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Welsh Bowls Federation Development Plan

 

UPDATE – CHRISTMAS 2009

Despite the rain, which seems to have been the order of the day in much of 2009, whether to try and disrupt our Christmas shopping, or perhaps keep us from enjoying our outdoor bowls this last “summer”, we in Welsh Bowls have once again shown our mettle and soldiered on by continuing to play and succeed at all levels.

Wales Outdoor Bowls Team gained a medal in every event at the Atlantic Championships held in Johannesburg, South Africa in May last.  The tally, 10 (Ten) in all, saw them bring home variously gold, silver and bronze, while the Team almost swept the board in the Team events.

More, and not to be outdone, only a few weeks ago Kerry Packwood (Torfaen IBC) became the ladies World Indoor Bowls Junior Champion for the second time in three years.

We at the Welsh Bowls Federation are sure that all in Wales would wish to join with us in offering them MANY CONGRATULATIONS on their outstanding successes, and continue to wish them and our International Representatives every success in 2010, not least at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.

We also hope that you have had a successful and enjoyable year of Bowls, once again despite our “part summer”.

 

Welsh Bowls Development Plan

The year saw the start of the third year of the four year Welsh Bowls Development Plan (which began on 1st April 2007).  The Plan incorporates the earlier “Junior Development Programme” (Linking Clubs with Schools), and the Pilot “Adult Recruitment Drive” (which proved successful in 2005), with participant clubs guided by the WBF Model Programme Document in both cases.

The third bowls' season of the Plan has seen –

  1. The number of Clubs in the Plan rise to 122 (86 Outdoor, 18 Indoor & also 18 Short Mat Clubs*).

    *(Since joining the Plan on 1st October 2008, the Welsh Short Mat Bowls Association has seen considerable progress.  The WBF is delighted that the WSMBA are part of the Plan, and hope that their success and association with the Plan may continue well into the future).

  1. Appointment of 9 Regional/ Area Co-ordinators* & 11 Community Hub Officers.

    *(Following the appointment of the Co-ordinator for WSMBA).
  1. Most Plan Clubs have both Ladies & Men’s Sections, with Clubs choosing to take on either the Junior Programme, Adult Recruitment Drive, or both.
  1. The already well established Close links with Local Authority Sports Development Departments have seen a number of Local Authority Officers take up the new Basic Instructor qualification.
  1. Clubs & Schools/ Adult Recruitment Links also established by Co-ordinators/ Hubs in very nearly all Plan Clubs.
  1. In the Junior Programme, Clubs again successfully linked up with Schools all over Wales (Both Clubs & Schools would have been greater number, as some Clubs were unable to hold any School-time Sessions due to the atrocious weather).
  1. Widespread advertising of the Adult Recruitment Drive (Local Press/ Media/ Fliers & Posters) has ensured great recognition of the Scheme in many areas.
  1. Open Days held in Scheme Clubs, and many who attended have become club members (despite Clubs losing a number of Open days to the weather. This substantially adversely affected the Adult Activity).
  1. Outstanding Activity Figures* were obtained in both elements of the Scheme, again despite much of the season being almost totally washed out by the heavy rain, and even flooding of Greens.

    (*Nearly 2800 people (Schoolchildren and Adults) tried the Bowls Taster Sessions (Up 39% from 2007!), with a substantial number making many repeat visits to the Clubs throughout the outdoor season. In the Junior Programme the number of sessions held increased by 18% on 2008 figures, a great testimony to the efforts of all involved in delivering the Plan.)
  1. Excellent & welcome increase in Club Membership (All ages), with anecdotal evidence of others in the pipeline for next year.
  1. Competition Opportunities provided by Plan/ Scheme Clubs include…
    1. Within Groups
    2. Inter Class/ Inter School
    3. Area Junior Leagues
    4. Club Representation (with many Clubs seeking to include new members as quickly as possible)
    5. Prizes/ Trophies already provided in number of Areas by Club Officers/ Local Businessmen (& remain on offer for next year).
  1. Press Cuttings confirm the widespread activity across many areas.
  1. Publicity has triggered Media Interest – TV Features were held and the DVD (Schoolboy Bowler) now available!
  1. Expressions of Interest already received from Outdoor Clubs wishing to join the Scheme next year, and new Clubs can apply up to 29th January 2010  (See Advert on Web Site).
  1. Club Coaches – Number in Scheme Clubs increased following many being qualified across Wales.
  1. Club Coaching – Structured coaching available to all in Scheme from Taster/ Open Days onwards.
  1. WBF Web Site continues to expand, and has been the subject of considerable interest, with many favourable comments – Will bring communication to a new level - again watch this space (Or ask your Co-ordinator for details).
  1. Indoor Programme (18 Clubs) – Up and running, and promises a similarly welcome outcome to Outdoors following the completion of the major works mentioned in last year’s report.

 

The Welsh Bowls Federation would like to thank all in Welsh Bowls who again worked so hard to make the Plan such a success in its third season, in spite of the elements’ worst efforts.  Long may such work continue.

 

Club Secretaries (General)

If you are impressed by the above and wish to have advice about –
  1. Your Club Joining the Plan (or introducing similar activities)
  2. Increasing Club Membership (All ages)
  3. Qualifying to become a Club Coach
  4. Increasing the number of Qualified Coaches in your Club
  5. Securing Grant Aid for developing Club Activities/ Facilities, then …

For further information and Application Form please contact:

WBF National Development Co-ordinator

WBF Honorary Secretary

Regional/ Area Co-ordinator (See respective National Association Handbooks)

 

New Year

The new year will see the considerable activity of the Scheme continue, together with expansion of the Website.  It should continue to provide much relevant information, to hopefully assist you and your club’s development.  We hope it will be of great benefit to Welsh Bowls in the years to come.

The development of the site will also be one we wish to share with you, so please keep visiting our Web Site.

A New Year can bring new Opportunities.  Perhaps we can help you make the most of them?

“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all in Welsh Bowls”