As part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, we are proud to shine a light on Margaret Docherty, a true stalwart of the sport whose dedication has spanned over four decades.

Margaret’s introduction to bowls came through family weekends by the coast, where she and her family looked for something to do. That simple decision led to a lifetime in the sport, with an influential figure guiding her early steps.

“I was lucky as Ethel Haile, who was a current international, took me under her wing. I learnt a lot from her,” Margaret recalls.

Success soon followed, and after winning her club championship, Margaret was invited to represent her county in 1990. “I enjoyed the team spirit and was proud to represent the county at the Nationals in the Johns Trophy on a couple of occasions,” she says.

While Margaret enjoyed playing at county level for Cumbria, she soon discovered another way to contribute, through administration.

“The opportunity to become county secretary was offered to me. I thought with my organising skills, although still playing bowls, I could give more on the administration side,” she explains.

That decision led to an extensive career in bowls governance. Margaret was President of the English Women’s Bowling Association (EWBA) in 2006, served on the Championship Committee for 11 years, and was part of the Bowls England Board at its formation in 2008.

One of Margaret’s proudest moments was working alongside Norma Hazzledine as Assistant Competition Manager at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

“I remember getting a phone call from Nancie Colling (EWBA Secretary) telling me she had put me forward for the role – it was such an honour,” Margaret says. “Norma was so knowledgeable and great to work alongside.”

Margaret acknowledges the impact of several women in her career, including the late Nancie Colling.

“She [Nancie Colling] was so dedicated to bowls that she was definitely someone to look up to, and with that, I aimed to achieve as much as I could,” Margaret reflects.

Having been involved in the sport since 1978, Margaret has witnessed many changes, none more visible than the evolution of the dress code.

“The strict dress code of white skirts, shirts, ties, blazers, and brown shoes has completely transformed. Now we see coloured trousers, tops in all different shades, and even multi-coloured shoes, which has really helped modernise the sport,” she says.

For Margaret, the future of women in the sport is clear – more opportunities for young women to get involved and thrive.

“I would like to see more young women take up the sport and have as many opportunities as possible to achieve their goals,” she says.

Margaret’s incredible contribution to the sport was recognised with Life Membership of Bowls England at the 2024 Annual General Meeting, an honour she holds with great pride.

“I feel very proud and honoured to have been awarded Bowls England Life Membership in recognition of my service to this wonderful game. Bowls is a sport for all, and it has given me so many opportunities. I have made great friends and visited many counties and countries. I never thought that trying to find something to do all those weekends ago would have led to the life it has given me.”

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate Margaret’s achievements and thank her for her dedication to the sport of bowls.