ECWBA NEWS
(5 Jul 2026) - REVISED 6 Jul 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The Triples between A Area and C Area have been moved from the afternoon to the morning
The revised programme for the Semi-finals of the Championship Triples, Fours and Senior Fours may be found here
These are to be held next Sunday 12th July 2026 at 9.30am at Tiptree Jobserve B.C. There will be morning and afternoon sessions.
Tea/coffee/cake and cold drinks will be available to purchase.
Please come to support the players, but remember to come prepared for spectating in possibly hot weather.
Kind regards,
Jill
Hon. Sec. ECWBA
(3 Jul 2026)
EXECUTIVE MATCHES UPDATE
Updated teams for the game against Wivenhoe on Sunday 5th July at 3pm, and others may be found here
(2 Jul 2026)
EXECUTIVE MATCHES UPDATE
Updated teams for the game against Wivenhoe, on Sunday 5th July at 3pm, may be found here
(30 Jun 2026)
MIXED EXECUTIVE MATCH v WIVENHOE BC (100th ANNIVERSARY)
Teams for this game, on Sunday 5th July at 3pm, may be found here
(28 Jun 2026)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The team selection for the second round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Suffolk on 14th July may be found here.
Any team member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(24 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
Another fantastic day and an excellent win for Essex in the 2nd game of the John's Trophy against Suffolk on Saturday last - team photo here
All throughout the game we remained in front, 8 up at 5 ends, 10 up at 10 ends, 22 up and 15 ends, 24 up at 18 ends, finally
winning 110-86 and by 4 rinks to 2 (even the losing rinks only lost by 2 each)
This great team effort puts us in a great position, top of our league with 38 points going into our final game against Norfolk (36 points)
The Johns Trophy Squad will remain the same for our 3rd game against Norfolk (11th July), where we need to avoid defeat by 11 shots to qualify.
NOTE - for the safety and wellbeing of the players in the expected hot conditions, the start time has been moved forward from 12pm to 11am.
Players to arrive by 10:30
Furthermore, the game versus Norfolk will be played on a Neutral green at Hadleigh BC, Stone Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 6DN
(23 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE U24s MANAGER
The girls went to Dunmow BC this year where there should have 5 teams. However, at the last minute only three teams took part, which meant our girls only played two games
The Essex girls conducted themselves brilliantly and in the first game the pair of Gracie Birch and Evie Mills did amazingly well to win. The triples of Alisha Etherington, Codie Rowney and Gracie Patient unfortunately lost their first game. Lily Hardman came on in the triples in place of Alisha as I wanted to make sure that everyone got at least one game. The second game meant we had to win on both rinks and by at least 18 shots overall. This was obviously a big ask but they tried really hard when opportunities arose to get a big count. Sadly it was a step too far for them. Despite the defeat, all players played their hearts out. Comprehensive results may be found here
The squad is continuing to improve, which bodes well for the future of our sport.
Elaine Score
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
After two successful Sundays at Writtle BC, I am now able to post the results of the Semi-finals of the Championship Singles and Pairs
Full details may be found here (and on the Competition Portal)
(17 Jun 2026)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
A strong Essex team battled on two fronts yesterday, with a major incident closing the M25, squad members struggled to find a clear route to Newmarket Avenue BC. All was well when the stragglers arrived just in time for the 11.30 start.
On the green, the squad started steadily and built a strong lead, this was whittled down by a late surge by Cambridgeshire, but Essex held on for a decent 12 shot win. Full details may be found here
Well done to all of the team and to the reserves who attended in support
(17 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
Firstly...Congratulations to Evie Mills from Braintree BC who has been selected for the England under 18's Squad.
Walker Cup
Essex finished tied at top of the League with Kent on 15 points each.
Sadly Kent’s shot difference was superior and they qualified for the latter stages.
John's Trophy
Results for the 1st game against of the John's Trophy against Cambridgeshire
Essex won on 5 rinks, 10 points, lost on the 6th rink by 1 shot, won the overall for a 20-2 victory
The details on the BE website page may be found here https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/competition/area-fixture/261/1998
The John's Trophy Squad will remain the same for the 2nd game against Suffolk
Saturday 20th June at Haughley BC, Stowmarket, IP14 3QZ
Players should arrive by 10:00 for a 10:30 start
(16 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
The selections for the remainder of the ECWBA Friendlies may be found here
(15 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
It has been brought to my attention that, recently, there have been several breaches in the ECWBA Competition By-laws.
In particular the following points are being flaunted
Point 5: Dress Code
Point 6: Draw for rinks.
Point 16: Severe weather conditions.
Points 17 and 18: Testing of greens and fitness of competition play. Lodging a complaint about the state of a rink.
As Competition Secretary I would draw your attention to the statement that, "All competitors must familiarise themselves with the competition by-laws before commencement of play. Any player failing to conform to any clause is liable to disqualification."
(15 Jun 2026)
BADGE POINTS CO-ORDINATOR
Please note that Christine Vernon has taken over from Linda Mills
(15 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
The following revised forms are available via the Forms dropdown
Benevolent Triples Entry form
Essex Patrons Day
Certificate of Merit
The minutes from the April Executive Council may be found here
(15 Jun 2026)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The raised team selection for tomorrow's first round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Cambridgeshire on 16th June may be found here. Any team member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(5 Jun 2026)
BABS DONCASTER RIP
I am very sorry to tell you of the sad passing of Babs Doncaster (Loughton B.C.) For those who knew Babs and may wish to attend, her funeral will be held on Tuesday 9th June 2026 at Forest Park Crematorium, Forest Road, Hainault at 10.30am. Afterwards at the Camelot Pub, Manor Road, Romford, RM4 1NH. No flowers at the family's request
(5 Jun 2026)
CHANGE OF CLUB SECRETARIES
Please note the change of Secretary for Harlow BC
Diane Abel
email: diane.abel@icloud.com
(4 Jun 2026)
MESSAGE FROM ESSEX BOWLS COACHES ASSOCIATION
We have a summer EBCS coaching course running at Falcon Bowls Club starting on 24th June 2026.
The booking link is - Level 1 EBCS Course February 2026 - Essex Bowls Coaches Association, Chelmsford
(3 Jun 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The revised programme for the semi-finals of the Championship Singles and Pairs may be found here
Unfortunately Great Baddow is unavailable because the foxes have been having a lovely time, so the games will be played at Writtle to whom we offer our thanks
(1 Jun 2026)
CHANGE TO COMPETITION RULES
BOWLS ENGLAND HAVE CHANGED THE RULES ONCE AGAIN
In ALL EVENTS, when a jack is declared dead during play - the end WILL be replayed (not spotted as in the previous announcement)
(28 May 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
We will be playing the rounds of the Walker Cup on 30th May at Winchmore Hill BC, N21 2SD
Players are asked to arrive by 8.45am for a 09:303 start
The teams will be selected on the day, from the squad below
Leah Bamford, Michelle Carlin, Emma Chapman, Rita Fabri, Lynn Farrugia, Janice Fortune, Hayley Kenny, Donna Law
Serena Madgewick, Evie Mills, Debbie Sales, Elaine Score, Alison Smart, Rebecca Smith, Michelle Squires
(21 May 2026)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The team selection for the first round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Cambridgeshire on 16th June may be found here.
Any team member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(12 May 2026)
CHANGE TO PERFORMANCE EVENTS COMPETITION RULES
Bowls England have announced rule changes details here
(30 Apr 2026)
CHANGE OF CLUB PHONE NUMBER
Please note the new number for the office at Upminster BC Tel. 01708 222788
(20 Apr 2026)
CHANGE OF CLUB SECRETARY
Please note the change of Secretary for Connaught BC
Mrs Sally Pearce. Tel: 07773-942309. Email: sallypearce235@gmail.com
(14 Apr 2026)
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOWLS DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
The BDA will be running a Roadshow at Falcon BC from 10:00-16:00 on 24th April 2026. The intention is to bring together as many clubs as possible for a day of practical workshops, guidance, and networking opportunities to support the future development of bowls clubs
Further information can be found here: Roadshows - Bowls Development Alliance
The booking link is here: Club Development Roadshow Falcon IBC Friday 24th April, 10am-4pm
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the event, please contact Laura Wright at laurawright@bowlsdevelopmentalliance.com
(14 Apr 2026)
CHANGE OF CLUB SECRETARY
Please note the change of secretary for Saffron Walden Town BC
Mrs Louisa Atherton. Tel: 07970716677. Email: swtbcsecretary@outlook.com
(7 Apr 2026)
JEAN PLATT RIP
I am sad to inform that Jean (Elsenham BC) passed away recently. Her funeral will be held on Monday 20th April at 13.00hrs at St. Peter's Church, Patmore End, Ugley, CM22 6JB. The wake will be held at Elsenham B.C., Recreation Ground, Leigh Road, Elsenham, CM22 6BY. All are welcome, but anyone wishing to attend should please contact Jean's daughter Helen, on HJWaters@protonmail.com or phone 07743 700140 so that she has an idea of the number attending to help with catering
(5 Apr 2026)
MESSAGE FROM JENNY HYLAND - 2026 200 CLUB
You may find the entries by surname / club info here
(15 Mar 2026)
MESSAGE FROM ESSEX BOWLS COACHES ASSOCIATION
The EBCA will be holding 'Back to Bowls' sessions on dates and venues across the County - details here
(14 Mar 2026)
MESSAGES FROM THE ECWBA SECRETRY
The April Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th April at 2pm - the agenda may be found here
The application form for the ECWBA President's Day may be found here
The entry form for the Benevolent Triples may be found here
The Certificate of Merit Nomination Form may be found here
(15 Feb 2026)
MESSAGE FROM ESSEX BOWLS COACHES ASSOCIATION
Information regarding 2026 Roadshows may be found here
(14 Feb 2026)
MESSAGES FROM THE ECWBA SECRETARY
Competition Portal
I hope that you are keeping well this winter. I think that we are all growing webbed feet!!
Dave Jarrold and I have been working on the competition portal. Thank you for making your entries for 2026. Once all the draws have been completed they will be published on the website. I will let you know when they are available to view
President's Day Excursion
The response for President Dot Pope's outing on Tuesday 28th July 2026 has been excellent. I currently have 7 places available to book, so I recommend a speedy response if you are interested. The form may be found here
ECWBA Handbooks
Extra County Handbooks can be ordered up until the end of February. These can be ordered via email, with copies of the order to be sent to Jenny Hyland and myself. A separate form won't be needed, just the name of the club and how many extra handbooks are required.
County Over 60s Mixed Team Event
Any ladies who are interested in playing in the County Over 60s Mixed Team event may find the application form here. This is open to all women bowlers, you do not have to have a County badge to be considered. Again, this is to be returned to Sue Harrington by the 8th April 2026.
Applications for ECWBA matches
The application form for the Colts and Badged Bowlers to enter their names for the County Friendly matches may be found here. Please return to Sue Harrington by the 8th April 2026. This can be brought to the Council Meeting, emailed or posted
Please note that there is a County Friendly Match v Middlesex on the same day as the first round of the Over 60s Mixed event. Colts and Badged Bowlers should only make themselves available for one or the other of the matches on this day. This will make selection easier and avoid confusion. Last minute changes had to be made last year and we would like to avoid that happening this year..
One final thought...spring is around the corner and the days will be getting lighter for longer. Take care and keep well.
Kind regards,
Jill (Hon. Sec. ECWBA)
(14 Feb 2026)
MESSAGES FROM THE ECWBA TREASURER - 200 CLUB
Happy New Year everyone,
Would you believe that this is my 6th year as ECWBA Treasurer and I am still enjoying it.
The forms for the 2026 ECWBA 200 Club may be found here
We had a bumper year in 2025, so I hope we can at least equal the tickets sold as last year.
I look forward to seeing you all again this summer and many thanks for your efforts.
Kind regards,
Jenny Hyland (Honorary Treasurer)
(19 Jan 2026)
MESSAGE FROM ESSEX BOWLS COACHES ASSOCIATION
Once again we will be holding our annual Open Day for all coaches - details here
(6 Jan 2026)
MESSAGE FROM EBUA
On 14th February 2026 at Liberty of Havering IBC, there will be an accredited Markers Course run by the English Bowls Umpires Association
Details may be found here
(20 Aug 2025)
MESSAGE REGARDING BADGE POINTS
A reminder that Badge points can only be accumulated over 6 years. To calculate points going forward into 2026, points earned prior to the 2020 season should be deducted. Due to the impact of Covid, the years 2020/21 are combined
The latest lists of players Badge points may be found via the Competitions dropdown in the RED header bar
Regards
Linda Mills (Badge points Co-ordinator)