British Heart Foundation are currently offering free defibrillators to community organisations, and Crown Green Bowling Clubs are eligible to apply.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, and having a defibrillator on site could save lives – not just for club members, but for visitors and the wider community. The application process is simple, and the BHF also provides guidance and training to help clubs use their equipment confidently.
You can find full details and apply here by clicking the web link:
Please consider applying for your club, and share this information with other clubs in your area. Together we can help make Crown Green Bowling a safer, more welcoming community for everyone.
Please find below the first two editions of the BCGBA Funding Focus newsletter, created to support bowls clubs in finding and applying for relevant funding opportunities
🔹 August 2025 – Facilities
A county-by-county guide to grants for greens, pavilions, and community spaces.
🔹 September 2025 – Youth Development
Funding opportunities to help clubs engage young people, develop coaching programmes, and build links with schools and youth groups.
Both newsletters are practical and easy to use, with local opportunities listed first and national grants at the end.
Entries are being taken from Ladies teams for the County team competition which will be held on the weekend of the 4th and 5th October 2025. Venue is to be confirmed.
Teams for the event will consist of eight players, from a squad list of a maximum of twelve players, from which the team must be selected. Players must be bona fide members of the Club which is affiliated to NLFCBA.
The winner of the event of the event will go onto represent North Lancs & Fylde at the BCGBA Ladies Club Championship finals in 2026.
The format of the county qualifying event, competition rules, and entry fee will be determined by the Management Committee dependent upon entries.
If any Ladies team would like to register their interest, please contact Competition Secretary, Sarah Edmondson on 07855 799389
Announcement of the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the BCGBA
The British Crown Green Bowling Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Newton as our new Chief Executive Officer. Dan joins the Association with over 22 years of senior leadership experience across the sports development sector, having successfully led strategic transformation, governance reform, and programme delivery within a range of high-profile sporting National Governing Bodies.
Although Dan is new to crown green bowling, his passion for inclusive and community-led sport, combined with a deep-rooted belief in participation growth and sustainability, makes him an exciting and forward-thinking appointment. His arrival marks a significant step forward in the BCGBA’s ambition to revitalise the sport, modernise its structures, and drive fresh momentum across all levels of the game. Dan has forged a distinguished career by delivering impactful change in national sport organisations. His previous roles have included strategic leadership positions with organisations such as Parkour UK, Rounders England, and Inclusive Aquatics. Notably, he has secured over £5.9 million in sport funding, including £1.8 million from Sport England through the System Partner programme, underlining his ability to align sport with national priorities and unlock new growth opportunities.
At Parkour UK, Dan led a major organisational transformation, shifting the body from a volunteer-led group to a fully funded NGB with increased staff capacity and professionalised governance. This included transitioning from 0 to 10 employees and embedding Tier 3 governance, safeguarding frameworks, and sustainability strategies. He also spearheaded national engagement programmes that led to a 120% increase in participation across the sporting landscape, with a clear focus on insight-led, inclusive delivery models. Similarly, at Rounders England, Dan helped secure £3.9 million in funding, delivering high-impact community engagement initiatives and driving up participation across a broad demographic. His work has consistently demonstrated the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, unite them behind a shared vision, and build resilient systems that sustain long-term growth.
Dan’s reputation as a collaborative and values-driven leader is well known within the wider sporting landscape. He brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder alignment, digital transformation, financial governance, safeguarding, and inclusive recruitment – all essential elements for a modern, progressive governing body. His strong working relationships with Sport England, the Bowls Development Alliance, and other key national partners will be invaluable as BCGBA looks to build on its recent strategy and position the sport for future success. While Dan does not come from a crown green bowling background, he has already expressed a genuine enthusiasm to learn about the sport, its history, its culture, and its people. He recognises the unique heritage and community spirit that defines crown green bowls, and is committed to working alongside the BCGBA Board, County Associations, and Club volunteers to understand what makes the game special. The Board is fully confident that Dan’s fresh perspective and professional skillset will bring much-needed momentum and new thinking into the sport.
BCGBA Board Members, Association Officers, and National Advisory Council will provide Dan with the guidance and insight required to help him transition into his new role. His leadership will not replace the sport’s traditions – rather, it will help protect them by supporting growth, relevance, and engagement in a rapidly changing sporting landscape. Dan’s priorities as CEO will include increasing participation across all age groups – particularly juniors, ladies, and over-35s – as well as building sustainable Club and County structures. He is particularly enthusiastic about supporting the development of digital engagement, and creating better governance and funding models within the sport. His approach will be rooted in evidence-based planning, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive governance.
In his own words, Dan describes himself as “passionate about building pathways that make sport accessible to all,” and he brings a clear vision of how to align BCGBA’s ambitions with national trends in sport and leisure. His experience delivering innovative solutions at both grassroots and elite levels makes him well-equipped to lead the Association through its current period of transformation and beyond.
The BCGBA believes that Dan’s appointment signals a new era of opportunity for crown green bowling. With the sport facing challenges around participation decline, perception, and modernisation, his ability to unite people behind a shared vision and drive positive change will be critical. We encourage all members, Clubs, and County Officials to welcome Dan into the bowling community and support him as he begins this exciting chapter. His leadership represents not just change, but the promise of growth, professionalism, and a sport that’s fit for the future. Welcome to the BCGBA, Dan – we’re excited to have you on board.
North Lancs & Fylde’s Senior Men’s County team take on Cumbria in their final match of Section 2 of this season’s BCGBA County Championship. After defeats against reigning County Champions Warwick & Worcester in their opening game and North Midlands last month, the team will be hoping to bounce back with a victory.
The home fixture is taking place at St Andrews Bowling Club, Abinger Street, Burnley, BB10 3ED. The match starts at 2pm. All spectators are welcome and bar/refreshments will be available.
Teams at St.Andrews BC:
Away fixture is taking place at Roose Community Green 1, Leece Lane, Barrow-in-Furness LA13 0EB
Venue: Feniscowles Sports & Social Club, Recreation Ground, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn BB2 5E
All spectators more than welcome at the County’s premier event.
No practice and dress code applies for all players.
Pete Harris (Frenchwood) v Dave Hargreaves (Longridge Cons) Andy P White (Two Gates) v Terry Mcmullan (St.Georges) Callum Danson (Pilling RR) v Bryan Clarke (Kirkham BC) Ross Hatzer (Hoghton) v Jonathan Lacey (Gaghills) Paul Wilson (Hale) v Graeme Warrington (St.Annes Ex) Dave Walker(Gaghills) v Paul Brett (New Longton) Andy Graham (Lostock Cons) v Peter Shallis (Lune Road) Carl Martin (Layton) v Rob Houghton (Greenhill) John Coupe (Longridge Cons) v Brian Morgan (Lostock) Eamon Hernen (Parkfield) v Simon Coupe (Parkfield) Peter Hawkes (Hoghton) v Steve Atkinson (Hambleton) Terry Wood (St.Annes Ex) v Lyndon Carr (Frenchwood) Joshua Iddon (Hoghton) v Jordan Bullen (Carleton) Matt Brown (Frenchwood) v Stuart Tipping (Lonsdale) John Ronson (Hambleton) v Steve Clamp (Foulridge) Robert Swift (Marton) v Aaron Harrison (Foulridge)
Junior Ribblesdale Classic, 12.00 Practice , 12.30 Start
The Ribblesdale Classic, 2.30 Practice, 3.00 Start
The Grand Final of The £8000 Ribblesdale Classic 2025 & The £1350 Junior Ribblesdale Classic takes place at Ribblesdale Wanderers Sports Club in Clitheroe on Sunday 25th May Everyone is invited to one of the sports biggest events!
What a line up we have a 16 of the sports elite do battle for the £1600 first prize and £8000 in prize money! The players involved have won all the major events over the years, we also have a former champion in this event in the line up! We also have 8 juniors in action playing in front of the large crowd for a £400 first prize and £1350 in prize money. All looking to win the respective titles.
We will also be joined later in the day by former UK Championship and World Snooker Champion John Parrott MBE! John will be attending to see the top quality action, a big fan of our sport he will be around during the day to see who comes out as champion! We will also be auctioning off a cue signed by John on the day.
We also have a fantastic raffle with a range of prizes worth hundreds of pounds! Tickets are available all day! Prizes include a Bar-Be-Quick Oven/BBQ, Set of Drakes Pride Bowls of your choice, Drakes Pride Bowls Bag, Bottles of Wine from Whalley Wine Shop, a range of fantastic prizes also!
Phoenix Sport (Duncan Reeves) will also be in attendance as the bookmaker, as well as Blue Border Sports being the action live!
A competition programme draw for £50 cash is also taking place, this will be drawn on the day and anyone who has bought a programme throughout the event could win!
Well Bowled are in attendance with their pop up shop! A great opportunity to get some new bowls or equipment from them!
We’ve a great choice of beers, wines and spirits behind the bar including our own beer from our sponsors at Bowland Brewery ‘The Ribblesdale Classic’
Pie and Peas available as well as a BBQ throughout the day!
Let’s take a look at the line up for both competitions and the order of play!
The Ribblesdale Classic Finals Day 2025
Sunday 25th May 2.30/3.00
1. Gary WIKE (Leeds)
2. Mark HUGHES (Leeds)
3. James WILCOX (Leeds)
4. Callum WRAIGHT (Shrewsbury)
5. Joe CRANSTON (Sheffield)
6. Josh BROWN (Huddersfield)
7. Steven GILROY (Leeds)
8. Jack HARGREAVES (Hyde)
9. Graeme WILSON (Droylsden)
10. Tommy JOHNESTONE (Poynton)
11. Chris MORDUE (Bradford)
12. Craig HOPWOOD (Castleford)
13. Billy SPEED (Wigan)
14. Liam FALLAS (Huddersfield)
15. Gareth COATES (Halifax)
16. Ryan CLARK (Sheffield)
Practice from 2.30, Start 3.00
Total Prize Money £8000
Winner £1600
Runner Up £1000
Semi Finalists £550
Quarter Finalists £325
Last 16 £175
Losing Qualifying Game £100
We’ve also got the £1300 Junior Ribblesdale Classic 2025 Finals from 12.30, practice 12.00.
The £1350 Junior Ribblesdale Classic Finals Day 2025
Sunday 25th May 12.00/12.30
1 Isaac COOK (Barnsley) (2)
2 Ashley WALTON (Bolsover) (SCR)
3 Harley TATTERSLEY (Dewsbury) (SCR)
4 Jacob HATFIELD-GOODALL (Heckmondwike) (SCR)
5 Reuben MACPAKE (Ulverston) (2)
6 Charley RIPLEY (Dewsbury) (SCR)
7 Harry PRESTON (Ulverston) (SCR)
8 Ryan HOCKNULL (West Bromwich) (SCR)
All juniors will receive a branded T-shirt courtesy of The Mel Evans Foundation with all our sponsors on for the finals day!
Total Prize Money £1350
Winner £400
Runner Up £200
Semi Finalists £120
Quarter Finalists £60
Losing Qualifying Game £25
High Break Qualifying £20, Finals Day £30
Practice 12.00, Start 12.30 (QF & SF) Final during The Ribblesdale Classic Finals Day in between QF & SF around 6pm approx.
Main Sponsors & Partners
Drakes Pride, Bowland Brewery, Clitheroe Town Council, Home Eco Group, Farnsworths Fresh Foods , Alpha Graphic Machinery UK Ltd, Mel Evans MBE Foundation, Fort Vale Foundation, RUSTLERS, RPF commercial & RPF Truck Hire, Studio Eleven
What times everything happening?
Sunday 25th May (Bank Holiday Sunday)
The £1300 Junior Ribblesdale Classic 2025
Practice 12.00, Start 12.30 QF & SF (Junior Final during The Ribblesdale Classic Finals Day around 5.30)
The £8000 Ribblesdale Classic 2025
Practice 2.30, Start 3.00 (Finish Approx 8.30)
Order of Play (All times are Approx)
Junior Practice starts at 12.00pm
Junior QF from 12.30pm
Junior SF 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Practice for the bowlers in The Ribblesdale Classic starts at 2.30pm
Matchplay starts at 3.00pm
Last 16 (3pm – 4.45pm)
QF (4.45pm – 6pm)
Junior Final is around 5.30pm – 6.00pm until 6.30pm
The Ribblesdale Classic Semi Final starts around 6.30pm & Final around 7.30pm onwards
Play is expected to finish somewhere between 8.00pm – 8.30pm
Join us for an incredible day of action as the event culminates with two fabulous line ups and a day of top quality action!
North Lancs & Fylde County Bowling Association 