Bowls Devon Newsletter 21 (part 2)

Commonwealth Games and National Championships in 2022

It is expected that the dates for the National Championships in 2022 will not follow the current week numbers due to the Commonwealth Games being held during July and subsequent availability of Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, following the conclusion of the Games. Details will be circulated as and when they are received.

International Teams

We are delighted that Devon continues to be recognised at International level. The BIBC International Series to be played in Ayr in June 2019 will see Harry Goodwin receive his first cap at senior level.

Sam Tolchard, Ian Lesley, Louis Ridout, Lee Haywood , Rob Paxton and Ollie Lucas complete the Devon representatives.

Prior to the BIBC Series, in May 2019, is the Atlantic Championships in Cardiff. Again, the County is represented with Natalie Chestney competing in the Women’s Singles and Pairs and Ian Lesley and Sam Tolchard in the Men’s Triples and Fours.

Bowls Development Alliance (BDA)

In January 2019 the BDA announced an exciting new partnership with the National Federation of Women’s Institute (NFWI). The partners will be working together across the country to provide opportunities for WI members to get involved in the sport of bowls. This project is part of the national WOMEN CAN project which aims to encourage more women to play bowls, coach bowls and volunteer in Bowls.

Currently only 39% of the bowling clubs population in England are women and this campaign has been developed to increase that number to 45% by 2021.

Information regarding BDA courses in the County can be obtained from Carol Horgan at [email protected]

County Luncheon

Please note that the 2019 event will be held on Sunday 3 November at The Langstone Cliff Hotel. Further details will be circulated in due course.

In conclusion may I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Executive Committee, to wish your club and its members a happy and successful season.

Harry Riley

County Administrator