News from the EBA
	EBA Database
	We have received a number of communications directly from clubs about the highly sensitive area of the EBA Database.
	It is important therefore to issue the following statement on behalf of the Association in order that you may convey this information to your respective Executive Committees and local representatives to create a better understanding of how this is used. I have also enclosed a statement from Bowls England Ltd.
	In 1996 my predecessor George Shaw wrote to all County Secretaries advising them that members listed on the database would only receive vetted offers and those which would be an attraction to members. Every member would have the option to be specifically excluded from any mailing of "offers". A promise was issued at this time that the database would not be sold to mailing companies and at all times the data protection acts would be observed and compiled with.
	This practise has been carried out, officially inspected and certified that our actions are in accordance with the appropriate legal requirements. The EBA database however, has been shared with Bowls England Ltd which is the trading arm of this Association and is administered by a very professional and experienced business development company. During the sharing of data with Bowls England Ltd and the updating of information, there have been a few problems experienced during this transitional period. In consequence, a few membership lists have been incorrectly updated and circulated. These problems are currently being rectified and I ask for your full co operation and understanding whilst this is being conducted. The partnership with a trading company is an example of how the EBA is trying to improve its services to its members whilst implementing a self help strategy. The EBA wishes to promote the Sport of Bowls for everyone, whilst striving to maintain the valued service to its members. Throughout England, there are many Sports who receive financial backing from our National Sporting Organisations and still cannot financially balance the books at the end of the year. The EBA, along with the other National Governing Bodies in Bowls, still provides a comprehensive service to its members despite not receiving this financial assistance. The formation of a trading company will, hopefully, enable valued services to continue and improve in the future. There are many organisations that promote this self help strategy, one being Age Concern for example, who derives 75% of their income from its trading company.
	The EBA wishes to acknowledge the help received already from its members. The sharing of the EBA database has been administered professionally and at all times with due regard to the wishes of its members. We appeal to you all to help the EBA with your co-operation, and to assist the Sport in general and its members in particular".
	Tony Allcock MBE Chief Executive
	Bowls England Briefing for Executive Members and County Secretaries
	Bowls England Limited was set up in October 2002 to offer a range of good value products and services to bowls clubs and their members.
	Bowls England is a joint venture between the EBA and Optimise Holdings Limited, who are an experienced business development and marketing company.
	Bowls England is managed by a board of five directors, three from the EBA and two from Optimise. EBA Directors are Bob Jack (who is also the Chairman of the Board), Tony Allcock and Bill Hatto.
	During the closed season, initial marketing partners were selected and plans made for launch, which took place in March 2003 to clubs, and in April 2003 to members.
	The Bowls England Newsletter is the principal means of telling members about the products and services on offer. The launch edition of the newsletter was generally well-received and many members have already taken advantage of one or more of the offers made.
	A small number of clubs have declined to receive any future issues of the Newsletter which is disappointing and puzzling.
	Bowls England will undertake a limited amount of direct mail marketing to members using the EBA membership database. Members will certainly not be inundated with 'junk mail', and we have agreed that Bowls England will not make telephone calls to members for marketing purposes unless requested by a member to make contact with them by that means.
	Bowls England will always operate to high professional standards, and as required by the Data Protection Acts, the expressed wishes of any member to be excluded from direct marketing will certainly be respected. Any member wishing to be totally excluded from all marketing should contact either the EBA or Bowls England directly by letter.
	The EBA and Bowls England share a website which was totally re-designed for the start of this season. Visit it at www.bowlsengland.com
	The EBA will derive ongoing value from Bowls England in the following ways:
		Direct cost savings, e.g. maintenance of membership database, postage etc.
		Obtaining and retaining sponsorship, e.g. from marketing partners
		Direct revenues from a share of Bowls England profits
		Showing some value of EBA affiliation to clubs and members
	Bowls England currently offer the following:
	To Clubs:
		Club Insurance Broking Service (in conjunction with Jardine Lloyd Thompson) (Call 0870 757 0262)
		Bank Deposit Facility (in conjunction with Anglo Irish Bank) (Call 08454 55 22 22)
		Reduced Cost Telephone Calls (in conjunction with Nationwide Telecom) (Call 0870 758 0280)
		Bar/Catering Service (in conjunction with Eskape Ltd) (Call 0870 757 0262)
	To Members:
		Bank Deposit Facility (in conjunction with Anglo Irish Bank) (Call 08454 55 22 22)
		Reduced Cost Telephone Calls (in conjunction with Nationwide Telecom) (Call 0870 758 0280)
		Bowlers Mastercard (in conjunction with Halifax Bank of Scotland) (Call 0800 731 2239 quoting reference 28PH)
		Bowlers Travel Club (in conjunction with Travel Club Services Ltd) (Call 0845 60 60 910)
		Freedom Plan - Equity Release (in conjunction with Home & Capital Trust) (Call 0800 253 657)
		Nutritional Supplements (in conjunction with Nature's Own Ltd) (Call 01684 310022)
		Annual Travel Insurance (in conjunction with Jardine Lloyd Thompson) (Call 0870 460 5174)
		Pet Insurance (in conjunction with Paws Pet Insurance) (Call 0870 460 5164)
		Motor and Home Insurance Broking Service (in conjunction with Jardines) (call 0870 460 5184)
	Bowls England is negotiating with additional marketing partners to offer the following: Health Cash Plan, Bowls Clothing, Bowls Holidays, Accident Insurance, Life Assurance, Book Offers, Healthy Food Supplements.