The keenly fought annual fixture between the two sets of bowlers sharing Stoke Mandeville IBC took place as part of the BWBA’s Christmas celebrations. The BWBA had won the last two meetings, last year’s margin of victory was 144 – 89; a ‘not bad’ 55 shots, so the wheelies were looking for three in a row.

BWBA MATCHPLAY SINGLES 2009

Wheelchair bowlers from across the mainland UK congregated in Stoke Mandeville recently to compete for the 2009 BWBA UK MatchPlay Singles title along with a significant cash prize, valuable ranking points and the prestigious Tony Allcock Trophy.

BWBA President, Terry Fitzgerald held his first President’s Day at West Wickham BC, Kent. He chose West Wickham as the venue for the day as he had enjoyed considerable success at the Club when he was a member there before moving South some years ago to retire in Sussex. With family in the area he is still a regular in the Club’s bar!

Twelve rinks of bowlers congregated on the day with two aims in mind. Firstly, to enjoy a convivial and competitive afternoon of bowls; and secondly, to learn about the BWBA and having learnt that bit more about the Association to be asked to support the BWBA financially by making a donation.

ONE MORE FOR WOOLMORE IN THE NATIONALS

The number one ranked wheelchair bowler in the BWBA’s UK rankings, Kevin Woolmore, has retained his top-spot after successfully defending his singles crown at the WheelPower National Wheelchair Championships at Stoke Mandeville IBC.

Obituaries

Great Scot - James Smith, my reflections…

James was universally liked for his open, friendly and laid-back demeanor - along with a very dry sense of humour. Everyone has good memories of James and some great stories too, some of which cannot be printed but have been shared in bars in the past and will be shared in bars in the future. These stories will remember James. He died a young man who was on his way to maturing into a fine man, what a shame we will not see that. I miss him and I know many others do too. My heartfelt condolences to mum Susan, step dad Peter, sister Lauren and to dad Andrew

Remembering…

February

The most recent weekend say the annual running of the Kay Pipe Pairs held in the name of the late Kay Pipe. This matches up experienced wheelchair bowlers with those less so and is always a popular event.

Home Countries Results

ENGLAND ‘TRI’ HARD AND SUCCEED

For the past thirty one years the Annual Home Countries Bowls Championships has been a highlight in the wheelchair bowls calendar. Last year’s event saw a three-way scramble for the title between England, Wales and Scotland with the Welsh the eventual winners, though it was close. Northern Ireland came fourth. There was a change in the playing format for 2009 - for the first time, this year’s Championships would be a Tri-Nations as the Northern Irish were unable to take part.

BWBA UK MatchPlay Pairs 2009

In the MatchPlay Pairs wheelchair bowlers can play with a partner of their choice; it maybe a good friend, a spouse, or a club playing partner. It was the latter combination that worked so well for Harrington & Ardin last year and illustrated that wheelchair bowlers are fully integrated into clubs and being treated as bowlers first, playing alongside and against their able-bodied counterparts.

BWBA June Training Weekend – Competition, Coaching and Advice

A BWBA training weekend offers a variety of bowling experiences. For example, the recent Summer weekend saw the introduction of a handicap singles competition a few years ago which has proved very popular, and so it was again this year.

The handicapping saw some very close matches but the winner was the BWBA’s UK No1 Ranked wheelchair bowler, Kevin Woolmore who can be seen receiving congratulations from BWBA Assistant Coach Peter Eykyn.

St.Andrews Bowls Club in Weston-super-Mare is the location for the BWBA’s outdoor pairs competition generously sponsored by John Morse Solicitors of Swansea. This year was the sixth year of John Morse’s financial support.

Send emails to Ian Blackmore with questions or comments relating to this website.