ECBA NEWS
(17 May 2022)
BRITISH ISLES CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022
As a result of the cancellation of the 2021 British Isles Championships, Bowls England decided to hold
playoffs between the 2019 and 2021 champions to decide the representative in this year’s Championships
Essex had excellent outcomes in all disciplines with all four of our competitors/teams progressing to represent England later this year
Edward Morris (Men’s Singles 2019), was given a walkover
Chris Muir, Steve Gunnell and Edward Morris (Men’s Triples 2021) beat Scott Winskill, Mark Hancock & Andrew Knapper (Berkshire)
Hayley Kenny & Jasmine Wilson (Ladies Junior Pairs, 2019) beat Rebecca Moorbey & Chloe Brett (Hunts)
Hayley Kenny, Michelle Squires, Serena Madgewick & Rebecca Smith (Ladies Fours, 2021) beat
Lauren Hackett, Hayley James, Emma Cooper & Harriet Stevens (Devon)
WELL DONE ALL!!
(13 May 2022)
ECBA HANDBOOK CORRECTIONS
Please note revised contact details for Richard Dodd, Senior Deputy President
Landline: 01376-326142
Mobile: 07749-899448
E-Mail Address: richardandanndodd@talktalk.net
(10 May 2022)
MESSAGE FROM MALCOLM STARK
The team selections for 14th and 15th May can be found here
6 May 2022)
MESSAGE FROM TONY ELLIS
The agent for the EBCA Open Meeting on Sunday 8th May can be found here
MESSAGE FROM MALCOLM STARK
The team selection for the Eastern Counties game versus Hertfordshire on Saturday 7th May can be found here
(27 Apr 2022)
MESSAGE FROM JOHN TULLY (COMPETITION SECRETARY)
The players who have registered to play in ECBA two-wood day (11th June 2022) are in this list
NOTE: Players need to register with the Officer in charge, at their respective venue, no later than 09:30
(26 Apr 2022)
ECBA HANDBOOK - CHANGE OF CLUB CONTACTS
Please note revised contact details for Thames Sports BC
Hon Sec Gary Reavill Email: g.reavill@yahoo.com Tel: 07910 878958
Match Sec Susan Cuzen Email: suecuzen1@hotmail.com Tel: 01375 379269
(23 Apr 2022)
NOTICE FROM MALCOLM STARK (MIDDLETON CUP MANAGER)
Please note that the Middleton Cup versus Leicestershire on Saturday 18th June at 11:00 will now be played on a
3 rinks Home and 3 rinks Away basis - this change has been made at the insistence of Bowls England
Home - Essex County BC, Away - Kingscroft BC Kings Walk, Earl Shilton, LE9 7NL
(23 Apr 2022)
NOTICE FROM TONY ELLIS
There is to be an open meeting regarding Essex County Coaching Strategy - details here
(22 Apr 2022)
ECBA HANDBOOK - CHANGE OF CLUB SECRETARY
Please note revised contact details for Thorpe-le-Soken BC
Hon Sec Mike Oakley Email: mikeoakley56@gmail.com Tel: 01255-812751
(20 Apr 2022)
ECBA HANDBOOK CORRECTIONS
Please note revised contact details for Clock House (Upminster ) BC
Hon Sec E Mitchell Email: ericwmitchell@btinternet.com Tel: 01708-228814
Match Sec M Long Email: mike.long1@btinternet.com Tel: 01708-224107
(18 Apr 2022)
NOTICE FROM BRENTWOOD (inc Central Essex) BC
The new parking arrangements with Brentwood Borough Council in King George's Playing Fields can be found here
(15 Apr 2022)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 1
Teams selection issue 1 (17th May - 9th June) - here
\(12 Apr 2022)
ECBA COMPETITION DRAWS
Please note that, ECBA handbooks have been distributed to Group Secretaries, so will be with you shortly
As of today, the Competition Portal has details of every competition draw
Entrants will have received an email for every competition they have entered (except the ECBA pairs, where there is an email problem)
While you do not need to log in to the portal to view the draws, in order to enter results, you will need to log in here
(12 Apr 2022)
ECBA APPAREL
Group Secretaries have been asked to forecast the number of new ECBA shirt orders they expect their group to make during the coming season, so that our suppliers may ensure that they have the appropriate stock levels. Those estimate will be sent back to the ECBA Treasurer who will consolidate them for economies of scale purposes. Should you require an additional ECBA shirt, shorts, fleece etc. this season, you should contact your group secretary in the first instance so that they can add your requirement to their list
(8 Apr 2022)
ECBA HANDBOOK CORRECTIONS
Please note revised cellphone number as follows
Senior Deputy President Richard Dodd 07494 070047
Junior Deputy President Dave Starkey 07492 437711
(6 Apr 2022)
INFORMATION RE LONDON ULEZ
The Mayor of London has expanded the area of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to the North and South Circular Roads (A406, A205)
Several clubs fall within within this charging zone (Aldersbrook, Central Park (East Ham), Orford House, Phoenix, Plashet Park, Walthamstow Borough and Aveling Park, Wanstead, Wanstead Central). This link will help you determine whether your car is exempt ULEZ
(6 Apr 2022)
UPDATED INFORMATION FROM TREVOR PLANK - COUNTY COACH
Updated information, including dates for EBCS level 1,2, 3 courses, can found here
(14 Mar 2022)
A MESSAGE FROM TREVOR PLANK - COUNTY COACH
Please note that he will be arranging a series of EBCS coaches over the coming months, details here
(13 Mar 2022)
2022 COMPETITION ENTRY – CLOSED
We are seeking confirmation from clubs that entrants in ECBA competitions are bona-fide members of their designated club
(as per Competition Regulation 1(a)), before commencing the competition draws week commencing 21st March
In the meantime, you can see a list of all entrants here or on the Competition Portal
(25 Feb 2022)
2022 COMPETITION ENTRY – FINAL REMINDER
As we enter the final weekend before competition entries close (at midnight on 28th February), please may I ask you to time out to enter our 2022 competitions and support our President Dave King
(20 Feb 2022)
2022 COMPETITION ENTRY – REMINDER
This is a reminder that the closing date for 2022 competitions (28th FEBRUARY 2022) is fast approaching. If you haven’t already entered, please do so by midnight next Monday. If you have any problems, please contact Dave Jarrold directly on 07771-882595
We have heard that players are not entering competitions because of a rumour that there will regional finals in the Major Championships, before the finals at Leamington. THAT IS NOT TRUE.
Bowls England have categorically declared that regional finals will only played in their National Competitions (Senior Singles/Pairs, Champion of Champions, Mixed Pairs/Fours, Family Pairs, Double Fours, Top Club and Tony Allcock Trophy, for Men AND Ladies) and then only if required
(30 Jan 2022)
2022 COMPETITIONS - PORTAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Some entrants have been experiencing difficulties when attempting to pay for entries
This problem was raised with the support team on 5th January and because of its intermittent nature the problem has been difficult to resolve. That said, we are told that it will be resolved by Wednesday (2nd February), which is after the original closing date. Therefore the closing date will be revised to give everyone a chance to enter - NEW CLOSING DATE - 28th FEBRUARY 2022
We are hearing that players are not entering competitions because they have heard that there will regional finals in the Major Championships, before the finals at Leamington. THAT IS A UNFOUNDED RUMOUR.
Bowls England have categorically declared that regional finals will only played in their National Competitions (Senior Singles/Pairs, Champion of Champions, Mixed Pairs/Fours, Family Pairs, Double Fours, Top Club and Tony Allcock Trophy, for Men AND Ladies) and then only if required
(30 Jan 2022)
MESSAGE FROM PAT FINNEY
The updated programme for the 2022 season is now available via the ‘Programmes’ dropdown
(23 Jan 2022)
EBA AGM Minutes
The minutes of the Essex Bowling Association AGM (on 11th December 2021) can be found here
(21 Jan 2022)
EBCS COACHING COURSE (UPDATED)
The EBCS Level 1 Course in February 2022 is now fully subscribed - details of future events can be found here
(14 Jan 2022)
MESSAGE FROM PAT FINNEY
The programme for the 2022 season is now available via the ‘Programmes’ dropdown
This is the most up-to-date version which may be different from the email copy that was sent out earlier this week
The difference is that the venue for the Inter Group KO (3 v 2) on 12th June is now RHP BC and not Falcon BC
(12 Jan 2022)
VOTE FOR RICHARD
This year Bowls England are holding an Awards Night on the 19th of February.
Most categories will be decided by a chosen panel except the UNSUNG HERO which will be by online voting.
RICHARD SPRIGGS of Essex County BC is on the shortlist, and it would be great if we, as Essex County Bowling Association Members, could support Richard by voting for him. The voting is open on the Bowls England website here
Terry Mizen (Hon Sec ECBA)
(6 Jan 2022)
GEORGE COSTER RIP - FUNERAL UPDATE
We are sorry to have to announce the death of George Coster
George was President in 2012 after being awarded his County badge in 2008 - he played 91 times for the Association
He will be sadly missed by all that knew him
The funeral is at 10.30 am on Friday 21st January 2022 and will take place at
Three Counties Crematorium, Halstead Road, High Garrett, Braintree, CM7 5PB
The wake will follow the funeral and will be at The Cross Keys Pub/Restaurant - 1, The Street, White Notley, Witham, CM8 1RQ
George’s daughter, Emma, has asked that donations (in the form of cash or cheque) could be made in lieu of flowers.
Cheques should be made payable to The Council for Voluntary Services and sent to her
Emma Coster, 27 Highclere Road, Braintree, CM77 7WX
All donations will go directly to the voluntary charity Dementia Café who ably supported Emma and George for the past 2 years
(4 Jan 2022)
2022 COMPETITIONS - PORTAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The minor problem with players being unable to enter the Senior Fours has now been fixed and the competition has been re-opened
We have had reports of players being unable to make payments for their entries via cellphones. This has been reported as a problem and we await a fix. As soon the problem is resolved, an update will be posted here. In the meantime, players may successfully enter using other devices (tablets, laptops or computers, either Apple or Android)
The closing date for competition entry (31st January) is less than one month away and to date we have fewer entries for 2022 than for 2021.
Whilst we appreciate there may be uncertainty about competition play given the Covid-19 situation, current guidelines suggest that normal play will be allowed albeit with the temporary Bowls England enforced competition regulations which can be found here
(27 Dec 2021)
GEORGE COSTER RIP
We are sorry to have to announce the death of George Coster
George was President in 2012 after being awarded his County badge in 2008 - he played 91 times for the Association
He will be sadly missed by all that knew him
His funeral will be at 10:30 am on 21st January, in Braintree - exact details to follow
(21 Dec 2021)
E.B.U.A. MARKING AWARENESS COURSE
The English Bowls Umpires Association will be running a Marking Awareness Course on 5th March 2022.
Details can be found on this poster
(20 Dec 2021)
EBCS COACHING COURSE
Trevor Plank (County Coach) has arranged an EBCS Level 1 Course in February 2022 - a link to the full details can be found here
(14 Dec 2021)
EBA AGM - JON COCKCROFT
Although Jon Cockcroft didn't attend the meeting, he did apologise in a video
Prior to the meeting, Essex had submitted a list of questions which can be seen here with his 'answers'
The various documents to which he refers can be found here Affiliation Benefits Fit for Future Strategy Fit For Future Strategy Supplement
It has been suggested that Clubs may wish to include links to these documents on their own websites for the benefit of their members as not everyone reads this site
(9 Dec 21)
EBA AGM
The AGM of the Essex Bowling Association will still be held this Saturday 11th December at 10.30am at the Falcon Bowling Club. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Jon Cockcroft (CEO Bowls England) is unable to attend at 11.30am. He sends his apologies, but assures us that he will re-schedule a visit in the New Year
(27 Nov 2021)
2022 COMPETITION NEWS
Please be aware that the Competition Portal is now available to enter 2022 competitions
Please take a moment to enter - there is no need to register again, as your existing registration is still valid
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 will be 31st January 2022.
John Tully, ECBA Competition Secretary
(19 Nov 2021)
EBA AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at the Falcon Bowls Club,
Channels Drive Chelmsford Essex CM3 3FB on Saturday 11th December 2021, commencing at 10.30am.
Please note change of venue
(19 Nov 2021)
ECBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of the Essex County Bowling Association took place on Saturday 13 November 2021 at Falcon Bowls Club. Keith Riley (Past President) proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring officers, especially given the challenges since the last AGM. Dave King (Romford) was elected as President for 2022 with Richard Dodd (Braintree) moving up to Senior Deputy whilst David Starkey (South Benfleet and Canvey) becomes the new Junior Deputy. Following the retirement of Pat Foley as Press Secretary, Tony Ellis (Chairman) thanked him for his efforts in moving the County forward and for the setting up and subsequent revamp of the website.
To show the Association’s appreciation, he presented Pat with a cheque (photo here )
Prior to the meeting, incoming President Dave King hosted a lunch attended by 8 Past Presidents, 3 Life Members, other Officers, Executive members and guests.
(31 Oct 2021)
COMPETITION ENTRIES - 2022 SEASON
Due to unforeseen problems, the Competition Portal will not be available in October as anticipated
Given that the closing date for entries will be the end December (at the earliest), this should not pose any problems
(18 Oct 2021)
AFFILIATION FORMS
Following some useful feedback, the affiliation forms that were emailed to Club Secretaries have been updated
Please download the up-to-date forms from the <Forms> <ECBA Forms> page here
NOTE: It is advisable to complete the Treasurer's form on a computer, using XL.
COMPETITION ENTRIES - 2022 SEASON
At last night's Executive Committee meeting, it was reported that the Competition Portal is currently being updated in readiness to accept entries to the 2022 competitions. It is anticipated that this will be available by the end of October
(24 Sep 2021)
STANDARDISED WEEKS CALENDAR
In preparation for the end of the 2021 season and the commencement of 2022, I hope this helps
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)
When clubs close / re-open is a matter for themselves