The funeral of the late Gareth Humphreys MBE will be held on Friday 29th November with a service at 11:30am at All Saints Church, Barry, followed by cremation at Cardiff and Glamorgan Memorial Park and Crematorium.  Refreshments will be served at Barry Rugby Club.

OBITUARY - GARETH HUMPHREYS MBE

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gareth Humphreys, MBE, a cherished figure in Welsh bowls. Gareth began his distinguished career at Penrhys Park Bowling Club in the Rhondda before making Barry Athletic Bowls Club his home.

Gareth played for the Welsh team from 1963 until 1978. Following his bowling career he went on to undertake numerous administative roles. He served as secretary for Glamorgan County and the Welsh Bowling Association, and in 1979, he became President of the Welsh Bowling Association. His leadership continued as he took on the role of President of the British Isles Bowls Council in 1987.

From 1981 to 2007, Gareth was a Welsh selector and served two terms as national team manager from 1989 to 1992 and again from 1997 to 2000. He was also the founding Chairman of the Welsh Coaching Association and played a crucial role in establishing the Welsh Umpires Association. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was awarded an MBE in 2009 for his voluntary services as both a player and administrator.

Gareth’s remarkable achievements included winning a bronze medal in the men’s triples at the 1972 World Outdoor Championships in Worthing and a gold in the British Isles Fours in 1964. He proudly represented Wales in the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. His list of achievements go on to include three National Fours titles as well as the Rhondda Recognition Award in 1966 amongst others.

Our thoughts are with Gareth’s family, friends, and all at Barry Athletic Bowls Club.

Photograph courtesy of: Barry Athletic Bowls Club (babowls.co.uk)

Under-18 3-bowl Pairs Competition Held at Llandrindod Wells 01/09/24.

The Competition once again was a success, with thirteen pairs representing eight counties competing in two sections, each pair playing 4 games. Each game lasting one hour or 11 ends.

In section “A” there were 8 teams, with some great games. The Ceredigion pair of Gareth Lloyd Davies & Elis Jones (Tregaron) played very well finishing second, and had an impressive win in their final game defeating Mid Glamorgan’s Ollie Price & Elijah Minett 9-7. The Mid-Wales combination of Alfie Price & Ffion Stephens (Llandrindod Wells) won three games but missed out on qualification for the final after losing heavily to Monmouthshire’s Ethan Simmonds (Pontymister Athletic) & Ioan Cook (Abertillery).With three teams level on 6 points, it was Mid-Glamorgan’s superior shot difference which took them into the final.

In section “B” there were only 5 teams following two withdrawals, but all teams played four games, and there were some very close games. Carmarthen County’s Jack Evans (Kidwelly Town) and Jack Childs (Ammanford Park) played well throughout but lost their third game to Monmouthshire’s pair of Holly Deem (Crosskeys Welfare) & Jack Rees (Blaina) 12-6. West Glamorgan’s Jack Thomas & Billy Flynn (Pontrhydyfen) were involved in two very tight tussles with Monmouthshire & Carmarthen County but unfortunately lost both to scupper their chances of qualifying for the final. In an exciting last round of games, with Carmarthen in a commanding lead over West Glamorgan going into the final end, Monmouthshire trailed 8-9 to Mid-Glamorgan’s Baley Jacka, and Cadin Collins (Blaenrhondda), but managed to pick up a “two” to win 10-9, & finish top of their section
and undefeated with four wins.

The final between Mid-Glamorgan and Monmouthshire was played on rink 5 on green A over 15 ends. The match was close early on, with Monmouthshire’s Holly Deem finding her line & length quickly and Jack Rees capitalising. Monmouthshire led 5-3 on 6 ends, but the Mid-Glamorgan pair gradually began to control the heads with skip Elijah asking Ollie to bring the mat up to the 25M marker playing short jacks to the ditch – the tactic
worked & Mid-Glamorgan picked up a count of “5” on the 10th end, and despite Monmouthshire taking a double on the 11th, it was the Mid-Glamorgan pair who controlled the last three ends with Monmouthshire conceding after 14 ends with the score at 16-9. Congratulations to Mid-Glamorgan who were crowned Under-18 pairs champions 2024 & lifted the Alan Williams trophy

Nick Harris – Competition Secretary.

Champions - Ollie Price and Elijah Minnett Mid Glamorgan

Finalists - Holly Deem and Jack Rees Monmouthshire

The WLB are thankful for the support of Steve Watson from Sporting HIghlights for his photographic coverage of the national finals.  You can see many more pictures from Steve's collection by going to his facebook page or web site.

Website

(3) Facebook

Competitors are reminded that the national competition for under 25 pairs will be played with three bowls per player over 18 ends to fall in line with the British Bowls competition.  Winners of these events will qualify for the British Championships next year.

Congratulations to Mid Wales who won the Junior Double Rink competition at Llandrindod Wells following a fantastic final against defending champions Vale of Glamorgan. The final was all square after the allotted 12 ends, but Mid Wales won an exciting “tie breaker” to lift the trophy and remain undefeated in all 5 games.
The final capped an great day of high class bowling from 9 county teams with some very close games. Full results will be posted on the WLB website soon”.

Welsh Lawn Bowls are delighted to welcome on board our new competition secretary, Nick Harris, of Pontymister Athletic bowls club. Nick has many years of experience of both playing and administration and we are confident he will be a great addition to our team.

You can contact Nick regarding anything to do with competitions on the dedicated email address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For those interested in the second round of the Carruthers Sheild, the draw will take place later at Whitland bowls club. The numbers to look out for are on this link.

It is with great sadness that I have to notify you all that Jean de Souza passed away today.
Jean fought a long brave battle against her illness but is now at peace.
Jean was not just a Past President of Wales and of her County Glamorgan but she also served both organisations, the Welsh Umpires and Coaching Associations and her Club Mount Pleasant in a number of offices over many, many years.
She worked diligently for the game she loved and will be remembered by so many who have worked with and played alongside her. Her courage and determination in fulfilling her duties as Welsh President so bravely during her illness epitomised her commitment to our sport.
Rest in peace Jean.

Sue Beacham
Hon Sec
Glamorgan County WBA

Competitiors are reminded to try and bring a marker along next Sunday to help the competitions run smoothly.

Please click on the link to see the second trial team, here.

The ladies squad for the British Championships at Royal Leamington Spa in JUne has been selected and can be found here.  The mens team is still to be selected following a second trial in Llandrindod on 26th May.  

 Men & Ladies Under 18 Trials

Ladies Under 25 Trials

Venue:                Llandrindod Wells Bowls Club

Arrival:                9:00am

Time:                   9:30am

Date:                   Sunday 19^th May 2024

Dress Code:       Black Shorts/trousers & club top.

Congratulations to the following players have been selected for consideration international events for the Calendar Year 2024

Ladies Under 25 & Under 18 Trial Selection

Men’s Under 18 Trial Side

Welsh Lawn Bowls are looking to appoint a safeguarding officer, for more information and details of how to apply click on the LINK.

More sad news this week as we learn of the passing of former WBA President Wynford Smith, he was a stalwart for bowls in the Carmarthen area both indoor and out and a former president and life member of the Barbarians.  Our condolences are sent to all of his family and friends.

The funeral has been arranged for Friday 5th April, 2:00 pm at Felinfoel Holy Trinity Church, 36 Park Road, Felinfoel. SA14 8BH.

British Isles nations announce packed summer of internationalbowls.

We are delighted to confirm plans for British Isles Bowlsevents for 2024.

The season kicks off with the British Isles Championships andInternationals at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, England from Wednesday 26thJune to Sunday 30th June. Players from England, Ireland, Jersey, Scotland and Wales will come together to battle for individual and team honours across five days of action-packed bowls.Taking the lead from World Bowls there will be a change to format at this year’sInternationals to include all disciplines being executed by a 15 player team across the men’s and women’s event.

This will be followed by the U18 Internationals at Belmont, Belfast, Ireland on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st July. This event continues to provide international action for Britain’s top young players.

To top the season off the fiercely competitive British Isles U25 Internationals will also take place in Belfast on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, and in line with previous years a men’s women’s and a joint team trophy are up for grabs.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will participate in both the U18 and U25 events.

Dates for your Diary:

Wednesday 26thand Thursday 27thJune: British Isles Championships

Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, England

Friday 28th to Sunday 30th June: British Isles Internationals

Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, England

Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd July: U18 International Series

Belmont BC, Belfast, Ireland

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September: U25 International Series

Belmont BC, Belfast, Ireland

Looking ahead to this years Competitions, Welsh Lawns Bowls Secretary, Chris Gilmour said, “ The talented Welsh players, have a great opportunity to showcase there skills against some of the best bowlers in the British Isles, the excitement to see Wales once again compete in multiple disciplines on the international stage…Let’s Bring Success Back Home To Wales #TeamCymru

The Welsh Lawn Bowls team managers, Anwen Button and Chris Ashman, have put together a four year plan to give our Welsh bowlers the best chance of success.  To view their plan, click the link.

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Mr. Len Morgan, past president of the WBA and a life member.

Len was a stalwart of Monmouthshire bowls too serving as president, life member and selector for many year.

Rest in Peace Len.

Announcement of Welsh Team Managers & Selectors.

The Executive Committee have made a decision on the following vacancies.

Team Manager - Ladies Section.

Congratulations to Anwen Button on her appointment as Welsh Team Manager.

Anwen, will be supported by 3 Selectors

Helen Rhian Jones
Kath Evans
Wendy Price

Team Manager - Mens Section

Congratulations to Chris Ashman on his appointment as Welsh Team Manager.

Chris, will be supported by 3 Selectors

Ian Slade
Wayne Letman
Adrian Berry.

The Executive Committee & Welsh Bowls wish you luck for the forthcoming season.

On behalf of the Welsh Lawn Bowls Executive.

Chris Gilmour
Hon. Secretary

Announcement Of Officers.

Welsh Lawn Bowls Executive Committee have appointed its new officers.

Chris Gilmour - Beaufort - Hon.Secretary

Adam King - Gilfach Bargoed - Assistant Secretary

Jean Kimberley - Ynysddu - Assistant Secretary

Kath Evans - Carmarthen - Treasurer

Welsh Lawn Bowls would like to wish them well and ask all clubs, counties and players to give their full support as we continue to drive change within the outdoor game.

WELSH LAWN BOWLS.

Applications are invited from interested individuals who must be current members of a Welsh Lawn Bowls Club for the following posts.

1. Men’s Team Manager.
2. Ladies Team Manager.
3. Men’s selectors, up to six.
4. Ladies’ selectors, up to six.

Applications along with a bowls resume should be sent to any of the following by 12.00hrs on Sunday 21^st January 2024.

John Phillips.

John Manfeild.

Adam King.

Wynne Evans.

Kath Evans.

The elections for these posts will take place at the Executive Meeting on Thursday 25^th January 2024.

WELSH LAWN BOWLS

TEAM MANAGERS JOB DESCRIPTION.

The Team Manager in conjunction with the selectors shall have responsibility for selecting any individual players or teams to represent Welsh Lawn Bowls at National or International Events.

The Team Manager will report to Welsh Lawn Bowls Executive Committee.

Term of Office Four Years, subject to an annual review.

Responsibilities.

1. To always be aware of the duty of fairness which must be applied in the assessment and selection process for all events.
2. Consult with the selectors and county secretaries to gain as much information as possible regarding the pool of county players available for selection.
3. Put in place an accredited assessment process for use by the selectors and produce a transparent assessment form.
4. Be part of the selection panel
5. Attend County matches and National Finals, make out an attendance rota for selectors to attend county matches.

Skills Required.

1. Must be discrete regarding the selection of players and have discretion and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
2. Must be impartial and have sound judgement in selecting players.
3. Must be honest and open when providing feedback to players, selectors, and officers of Welsh Lawn Bowls.
4. The ability to put in place a four-year strategic plan for player development.
5. To provide written reports for the Executive Committee following National and International Events or Competitions.
6. Be able to work well as part of a team.
7. To have knowledge of WLB training strategies.
8. Be computer literate and have access to a mobile telephone.
9. Must be available to attend all international events.
10. Have firsthand experience of International Bowls Events.

WELSH LAWN BOWLS (WLB)

Welsh Lawn Bowls is the sole Governing Body for Outdoor Flat Green Bowls in Wales.

TREASURER’S ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Treasurer has a role to oversee all aspects of the financial management, working closely with other members of the Executive Committee of the WLB, to safeguard the WLB finances.

It is important to note that although the Treasurer ensures that these responsibilities are met, much of the work may be delegated to a finance sub-committee.

In summary, the Treasurer is responsible for: -

Given these responsibilities, the Treasurer typically acts as an information and reference point for the Chair and other WLB Executive members, clarifying financial implications of proposals, outlining the current financial status and retrieving relevant documentation.

Additional Responsibilities of the Treasurer: -

Funding:

Planning and budgeting:

Financial Reporting:

Banking, bookkeeping and record keeping:

All in all, the WLB Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that effective financial systems and procedures have been established and are being consistently followed and are in line with best practice and legal requirements.

Apply to John Phillips, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or John Manfield, 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WELSH LAWN BOWLS

INAUGURAL MEETING THURSDAY 14^TH DECEMBER 2023

at MERTHYR TYDFIL INDOOR BOWLS STADIUM COMMENCING at 14.00HRS.

AGENDA.

1. Welcome to the meeting from outgoing WBA & WWBA Officers.
2. Election of the President Arwel Edwards.
3. Election of the Vice President.
4. To confirm the nomination of the Secretary as recommended by the interview panel.
5. To confirm the nomination of the Treasurer as recommended by the interview panel.
6. To confirm the nominations of the Two Assistant Secretaries as recommended by the interview panel.
7. Proposed Amendment to the Constitution remove the section relating to the Team Manager and Selectors and place this in appendix A, this will allow changes to be made without waiting for the Annual General Meeting.
8. Set up the following sub-committees.

Finance.

Competitions.

Constitution Review.

9. Approve dates for meeting of the Executive Committee.
10. British Isles Bowls Senior Event Report.

In accordance with the constitution of Welsh Lawn Bowls, each member club is allowed to send one delegate to the meeting.

As we approach the deadline day for unification the WBA and WWBA have been made aware of uncertainties amongst our grass roots members, in order to address those uncertainties officers of both associations are publishing this newsletter which we hope  will put members minds at rest and enable unification to take place smoothly.

What is Unification and how will it work.

The WBA and WWBA are currently singles sex organisations, in order move the sport forward and to continue to access funding from Bowls Wales we need to join together into one organisation whose name will be Welsh Lawn Bowls.

This action will take place during December 2023 when at the respective Annual General Meetings of the WBA & WWBA notices of motion will be put forward to wind up both organisations and transfer their assets over to Welsh Lawn Bowls, an inaugural meeting of Welsh Lawn Bowls will be held as early as possible in December after our AGMs to put in place officers to run Welsh Lawn Bowls.

Officers and Committee Structure of Welsh Lawn Bowls.

Every effort will be made to ensure that all officers post and committees will be gender balanced but to ensure this we require both male and female bowlers to step forward to fill the post that will be advertised.

The initial officer’s structure is as follows.

President 2024 Female.

Secretary,

Assistant Secretary x 2.

Treasurer.

Safeguarding Officer.

When these officers are in place, they will work in conjunction with the Executive Committee to elect members to the sub-committee groups that will be required to run Welsh Lawn Bowls.

Executive Committee.

Each County will be entitled to send one delegate to the Executive Committee, which will be the County Secretary or elected delegate.

At present the men have ten counties whilst the ladies have eight counties, to ensure that gender equality is maintained the ladies will have the option of electing an additional two Executive Committee members from within their ranks, male bowlers will not be entitled to vote on this matter.

The long term aim of Welsh Lawn Bowls is to eventually bring the County Structure into line with each other, again this will be member lead.

Funding.

The funds of both organisations will be transferred by our existing treasurers into a new bank account set up in the name of Welsh Lawn Bowls, any future funding received from Bowls Wales will also be paid into the new bank account.

Competitions and Tournaments.

There are no planned changes to the way our competitions and tournaments will be structured at present, once the new organisation is up and running and bedded in members may wish to instruct the competitions sub-committee to carry out a review of our events, but this will be member lead and member agreed prior to any possible changes.

Overview.

Unification is a fantastic opportunity for lawn bowls in Wales to move forward, it is not a take over of one organisation by one group or another, following unification every member male or female will have equal rights and an equal vote, let us grasp this opportunity with both hands as the alternative is the possible loss of Bowls Wales funding which will be detrimental to Wales as a bowling nation.

2024.

Whilst none of our existing officers have put their names forward for election for the posts in the new organisation they will not be walking away the majority of them will be members of the Executive Committee and will be on hand to offer any guidance or advise the new officers structures call on.

The thoughts behind current officers not applying for the new posts were not to put off new people applying by thinking that the appointments were already a done deal

Questions.

If you have any questions that you require answers to prior to the AGMs please contact any off the following people who have sat on the Unification Group and should be able to put your minds at rest.

John Manfield email     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ciss Jones email              This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

John Phillips email          This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kath Evans email             This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The British junior international series will be held in Llandrindod Wells this weekend 16/17 September.  Good luck to all competitors, you can find live scoring on this link.

in a rain affected weekend, the Welsh team played some great bowls with the women falling just short but the men retaining the title.  Congratulations to everyone who represented the Welsh team.

There are a number of vacancies with job descriptions available for people interested in running the new venture that is Welsh Lawn Bowls.  All the information you require is in the descriptions.

Applications can be sent to John Manfield or Ciss Jones.

Secretary

Treasurer

Assistant Secretaries

The final of the junior super 10 competition will take place next Saturday 9th September at Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club.  The final commences at 09:30 and will be contested between;

Mid Wales Bowling Association v South Glamorgan Bowling Association

BRITISH ISLES YOUTH U18 INTERNATIONALS: RESULTS

Over the weekend (August 5/6^th 2023), RTB Ebbw Vale Bowls Club hosted the British Isles Youth International Series. Teams were made up of six boys and six girls from each nation. In a very strong field of youth players the U18 Welsh side missed out on some important points which would contribute to the overall table. Congratulations to the Welsh team: C Dunne, E Mitchell, H Deem, K Dickinson, L Viles, R Thompson, B Flynn, J Mounty, C Gowen, R Day, J Davies, T Gunter. Team Managers: A Butten & T Leighton.

Results were as follows:

SESSION 1:

2 Bowl Triples

Wales 9-30 Scotland

Wales 23-12 Scotland

Wales 10-29 Scotland

Wales 10-22 Scotland

SESSION 2

2 Bowl Triples

Wales 18-15 England

Wales 12-18 England

Wales  9-16 England

Wales 21-13 England

SESSION 3 

2 Bowl Pairs

Wales 10-26 Scotland

Wales 13-15 Scotland

Wales 9-10 Scotland

Wales 14-15 Scotland

SESSION 4

3 Bowl Pairs

Wales 21-14 England

Wales 7-19 England

2 Bowl Rink

Wales 12-13 England

Wales 5-18 England

SESSION 5

2 Bowl Triples

Wales 15-18 Ireland

Wales 9-21 Ireland

Wales 12-20 Ireland

Wales 25-8 Ireland

SESSION 6

2 Bowl Pairs

Wales 23-9 Ireland

Wales 20-12 Ireland

2 Bowl Rink

Wales 14-15 Ireland

Wales 12-21 Ireland

Overall Standings: 

England: 31 points

Scotland: 29 points

Ireland: 22 points

Wales: 14 points

Semi Finals and Finals

Thursday. 17th

09:30  Open Triples semi final and Senior Pairs Semi final
13:00. Open Singles semi final

14:00 Ladies Singles semi final,  Mixed Pairs Final & Disability Triples Final

Friday. 18th.

09:30am. Open Fours  semi final, Open Pairs semi final, senior triples semi final and Senior Fours semi final. Ladies U25 Pairs semi final.

13:00 Senior Singles semi final and U25 Singles semi final

Saturdpay 19th 

09:30 U18 singles semi final

Monday 21st

Open mixed singles as scheduled.

The Finals to be played after a short break when semi finals are completed each day.

The Lawn Bowls Association of Hong Kong, China annually organizes the Hong Kong International Bowls Classic, the event will be held from 9th November, 2023 to 19th November, 2023. The following players have been selected to represent Wales at the event:

Alis Butten, Lampeter

Hannah Williams, Blue Anchor

Mark Harding, Ely Valley

Andrew Fleming, Machynlleth 

Congratulations to the Vale of Glamorgan U25 double rink team who won the Welsh title in Llandrindod last week.  Pictured here with WBA President David James, Vale Team manager Mike Prosser and Vale county secretary John Manfield.

Under18 Test Series – 5-6 August 2023

RTB Ebbw Vale BC,Wales

The following have been selected to represent Wales at the series this year

We wish them all the best

Billy Flynn – Pontrhydyfan

Jack Mounty – Gilfach Bargoed

Celyn Gowan – Ely Valley

Rhys Day – Tenby

Jack Davies – Thomastown

Tal Gunter – Merthyr West End

Terry Leighton

Development Administrator

Welsh Bowling Association

World Bowls have made further changes to the contraversial new laws.  See link for details.

Team for the second trial can now be found on the mens trial teams tab.