This Scheme was an innovation for the BWBA. At the time of the Scheme’s launch the charity was moving away from the staging and funding of wheelchair bowls events and matches. This move was greatly influenced by the BWBA’s championing the principle that bowlers who need to use a wheelchair to bowl could do so at their own club. Equal treatment of bowlers has always been important to us.

One of the legends of wheelchair bowls community George Ridgeon passed a little while ago. Former Patron of the BWBA, David Rhys Jones, has written a fitting tribute below. By way of a PS, DRJ has also penned a short account of George’s funeral where he and BWBA President Ian Blackmore represented the charity.

The BWBA has launched a significant scheme to help individual bowlers who need a specialist bowls wheelchair to play the sport they love. This scheme will provide up to 50% of the cost of a bowls wheelchair. This is an unprecedented offer from the BWBA who have been supporting and helping wheelchair bowlers for forty years.

Two News Updates from the BWBA: –

Bill sadly passed away in February. He had the distinction of having won a Paralympic gold medal in the Lawn Bowls Singles at the Atlanta Paralympics on what was widely regarded as a very difficult playing surface. Condolences to Trina and to his family and friends.

Sad news has reached us that John has passed away recently. A lovely man who always had a smile and a positive attitude. No more details at present. Condolences to Rose and all his family and friends.

Peter Bradshaw, the inventor of Bradshaw Buggy is retiring and ceasing production of the famous Buggy.

The BWBA has just heard that Alan Cunningham has passed away. Alan came to BWBA events for many years which was no mean feat as he travelled a long way to do so, often chauffeuring Val Bradley. Alan was always good company and loved his red wine (who doesn’t?). A nice man – a gentleman.

Many in the bowls community will probably have come across George Ridgeon who lives in the Gloucester area but who travels across the UK to bowl and has done so for many years. He knew Margaret Maughan for many years and here he offers his own very personal tribute to her.

THOUGHTS ON THE DEATH OF MARGARET MAUGHAN – A LEGENDARY PARALYMPIAN

from David Rhys Jones – former Patron of the British Wheelchair Bowls Association