Jones to officially begin his year as president - bowls round-up

The meeting at the hastily-arranged venue of Wellington’s Sir John Bayley Club from 11am will end with Andy Jones stepping up to become county president.

And county secretary Dawn Gray explained: “It is a special year for me as I have the pleasure of proposing Andy Jones, chairman of the Tanners Shropshire League, for SCGBA president in 2026.

“As a lot know, I am also the Tanners Shropshire League secretary  and we will be celebrating 100 years in the 2026 season! 

“So, to have our league chairman as county president at the same time is very special.”

The Oswestry League will nominate a deputy president following consideration of a handful of rule change proposals, including doubling the fine for clubs not being represented at the AGM to £20.

Treasure Marie Scott will outline a small surplus on the accounts, that £3,660 was paid out in grants in 2025 and that she dealt with a small increase in new player registrations last year, up to 284.

County development officer Pauline Wilson will report progress on delivering the BCGBA’s five-year development strategy in Shropshire, this year’s focus being on a review of club constitutions, junior related charters and risk assessments.

Dates for the diary

Premier League club St Georges have their AGM tonight at the Sports & Social Club (7.30pm) and tomorrow’s Bandit Bowls one-day competition is at Monkmoor (9am start).

Allscott Heath Winter League

They may still have six fixtures to play, but Shifnal already look home and dry in the Allscott Heath Winter Bowling League.

Inaugural title winners last winter, they start what is effectively a championship winning parade tonight against The Flamingos on the village club’s carpet.

Shifnal survived their closest call of the campaign last week, only winning two of the four singles games, but still bet the Wrong Uns 74-51 on aggregate to pick up 16 more points to stay well clear of the pile.

Main title rivals Bylet have two games in hand and gained 18 points in beating Allscott Buccaneers this week, but they are still 50 adrift and have a tough clash looming with Bowring on Monday.

Whitchurch League

The signs may be promising but no final decision has been made about Shropshire’s biggest bowls league growing back to seven divisions.

Plans to expand the Whitchurch League back to its pre-Covid structure, due to applications from new teams, rest on a deadline of Saturday, February 14.

Christine Sayers, chair of the North Shropshire association that runs both the Whitchurch and Market Drayton evening leagues, explained the situation in the wake of its AGM at Wem USC.

“Clubs have until February 14 to let us know about new teams etc, so when we have a clearer picture we can let everyone know about any changes to the leagues/divisions,” she said.

The annual gathering of the Ellison Wealth Management-backed body was another poignant one for past county president Wendy Icke after recently announcing she was leaving the presidential role with the Market Drayton Senior Citizens League.

“After many years of service, Wendy Icke has decided to step down as President of the Market Drayton (evening) League,” said association secretary Leah Marshall. “The management team would like to thank Wendy for her dedication, commitment, and support over the years.

“The current management team will continue in their roles for 2026. Clubs were also invited to put forward new members for the team, but no offers were received.

“There were several discussions around minor rule changes and most proposals were carried - however, the proposals from Tilstock and Hadnall were not carried. 

“Match fees will remain unchanged for the 2026 season and the presentation evening will take place on Friday, November 13, at Hill Valley.”