2024 National Championships - Stage 1 Stars: Kelly Dickinson
As part of the build-up to the 2024 National Championships, we are profiling players and clubs that have qualified for the finals which will take place at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr from Saturday 27th July – Saturday 3rd August.
First up in our series of profiles is former two-time Ladies Junior Singles champion Kelly Dickinson (nee Wilson) from Laurieston Bowling Club in District 10. Kelly’s triumphs in the Junior Singles back in 1995 and 1997 make her just one of only four players to have won the title on multiple occasions, joining esteemed company alongside Claire Douglas, Lesley Doig and Megan Kivlin.
Remarkably since her dominance of the Junior Singles back in the 90’s, this will be the first time Kelly has competed in the National Championships finals at Ayr since those victories. Despite the long layoff we are sure Kelly will give a strong account of herself when she takes to the Northfield greens on Thursday 1st August.
Find our full Q&A with Kelly below:
Q1. When did you start playing bowls and how did it come about?
A: “I started bowling at the age of 12 when my dad became the coach at Laurieston Bowling Club. There are four of us from back then who are still playing and members of the same club, our District Youth Co-Ordinator Peter Alexander being one of them. We all laugh at saying we came through the Jake Wilson School of Excellence!”
Q2. What is your favourite thing about playing bowls?
A: “Over the years I have made some really good friends and met a lot of lovely people through bowling along with some super days out (that sometimes lead to super nights and early mornings!)”
Q3. What has been your best achievement to date?
A: “Definitely winning the British Isles Ladies U25 Singles title back in 1998. I beat Cheryl Northall from England 21-2 in the semi-final and this had me on a high so the final result was brilliant. Representing Scotland at a few Home Internationals was amazing as well and a dream come true from such a young age.”
Q4. As a former two-time Ladies Junior Singles champion, how will it feel to compete at the finals at Ayr once again?
A: “I am absolutely thrilled to be competing at Ayr again but also conscious that there are a lot of really good bowlers who will have qualified too. This is my first time there as a "grown-up" so hoping I can just play well, enjoy the experience and see what happens.”
Q5. Have you set yourself any targets for this year’s National Championships?
A: “I never set targets as such, but the dream would be to make it to Super Saturday! Any bowler will confirm that the worst thing to hear from friends and family is "hardlines you played well" - so I'd rather hear "well done" and will be doing my best to make sure that happens. My first year playing at Ayr as a junior resulted in a win in the final so I’m hoping I can replicate that as an over 25!”