We all have ability,
Disability Bowls England (DBE)
is the co-ordinating body for bowlers of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning (Intellectual) Disabilities.
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Latest News
DBE at Bowls England National Championships
Not many more sleeps before the Bowls England National Finals, we will have our DBE stand in the Club Zone and are looking forward to watching all our members who have qualified for DBE or their Clubs/Counties at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa between the 25 Aug and 11 Sept (www.bowlsengland.com/tickets-benfinals22)
Friday 26 Aug
10am DBE National Open Pairs Final Jonathan Stokes & Mike Robertson v Jack Pullen & Terry Boswell
2.30pm DBE Mixed Triples
Saturday 27 Aug
10am DBE National Open Singles Final – Sally Ann Lewis Wall (Directed by Jane Herbert) v Chris Gray
11am Physical Disability Classification Clinic at the Avenue Bowls Club (please contact Maggy Smith MBE for more information)
2.30 pm DBE National North v South Outdoor Challenge for the Maggy Smith MBE Shield..
Mixed Ability Triples Selected Teams
Selected teams for the Mixed Ability Triples can be viewed on the selected teams page..
Maggy Smith North v South Teams
Selected Teams for the Maggy Smith North v South shields can be viewed on the selected teams page..
Coach Bowls Awards
More great news , Two DBE Members make the Coach Bowls Awards 2022 – please vote for them
Grass Roots Coach of the Year – Mandy Orchard
Inclusive Coach of The Year – Daniel Adams
You can use the link below to access the vote:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SGHKNXH
Avery Healthcare Group sponsors DBE
Disability Bowls England Charity Trust are very pleased to announce that The Avery Healthcare Group have agreed to sponsor DBE Home Nations Teams for both the Outdoor 2022 & Indoor 2023 Championships series plus the DBE National Outdoor Open Pairs Championships 2023.
Outdoor Home Nations Squad
Home nations squad can be viewed on the latest news page..
Lindfield Bowls club
Lovely afternoon at Lindfield Bowls club Sussex . Ladies Captain Sue Willmott who made DBE her charity for her charity day and raised an amazing sum, over £1600
Message from Helen Lewis-Wall
What a journey – when I became the CWG para team manager I didn’t realise how emotional and rewarding it would be.
I am lucky to have worked with some amazing players and management team.
Bronze 🥉 for Kieran & Craig
How proud are we at Disability Bowls England Craig Bowler & Kieran Rollings WIN Commonwealth Games Men’s Pairs Bronze Medal..
Message from the Chairperson
I wish to apologise in advance to our membership about the amount of coverage we are giving to the Commonwealth Games 2022 across social media & web site.
Any DBE Members available to help?
Birmingham 2022 is the biggest festival of sport since the London 2012 Olympics and it will touch the lives of people throughout the world. It is a huge opportunity to showcase all the Midlands has to offer and for bowls it is a once-in-a-generational platform to promote our great sport and inspire people to get involved.
Royal Leamington Spa will come alive for 10 days from July 28th and the Victoria Park greens will play host to the world’s best, battling it out in front of packed stands. The town will be a hub of activity, no more so in the Pump Room Gardens which will boast a big screen, food and drink outlets and 100s of people revelling in the Birmingham 2022 atmosphere.
As part of this Commonwealth Games Festival Site, Bowls England will be giving people a chance to try bowls on our pop-up green. This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our sport, and encourage people who enjoy having a go to head down to a local club and play for real!
We are looking for volunteers to support the running of this exciting project, which will give those who come forward the chance to take in the atmosphere, promote the sport, meet new people and have some fun. You don’t need any specialist bowls knowledge, just a bit of time and lots of energy!
There will be two volunteering sessions per day; session 1 will run between 09.30 – 14.00 and session 2 between 13.30 -18.00. Lunch, light refreshments and a t-shirt will be provided for all volunteers and if volunteers volunteer for two or more sessions during the event they will also receive a complementary day ticket to the Bowls England National Finals. Roles include welcoming people into the bowls arena, assisting with registration (via an ipad), helping on the bowls rinks and making sure that people have a fantastic first experience of bowls!
If you want to be part of the Bowls England Team and help give people a first experience of bowls, please complete the application form here or contact laura.blatherwick@bowlsengland.com, early applications are encouraged.
Players Needed
With only for matches left this outdoor season, some are proving more popular than others, I am now looking for the following players
11 August Hurstpierpoint Sussex 1 more
21 August Wellington Somerset 8 players
17 September Connaught Essex 10 players
17 September Waddesdon Buckinghamshire 2 more players
If you would like to play contact Judy Plater on judy.plater@disabilitybowlsengland.org.uk.
DBE Classification Clinic
DBE Classification Clinic Sunday 7th August at Gedling Indoor Bowls Club, Nottingham.
Contact Margaret Smith MBE for further details…
DBE Ladies National Pairs Championships
What a great day at Charlbury Bowls Club today for the DBE Ladies National Pairs Championships proudly supported by Friends of English Bowling.
DBE National ladies Pairs Champions 2022 Jennie Sandford and Khalila Hussain.
Performance Team Announcement & Selected Squad
Performance Team announcement & selected team available to view on Latest News Page & selected team page.
New Partnership with Hunter Bowls
Disability Bowls England are very pleased to announce a new partnership with Hunter Bowls the UK supplier of the DHB “Hacksaw” Bowls arm, the world’s lightest & best selling Bowls arm to you “Keep Active, Keep Moving and Keep Bowling”.
Manchester Taster Day
DBE in partnership with British Crown Green Bowling Association, Coach Bowls and the Bowls Development Alliance are very pleased to announce a joint Supporting Inclusion Module & Disability Bowls Taster Day on Monday 18 July at Heaton Hall Bowls Club, Manchester.
Sportsmark
DBE are very pleased to announce a new partnership with Sportsmark Ltd for clubs who are looking to purchase disability steps & wheelchair accessible ramps onto their greens.
DBE Singles Play Off qualifiers
Congratulations to the following players who have qualified for the DBE Singles Play Off which will be held at Stoke B C, Coventry on Sunday 17th July 2022.
Ladies, bowls needs you!
Do you have a physical, visual or sensory disability?
Do you want to have fun, meet new people and get some exercise?
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Victory Park
Roll Up! Roll Up!
Open Day, Sunday 29th May,
Tea Party in The Park, Thursday 2nd June (Bank Holiday)
Disability Awareness Session
Disability Bowls England in partnership with Bowls Wiltshire invite you to a
“Disability Awareness Session”.
The Sport England funding
DBE welcomes the Sport England funding and looks forward to working closely with Bowls Development Alliance and the Bowls National Governing Bodies as part of the Uniting the Movement Campaign and make our sport fully inclusive throughout England across all codes.
Friendly Fixture
We have been given a great opportunity to play a friendly fixture against Bowls Kenya Para Squad at Royal Leamington Spa on Tuesday 24 May (afternoon), and I am looking for 10 players to represent DBE for this fixture.
If we have more than 10 People, maybe a chance of another fixture on Wed or Thur depending on availability of the greens in and around the Leamington area.
If you are available and wish to put your name down for this fixture, please email Steve.watson@disabilitybowlsengland.org.uk
DBE wins Home Nations
What a great weekend for DBE Winning the Para Indoor Home Nations 2022, a great team Captained by “Birthday Boy” Bob Love and Lead by a our excellent Team Manager Helen Lewis-Wall who managed to get the best out of the team over the 3 days of play.
This event couldn’t go ahead with the full support of the High Performance Management Team, VIBE Head Coach David Stott, The EBUA Umpires, Solihull IBC staff and volunteers with funding from Sport England The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund – I am one very proud Chairman tonight, looking forward to supporting Team England at the Learning Disabilities Indoor Bowls International series in Cardiff next week.
Outdoor Nomination Form
Invitation to nominate for 2022 Outdoor Squad
DBE at EIBA National Finals
Ladies & Gentlemen we received a fabulous welcome on Tuesday for our first appearance at the EIBA National finals – on Friday we will have over 30 DBE playing members , supporters family and friends attending and I would be very grateful that we can show our host the great respect they showed us by arriving on time, reporting to Sue Davies by 1230, be in the correct playing kit, have your bowls ready for checking and waiting behind your rink, ready to be announced on to the green at 1.30pm , You will be informed on your rinks & opposition by Maggie before start of play on Friday.
All 8 rinks will start at the same time for a timed 3 1/2-hour match or 18 ends whichever comes first – today is all about your ability at the home of English Indoor Bowling Association National bowls stage -enjoy your afternoon with your bowls family.
Classified pairs Plate Final
Steven Smith & Colin Milner v Joe Peplow & Gary Swift
Maggy Smith MBE North v South Challenge Shield
North Team (DBE shirt White below the waist)
Lead – Craig Dalton
Two – Arthur Redfearn
Skip – Colin Wagstaff
Lead – Julia Evans
Two – John Rogers
Skip – Bob Love
Lead – Alastair Domville
Two – Tim Swann
Skip – Steve Angus (Capt)
South Team (DBE Shirts, Blue below the waist)
Lead – John Hollowell
Two – Paul Baker
Skip – Steve Ireland
Lead – Julia Deferville
Two – Harry Atkins
Skip – John Greaves
Lead – Khalila Hussain
Two – Alex Comack
Skip – Dave Fisher (Capt)
DBE National Champion of Champions
DBE National Singles Indoor Champion of Champions 2022 – Chris Gray
Players Needed
With the outdoor season rapidly approaching we need players for the friendly games arranged in May.
We urgently need players for 14 May at Severalls Jubilee Somerset and Market Overton, Rutland and 15 May at Callington, Cornwall. Lets not disappoint our supporter clubs, if you can play please let me know ASAP thank you Judy. email me judy.plater@disabilitybowlsengland.org.uk
Oxford Taster Day
How to Direct a Visually Impaired Bowler
There will be a pilot
“How to Direct a Visually Impaired Bowler – Level 1 Club Director course”
during the afternoon session at Oxford City & County Bowls Club on Tuesday 12 April starting at 1:30pm.
DBE At The EIBA National Finals
We are pleased to announce the schedule for DBE at the EIBA Nationals Finals is now available to view on the Latest News Page..
DBE National Classified Singles
DBE National Classified Singles Report added to Competitions Report page.
Home Nations Selected Team
HP Selected Team in Latest News Page
Great news from the British Wheelchair Bowls Association
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.
HP Squad 2022/2023
Congratulations to all the members that have been selected for the HP Squad 2022/2023… See the full squad on the Latest News page..
Players Required
We are short of players for the following fixtures if you are available for any of them please contact Judy.plater@disabilitybowlsengland.org.uk
Eden IBC Penrith 26 March
Lincoln IBC 27 March
Oxford City and county 12 April
Thank you
Disability Bowls England Charity trust in partnership with the Morrisons Foundation are very pleased to support the Team England Learning Disability squad of
Chris Gray, Daniel Adams, Amy Brooks, Barry Nicholson , Steven Nicholson, Harry Atkin, Gemma Broadhead, Rhys Milton, Lucas Manousios , Dougal Watson , Ross Bolland , Andrew Bayston & Thomas Martin
Officials: Marie Nicholson, Dave Nicholson, Ray Gray, & Stevie Angus
For the upcoming Leaning Disabilities Indoor Bowls International Series (LDIBS) at Cardiff IBC between 26-28 April 2022 as they look to defend the Munro Cup they won in 2019
The main play takes place over Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th with closing ceremony and Medal Presentations Thursday tea time.
It is hopeful spectators will be permitted. (Covid restrictions allowing).
Gala Press Release Feb 22
After a year without any serious bowls competitions because of Covid restrictions, Ilford & District Indoor Bowls Club finally held its long awaited and popular mixed Gala Day on the 12th February.
Please see link below to read more and download the document.
Mixed Gala Competition Press Release.
LDIBIS Full steam ahead for Cardiff.
The Learning Disability Indoor Bowls International Series Management team and the athletes and volunteers are ready to rock and roll in Cardiff in April.
THE LDIBIS event for the Munro Cup will be held in Cardiff on 26th, 27th & 28th April 2022 (with some covid-19 restrictions).
The main play takes place over Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th with closing ceremony and Medal Presentations Thursday tea time.
DBE V Rest of the North;
DBE v Rest of the North Report added to Competitions Reports…
Unclassified Pairs
It is with great sadness we have had to POSTPONE the Unclassified Pairs Competition this Sunday.
Coach Bowls
Combined Supporting Inclusion courses/Disability Taster & social fixture days.
Ann Trotman Singles Report
Ann Trotman Singles Report added to Competition Reports page.
2021 Outdoor Competitions
2021 Outdoor Competitions winnings added to the Honours board.
Looking back at Commonwealth Games 2014
As we launch 2022 the year of “Bowlers with a Disability” we start this exciting year by looking back at Commonwealth Games 2014.
New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time of year again to make our New Year’s Resolutions and I hope I can keep this one???
To work together with the Bowls Family across all codes and other Disability Groups to make our sport truly inclusive throughout England.
One Lottery
As most of you are aware we are a Charity run by volunteers, for us to continue to be successful and to build on our success we need to fundraise to keep DBE moving forward.
Today we launch “DBE One Lottery” to help boost our funds with the chance to win a prize of up to £25,000.
And I hope you, your family and our loyal supporters of DBE will take part and buy a £1 ticket or more by clicking on the following link
www.onelottery.co.uk/support/disability-bowls-england and help us to return stronger in 2022.
Visually Impaired Training
Visually Impaired Training day report added to Latest News page.
Learning Disabilities Training Day
Learning Disabilities Training Day Report added to latest News page..
Invitation to players in England with ‘Visual Impairment Classification’
Including DBE members who have been nominated, to attend a training and trial day at Solihull Indoor Bowls Club
Selected Teams
Selected Friendly Fixture teams for the upcoming fixtures against Preston IBC and Ilminster IBC now added to Selected Teams page.
DBE Maiden Singles 2021
DBE Maiden Singles Report added to competitions reports.
Alison Yearling
You can listen to an audio article about Alison Yearling.
VI/LD Training Day
DBE Learning Disability/Coaching Day combined with a VI Session for helpers & coaches to find out how to help players with a visual impairment
Bowls England National Finals
DBE are very pleased to announce the following events have been confirmed for the Bowls England National Championships 2022 at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa
Friday 26th August 2022
Morning – DBE National Pairs Final
Afternoon -Mixed Ability Triples (4 Rinks)
Saturday 27th August 2022
Morning – DBE National Singles Final
Afternoon – Maggie Smith MBE Shield North v South (6 Rinks).
VI Classification
Joint Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE) & Disability Bowls England (DBE) Sight Classification for Players in England with Visual Impairment statement.
Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE) and Disability Bowls England (DBE) recognise the need for one sight classification system (B1 – B4) for all VIBE & DBE members in line with the laws and guidance from International Blind Bowls Association (IBBA), International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD), World Bowls and Commonwealth Games England.
Please download the new Joint procedure & Classification Application forms www.disabilitybowlsengland.org.uk/bowlers/classification-system/
DBE v Swindon Manor
Selected team added to the Selected Teams Page…
DBE v Bridgman IBC Team
Indoor High Performance Squad Nomination Form
Please see link below if you would like to nominate for the Indoor High Performance Squad
DBE Indoor High Performance Squad 2021 nomination form
Hayling Island Selected Team
Please visit the Selected Team page to see the Selected Team
Recruitment for Part Time National Development & Administration Officer
DBE are seeking to recruit a Part Time National Development & Administration Officer starting on 3 Jan 2022 to join our management team, you can download the job description.
Closing dates for applications Friday 29 Oct with interviews w/c 8 Nov 2021.
Welcome Bob Love
DBE Charity Trust are very pleased to announce that Bob Love will join the Board of Trustees.
We welcome Bob to the management team with his wealth of experience as we continue to grow our organisation.
Ann Trotman Singles 2022
Ann Trotman Singles will be held over the weekend of 29th and 30th January 2022.. See calendar of events for more details and entry form
DBE Bowls Buddies
Congratulations to our DBE Buddies 2021 Emily Ferguson (Kent) & Robbie Barker (Cambridgeshire) for completing the Virtual London Marathon today and raising much needed funds for Disability Bowls England and for being great ambassadors for Disability Bowls – You both have been stars and we can’t thank you enough for your support these past difficult 18 months.
If you wish to join our DBE Buddies 2022 team, we hope to secure charity places for the 2022 London Marathon on Sunday 2 Oct 2022 and other sporting fundraising events across England, so if you are runner, a cyclist, a swimming or just an all round sports person please email info@disabilitybowlsengland.com and join our great team of DBE Buddies
2020 – John Rednall, Michelle Coleman
2021 – Ed Morris, Emily Ferguson, Robbie Barker
2022 – ???
You can still donate – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DBERunningBuddies2021
One Day Saturday 30th October 2021
‘Out of Lockdown’ Open Pairs Competition
EALABA National Singles Report
Upcoming Events
DBE calendar events for 2022
DBE have confirmed Bowlers with a Disability calendar of events 2022!
Download a printable version here
INDOOR EVENTS 2021/2022
DBE have confirmed a calendar of indoor events for the 2021/2022!!
Please take a look at the Calendar of Events page for more Details….