal passed by majority vote.
This proposal passed by majority vote.
Looking on the Bright Side...
Looking on the Bright Side...
posted Nov 15, 2020, 2:56 PM by Malcolm Fletcher
Officers are now making tentative - but positive - plans for the 2021 season following 3 successful November meetings via the Zoom video conferencing app, logged into by all but 5 clubs.
And they hope to make further progress with developing a potential programme for 2021 after the end of Lockdown 2, which is on Wednesday 2nd December.
Hopefully the Covid-19 picture will become a lot clearer by then and a start can be made to serious talks with all 26 member clubs at another Zoom meeting, to be held all on 1 night on Tuesday 8th December.
The agenda and log-in details for this meeting will be circulated after Lockdown II ends but, as club representatives who logged in to the November meetings already know, a lot has been going on despite there being no fixtures this summer.
The League took great pride in being the only one in Shropshire to promote a competition in 2020 (with sincere thanks to host club Edgmond) and is delighted that Mike Beckett has decided not to retire just yet and will continue at the helm of his superb results systems for all his local leagues, including the MSBL.
A new-look website is on the way for 2021 (with Steve Wall at the helm) and officers will do everything they can to back the Let’s Roll and Return To Play initiatives (with Pauline Wilson to the fore) aimed at relaunching the sport with as many bowlers as possible as soon as we can.
Despite there being no main sponsorship from Molson Coors this year due to difficult trading, all clubs receive a grant of £42.50 to cover the cost of their 2020 BCGBA (£35) & SCGBA (£5) affiliation fees and the BCGBA handbook - and clubs will be asked to vote at the December meeting on how much honoraria officers are to be offered this year.
That will be an item on an agenda that will be accompanied by a questionnaire that officers would like clubs to circulate to their members to try and get a better understanding as to how their bowlers view 2021. They need the info to hand early this time around so decisions can be made if League fixtures can re-start come April, May or June . . . whenever!
But officers are positive that there WILL be League action in 2021
King's Reign Goes On
14 Nov 2020King's Reign Goes On
A new era has dawned for the League with Jamie King proving he now rules over it.
The 24-year-old Wrockwardine Wood bowler retained the Mid Shropshire Senior Merit crown with a regal display at Edgmond on Saturday 6th July.
And in beating 2007 title winner Roy Bradburn (Bowring) 21-13 in the final, King got his hands on the Billy Harris Trophy for the third time following his 2012 triumph – a remarkable feat for one so young.
From 11 across, and as the green quickened after a spell of rain just before the start, King took control of the final on a short mark just over the crown.
The battling Bradburn called for the long tapes on occasion and was not helped by throwing the block off as he tried to go deep into the corners, but he proved to himself that he can still perform at the top level.
However, it was King who reigned as he ran out from 16-13 watched by his fiancé Sally Clee – who he had won the Dixon Driscoll Doubles with the weekend before – and their son Rory.
League president Mike Potter made the presentations after thanking first class hosts Edgmond, organiser Phil King and then posing the question if King can make it a hat-trick of successive titles next year?
“The last person to boss this, our main competition, was Geoff Clarke with three wins up to 2004,”said league secretary Malcolm Fletcher.
“But now it seems we have a new boss as Jamie is clearly King by name and king in terms of Merit results.”
Another past winner, 2008 champion Paul Beer (St Georges) was King’s 21-12 victim in the in the semi-finals while Bradburn was accounting for Beer’s clubmate and partner Alison Cotton 21-12 at the same stage.
Quarter-final scores – Beer 21 Stuart Church (Sinclair) 16, King 21 Peter Grimston (St Georges) 13, Cotton 21 Darren Lord (St Georges) 21, Bradburn 21 Martin Gaut (St Georges) 14.
Sisters Deliver a First
14 Nov 2020Sisters Deliver a First
Young sisters Bethany and Charlotte Hailes have delivered a county first for member club Bridgnorth.
Bethany (10) and 12-year-old Charlotte are the first juniors in Bridgnorth to receive the new Shropshire Junior Bowls Award.
Both girls are members of Bridgnorth BC and started playing last year after bowls taster sessions with St Leonards school in the town.
Club Coach Pauline Wilson, who runs Sunday morning classes between 10:30 and 11.45am, said “We are very pleased that Bethany and Charlotte are amongst the first in Shropshire – and certainly the first in Bridgnorth - to get their level one awards.
“It was well deserved and I look forward to taking them through level two."
Other junior clubs in Mid Shropshire are running at Sinclair, Shifnal and Newport, the 2019 link between Charlton and Hadley Learning Community having ended when the children broke up for the summer holiday.
Member Club Playing On in Winter
Member Club Playing On in Winter
posted Oct 8, 2020, 7:48 PM by Malcolm Fletcher
Statement from Albrighton Bowling Club, issued by chairman Bob Sylvester:
Although the onset of colder weather and the additional restrictions in place to combat Covid-19 are making it a challenge right now, Albrighton BB is continuing to encourage its members to be as active as possible over the Autumn and Winter months.
Our message is simple – being active and playing sport, where appropriate, is good for your physical health and good for your mental health and being as fit as possible right now is a great way to deal with illness and viruses.
Though there are restrictions in place this doesn't mean that grassroots sport and physical activity cannot happen – therefore Albrighton Bowling Club will continue to support its members by building on its successful inaugural in-house league by introducing a winter in-house league.
But we know that people are feeling anxious about taking part in sport and activity and some people are worried generally about being around others.
That’s why we want to continue providing support and advice to help people feel comfortable to be as active as possible at this time. We also want to make sure that our members understand what is and isn't allowed at this time.
In short people can still carry on being physically active, doing many of the activities that they love – albeit with reduced capacity – and team sports are still able to be played.
Over the course of the lockdown period, Sport England has conducted nationwide research to gain an insight into activity levels and attitudes towards being active up and down England, and close to 70% of people say they have used being active to help manage their mental health.
However, we are all concerned about recent drop-offs in activity levels and will be doing everything we can to support our communities to get more active. People can access a host of free workouts for all ages and abilities on Sport England’s Join the Movement website at:
https://www.sportengland.org/jointhemovement
Sport England Chief Executive, Tim Hollingsworth said: "“Being active is a vital tool to help us cope mentally with the challenges the months ahead will bring and physically to be fitter and healthier, to boost our immunity and to ward off illness.
“We know that people face real challenges right now in their daily lives, whether that’s anxiety about the virus itself, financial concerns or uncertainty about what is or isn’t allowed.
"Our message is that there has never been a more important time to take some time to be physically active. That might be using your local gym, which will have strict protocols in place to ensure safety, playing football within the regulations or just going for a walk – it all counts.
“We’ve got loads of great resources to help on the Sport England website including tips on how to get started.”
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