Inter-League Working Group update

Bowling News

Last month we reported on the scheme for 10 local bowling leagues to work together in promoting bowling in the area and help to address the decline in bowling numbers in general. Following an initial meeting in January certain actions were agreed upon and were reported here. The second meeting of the league representatives was held last week and this reports on the progress made to date.

Six leagues were represented at the meeting and they were the Ladies Afternoon League, Junior League, Liberal League, Ladies Evening League, Veterans League and Winter League.

The headlines from the meeting regarding the proposed training course were:

• Richard Armitage had secured £1,595 funding from Yorkshire Sport to support 11 trainee coaches through the training course;

• Geoff Martin indicated that further financial support was available from his Junior League appeal;

• To date, 11 trainee coaches have been identified by their respective leagues. The other leagues are to be reminded that the offer is available to bowlers from their leagues and each League can have one free place on the training course;

• It was agreed that the trainee coaches should pay their own annual membership fee of £15 to become a member of the BCGBA Coach Bowls scheme. Only Coach Bowls members are allowed on the course;

• Lindley BC have offered to host the training course on their green;

• It is aimed to hold the initial training course during March.

In addition, the group decided that it needed to become more formal and so decided that:

• It will be known in the future as the Huddersfield Bowls Development;

• The Chairman will be Silva Scott of the Ladies League;

• The Secretary will be Richard Armitage of the Veterans League;

• The Treasurer will be Phil Warbrick of the Veterans League;

• A draft Constitution will be pulled together for the next meeting.

Upon completion of the Coaches Training Course it is intended to hold a series of Introduction to Bowling sessions for new bowlers at four venues across the area. This will be timed to coincide with the national Bowls Big Weekend scheme to be held on 27-29 May. The four identified greens are to be approached as regards their availability for the Sunday (29th) of that weekend. The newly qualified coaches are expected to lead these sessions and it is also hoped to attract some volunteer bowlers to help out at these sessions as well.

The members agreed to meet again in March to progress matters on all aspects of this work.