Bowls England News: Bowlers in 'hands off our greens' call to MPs

'Hands off our bowling greens' was the call to MPs from bowlers at the Houses of Parliament yesterday (13th July).

Members of clubs from several counties took the opportunity to make sure their concerns about the threat to clubs from developers and local authority budget cuts were heard during a lobby organised by John Woodcock MP with support from Bowls England and the Sport & Recreation Alliance.

The event was held in the shadows of Westminster, as players played on the lawn of College Green with Big Ben in the background to generate interest from MPs, media and members of the public. Club representatives also took the opportunity to meet with their MP during the day to highlight their own individual issues.

Michael Singer was joined at the Lobby by several other members from Francis Drake BC, Kent. He said: "Although our club is not considered to be at risk, we felt it was vital to come along and show our support for those who may be under threat."

Bernard Blatchford, Development Officer for Bowls Devon, added: "We have been in lengthy negotiations with Plymouth City Council with regard to future leases and maintenance, and therefore I am fully aware of the need for us to work together - clubs, counties and Bowls England - to ensure the voice of our sport is heard in the corridors of power."

Tony Allcock MBE, Chief Executive of Bowls England, said: "Supporting clubs is one of our top priorities, and therefore we were delighted that so many members came along, especially the two young bowlers from Hendon BC in Middlesex and one from the Francis Drake club who helped to demonstrate not only that bowls is a sport for all ages, but also that decisions taken in the coming months will have an impact on future generations. The event generated much interest within the media with Board Members, County Administrators and me being involved in interviews with local media which provides excellent publicity for our sport.”

Bowls made the national news earlier this year when Mr Woodcock introduced a Bill in Parliament that aims to give greater planning protection to greens from landowners seeking to build on them and could be used for all greens across the country. He also tabled an Early Day Motion which has so far been signed by MPs from across the political spectrum.

John Woodcock MP said: "I was very pleased to be able to welcome bowlers from around the country to Westminster yesterday. Britain's bowling greens are a crucial part of our social and sporting heritage as well as being at the centre of many communities, but are coming increasingly under threat. Following yesterday's successful lobby, ministers need to wake up and respond. They can support my bill or incorporate its provisions into their own legislation, but we need action."

Bowls England would like to thank members of the following clubs and county associations for their support and attendance yesterday:

·        Francis Drake BC, Kent                                Bounds Green BC, Middlesex

·        Garston BC, Hertfordshire                            Kingsway Ladies BC, Sussex

·        Canterbury BC, Kent                                     Hendon BC, Middlesex

·        Duke of Kent Court BC, Kent                        Royston BC, Hertfordshire

·        Stevenage Town BC, Hertfordshire               Bowls Devon

·        Middlesex Women’s BA                                Middlesex BA

·        Sussex County Women’s BA

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