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DIVERSE CITY BOWLERS
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PLAYER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR RYAN BUTCHER WITH CLUB PRESIDENT CLLR PETE WEST
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NEW LEAGUE FOR LGBT+ TEN-PIN BOWLERS ) The Diverse City Bowlers League has been created to introduce a competitive element to a group of social ten-pin bowlers who have been meeting regularly in Brighton since 2008. They have seen their bowling skills improve over the years and now feel ready to take part in and organise bowling competitions. They aim to affiliate with the British Ten-Pin Bowling Association (BTBA), and have already affiliated with the International Gay Bowling Organisation (IGBO). Through this affiliation they have had several contacts from European LGBT+ bowling groups who are very enthusiastic for a bigger joint event. They are the first LGBT+ bowling group in the UK to affiliate with IGBO and through this affiliation they will be able to take part in global competitions such as the Gay Games. Whilst being an LGBT+run group they’re open to anyone who is accepting and non-homophobic. They bowl fortnightly at Hollywood Bowl, Brighton Marina, where the staff and management of the centre have been extremely helpful in setting up their league and provide a very gay-friendly and safe environment. Their lanes are currently in the process of getting recognised by BTBA which means the tournaments they organise will be fully sanctioned. Organisers send their sincere thanks to Hollywood Bowl for their support and enthusiasm. Their primary aim is to create a friendly, fair and competitive league that will cater for all abilities, and a safe, warm atmosphere where people can enjoy bowling with like-minded people. Help will be offered to those who want it and coaching sessions will be arranged for those of us who are interested. The friendly and social side of bowling is important to them, and socialising after bowling and at other times is encouraged but not compulsory. They are encouraging new bowlers from clubs, bars and as many of the friendly and supportive gay groups in Brighton and Sussex as possible. Invitations have already been sent out to several local organisations, and organisers hope to see them joining them for a game of fun and skill. Their contacts at BTBA have been very kind and receptive as well. Lee Hart, Head of Equality and Diversity, Terry Searle, Director of Sport Development, and Jerry Moll, Assistant to the Chairman, say: “Their strapline 'People Matter' incorporates BTBA’s attitude to making Ten-Pin Bowling as inclusive as possible. BTBA is also interested in sanctioning a National Competition for LGBT+ members, and would work with them to deliver the tournament which could possibly become an annual event." They currently have no membership fees, nor sponsorship. The cost of playing is £9 for three games. This may well change as they group grows, so far the small group has financed several setup costs amongst themselves. In future, they will eventually need a symbolic membership fee to cover costs, especially for sanctioning their local tournaments through BTBA. It’s easy to get in touch with them through their website, Facebook and Twitter pages and new players are always welcome. For more information, view: www.dcbowlers.org f /dcbowlers t /diversebowlers
SEA SERPENTS RFC CELEBRATE CLUB’S PROGRESS AT ANNUAL DINNER ) The Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents Rugby Football Club held their annual dinner at Hove Rugby Club on Saturday, June 24, attended by players, friends and supporters. Following a lovely three-course dinner, the President of the club, Cllr Pete West, Mayor of Brighton & Hove in 2016-17, highlighted the Sea Serpents’ achievements in the short period since they formed, and looked forward to helping them, through his contacts with the Brighton Fringe and Dutch Ambassador, to help build links as they prepare for their visit to Amsterdam in June 2018 to play in the Bingham Cup. Geraldine Brown, the Chairman of Hove Rugby Club, also spoke highlighting the importance of celebrating diversity in all sports.
an opportunity for teams to dispense their own mob-justice on players for perceived misdemeanours committed throughout the season. The club chairman, as judge, oversees the proceedings whilst the captain takes on the role of the prosecution. I remember very little after that except all the players who received an award drank a pint of beer very quickly followed by a shot chaser. Club awards were presented to: Special Award: Ian Shepherd for designing the Serpents’ club logo; Coach's Award: Zack Kaye; Supporters Award: Colin Blake; Most Improved Player: Richard Denslow; Clubman of the Year: Russell Kingaby; Captain’s Award: Paul Nellis; and Player's Player: Ryan Butcher.
Want to play Rugby? For more information about the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, view: The Kangaroo Court followed. For those www.pitchero.com/clubs/brightonand not acquainted with this ancient tradition, the Kangaroo Court represents hoveseaserpents