BCGBA Statement

Bowling News

A Statement has been issued by Steve Clamp under the name of the BCGBA CEO, Dan Newton, and addressed to all member clubs. As communications in Huddersfield are notoriously hit and miss, I thought it may be of value to publish it here to ensure that more clubs have the opportunity to read it.

The statement is the BCGBA response to a letter being circulated by South Yorkshire CGBA which indicates that all is not well in the relationship between these two governing bodies. If someone has a copy of the South Yorkshire letter, or a link to it, that might be of interest to our readers, please send me a copy. More may be revealed in an unprecedented promised webinar to be released by the BCGBA on 11 July. Dirty washing comes to mind.

***BCGBA Statement***

The BCGBA Board is aware of a letter and related communications currently being circulated by South Yorkshire County Bowling Association, within parts of the crown green bowls community. We recognise that some of the information being circulated is totally inaccurate or incomplete.

To be clear:

Structure - The current Board structure was approved, by Counties through the Association’s formal processes. Including at the 2022 AGM, during the tenure of a previous Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bircumshaw.

Company Limited by Guarantee - The CLG was created over a decade ago and is now being brought into active use. Originally registered in February 2013, this was an important step for several reasons. It helps protect those serving the Association from unnecessary personal liability, provides a clearer and more accountable legal structure, supports stronger governance, and places the Association in a better position when dealing with funders, potential sponsors, partners and other stakeholders.

Trustee Funds & Trophies - The Board has a positive and ongoing relationship with the Trustees. Over recent years, the Trustees have supported development requests made for the benefit of crown green bowls, and that relationship will continue to be managed properly and respectfully. At no stage has the Board attempted to seize Trustee funds - they remain ringfenced for the development and benefit of the sport. The Board has also not discussed disposing of trophies; they play a big part in the history of the sport.

Matters of Special Business – There has been an exchange of correspondence with three Counties (Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Yorkshire), regarding matters of special business. The current status is that I have asked for further information and is awaiting correspondence from each County signatory that can be circulated with interested parties. To date this information has not been forthcoming.

Fees – As a responsible Board we are continually looking at finances and the need generate funds to continue the modernisation and professionalism process. No discussion has taken place, with regard to either charging Clubs £100 affiliation or players £12. It goes without saying that any proposed changes to the structure of membership fees would be discussed (as per the Bye Laws) with a view to preparing an annual budget.

Staffing – The BCGBA will always value the volunteer heart of the sport, but the national body also has to operate as a responsible employer. As previously communicated, two roles have been made redundant following the organisational review. The Association is preparing to recruit to a replacement role providing broader operational, finance and governance support. This is part of building a more sustainable structure for the future.

Further Updates – The BCGBA will host a webinar on 11 July, led by Steve Cochrane, Chair, Kay Simnett, Senior Independent Director, and Dan Newton, Chief Executive, supported by other Board members. The session will explain the governance journey, the relationship between the Articles and Bye Laws, the current position on the EGM, and the next steps for the Association.

The Board recognises that it needs to explain the journey more clearly. We also have a responsibility to ensure decisions are made properly, based on accurate information, and through the correct governance processes.

Further details of the webinar will follow shortly.

This communication has been forwarded to all County secretaries with a directive to circulate to all member Clubs.

Dan Newton

Chief Executive - British Crown Green Bowling Association

dan.newton@bcgba.org.uk / 07477 911804