2024 was a positive year for Bowls England, with thousands of new people trying our sport through our participation programmes, significant safeguarding progress making our sport the safer and more inclusive, stable affiliation numbers and more people seeing our wonderful sport through media interest of England success and record numbers across our live streaming.
Delegates representing the County Associations that form Bowls England convened at Goodwood Bowls Club for the 2024 Annual General Meeting on 22nd February. Attendees were presented with the 2024 Annual Report and updated on Bowls England developments and strategic focuses for the year ahead, before formal proceedings on the five propositions for the 2025 season and beyond began. The meeting concluded with the opportunity for delegates to spend time with, and ask questions to, members of the Bowls England Board and Leadership Team.
Bowls England put forward a total of three propositions (Named ‘Special Resolutions 1-3’), proposing changes to the Articles of Association number 15, number 75 and Definitions across Articles of Association numbers 58, 59, 61, 74 and 78. The proposed changes were designed to create alignment with strategic developments and Sport England’s Code of Governance. All these passed.
Northamptonshire presented propositions regarding time limits at competitions, proposing an extension for 4 Bowl Singles to 2hrs 30, excluding Trial Ends, and a two-minute ‘Time Out’ to be added if the umpire attends for measuring or adjudication (with only one ‘time out request per end allowed). This failed.
Suffolk proposed a change to the Article of Association number 23, suggesting supporting information regarding the AGM and its respective propositions are received at least 42 days prior (rather than the current 14) to allow sufficient time to involved clubs and members in discussions. This passed.
The results of the propositions and special resolutions are as follows:
Passed
Bowls England and Suffolk Bowls Special Resolutions
Rejected
Bowls Northamptonshire propositions
The 2025 AGM also included the official appointments of new member-elected board members, Sian Honnor and Steve Warren, both having represented England on the international stage, and re-elected board member, Foster Johnson. Kim Harris (Devon) and Paul Green (Northamptonshire) were sworn in as new Bowls England Vice Presidents, whilst David King-Taylor gave an emotional speech as he stepped down from his Presidency. Sheila Storey, who was to step in to the role, unfortunately has had to step down for health reasons. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sheila for her support during her time on the Presidential Team.
“I will aim to be a great ambassador for Bowls England” – Kim Harris, Devon
“I couldn’t be more happy than I am today, I’m sure me and Kim will make a great team” – Paul Harris, Northamptonshire
After a combined 25 years of service, Board members Margaret Docherty and Stephen Hemsley are stepping down following the end of their recent Board tenure. Margaret and Stephen were thanked for their exceptional dedication, service, and contributions which have significantly enriched our sport throughout England and, in recognition of their services to Bowls England and the sport in general, the Board has awarded them both Life Membership of Bowls England.
Chair of the Board, David Tucker, also appointed Blythe Liggins as Bowls England Lawyers and Dafferns as Bowls England Accountants and Auditors. Affiliation Fees for 2025 were ratified at £7.10, and £7.10 plus inflation for 2026.
Prior to the propositions, CEO of Bowls England, Jon Cockcroft, gave a review of the year past. Delving in to the 2024 Annual Report, Jon detailed stable affiliation figures, a stronger financial footing for the sport and the significant steps made in making our sport safer for all.
You can view the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Information here.
Financial Update
2023/24 saw increased levels of investment back into the sport resulting in further return on investment year on year and as such, the past year was identified as a turning point of our long-term financial picture. The last two years required considerable usage of cash reserves however, with a budgeted deficit of £23,775 for 2023/24 and an actual deficit of £25,721, the financial landscape is promising.
Stephen Hemsley, Board Director responsible for Finance, reinforced the positive picture and further detailed the significant increase of our cash reserves due to reduction in debtors following improved invoicing processes and efficiencies. Projection for the 2024/25 season is a break-even budget, continued growth of cash reserves and focus on opportunities for additional funding streams that align with our strategic decisions.
You can view the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Information here.
The revised Articles of Association will be uploaded to the Bowls England website next week.