ECBA NEWS
(21 Jun 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 2
Teams selection issue 2, Games 20,21,23,24,26,27,28,29 (Original Issue), 29 Jun - 22 July - here
(18 Jun 2021)
COUNTY FOURS - 18th June only
In the event that any County Fours fixtures cannot be played due to the weather conditions, please be advised that matches may be postponed and played on or before Wednesday 23rd June, date to be agreed by mutual consent. Please advise me of the revised date by text or email
If you cannot agree on a date please call me (07970-100634) and I will fix a date for you
John Tully
ECBA Competition Secretary
(13 Jun 2021)
BALCOMB TROPHY
Our first round tie will be played on Sunday 4th July commencing at 11:00
Players are expected to arrive no later than 10:15 AM
The venue is LEICESTER BC, Kenwood Road, off Carisbrooke Road, Leicester LE2 3PL
We have been told that bacon cobs will be on sale before the game (rolls, one presumes!)
Team Selection here
Dan Rodger to travel. Daniel Hughes released to U25 singles (if that is his preference).
Please take into account that we play in Middleton Cup the previous day (Sat 3rd July).
(7 Jun 2021)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE FROM PAT FINNEY
The final league tables can be found here
The final will be held at 10:00 on Sunday 1st August at Dunmow BC - Group 3 v Group 6
(31 May 2021)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE FROM PAT FINNEY
After week two, the league tables can be found here
(2 Jun 2021)
MIDDLETON CUP - MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
A reminder that the squad day will take place on 19th June at Essex County BC - commencing at 10:00
Players invited to take part are can be found here
Please be sure to advise Malcom Stark if you find that are unable to attend
(Mark Wilson Pairs Comp to commence at 14:00)
(31 May 2021)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE FROM PAT FINNEY
After week two, the league tables can be found here
(30 May 2021)
BALCOMB TROPHY
Our first round tie will be played on Sunday 4th July commencing at 11:00
The venue is LEICESTER BC, Kenwood Road, off Carisbrooke Road, Leicester LE2 3PL
Team Selection to follow
We have been told that bacon cobs will be on sale before the game (rolls, one presumes!)
(27 May 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 1
Teams selection issue 1, Games 14-15, 15-17 June - here
(24 May 2021)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE FROM PAT FINNEY
After week one, the league tables can be found here
(18 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITION RESULTS - A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TULLY
Please note that section 1(s) of the Competition Regulations, states that
“Players who have registered themselves or have been registered (with an email address) by the Competition Secretary
MUST submit results via the Competition Portal. Players who have no access to the Competition Portal, can submit results by telephone to either the Competition Secretary or the ECBA Media Officer” (John Tully 07970-100634 or Dave Jarrold 07771-882595)
There are just a handful of people who have no internet access and their results will be accepted over the telephone, otherwise please can you comply with rule 1(s). A simple guide on how to submit results can be found here
For information, the up to date Regulations can be found here or on page 28 of the 2021 ECBA handbook
(17 May 2021)
ECBA 2021 TOUR - MESSAGE FROM THE TOUR SECRETARY
This year, because of the Covid restrictions, Sandy Dron’s Herefordshire Tour has been moved to August
Obviously, this change gives an opportunity for more people to join us
Travel to Herefordshire on 1st August, 5 games on 2nd-6th, travel home on 7th August
If you’re interested, please call Ken Clarke, Tour Secretary, on 01206-795118
(12 May 2021)
ASHFORD CUP - MESSAGE FROM PAT FINNEY
The latest announcements from DCMS (via Bowls England), which come into effect on 17th May, mean that there is no need to have split venues in the Ashford cup. All matches to revert to six rinks on the same green, therefore the ‘backup’ venues as published in previous versions of the ECBA programme (and the ECBA handbook) are not required. The ECBA programme has been updated to reflect this
NOTE: Please follow the Government guidelines about car-sharing
(4 May 2021)
RECRUITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS - UPDATE
The follow-up seminars planned for 5th and 6th May have been postponed
(3 May 2021)
MIDDLETON CUP - MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
Our Preliminary Round tie, versus Suffolk is at Bishops Stortford BC (neutral green) on Saturday 3rd July with an 11:00 start.
Further round dates are 10th July, 24th July & 7th August before Semis/Finals on 11th September.
Players under consideration have received an email from me and are invited to a squad selection day on
Saturday 19th June at Essex County BC - 10:30 to 13:00
Please be sure to advise me if you are unable to attend on 19th June to assist with our preparations
(Mark Wilson Pairs Comp to commence at 14:00)
(3 May 2021)
WHITE ROSE TROPHY
Click here to see the message from David Griggs (Development Officer) regarding Essex first round tie
(3 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITIONS - JUNIOR SINGLES
This competition will be held on Sunday 4th July at Essex County BC - players to report by 09:30
List of entrants here
(3 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITIONS - 2 WOODS
This competition will be held on Saturday 12th June at the venues in the ECBA handbook - players to report by 09:30
List of entrants here
(2 May 2021)
MAUREEN ELLIS RIP - FUNERAL DETAILS
The service is on 13th May at 12:30 - details of how to view are attached here
(1 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITION DRAWS
Please note that, on the same day that ECBA handbooks were available, the Competition Portal has details of every competition draw.
Entrants will have received an email for every competition they have entered
While you do not need to log in to the portal to view the draws (making them available to all), in order to enter results, you will need to log in here
(22 Apr 2021)
RECRUITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS
Following the recent series of presentations about Club recruitment and open days, the Essex Bowls Coaching Association has arranged follow-up seminars aimed to help arrange Open days. Details of the these sessions can be found here
(13 APR 2021)
MAUREEN ELLIS RIP
The death is announced of Maureen Ellis, wife of Tony (ECBA President in 2011), on 12th April 2021.
At this sad time for Tony and his family, please do not contact him.
Urgent matters should be referred to either Terry Mizen or Pat Finney
(7 Apr 20210)
ECBA COMPETITION DATES
The dates for the initial rounds of all ECBA competitions have now been agreed and can be found here
(5 Apr 2021)
COUNTY and NATIONAL COMPETITION UPDATE
A further update from John Tully, can be found here
(5 Apr 2021)
MIDDLETON CUP, BALCOMB TROPHY, EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE UPDATE
From Malcolm Stark, can be found here
(30 Mar 2021)
COUNTY and NATIONAL COMPETITION UPDATE
From John Tully, can be found here
(19 Mar 2021)
RECRUITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS
Following the recent email to all Club Secretaries, regarding Club recruitment and open days, this is a reminder about the presentations (aimed at Club Committees) starting on 22nd March, which give guidance to anyone interesting in boosting member numbers. Please feel free to join one of the sessions, details of which can be found here
(19 Mar 2021)
INTERESTED IN COACHING BOWLS?
Whilst the Essex Bowling Coaches Association has many coaches across the County, some areas are better represented than others, so there is a drive to recruit more coaches hoping to even out the spread. If you are interested in becoming a coach, please look here for information
(12 Mar 2021)
ALAN KNIGHT - UPDATE
Alan’s funeral is to be held on Monday 22nd March at 13:00 pm at Green Acres Woodland Burial Park in North Weald, Essex
Due to Covid restrictions, space at the chapel is limited to invitation only
A webcast has been arranged for those who cannot be invited to attend the service
Link https://www.obitus.com/ Username: saki0590 Password: 779878
A personal tribute from Alex Wightman, former Officer of the Association, can be found here
(6 Mar 2021)
EDWARD MORRIS, ENGLAND CHAMPION AND FUNDRAISER
Edward has organised a fundraising event for DISABILITY BOWLS England
As this a bowlers Charity, the ECBA have agreed to publicise this event - click here to donate
(6 Mar 2021)
SEASON PLANNING UPDATE FROM BOWLS ENGLAND
The latest information on plans for the upcoming season can be found here
(1 Mar 2021)
ALAN KNIGHT RIP
We are sorry to have to announce the death of Alan Knight
Alan was President in 2007 and played 161 times for the Association
He will be sadly missed by all that knew him
Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts go to Pauline and the family at this very sad time
Funeral details will be published as soon we have them
(24 Feb 2021)
COVID-19 STATEMENT FROM BOWLS ENGLAND
Following the recent announcement of the 4 step plan to ease lockdown in England , the latest Bowls England guidance can be found here
NOTE: This was also sent in a email from the ECBA Secretary
Whilst bowls is not specifically mentioned, the relevant document from the GOV.UK website can be found here (Step 1)
(9 Feb 2021)
COACHING WEBSITE
Notice is hereby given that a new Coaching website has been developed and is available here or via a link on the 'Links' page
(6 Feb 2021)
NOTICE FOR ALL COACHES
From the County Coach - A reminder that there are important documents, on the dedicated Coaching page.
(4 Feb 2021)
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR BOWLS CLUBS
Bowls England have announced that there is even more funding available for clubs affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Read full article here
(1 Feb 2021)
2021 COMPETITION ENTRY HAS NOW CLOSED
(31 Jan 2021)
COMPETITION ENTRIES CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - click here to enter
(26 Jan 2021)
ALL POTENTIAL ECBA COMPETITION ENTRANTS FOR 2021
You may recall that the deadline for entries has been extended until 31st January - a list of entries to date can be found here
That closing date is now only THREE days away, so if you wish to enter any 2021 competitions (including the Shield or Double Fours),
please do so immediately
If you have experienced ANY issues with the new process, please contact John Tully 07970-100634 or Dave Jarrold 07771-882595
We will help you resolve your problems
(4 Jan 2021)
2021 COMPETITIONS - PORTAL ANNOUNCEMENT
So far, we have significantly fewer entries for 2021 than for 2020. A telephone poll taken from the players who entered in 2020, but have not yet entered for 2021, has revealed that many of our members have concerns over the current Covid-19 crisis
A summary of what happened with the 2020 entries below
Singles, 2-wood Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Senior Fours, Junior Singles and Pairs entry monies were refunded to clubs and passed on to entrants
Secretaries, Benevolent and Unbadged Singles were played
North and South Essex Fours, Double Fours, Shield were not played, but entries are free in 2021
It is anticipated that a similar arrangement will be adopted for this years competitions, should they be cancelled
With this is mind, we have extended the closing date for this year’s competitions until 31st January 2021 to allow the efficacy of the vaccination program to be more established which will give more players an opportunity to enter
(24 Dec 2020)
BOWLS ENGLAND - NATIONAL OPEN WEEKEND
The initial announcement from Bowls England can be read here
December 2020 - BE update
(23 Dec 2020)
COACHING NOTICE
From the County Administrator
Please note that there are important new documents and advertisements for new positions, on the dedicated Coaching page.
(20 Dec 2020)
2021 ECBA COMPETITION ENTRIES - A REMINDER
Since the launch on 19 October over 370 members have registered to use the portal, which is significantly fewer than entered the 2020 County Competitions. That figure is expected to grow as there are still some regular participants yet to sign up.
Please take a moment to register and enter the competitions, if you have not already done so.
If you have entered, please remind your club colleagues that registration and entry is now their responsibility.
The closing date for entries to the competitions (for this year only) will be 31st December.
John Tully, ECBA Competition Secretary
(28 Nov 2020) Updated 23 Dec 2020
MARJORIE MITCHELL-GEARS RIP
The death is announced of Marjorie Mitchell-Gears, wife of David (ECBA President in 1998 and until recently Chairman of Bowls England), on 27th November 2020. Their daughter, Susan Mitchell-Gears, has asked that we refrain from calling / email David at this sad time
FUNERAL DETAILS
Marjorie’s funeral took place on Tuesday 22 December at Weeley Crematorium.
The service is still available to stream on obitus.com username Wilo7991, password 775757
(2 Dec 2020)
EMAIL FROM BOWLS ENGLAND
The email below was circulated to BE County Administrators/Presidential Team/Past Presidents/Honorary Members, BE Board and BE Staff
David Tucker, Bowls England Chair wanted to advise you of the sad news that Marjorie Mitchell-Gears passed away last weekend following a stroke. Marjorie was a regular attendee at the National Championships and Annual Dinners alongside husband David, former Bowls England Chair. Many will remember Marjorie for the generous charitable work she undertook, notably her knitted gifts for disadvantaged children.
Bowls England send our condolences to David, and the rest of Marjorie’s family and friends.
(28 Nov 2020)
MARJORIE MITCHELL-GEARS RIP
The death is announced of Marjorie Mitchell-Gears, wife of David (ECBA President in 1998 and until recently Chairman of Bowls England), on 27th November 2020. Their daughter, Susan Mitchell-Gears, has asked that we refrain from calling / email David at this sad time
(28 Nov 2020)
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR BOWLS CLUBS
Bowls England is urging clubs to get their applications in before it is too late for additional funding which is available from Sport England and the government for sports clubs who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Read full article here
(24 Nov 2020)
ESSEX BOWLING ASSOCIATION AGM
The EBA Emergency Executive Committee have decided that the AGM (scheduled for 28th November) cannot go ahead and
will be deferred until 2021, on a date to be advised later
In lieu of the normal AGM documentation, the minutes from 2019 can be downloaded here, the Officer’s reports for 2020 can be downloaded here
The relevant Financial reports can be downloaded here
The financial reports password is the surname of Presidents Des (ECBA 1999) and Roni (ECWBA 1990) (all upper case)
(17 Nov 2020)
COMPETITION PORTAL NEWS
Since the launch on 19 October over 250 members have registered to use the portal, which is just under half of the number
who entered the 2020 County Competitions. That figure is expected to grow as there are still some regular participants yet to sign up.
Please take a moment to register and enter the competitions, if you have not already done so.
If you have entered, please remind your club colleagues that registration and entry is now their responsibility.
The closing date for entries to the competitions (for this year only) will be 31st December.
John Tully, ECBA Competition Secretary
(15 Nov 2020)
TERRY MIZEN - ECBA SECRETARY
In order to keep his private email separate from County business, please note that Terry Mizen has a new email address
He asks that when you are contacting him with regard to County or Coaching business please use essexcountyba@gmail.com
(14 Nov 2020)
STANDARDISED WEEKS CALENDAR
It has been brought to our attention that there is some confusion amongst some club match secretaries regarding fixture dates for the 2021 season.
It has always been the practise that fixture lists follow the week numbers from the Bowls England master calendar (which can be found here) and that week 18 is generally accepted as the first week of the bowls calendar (irrespective of club opening dates)
(7 Nov 2020)
COVID-19 STATEMENT FROM BOWLS ENGLAND
Following the introduction of the national lockdown this week, the latest Bowls England guidance can be found here
(5 Nov 2020)
COACHING NOTICE
Following a meeting of the Essex Bowls Coaches Association Board on 5th November,
there is a very important notice on the dedicated Coaching page.
(31 Oct 2020)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The ECBA Emergency Executive Committee have decided that the AGM (scheduled for 7th November) cannot take place
In lieu of the normal AGM documentation, the Officer’s reports can be download here
The relevant Financial reports can be downloaded here
The financial reports password is available in any ECBA handbook, it is the surname of the recipient of Life Membership in 1999 (all upper case)
(23 Oct 2020)
ECBA EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MINUTES
The ECBA Executive Council (Emergency Committee) met on Tuesday 8 September 2020.
Minutes
(21 Oct 2020)
ECBA COMPETITIONS PORTAL
A message from John Tully (Honorary Competition Secretary, ECBA)
Following a decision by the Executive Council to change the method of entry to County Competitions, much work has been done in the background by a small team of colleagues
I am delighted to be able to announce that the new Competitions Portal is now live and available for members to register and enter competitions.
Access can be gained by selecting <ECBA Competitions Portal> from the drop-down menu under <Competitions> at the top of the home page.
(11 Oct 2020)
BOWLS ENGLAND ANNUAL SURVEY
All clubs are invited to take part in the Bowls England Annual Club survey, following on from the Covid19 survey carried out earlier this year
Link to the survey (and results of the Covid survey) available here
(28 Sep 2020)
CONGRATULATIONS TO EDWARD MORRIS
Edward Morris (ECBC), the reigning men’s national singles champion, has been called up to the Bowls England elite squad for the first time.
It is anticipated that both the men and women’s 2022 Commonwealth Games teams will be chosen from the 16 players involved
To read the full article from BE website, click here
(18 Sep 2020)
NEW FORM X
For the information of Club Secretaries:
A new version of Form X has been sent to Group Secretaries for circulation to Club Secretaries.
This form should be completed and returned to the County Competition Secretary () no later than 31 October 2020.
(10 Sep 2020)
COMPETITION PORTAL
From The County Competition Secretary
Dear ECBA Member,
Please read the presentation on the Competition Portal. (Attachment below)
A message has gone out to all Group Secretaries asking that the presentation be circulated to all clubs.
It was intended to hold a series of presentations across the various groups before the end of September to highlight the advantages of the new competition portal system, as well as taking questions. This is not now possible due to changes to the Government restrictions on gatherings.
Therefore in October, the system will go live and members can register and then enter those County Competitions they want to. The registration and entry to competitions are really simple and is similar to the system used by Bowls England.
The closing date for entries will be 31st December 2020.
If you have any questions please contact either myself on or 07970 100634 or Terry Mizen on or 07599 711890.
Thank you.
John Tully, Competition Secretary.
ECBA Competition Portal Presentation
The Competition Portal now has a dedicated page from the Competitions Menu
(10 Sep 2020)
COVID-19 GUIDANCE UPDATE
Further to Tuesday's Government statement, Bowls England confirms that clubs can continue to offer organised bowling activity in a Covid-safe manner. Sport England has announced, following clarification from Government, that people can continue to take part in organised outdoor sports when restrictions on social gatherings are introduced from Monday 14 September. In light of the clarification received, Bowls England guidance issued on 31 July 2020 remains unchanged.
Latest Bowls England Guidance https://www.bowlsengland.com/coronavirus-guidance/
(4 Sep 2020)
COACHING NOTICES
There are two important notices on the dedicated Coaching page.
Advertisement for Coaching Safeguarding Officer. County Development Officer. County Coach.
Coaching News update
(26 Aug 2020)
ECBA EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MINUTES
The ECBA Executive Council (Emergency Committee) met on Thursday 13 August 2020.
Minutes
(3 Aug 2020)
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
Additional Guidance for Lawn Bowls Issued 31 July 2020
Bowls England recommends that all clubs consider this document together with the Government guidance. All items may be adapted as necessary to meet your club’s specific circumstances, so long as your actions remain consistent with Government advice and social distancing requirements. This is applicable from Saturday 1 August and replaces all other guidance that we have issued.
https://www.bowlsengland.com/covid-19-additional-guidance-for-lawn-bowls-2/
(25 Jul 2020)
ECBA EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MINUTES
The ECBA Executive Council (Emergency Committee) met on Thursday 23 July 2020 at 5 pm.
Minutes
(24 Jul 2020)
COUNTY WEBSITE
After 21 years as a member of the Executive Council, I have notified the County Secretary and the County Administrator that I will not be seeking re-election, as Press Representative, at the November Annual General Meeting. Arrangements will be made to transfer ownership of the website.
(6 Jul 2020)
ECBA EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MINUTES
The ECBA Executive Council (Emergency Committee) met on Thursday 2 July 2020 at 5 pm.
Minutes