Athena, in Leicester, once again set the scene for an unforgettable evening as the Bowls England Awards brought together almost 300 guests from across the bowls community to honour the remarkable contributions of individuals within our sport.

Now in its fourth year, the event shone a spotlight on those who dedicate their time and energy to bowls – from volunteers and umpires to coaches and players – highlighting the commitment that strengthens our community.

The evening began with a lively drinks’ reception, where guests mingled before making their way to their tables. VIP guests were treated to the delights of the night’s magician, who dazzled guests as they sipped on their glasses of bubbly.

Host Howard Bentham officially opened proceedings by welcoming Bowls England Chief Executive, Jon Cockcroft, to the stage. Jon reflected on the successes of 2024 and took a moment to express gratitude to the volunteers who are the backbone of the sport.

A special moment followed when Jon invited former Bowls England Performance Director, John McGuinness, to the stage for a surprise Special Recognition Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on England’s high-performance programme.

The awards then kicked off, beginning with Umpire of the Year, presented to Greg Brown for his dedication and commitment to ensuring the highest standards within the game.

Coach of the Year was awarded to Jan Taylor from Harperbury BC in Hertfordshire, recognising her passion for player development and tireless efforts in nurturing talent.

The coveted Bowls Maker of the Year accolade, sponsored by Aviva, went to Gary Perkins, celebrating his invaluable contributions as a volunteer and his dedication to enhancing the experience at the Aviva National Finals.

Gary got the bug for volunteering after doing so at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and then applied to volunteer at the Aviva National Finals. He told us, “It is great [to volunteer], I like to try and put a smile on people’s faces. It is a feel-good factor.”

The ever-important role of greenkeepers was highlighted with the Greenkeeper of the Year award, sponsored by Dennis Mowers & SISIS, which was presented to Brian Taylor of County Arts BC in Norfolk for his meticulous work in maintaining top-class playing surfaces.

County of the Year was awarded to Buckinghamshire, recognised for their commitment to growing membership and their efforts in promoting grassroots bowls throughout the county.

The future of the sport was showcased with the Rising Star awards, sponsored by Aviva. The Male Rising Star was awarded to Lloyd Milligan (Heaton Hall BC, Lancashire), while the Female Rising Star went to Millie Tuck (Poole Park BC, Dorset), both of whom made significant strides in their careers in 2024.

For the first time, the awards also recognised the outstanding achievements within disability bowls. The inaugural Para Bowler of the Year, sponsored by Aviva, was awarded to Fynn Kyser of Countesthorpe BC, Leicestershire, celebrating his dedication and competitive success.

Speaking after collecting the award, Fynn shared, “It is a privilege. For it to be the first Para Bowler of the Year award is amazing and the inclusion is a special moment.”

The spotlight then turned to England’s leading players, with Jamie Walker (Culm Vale BC, Devon) receiving Male Bowler of the Year and Amy Pharaoh (Cleethorpes BC, Lincolnshire) being crowned Female Bowler of the Year. Both players excelled on the international and Aviva National Finals stage in 2024. Jamie, unable to attend the evening due to commitments in the Bowls Premier League, sent his virtual thanks.

The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognised Alan Lambourne from Gloucestershire for his outstanding work in making bowls accessible and welcoming to all. Alan gave a rousing speech about how bowls truly is a sport for all.

Alan said, “There is no obstacle to stop people from bowling, the equipment I have managed to get enables everyone to carry on playing.”

The Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Aviva, was presented to Matt Hamilton of Ilminster BC, Somerset, for his long-standing commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts that have had a lasting impact on his club and county.

The Team of the Year accolade, sponsored by Aviva, went to Gerrards Cross BC from Buckinghamshire, following their remarkable Men’s Club Two Fours and Top Club success at the Aviva National Finals – another recognition for John McGuinness.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Club of the Year, awarded to Wadebridge BC from Cornwall, recognising their community engagement, membership growth and contributions to the local bowls scene.

A heartfelt moment came as Margaret Docherty and Stephen Hemsley were awarded Life Membership in recognition of their combined 25 years of service on the Bowls England Board. As they step down following their recent tenure, their leadership and dedication to the sport were celebrated with warm applause from the audience.

The evening concluded with the prestigious Certificate of Merit awards, presented to Jenny Corn (Warwickshire) and John Tucker (Surrey). Often seen as bowls’ equivalent of a Lifetime Achievement Award, this honour acknowledges volunteers who have given a lifetime of service to the sport and who have consistently gone beyond for their clubs and counties. Both Jenny and John reflected on their tremendous contributions to the sport whilst on stage.

The celebrations continued late into the evening, with live music from The Indianas as award winners, nominees, and guests came together to reflect on a night of well-deserved recognition.

Bowls England extends its sincere thanks to its sponsors – Aviva, Riviera Travel, Dennis Mowers & SISIS, Aceit, and Friends of English Bowling – for their continued support in making the Awards such a special occasion.

Awards Winners

Umpire of the Year – Greg Brown
Coach of the Year – Jan Taylor (Harperbury BC, Hertfordshire)
Bowls Maker of the Year (sponsored by Aviva) – Gary Perkins
Greenkeeper of the Year (sponsored by Dennis Mowers & SISIS) – Brian Taylor (County Arts BC, Norfolk)
County of the Year – Buckinghamshire
Male Rising Star (sponsored by Aviva) – Lloyd Milligan (Heaton Hall BC, Lancashire)
Female Rising Star (sponsored by Aviva) – Millie Tuck (Poole Park BC, Dorset)
Para Bowler of the Year (sponsored by Aviva) – Fynn Kyser (Countesthorpe BC, Leicestershire)
Male Bowler of the Year (sponsored by Aviva) – Jamie Walker (Culm Vale BC, Devon)
Female Bowler of the Year (sponsored by Aviva) – Amy Pharaoh (Cleethorpes BC, Lincolnshire)
Diversity and Inclusion – Alan Lambourne (Gloucestershire)
Unsung Hero (sponsored by Aviva) – Matt Hamilton (Ilminster BC, Somerset)
Team of the Year (sponsored by Aviva) – Gerrards Cross BC (Buckinghamshire)
Club of the Year – Wadebridge BC (Cornwall)
Certificate of Merit – Jenny Corn (Warwickshire) and John Tucker (Surrey)

We had professional photographers capturing the many fantastic moments of the Bowls England Awards, including photos in front of our fancy photo backdrop! These photos are now available to view and purchase with prices starting from £5.00.