Written evidence submitted by the British Crown Green Bowling Association [PKS 034]

The BCGBA is the National Governing Body for Crown Green Bowls within the United Kingdom. We have approximately 2000 member clubs and 100,000 players registered to our Association. Crown Green Bowls is played in Counties ranging from the Midlands, through the northern counties of England, North Wales and the Isle of Man.

We are submitting a short document in respect of this inquiry as many of our Parks clubs have been adversely affected by the cut in local authority funding over recent years and we are seeing a decline of parks registered clubs across all BCGBA County Associations.

Although we are unable to share clear data in regard to the number of clubs, bowling greens and players that have been affected by these local authority cuts, it is clear to us as a National Governing Body that access to our sport is severely impacted within local communities due to the withdrawal of local authority funding.

Historically, parks bowling greens could be used by any member of the community on an individual, club or group basis and were key in introducing new players to the sport. Their upkeep has been managed by the local authority in conjunction with the clubs that make use of them and the crown green surface has been kept in a good condition – suitable for social or competitive bowls matches.

Local Authority Funding Withdrawal has had the following impact –

• Decrease in condition of surface of bowling greens.
• Clubs having to maintain green due to no council support (cost of this differs by area but £1000+ per season).
• Parks Greens affected by increased vandalism – no park staff on evenings.
• Parks Greens not fit for purpose and used for other ball games.
• Complete loss of green – area used for other income streams (eg Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Bowling green not seen as a large income stream and so dug up and childrens fair built).

All of these points have a direct negative impact on the numbers of clubs and players participating in crown green bowls regularly. It also has a detrimental effect on the Development of the game. Parks greens are open and accessible to all – compared to pub or club greens which are ‘hidden’ from view. Losing the standard and number of parks greens has an adverse effect on the number of prospective players we look to introduce to the game.

Crown Green Bowls is a low impact, non-contact sport which is suitable for all ages and both genders. It is a social game which is cheap to play and easy to learn. It offers a range of health benefits to all players and holds an important place within this Nation’s sporting landscape.

The BCGBA request that action is taken immediately to combat the issues that this sport is facing within local community parks and look to work with other Bodies in order to improve this situation for the benefit if all park users and sport enthusiasts.

August 2016