European bowls championship 2013

NINTH EUROPEAN

TEAM BOWLS championships

2013

ALICANTE, SPAIN

Photo: Carl Eagle

29th SEPT-4th OCT 2013 EMERALD ISLE•SAN MIGUEL

THE NINTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013

MESSAGE FROM THE FEB PRESIDENT

“Todos juntos haremos que sea una competición inolvidable, que todos regresen a sus lugares de procedencia habiendo podido comprobar que España efectivamente, fue la mejor opción para albergar el Campeonato de Europa.Y que nos sentimos enormemente orgullosos de ello.”

“Together we shall see that it is an unforgettable event, that everyone will return to the land they came from feeling satisfied that Spain was the best option to hold these championships. And we are very proud of it.”

Some time ago I addressed all lawn bowlers to express the hope and expectation that Spain could take on the organisation of the European Championships in the belief that we were the best candidate, with all due respect to the others.

Now, I can proudly address you all as President of the Federation hosting this major sporting event, Spain having finally been selected as it could not have been otherwise.

Although the economic situation is not of the best, we shall try eagerly with all our strength and tenacity to ensure that our limitations will not lessen the beauty, grandeur and success of this competition where the best of each country will meet.

Together we shall see that it is an unforgettable event, that everyone will return to the land they came from feeling satisfied that Spain was the best option to hold these championships. And we are very proud of it.

Finally I wish to welcome and give a thank you to all the participants, players, umpires, trainers, directors, organisers and collaborators, in summary to all those who have given of their best..

My best wishes for a happy outcome and sporting success. Kindest regards to you all. !! And may the best win “” José Luis Boto Álvarez, Presdent FEB.

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Hace meses me dirigía a todo el colectivo del Bolo Césped ilusionado y esperanzado con que España pudiera alzarse con la organización del Campeonato de Europa, convencido de que éramos la mejor candidatura, desde el máximo respeto al resto.

Ahora, enormemente orgulloso, puedo dirigirme a todos desde el puesto de Presidente de la Federación anfitriona de este magno evento deportivo. Porque España finalmente fue la elegida, como no podía ser de otra manera.

Si bien el momento económico no es el mejor, intentaremos ilusionados, con todo nuestro esfuerzo y tesón, que nuestras limitaciones no empañen le belleza, la grandiosidad y el éxito de esta competición donde se reunirán los mejores de cada casa.

Todos juntos haremos que sea una competición inolvidable, que todos regresen a sus lugares de procedencia habiendo podido comprobar que España efectivamente, fue la mejor opción para albergar el Campeonato de Europa. Y que nos sentimos enormemente orgullosos de ello.

Deseo, por último, dar la bienvenida y mi agradecimiento a todos los participantes, deportistas, árbitros, entrenadores, directivos, organizadores, colaboradores, en suma, a todos aquéllos que darán lo mejor de sí mismos.

Mis mejores deseos de éxitos deportivos y humanos. Un saludo cordial a todos ¡¡ Y que gane el mejor!!

José Luis Boto Álvarez Presidente de la FEB

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR

I

t gives me great pleasure to welcome all nations to Spain, to compete in the European Team championships of 2013.

To be National Director of Lawn bowls Spain, and bring such a prestigious bowling event to our shores is indeed a great honour, and I would like to thank the E.B.U. For choosing Spain for this event.

I would like to thank all the diligent work of the Spanish organising committee, their commitment to the organisation of this event has been truly wonderful.

Thanks also goes to the owners and committees of both Emerald Isle and San Miguel Bowls Clubs, their cooperation has been total in hosting the European Team Championships, also thanks to all other bowling clubs in

Spain for their support of these Championships.

My thanks go to the Leader newspaper, and their continued support of Bowls in Spain, no matter what direction we take.

I pay tribute to the F.E.B. In the name of President Jose Luis Boto Alvarez, for his continued support and funding which has made it possible to bring the European Team Championships to Spain.

All that is left for me to say, is to all competing nations, please enjoy the European Team Championships of 2013, and be happy in the sport we all love.

John Muldoon National Director Lawn Bowls Spain

THE NINTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 5

WELCOME FROM THE EUROPEAN BOWLS UNION On

behalf of the European Bowls Union, I extend a very warm welcome to all the players, officials and spectators from the fifteen countries participating in the 9th European Team Championships. This event known as "The Friendly Games" comes around every two years and is one which we all look forward to immensely.

The European Bowls Union are extremely grateful to Spain for hosting these games for the first time and their generous sponsorship will ensure the championships will be as successful as we have come to expect over the years.

My congratulations to all the players who have been selected to represent their country. I am sure you will enjoy the facilities made available to us and hope that the matches will be competitive and you will play with pride and passion, whilst also

embracing the wonderful sportsmanship expected in the sport of bowls.

May I express my sincere thanks to the European Bowls Union officers, the officials from Spain and the Umpires who give of their time generously to ensure the organisation and the administration of the games will run as smoothly as possible.

Special thanks to Pauline Biddlecombe, who stepped in as Secretary as well as continuing as our Treasurer, when Garry Collins was unable to continue in the role of Secretary. Many thanks to SVP Tzvika Hadar and JVP Tom Keenan for their support, and not forgetting Jean Tait who comes to the end of her role in the Presidential chain at the AGM. Jean has been a tower of strength in the European Bowls Union over the past six years and fully supportive of everything the Union stands for; she can feel very proud of a job well done. Thank you Jean.

Finally my thanks to you the supporters of these games, who have travelled far and wide to support your teams. May you be in

good voice and enjoy the championships and may the winner be the wonderful sport of bowls.

Eddie Williams President European Bowls Union

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PETER BONSOR Peter Bonsor joined the Spanish Squad in 2007. In 2009 he won a Bronze Medal in the World Cup Singles in Sydney Australia. In Sept 2009 he moved to Wollongong 1hour South of Sydney in NSW where he was sponsored and employed by Towradgi Park Bowling Club as Bowls Coordinator. Whilst there he won 5 club championships, and as captain the club won 2 Pennant flags and he was runner up in the Televised NSW Open Pairs.

Peter rejoined the Spanish Squad 2013.

JANET DANDO Janet Dando joined the Spanish Squad in 2007. At the Atlantic Championships in Cyprus 2011, Jan won a Bronze medal in the Ladies Triples.

In 2012 Jan was part of the Spanish Squad that played in theWorld Bowls Chamionships in Adelaide.

In 2013 she won her Club Singles Chamionship and went on to win the Andalucian Singles Title. Then the icing on the cake in becoming the Spanish National Ladies Singles Champion.

LYNN GREENLAND Lynn Greenland also joined the Spanish Squad in 2007. 2012 Lynn played in the 1st International Dutch Open in Haarlem Amsterdam.

She was also part of the Spanish Squad that played in the World Bowls Championships in Adelaide 2012.

In 2013 Lynn became her Club Singles Champion and went on to win the CBBA Champion of Champions Ladies Single Title.

GRAHAM CATHCART Graham Cathcart lives in Tenerife and runs Tenerife Green Bowls. He joined the Spanish Squad in 2012. He was part of the Spanish Squad that played in the World Championships in Adelaide 2012. He also went to Cyprus in 2013 for the first 4 Nations International Open. He is currently the Teide Bowls Club 2013 Singles Champion and has held this title on 2 previous occasions.

Graham travels from Tenerife to practice and play in Test Matches with his fellow Squad members.

Left to right: Janet Dando, Graham Cathcart. Lynn Greenland and Peter Bonsor.

The Management/Selectors of the Spanish National Squad feel that this Team could be the one to bring the European Championship Trophy to Spain in 2013.

With the Competition being played in our adopted Country of Spain, we are expecting a lot of support. We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the people involved in the organisation and running of this prestigious event.

In particular, Sr Jose Luis Boto Alvarez, President F.E.B. in Madrid and the Spanish Sports Council. Thanks go to National Director John Muldoon of Lawn Bowls Spain, Bob Donnelly, Valencian Delegado FEB, for all their hard work in securing Accommodation and Venues for the Competitions.

Last but not least the Venues. Emerald Isle BC and San Miguel BC. They have both been working hard preparing their Greens for the players to enjoy during the Championships.

Pat Metcalfe Spanish National Coach Admin Officer National Team

PAT METCALFE Pat joined the Spanish Squad in 2007 as the Assistant National Coach and became the National Coach in 2009.

She is responsible for Training sessions, Selections and Admin.

Pat attended her first International Event in 2010 at the Atlantic Championships in South Africa. Since then she have been to Portugal & Cyprus twice and Adelaide Australia. She has also attended all Test Matches played against other Countries here in Spain.

Pat is now looking forward to her retirement at the end of this year. She will remain as the Admin Officer for the Spanish Squad.

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FRAN DAVIS

BOB MANSON Bob began playing bowls at just 10 years old with his parents in Edinburgh. He went on to win his Club Championship three times as well as other club titles. In Cyprus in 2012, Bob became the National Mens Singles Champion and will compete in the Champion of Champions in New Zealand in November this year.

Born in Edinburgh, Fran has been playing bowls since 2001. She moved to Cyprus in 2006 and is now a member of the Coral Bay Bowls Club. Fran was a member of the team that represented Cyprus in the Atlantic Championships held in Cyprus in 2011 and was also a member of the Cyprus team in a trinations test match in 2013.

IRENE OWEN

MICHAEL JARVIS Irene started her bowling career over 30 years ago in England. She was a county player and John’s Trophy player. Since Bowls Cyprus was formed in 2007, Irene has won many national titles. Irene has represented Cyprus at the Atlantic Championships twice, in Johannesburg in 2009 and again in Cyprus in 2011.

Michael started bowling after moving to Cyprus from England.

He is a member of the Coral Bay Bowls Club and won his Club’s Mens 2-bowl Competition in 2011 and 2012. In 2012 he won the National Mens 2-bowl Competion. In the tri-nations test match in 2013, Michael played in the President’s Select Team.

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VOLKER KIRMSE

ULF SCHÄDEL Volker is the oldest team member.

This will be his third EBU Championships.

He was also part of the German team at the 2010 World Short - Mat Championships in Dumfries, Scotland, when he and Annett were part of the German triples.

JANA ZAPP

Ulf is overall team manager. He was in the German triples at the 2012 World Short-Mat Championships.

All the players come from one club, Sport Verein Löbichau.

Löbichau is a village situated about 40 miles (60km) south of Leipzig

ANNELIE WACHHOLZ This will be Jana's first EBU Championship. Illness prevented her from being part of the foursome in Portugal.

Her World Short - Mat Championships experience was ahieved while playing as third in Andreas Hahn's rink in both 2010 and 2012.

KRIS BICHARD

Women's team manger. Annelie too was at the 2012 World ShortMat Championships as second in Andreas Hahn's rink. She partnered Annett at the EBU event in Portugal.

There is no funding for lawn bowls in Germany. The shirts are sponsored by a local firm.

JEANETTE LAWRENCE Jeannette (known as Jan) has been playing for a number of years at Club level but is now trying to reach a higher standard. Last season was a winner for Guernsey as part of a Ladies Pairs and Fours team which then went on to win Channel Island titles for both disciplines. Plays with Henselite Classic 1 Heavy. Right Handed.

Kris is equally at home playing the indoor or outdoor game having won the outdoor National under 25's Men’s championship for 3 consecutive years and the indoor competition twice, in 2008 and 2011.

He has also achieved wins in a number of different disciplines in various Channel Isles competitions.

TODD PRIAULX

JACKIE NICOLLE Aged just 24 Todd was the British Isles Pairs Runner-Up in 2013. He came 5th in the World Junior Cup in 2011.

Domestically he has been the Channel Island Champion on 7 different occasions.

Jackie has made International appearances in 2004 at World Bowls, 2005 Atlantic Rim (Ireland), 2007 European Championships (Cyprus), 2007 Atlantic Rim (Scotland) and 2009 World Cup (Australia). She plays for the Island and won the Press Drawn Pairs in 2010.

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BOBBY PRICE

WIN KEWLEY Bobby has been bowling for just 4 years and is the current Isle of Man’s Pair’s Champion.

This will be Bobby’s first cap and he leads for the men’s team.

PHIL SMITH

This will be Win’s first cap and she is a relatively knew bowler who is relishing the opportunity to play in the European Team Championships in Spain.

Win will lead for the Ladies.

BERNICE MCGREAL Phil will skip the men’s and mixed team and is the current IOM Men’s Singles champion.

This is Phil’s first cap outdoors but he has represented the IOM indoor in the Island Games.

MARK WILSON

Bernice is the most experienced of the IOM team having played in the Eighth Championships and having a top 16 finish in the Champion of Champions.

Bernice will skip for the Ladies and is the current IOM Ladies Singles Champion.

BARBARA CAMERON Mark is a Sales Supervisor who bowls out of Cookstown Bowls Club. He took the sport up in 1998 and just 3 years later picked up his first major title, in the Irish Under 18 Singles.

After a successful career as a Junior this will be his 7th appearance as a member of the Irish Senior team. he won the National Pairs in 2011.

STEVEN SHIELDS

Barbara has been the Ireland Team Captain since 1988. During her career she has represented her country at 4 Commonwealth Games. She has twice won Gold and Bronze medals at the Atlantic Championships. She bowls ou of Ballymena Bowls Club and her National Successes include the Irish Singles.

MANDY CUNNINGHAM Steven was born in Irvine, Scotland. He is just 22 years of age and bowls out of Ballymena Bowls Club. His first major success was to win the Under 18 Irish Singles in 2008 since when he has gone on to win both the Irish Under 25 Singles in 2009 and last years Irish Pairs Championship.

Mandy plays at the Ewarts Bowls Club in Belfast.

She has been an Ireland International since 2004 and was selected to play in the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

She was Atlantic Pairs Champion in 2005 and 2009 and her domestic successes include the National Singles titles in 2011 and 2013.

THE NINTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 18

HAVIV TAKIN

TAMMIE KAMZEL

DANNY SLODOVNIK IRIT GRENCEL

JOHN LOWERY

Lawn Bowls was started in Israel in 1953 by a migrant from South Africa. Over the years bowls here developed from one bowling club to a bowling community of 500 bowlers, playing at eight grass green Bowling Clubs.

Regardless of size Israel continues to have good results at International Tournaments such as the Atlantic Championships and the European Championships. Our players have in passed years also won medals at the World Championships and the Champion of Champions and attained high ranking in World Bowls Israel's efforts at the European Championships have been consistently good always finishing among the top six Nations.

This year Israel is sending 4 compatible bowlers who over the years have all won Israel National titles , have competed in test matches as well as European and World Bowls competitions.

Tammie Kamzel, Irit Grencel and Danny Slodovnik have all won medals at the Atlantic Championships and /or the European Championships, Tammie being runner up in the European Team Championships in 2003.

The team is Haviv Takin & Danny Slodovnik (men), Tammie Kamzel & Irit Grencel (women) and Yaffa Lavin & Maximo Wagensberg (managers) .......www.bowlsisrael.co.il

CHRIS GRIMES Chris is a retired nursery nurse who plays her bowls at St Brelade Bowls Club. First major success was as a silver medalist at World Bowls 2004. She was a quarter finalist in Melbourne 2006 and this will be her 4th appearance at these championships. She was a gold medalist in the 2007 Atlantic Rim Tournament.

From St Helier, John bowls at the Jersey Club. He was just 15 years of age when he won his first major competition, the National Pairs. As well as success in a variety of British Isles Championships John came 5th overall in the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

He was an Atlantic Rim Bronze medalist in 2009.

GREG DAVIS

JOAN RENOUF Greg has been playing bowls for 12 years and has competed for Jersey in various disciplines around th world including the Atlantic Rim and World Bowls 2012.

He was National Fours Champion in 2007 and Pairs in 2009 and 2010.

Greg has finished twice as a runner up in British Isles pairs and fours Competitions.

Joan plays at the St Brelade Bowls Club. She is a retired Civil Servant. Her first success was a gold medal in the 2007 Atlantic Rim since when she has played in the Commonwealth Games and at World Bowls.

She won the gold medal 2 years ago in the EBU Pairs Competition.

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JOHN ROS

INEKE NAGTEGAAL John Ros, born 22-08-1954.

A high level player.Taking part in the Atlantic Championsships in 2007 in Scotland and 2011 in Cyprus. For many years a good player in the P.B.A. John is also a first class international umpire.

Playing with Henselite bowls, classic II.

RALP DE ROOIJ

Ineke is a high level player in Dutch competition, many times champion in pairs, triples and fours.

Participant in E.C. 2003, WK Leamington Spa 2004, Atl. Champs Bangor in 2005, 2009 Atl. Champs Scotland, test matches in Gr. Britain, 2012 Dutch Open. Playing with Taylor Ace.

NORMA DUIN Also a high level player, many times Dutch Champion in single, pairs and triples. International player in the Atlantic Championships in South Africa, playing several years in the Tiger Bowls World Tournament in Hongkong, last year with his team champion! E.C 2011 in Portugal also participant, 2012 Dutch Open.

STEWART BANKS

High level player in Dutch competiton, many times champion in pairs, triples and fours.

International participant in 1996

by WB Leamington Spa, 2000 Moana – Australia, 2001 E.C. Jersey, 2007 Atl.Champs Scotland, 2007 E.C. Cyprus, 2012 Dutch Open. Playing with Hensellte, dreamline .

BRIAN FITZGIBBON Stewart Banks, current holder of the Bowls Portugal pairs, European Championships in Cyprus and Portugal, World Indoor Championship in Australia, World Team Championship in South Africa ,Atlantic Rim qualifier in Scotland, and international test matches against Spain

MARY BANKS

Brian Fitzgibbon is a past winner of the Bowls Portugal mixed fours and has played in an international test match against Spain.

MANDY FITZGIBBON Mary Banks, Played in an Atlantic Rim Qualifier In Ireland, European Championships in Cyprus and Portugal,

A past winner of the Bowls Portugal mixed fours and pairs, and has played in an international test match against Spain.

World Indoor championships in Australia, World Team Championships in South Africa, Champion of Champions in Scotland, and international test matches against Spain

THE NINTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 21

HISTORY OF BOWLING IN SPAIN

B

owling has been played in Spain has been played in Spain for at least 30 years, when hotels started to expand the tourist trade, particularly to the British market, and realised that Bowls was a popular sport in the U.K. and started to provide greens for them. At first, they played a variety of surfaces, grass, carpet and even hard sand or clay!

However it was always been confined to the coastal areas, particularly the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca.

Nothing has ever been formally compiled about the history, so we are still looking to fill many gaps in order to have a complete story, but the first formal arrangements were made on the costa Blanca, although the Costa del Sol had built up many clubs attached to hotels, probably much earlier than they had.

On the Costa Blanca the first registered Club was Javea Green in 1986, closely followed by Benitachell, El Cid (all in North Alicante) and La Siesta in 1998.

San Miquel and La Marina were next in 1998, then Finca Guila in 1990. There was a gap until 1997 when Quesada and Greenlands were formed, followed by Calpe 2000, San Luis 2001, Albir 2002 (closed 2009), Emerald Isle 2003, La Manga ( the only grass surface in the area and part of a golf complex) 2003, Montemar 2005, Lemon Tree 2005 (closed 2011), Horadada (the only green built by a local Council) 2006, Bonalba and Mazarron 2008 ( both part of a golf complex), El Rancho 2009, and finally Vistabella in 2010, which is also part of a golf complex.

Bowls is part of the Federaci贸n Espa帽ola de Bolos and was officially recognised as a national sport on April 10th. 1986.

The idea of playing Leagues on the Costa Blanca was started in 1990 and the inaugural meeting of the CBBA was held on March 24th. 1990 with 7 clubs attending.

It was legally constituted at Regional and National level in May 1991, with Statutes being registered a year later on May 5th.

At the same time in December 1990 clubs were encouraged to become members of the Federation (Federaci贸n Territorial Valenciana de Bolos, now the Federaci贸n de Bolos de la Communidad Valenciana) in order to be legally recognised as a sport in Spain.

We also started to play a National Championship at the same time, which has gone from strength to strength so that today the entrants are in excess 500, with nearly 1500 entries.

Of course, we also have an international team, which, when it started was of a lower profile, but with help from our experienced ex pat. bowlers, became more organised, so that today we have a full training, coaching and management team, which has seen an immense improvement, so much so, that we can play against the best teams in the world, and get good results.

The Costa del Sol was also being organised at the same time, followed later by Almeria, and at the same time National Championships were being considered, but at the time of writing this account the information is sketchy, but for posterity I am sure that these gaps will be filled to give a more complete history of our sport in Spain.

Even today we do not know how many clubs there are in Spain, but apart from the three Regions listed we have recently incorporated the Canary Islands into the Federation, and are aware that Bowls are played at least in the Balearic

By Bob Donnelly

Islands and Castellon, albeit only at club level, but no doubt there are many more in other parts that we would be pleased to incorporate, but, officially we have about 2800 members.

Please remember, this is not a complete history, and we would be pleased if anybody can help to fill in the gaps.

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COLIN WALKER

SUSAN MURRAY

DEREK OLIVER

LYNN STEIN

BRUNO KOCHER

Bowls Scotland is the national governing body for outdoor lawn bowls in Scotland.

It was formed in 2010 after both the Scottish Bowling Association and the Scottish Women's Bowling Association showed the vision to vote for unification.

Our aim is to widen awareness and increase participation in what is already one of the most popular and successful sports in Scotland.

In doing so we are in the fortunate position of being able to build on the superb work that has already been done by our clubs that have taken bowls to the heart of almost every community in the country, as well as by the national team that has won more World Championship gold medals than any other country.

Bowls Scotland currently has 894 member clubs and 90,000 members.

We are forming partnerships with sponsors, commercial partners and government agencies to ensure that we maximise support for our clubs and volunteers as they bid to promote bowls throughout Scotland.

The organisation is run by 10 Board members (5 Men, 5 ladies), a council of 32 voluntary District Councillors (Men) and 28 voluntary District Councillors representing the 32 Ladies districts and 6 paid staff, a CEO, a National Development Officer, and 4 Administrators dealing with events, finance, membership and general duties.

DANIELE JUTZI-SCHNYDER Relatively new to the sport Bruno has been a member of Bowls Club Thun since 2011.

He is a commercial manager and his hobbies include bowls, skiing, music, cooking and most sports.

ULRICH KUNZ

Married with 2 children Daniele is a consultant for a fashion house.

She is a member of Bowls Club Gstaad and has now been bowling for 5 years

SIMONE ISELI-SCHNYDER Another member of Bowls Club Thun with only 2 years in the sport, Ulrich works as a Financial Administrator.

His hobbies include bowls, curling, music, cooking and gardening.

Simone started bowling in 2007 and she currently plays out of Bowls Club Gstaad.

Married with 2 children she is employed as an architect

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OZKAN AKAR

HAVVA KONANC

Turkish Bocce Bowling Dart Federation The Turkish Bocce Bowling and Darts Federation (TBBDF) was founded by the Central Advisory Committee of Sports Ministry on the 18th of October in 2004.

Mr Ahmet Recep TEKCAN was elected as the first president of TBBDF on the 24th of March in 2005.

IBRAHIM TUKENMEZ SEVDA CAKMAK

In 2006 TBBDF gained its autonomous status on the 22nd of January and Mr TEKCAN was re-elected by the 1st Ordinary General Congress of the federation on the 27th of May. The congress also accepted to include Petanque and Sports Boules to the federation by a unanimous vote.

The 2nd Ordinary General Congress of the federaiton was held on the 27th of December, 2008 and Mr TEKCAN was re-elected for the 3rd time. Besides Lawn Bowls was accepted to be added as the new branch of the federation by a unanimous vote.

Now there are six sports disciplines represented under TBBDF: 1- Bocce, 2- Bowling, 3-Darts, 4-Petanque, 5-Sports Boules and 6-Lawn Bowls

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Out and about Around the local area

T

eeming with history and culture, with a warm welcome, the southern Costa Blanca is guaranteed to provide something to satisfy every visitor.

Centric to the airports of Alicante and San Javier, Torrevieja is one of the biggest cities in terms of population and growth, with a diverse population, the majority being none Spanish, with every country in the world said to be represented. This cosmopolitan blend makes a melting pot of international traditions which fuse with the natives, a blend which makes it unique in the range of bars, restaurants and shops available.

Torrevieja is also in the heart of the biggest salt producing area in Europe, one of the biggest in the world, where active Salinas are farmed for the commodity that is shipped around the globe.

As the whole areas was devastated by an earthquake in 1829, resulting in a huge loss of life, the roots of traditions of ship building and fishing are still everywhere to be seen, from the floating museum, housing both a submarine and customs patrol boat, as well as a rebuilt clipper, the original which was constructed on the sands of the “city of salt”.

The fishing port is still very much active, sandwiched between two leisure harbours, where boats set sail almost every night, brining their fresh catch back to the shore.

Two of the most beautiful churches stand in the centre of the city, along with numerous musical and theatrical venues, traditional building converted to exhibition halls, as well as a few hidden gems such as the traditional ice factory building, the old office of the Guardia Civil chief and even a listed home of one of Spain´s most respected writers, should you choose to nose around.

Heading south from Torrevieja we come across Orihuela, or at least the coastal zone of the municipality initially. Coastal hotels, bars and restaurants a plenty, and naturalists might like to know that some of the flora and fauna on the coastal zone is both protected and endangered, with countless campaigns to try to protect the environment from further damage.

Slightly inland from the coast, we find that Orihuela has a wealth of golf courses, with

many already listed amongst the world´s favourites, all ready to challenge and entertain, whatever your own level might be.

Heading further inland would bring us to Orihuela city itself, so rich in the history of Spain, an original Roman settlement, named the first city of the province of Alicante in 1437, deriving the modern name from being the capital of the Visigothic province of Aurariola, in the year 576. With an Arabic castle and towers, a Catholic cathedral built between the 14th and 16th centuries and the Baroque church of Santo Domingo, the history of Orihuela is on every street, but the recent innovation of guided tours has brought that history to life, as a costumed actor takes groups to visit the main sites, whilst also explaining the richness of the buildings visited.

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T

ravelling slightly further afield, Alicante in the north is the biggest city on the coast, the capital of the province of the same name, with recorded habitation of some 7,000 years, as settlers moved south through Europe.

Whilst in Alicante, a visit to the Castle of Santa Bรกrbara, positioned high on the top of Mount Benacantil, overlooking the city, with a lift to take you to the top, should you not fancy the rather steep walk. But once at the top, the views on a clear day are just mind blowing.

Palm tree lined promenades, traditional plazas, the marina and department stores aplenty, Alicante is both a paradise for

shoppers, as well as more leisurely day trippers.

If we were to head south, Cartagena is a must visit city, with naval and military history being key to this area, from submarine building, ship repairs and now, maritime patrols, the harbour always has a number of varied vessels to peruse, whilst possibly even taking a tourist boat trip around the harbour area.

Walking through the streets, Roman and Carthaginian ruins are never too far away, mostly now protected under glass, but visible to passersby, usually with a descriptive plaque. An archaeological museum and a naval alternative are also on the must-see list, with Cartagena playing host

The complete guide to Lawn Bowling in Spain www.bowlinginspain.com

to the Peral submarine, the first working attempt at a submersible, invented by Cartagena born Isaac Peral, launched in 1888, thus celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

This is just an overview of no more than a handful of places to visit. The idea is to give you a feel for the area you have come to visit, but barely scratches the surface of what is actually on offer. Most towns and cities have tourist information offices, where guides and maps can be collected, so make sure your first port of call is there and arm yourselves with a battery of leaflets, choose as many as you can squeeze in, and enjoy the richness of this wonderful area of Spain.

The magnificent view over the harbour from Alicante Castle

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ROGER JONES

CERIS HEWLINGS A member of an elite squad of players who are preparing to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. He plays for Panteg B.C. and also represents Monmouthshire CBA. Roger won the Welsh Singles title in 2008 followed by the BIBC Singles Champion in 2009 and also won the Welsh Pairs in 2012.

WAYNE GRIFFITHS

Ceris is a senior reporter with the Tenby Observer. She is a member of the Saundersfoot Bowls Club.

First picked for the Junior International Team in 1998. Major bowling achievements include National Indoor Singles Winner 2011, World Indoor Bowls Council Singles Winner 2012, and World Mixed Pairs Winner 2013

LAURA THOMAS

Another member of the elite squad of players preparing to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games. Plays for Welshpool B.C. and Montgomeryshire CBA. Wayne has won several National titles including: Welsh Singles in 2003, the Welsh Triples in 2005 and was a finalist in the Under 18 Singles in 1993.

The Presidents Select Team are :- David Rowlands, Diane Ingle, Lynda Hall and Barry Latham.

David and Diane have been wonderful supporters of the EBU over the years, marking when we had singles competitions in Portugal and Cyprus. Both played

Laura’s first major achievements brought her success as the Welsh U25 Pairs Winner and the British Isles U25 Pairs Finalist. Indoors Laura has won the National Indoor Singles in 2011, the National Indoor Triples in 2012 and she was the World Indoor Bowls Council Ladies Singles Winner in 2012

in the last European games in Portugal and proved to be very good opposition for any team, finishing 9th overall in the final table.

Lynda Hall lives near Marbella in the winter months and is used to playing on artificial surfaces.

2011 European Team Bowls Championships Review The Eighth European Team Bowls Championships was hosted

by Portugal at the Vilamoura Lawn Bowling Club, Algarve, with principle sponsors Amadeu and Janeth da Rocha stepping in at the eleventh hour to host the event.

Fifteen countries plus a President’s Select competed over 5 days in the new format of Mixed Fours and Men’s and Ladies Pairs.

This format proved to be popular with the players and reenforced the tournaments reputation as a “Team” Championships. The teams competing were Cyprus, England, Germany, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Jersey, Netherlands, Portugal, President’s Select, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Wales.The matches themselves were keenly played whilst embracing good sportsmanship. Wales (Lisa Forey, Caroline Taylor, David Harding and Marc Wyatt) had a great championship winning the Team event over England

Barry Latham was the Assistant Director for Bowls Spain and Chairman the Nationals Committee for a number of years. A former Spain International he has played in the Atlantic Championships in Ayr and World Bowls in New Zealand.

(Annalisa Bellamy, Lorraine Kuhler, Richard Catton and Tristan Morton) with Scotland (Susan Murray, Claire Douglas, Derek Oliver and Robert Grant) in third place.

The Mixed Fours was very close Wales taking the title on 25 points with Scotland second on 24 and Israel (Ruth Gilor, Tamar Kamzel, Tzvika Hadar and Dan Slodownik) third on 23.

In the Men’s Pairs only shot difference could separate the top 2 teams, David Harding and Marc Wyatt of Wales edging it over England pairing of Richard Catton and Tristan Morton with Stephen Shields and Gary McCloy of Ireland in third.

In the Ladies Pairs, Jersey pairing of Katie Nixon and Joan Renouf took the gold medal with 23 points, England with silver for Annalisa Bellamy and Lorraine Kuhler on 22, with Lisa Forey and Caroline Taylor of Wales taking bronze on 20 points.

THE NINTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 28

HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN BOWLS UNION

T

he European Bowls Union was established in June 1995 and was the brain-child of the late Alan Williams, a Past President of World Bowls and Secretary of the Welsh Bowling Association, and Roy Peacock, a Past President of the English Bowling Association.

Alan and Roy believed there was a need for an organisation to promote, foster and develop the sport of Bowls throughout mainland Europe, both in those countries where the sport was not yet played and in those countries where bowling greens already existed, primarily for use by United Kingdom holiday-makers who were travelling to the sunnier climes of Cyprus, Portugal and Spain in increasing numbers.

In the UK at that time it was evident playing 'mixed bowls' was gaining in popularity and consequently Alan and Roy decided the new organisation from the outset should cater equally for men and women bowlers.

1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIOUS WINNERS: Winners Runners Up Venue Ireland Wales Beau Sejour & Vale, Guernsey England Scotland Les Creux, Jersey Scotland Wales Les Creux, Jersey England Israel Vilamoura, Portugal Scotland England Vilamoura, Portugal England Scotland Paphos, Cyprus Scotland England Paphos, Cyprus Wales England Vilamoura, Portugal

drew from the Union. In 2008 Germany and Sweden became members, to be followed in 2009 by Switzerland.

Roy was elected the Union's first Chairman, a title subsequently changed to President, and held this office until 2001 when he was followed by Terry Coulthard of Wales who, in turn, was succeeded in 2003 by Eleanor Allan of Scotland. In 2005 Eleanor was succeeded by Amadeu Gil da Rocha of Portugal who, in turn,

The successful 2011 team repr esenting Wales representing Wales The idea of such a new organisation, and its objects, received whole-hearted support from the established National Governing Bodies representing men and women bowlers in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and they became the Union's first members, to be quickly followed by the National Governing Bodies of Guernsey, Jersey, the Netherlands and Spain. In 1996 representatives from Cyprus and Israel became members, to be joined in 1997 by the Isle of Man and Portugal, in 2001 by the Canary Isles and in 2005 by Malta. In 2005, because the Spanish Authorites insisted the Canary Isles should not have separate membership from Spain, the Canary Isles with-

was succeeded by Douglas Johnston of Scotland. In 2009 Douglas was succeeded

by Mrs Jean Tait of England. In 2003 Roy accepted appointment to a newly-created post of Development Officer.

Alan was elected the Union's first Secretary/Treasurer but, unfortunately, he died suddenly in 1998 and was succeeded

by Bob Jack MBE, a Past President of the English Bowling Association. In 2009 Bob was succeeded by Willie Cook, a Past President of the Scottish Bowling Association. Unfortunately in 2010 Willie had to resign due to pressure of his other work and, pending the election of a new Secretary/Treasurer at the General Meeting of Members which was held in

November 2011, Miss Brenda Keech agreed to act as Secretary and Bob agreed to take on the duties of Treasurer again.

In 1997, with financial help from the Guernsey Tourist Board, the Union staged in Guernsey the First European Team Championships.

In 1999 and 2001, respectively, the Second and Third Team Championships were staged at Les Creux Bowling Club, Jersey, with the help of sponsorship by the States of Jersey Sport and Leisure Department.

In 2003 and 2005 the Fourth and Fifth Team Championships were held at the Vilamoura Bowling Club, Portugal and were generously sponsored by the Club's owners, Amadeu and Janeth da Rocha.

In 2007 and 2009 the Sixth and Seventh Team Championships were held at Athena Beach, Paphos, Cyprus kindly sponsored

by Constantinou Bros Hotels Limited and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

In 2011 the Eighth Team Championships were held at the Vilamoura Bowling Club, Portugal and were generously sponsored by the Club's owners, Amadeu and Janeth da Rocha.

In 2002 the Union accepted an invitation from the Asian Lawn Bowls Federation to compete in an inaugural Test Match between Asia and Europe: this was held in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi Island, Malaysia in July 2003. The European Team, consisting of ten men and ten women, included players from England, Guernsey, Jersey, Portugal, Scotland and Spain; the event was won by Asia.

In July 2005 the Second Test match was held at the Winchmore Hill Bowling Club, London, England. The European Team of 6 men and 6 women from England, Guernsey, Jersey, Netherlands, Scotland and Spain lost to the team from Asia.