Clarifying the Facts & Celebrating the Future
đź“ś Historical Context
Before January 2008, the sport of lawn bowls in England was governed by two separate bodies:
- English Bowling Association (EBA)Â for men
- English Women’s Bowling Association (EWBA) for women
Their amalgamation led to the creation of Bowls England, a unified governing body that now oversees the sport nationally.
âś… Benefits of National Unification
The merger of EBA and EWBA brought significant advantages:
- Unified Governance: A single, centralized body for regulation, development, and support.
- Enhanced Support: Practical assistance for ~2,000 affiliated clubs and grassroots players.
- Improved Competition: Streamlined national championships and better-organized events.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives that connect clubs and communities across England.
- Increased Sponsorship Potential: Mixed-gender representation opens doors to broader sponsorship and funding opportunities.
These benefits have strengthened the sport’s visibility, inclusivity, and sustainability which led to Bowls England to strongly encourage counties to also unify.
🧠Bowls Northumberland’s Journey
In 2014, Bowls Northumberland was formed as an umbrella identity, housing both the Men’s Section (BNMS) and Women’s Section (BNWS), who continued to operate independently. While Bowls England encouraged counties to unify, it provided little guidance on what a “unified county” should look like.
Over the years, we’ve observed other counties navigate this process—some smoothly, others with challenges. We understand concerns and resistance, which is why we’ve taken a thoughtful, collaborative approach.
🧠Constitution Development
In 2023, a Unification Constitution Panel was formed, comprising elected Executives and GPC members from both BNMS and BNWS. Their task:
- Research successful unified county models
- Extract the “best bits” from Bowls England’s constitution and others
- Create a balanced, forward-looking constitution tailored to our County’s needs
This constitution was passed at the 2024 AGM, with votes from both BNMS and BNWS.
🏛️ Club & League Reassurances
We want to reassure all clubs and members that unification does not mean forced changes to club identity or league structure:
- Single-Gender Clubs: Clubs may continue to operate as single-gender if they wish. Unification does not require clubs to become mixed.
- League Structure: Our current league format will remain unchanged unless future AGM proposals or entry numbers dictate otherwise:
- Men’s League: Nines
- Women’s League: Collins & Shipley
- Mixed Leagues: Knight and Clegg
This structure respects tradition while allowing flexibility for future growth
đź’° Financial Fairness
To support the transition:
- A new unified bank account has been created.
- Each section will contribute a starter input of ÂŁ5 per member, ensuring proportional fairness.
As of the 2024 AGM’s:
- BNMS Bank Balance: ÂŁ22,113.22 (2024 Membership: 1,318)
- BNWS Bank Balance: ÂŁ13,963.83 (2024 Membership: 532)
Any remaining funds from BNMS and BNWS will be held in trust within the unified Bowls Northumberland account, earmarked for the benefit of their respective sections (e.g., Middleton Cup for men, John’s Trophy for women).
🏛️ What Happens Next
Although the constitution has been adopted, formal unification requires one final step:
- Each club must vote at their respective BNMS and BNWS EGMs to dissolve the current sections.
- Once dissolved, we will hold a Unified AGM to elect a new Executive Committee.
- Failure to dissolve may result in some 2025 Executive nominations being rescinded.
This new Executive will represent all members, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to ensure Bowls Northumberland thrives for the next 100 years.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
Unification isn’t just about structure—it’s about community, opportunity, and legacy. By coming together:
- We strengthen our voice at national level
- We create a more inclusive and modern image of our sport
- We unlock new pathways for sponsorship, funding, and growth
- We remain respectful of club identities and league traditions
- We commit to investing in youth development, ensuring the next generation of bowlers has the support, resources, and inspiration to succeed
We encourage all members to re-read the constitution (below) and approach this next chapter with optimism and unity.
Bowls Northumberland Unified Constitution: passed December 2024 by BNWS and BNMS.
BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND DRAFT CONSTITUTION
1. TITLE
The ASSOCIATION shall be called BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND.
1. TITLE
The ASSOCIATION shall be called BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND.
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the association shall be: –
2.1. To promote, foster and safeguard the sport of flat green bowls in Northumberland.
2.2. To adopt and enforce the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls as laid down by Bowls
England and its codes of conduct.
2.3. To hold annual Championships in Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours and any other
events as decided by the ASSOCIATION or BOWLS ENGLAND.
2.4. To hold Inter-County and other matches
2.5. To interpret questions of law and practice and to arbitrate on all matters submitted
by Affiliated Clubs or Members thereof.
The objects of the association shall be: –
2.1. To promote, foster and safeguard the sport of flat green bowls in Northumberland.
2.2. To adopt and enforce the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls as laid down by Bowls
England and its codes of conduct.
2.3. To hold annual Championships in Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours and any other
events as decided by the ASSOCIATION or BOWLS ENGLAND.
2.4. To hold Inter-County and other matches
2.5. To interpret questions of law and practice and to arbitrate on all matters submitted
by Affiliated Clubs or Members thereof.
3. MEMBERSHIP
3.1. Affiliation to Bowls Northumberland shall be open to all clubs who play the level
green game and who are registered within the boundaries of the County of
Northumberland, and the two local authorities of Newcastle upon Tyne and North
Tyneside [see map Appendix A] provided that the clubs possess greens that meet
the requirements of the LAWS OF THE SPORT.
3.2. Application. For affiliation shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary of
THE ASSOCIATION accompanied by a list of office bearers of the club, the address
and post code of the green and a current public liabilities insurance certificate.
Approval of affiliation will be at the discretion of the executive.
3.3. A club desiring to withdraw from affiliation of THE ASSOCIATION shall give notice in
writing to the Honorary Secretary.
3.1. Affiliation to Bowls Northumberland shall be open to all clubs who play the level
green game and who are registered within the boundaries of the County of
Northumberland, and the two local authorities of Newcastle upon Tyne and North
Tyneside [see map Appendix A] provided that the clubs possess greens that meet
the requirements of the LAWS OF THE SPORT.
3.2. Application. For affiliation shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary of
THE ASSOCIATION accompanied by a list of office bearers of the club, the address
and post code of the green and a current public liabilities insurance certificate.
Approval of affiliation will be at the discretion of the executive.
3.3. A club desiring to withdraw from affiliation of THE ASSOCIATION shall give notice in
writing to the Honorary Secretary.
4. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
4.1. All current Honorary Life Members of the Men’s Section (BNMS) and the Women’s
Section (BNWS) shall remain Honorary Life Members of THE ASSOCIATION.
4.2. THE ASSOCIATION may award Life Membership to any person for outstanding
services to the sport of bowls or to BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND. Nominations by
clubs or individual members shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for
approval.
4.3. Any Honorary Life Membership shall be conferred at the Annual General Meeting.
4.1. All current Honorary Life Members of the Men’s Section (BNMS) and the Women’s
Section (BNWS) shall remain Honorary Life Members of THE ASSOCIATION.
4.2. THE ASSOCIATION may award Life Membership to any person for outstanding
services to the sport of bowls or to BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND. Nominations by
clubs or individual members shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for
approval.
4.3. Any Honorary Life Membership shall be conferred at the Annual General Meeting.
5. FEES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
5.1. The Association shall be affiliated to BOWLS ENGLAND.
5.2. Every club in BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND shall pay an annual affiliation fee based
on the playing membership and as recommended annually by the Executive
Committee and agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting, the amount to
include the annual affiliation fees to BOWLS ENGLAND.
5.3. All affiliation fees shall be paid by the date determined annually by the Executive
Committee and any club failing to pay Affiliation fees by that date shall forfeit all
rights and privileges of membership until all arrears have been discharged.
5.1. The Association shall be affiliated to BOWLS ENGLAND.
5.2. Every club in BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND shall pay an annual affiliation fee based
on the playing membership and as recommended annually by the Executive
Committee and agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting, the amount to
include the annual affiliation fees to BOWLS ENGLAND.
5.3. All affiliation fees shall be paid by the date determined annually by the Executive
Committee and any club failing to pay Affiliation fees by that date shall forfeit all
rights and privileges of membership until all arrears have been discharged.
6. ADMINISTRATION
6.1. The affairs of THE ASSOCIATION shall be conducted by the Executive Committee
which shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
6.2. The Executive Committee of Bowls Northumberland shall comprise of:
6.2.1. The Chairperson
6.2.2. The Honorary Secretary (male or female)
6.2.3. The Assistant Honorary Secretary (different gender to the above)
6.2.4. The Honorary Treasurer (male or female)
6.2.5. The Assistant Honorary Treasurer (different gender to the above)
6.2.6. Two Honorary Competition Secretaries (one male and one female)
6.2.7. Two Honorary League Secretaries (one male and one female)
6.2.8. The County Administrator
A description of the roles and duties of the executive positions can be found in
Appendix B.
6.3. The quorum for all Executive meetings shall be six members
6.4. The following officials of Bowls Northumberland shall be appointed by the
Executive Committee and will be non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
6.4.1. The Social Media Coordinator
6.4.2. The Safeguarding Officer
6.4.3. The Development Officer
(See Appendix B).
6.5. There shall be an Emergency and Disciplinary Sub-Committee consisting of The
Chairperson, the Honorary Secretary, the Assistant Honorary Secretary and the
Safeguarding Officer.
6.6. The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy arising during the
year and the power to appoint Sub-Committees or working parties for specific
purposes or additional non-executive officers.
6.7. The selection of County teams shall be carried out by gender-specific team
managers who are appointed by the Executive Committee.
6.1. The affairs of THE ASSOCIATION shall be conducted by the Executive Committee
which shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
6.2. The Executive Committee of Bowls Northumberland shall comprise of:
6.2.1. The Chairperson
6.2.2. The Honorary Secretary (male or female)
6.2.3. The Assistant Honorary Secretary (different gender to the above)
6.2.4. The Honorary Treasurer (male or female)
6.2.5. The Assistant Honorary Treasurer (different gender to the above)
6.2.6. Two Honorary Competition Secretaries (one male and one female)
6.2.7. Two Honorary League Secretaries (one male and one female)
6.2.8. The County Administrator
A description of the roles and duties of the executive positions can be found in
Appendix B.
6.3. The quorum for all Executive meetings shall be six members
6.4. The following officials of Bowls Northumberland shall be appointed by the
Executive Committee and will be non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
6.4.1. The Social Media Coordinator
6.4.2. The Safeguarding Officer
6.4.3. The Development Officer
(See Appendix B).
6.5. There shall be an Emergency and Disciplinary Sub-Committee consisting of The
Chairperson, the Honorary Secretary, the Assistant Honorary Secretary and the
Safeguarding Officer.
6.6. The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy arising during the
year and the power to appoint Sub-Committees or working parties for specific
purposes or additional non-executive officers.
6.7. The selection of County teams shall be carried out by gender-specific team
managers who are appointed by the Executive Committee.
7. ANNUAL AND OTHER GENERAL MEETINGS
7.1. The Annual General Meeting of Bowls Northumberland will be held on the first
weekend in December each year at a time and place selected by the Executive
Committee.
7.2. Twenty-one days’ notice of the AGM, and of all General Meetings, shall be given by
the Honorary Secretary to all affiliated clubs and the agenda shall be distributed at
least fourteen days before the meeting.
7.3. Delegates from one third of the clubs affiliated to Bowls Northumberland shall
constitute a quorum.
7.4. Each affiliated club shall be entitled to be represented by two delegates at the
Annual or other General Meeting as follows:
7.4.1. Mixed Clubs – One male and one female representative; in the absence of
either delegate a replacement of either gender shall be allowed.
7.4.2. Men’s or Women’s Clubs – Two male or two female representatives.
7.5. Each delegate shall have one vote and each member of the Executive Committee
shall have one vote except the chairperson who shall have a casting vote only.
7.6. The vote will be carried by a simple majority of those present.
7.7. A Special General Meeting can only be convened on the instruction of the
Executive or on receipt of a request to that effect signed by the Chairperson,
Presidents and/or Secretaries of at least three Affiliated Clubs clearly stating in
writing the matter at issue. No further business shall be transacted at the meeting.
A Special General Meeting shall be conducted in the same way as an Annual
General Meeting.
7.8. A Delegates Meeting will be held each Spring on a date appointed by the Executive
Committee whereby each Affiliated Club can be represented by two delegates. The
purpose of the meeting is to distribute relevant information to the clubs in relation
to County activities for the season ahead and for the discussion of any issues or
concerns.
7.1. The Annual General Meeting of Bowls Northumberland will be held on the first
weekend in December each year at a time and place selected by the Executive
Committee.
7.2. Twenty-one days’ notice of the AGM, and of all General Meetings, shall be given by
the Honorary Secretary to all affiliated clubs and the agenda shall be distributed at
least fourteen days before the meeting.
7.3. Delegates from one third of the clubs affiliated to Bowls Northumberland shall
constitute a quorum.
7.4. Each affiliated club shall be entitled to be represented by two delegates at the
Annual or other General Meeting as follows:
7.4.1. Mixed Clubs – One male and one female representative; in the absence of
either delegate a replacement of either gender shall be allowed.
7.4.2. Men’s or Women’s Clubs – Two male or two female representatives.
7.5. Each delegate shall have one vote and each member of the Executive Committee
shall have one vote except the chairperson who shall have a casting vote only.
7.6. The vote will be carried by a simple majority of those present.
7.7. A Special General Meeting can only be convened on the instruction of the
Executive or on receipt of a request to that effect signed by the Chairperson,
Presidents and/or Secretaries of at least three Affiliated Clubs clearly stating in
writing the matter at issue. No further business shall be transacted at the meeting.
A Special General Meeting shall be conducted in the same way as an Annual
General Meeting.
7.8. A Delegates Meeting will be held each Spring on a date appointed by the Executive
Committee whereby each Affiliated Club can be represented by two delegates. The
purpose of the meeting is to distribute relevant information to the clubs in relation
to County activities for the season ahead and for the discussion of any issues or
concerns.
8. FINANCES
8.1. All financial matters will be conducted by the elected Honorary Treasurer and the
Honorary Assistant Treasurer. Annual accounts, independently checked and signed
by two nominated delegates, shall be presented to the AGM.
8.2. A supplementary document detailing the use of money historically introduced into
BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND from the former Men’s Section (BNMS) and Women’s
Section (BNWS) is attached as Appendix C.
8.1. All financial matters will be conducted by the elected Honorary Treasurer and the
Honorary Assistant Treasurer. Annual accounts, independently checked and signed
by two nominated delegates, shall be presented to the AGM.
8.2. A supplementary document detailing the use of money historically introduced into
BOWLS NORTHUMBERLAND from the former Men’s Section (BNMS) and Women’s
Section (BNWS) is attached as Appendix C.
9. INDEMNITY
9.1. All categories of Bowls Northumberland membership shall, except in the case of
wilful default or fraudulent acts or omissions, be indemnified by and out of the
funds of Bowls Northumberland against any loss, or liability incurred by reason of
or in connection with any legal proceedings instituted against them or any of them
for any act done, omitted or suffered in relation to the performance of any of their
duties in respect of Bowls Northumberland. The Executive shall affect any
appropriate insurance in respect of the indemnity provision in this clause at the
expense of Bowls Northumberland.
9.1. All categories of Bowls Northumberland membership shall, except in the case of
wilful default or fraudulent acts or omissions, be indemnified by and out of the
funds of Bowls Northumberland against any loss, or liability incurred by reason of
or in connection with any legal proceedings instituted against them or any of them
for any act done, omitted or suffered in relation to the performance of any of their
duties in respect of Bowls Northumberland. The Executive shall affect any
appropriate insurance in respect of the indemnity provision in this clause at the
expense of Bowls Northumberland.
10. DISSOLUTION
10.1. In the event of the liquidation of THE ASSOCIATION the funds and assets of THE
ASSOCIATION remaining after all payments of its debts and liabilities and the costs
and expenses of liquidation shall be distributed by THE ASSOCIATION in a general
meeting to a sporting body which is established primarily for the purpose of
promoting any game or sport provided that the game or sports are conducted for
the recreation and benefit of the general public. No member of THE ASSOCIATION
can benefit whatsoever from funds distributed.
10.2. The dissolution of THE ASSOCIATION requires a majority of two-thirds.
10.1. In the event of the liquidation of THE ASSOCIATION the funds and assets of THE
ASSOCIATION remaining after all payments of its debts and liabilities and the costs
and expenses of liquidation shall be distributed by THE ASSOCIATION in a general
meeting to a sporting body which is established primarily for the purpose of
promoting any game or sport provided that the game or sports are conducted for
the recreation and benefit of the general public. No member of THE ASSOCIATION
can benefit whatsoever from funds distributed.
10.2. The dissolution of THE ASSOCIATION requires a majority of two-thirds.
11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1. The Executive have full power to determine the outcome of any issue not covered
by this Constitution.
11.2. No alterations can be made to this Constitution except at an Annual General
Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for this one purpose. Notice of such
proposed alterations or additions together with Proposer and Seconder shall be
given in writing to the Hon. Secretary at least twenty-one days before the meeting
at which the same is to be raised.
11.1. The Executive have full power to determine the outcome of any issue not covered
by this Constitution.
11.2. No alterations can be made to this Constitution except at an Annual General
Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for this one purpose. Notice of such
proposed alterations or additions together with Proposer and Seconder shall be
given in writing to the Hon. Secretary at least twenty-one days before the meeting
at which the same is to be raised.