2023 Presidents Message
We are both delighted and honoured to be the elected Presidents of Bowls Scotland for 2023. We regard it a privilege to be the choice of the member clubs to have such a prestigious role and we endeavour to carry out our duties to the best of our ability.
First of all, we would like thank our own clubs, Dalry Bowling Club and Zetland Bowling Club, as they have supported us throughout our tenure as volunteers for Bowls Scotland. We would also like to thank the outgoing past Presidents, Margaret Halliday and John Anderson. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was a challenging three years for them, and we thank them both for their commitment and perseverance during their presidency.
Next year will see Bowls Scotland move to a modern single presidency structure. We wish to offer our support to current Vice President, Frances Sandilands, and current Junior Vice President, Tom Weir.
Bowls Scotland has raised the profile of bowling throughout Scotland. The partnership working of staff and volunteers with the member clubs have brought about many inspirational changes. We acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all Bowls Scotland staff, particularly Stuart Bell, Holly Hamilton and Alan McDonald, who are equipped to help clubs in so many ways from Try Bowls to funding projects in their roles as National Development Officers. We encourage all clubs to avail themselves to this valuable resource.
The introduction of the National Volunteer Awards scheme has been a huge success and this year will see it continue. We are both delighted to be involved in the selection process and presentation of the awards for the forthcoming year.
As Presidents we certainly have an exciting year ahead. The National Championships are always a great attraction for clubs and offers the occasion for members of clubs to have the opportunity to become national champions.
Besides the Nationals, there are many more competitions organised for the forthcoming year. Events such as the Ladies National Top 10, Andrew Hamilton Trophy, European Open Pairs, the new formatted British Isles Internationals and British Isles Championships are but a few that will be held on our own soil. The U25 and U18 international teams will travel to Wales for their respective series’ and the 2023 World Bowls Championships will be held in Australia. We wish everyone taking part in all the events our best wishes and we will be supporting you all the way.
In conclusion, with vaccines effectively diminishing the impact of COVID-19 we can look forward to a more normalised season. Bowling is a totally inclusive sport regardless of age or ability and offers a range of opportunities to all - from gentle exercise and social interaction to highly competitive games. No matter the level you play in our wonderful sport we wish you a safe, enjoyable, and successful year.
Marella O’Neill & Ron McArthur – 2023 Bowls Scotland Presidents
