Lynd bowled over by award of top honour
LYNDHUST Bowls Club has received he perfect pre-Christmas present - a top national honour.
The 105-year-old Gateshead-based club has been named Club of the Year for 2017 by Bowls England.
The prestigious title, supported by Drakes Pride, is awarded annually to the club judged to have shown the greatest efforts to promote itself, increase membership and work within the local community.
Lyndhurst, runners-up for the award in 2015, demonstrated continued improvement to beat off stiff competition from runners-up Ilminster BC (Somerset) and fellow finalists Peacehaven and Telscombe BC (Sussex) and Southend BC (Essex) to claim the honour.
The club, which has 116 members including a thriving junior set-up, put itself forward for the accolade.
Secretary Jean Atkinson said: “We are ecstatic at winning the award, especially after going so close two years ago.
“It is a fantastic honour and will help us raise the profile of the club even further.
“Bowls England’s emphasis this year has been on clubs increasing membership and coaching opportunities.
“We have been able to develop both and it is great Bowls England have recognised that.”
As winners, Lyndhurst will receive £250 cash, four sets of Drakes Pride bowls and the Tony Allcock Trophy, which they can keep for one year.
They also pick up two free tickets to the Bowls England men’s annual dinner and prize presentation, a Bowls England pennant and Club of the Year flag, a framed certificate, and a badge for each club member.
Club members will also have the honour of a match against a visiting Bowls England President’s Team in July.
Bowls England Chief Executive Tony Allcock MBE said: “The quality of entries this year was again of an exceptionally high standard.
“The judging panel again had a tough choice in determining the winners across the categories.
“However, it was unanimously felt Lyndhurst BC’s work to increase membership across all ages and abilities gave them the edge.
“Our judges in their final report noted it is clear to see they intend to maintain a very high standard for current and future members.”