National Volunteer Award Profile - Ann Bennett Duncan

Congratulations to Ann Bennett Duncan, Secretary of Guardbridge BC, recent recipient of a Bowls Scotland National Volunteer Award. Ann was nominated for the award for her committed long service to volunteering, excellent leadership and practice for others to follow. Ann has served as Secretary for Guardbridge BC for over 40 years, but her volunteering goes beyond this administrative role as she is also a club coach and passionate about encouraging new members into the club.

We spoke to Ann to find out how she first got involved as a volunteer at Guardbridge and what motivates her to continue volunteering. We also found out about her additional roles at district level over the years…

“My motivation to become involved stemmed from my husband being a very proud member of Guardbridge Bowling Club. He was voted on as President on 14 occasions ending up as a Life Member and, as my work was as a Secretary/PA, it was a natural progression that I would end up on the Committee in roles helping both Allan and the Club. I formally took on the Secretary role in 1985 but was already doing voluntary work for the Club in the 1970’s as one of my workmates regularly asked me to type notices and minutes for him.

“I also served as the East Fife District Secretary for the East of Scotland Women’s Bowling Association from 2010 and then took on the role of Hon. Secretary of the Association. During my time as Honorary Secretary, I streamlined the paperwork and processes into a more efficient and professional set-up, with the minimum of expense and no need for so many lengthy meetings. As a result of being Secretary of the ESWBA, I built up many relationships with players and officials from Bowls Scotland and other affiliated associations. Sadly, due to the travelling involved, I had to resign in 2021 but still enjoy contact with many of the people I met when I was Secretary. Whilst attending a Cupar & District Seniors Bowling League AGM a few years ago, it was obvious that they were struggling to have someone willing and able to take on the role of Secretary. As I knew I could easily cover the role, I volunteered and, having just had our AGM in November 2024, I am still their Secretary and still enjoying the involvement.

“I am always on the lookout for new members and encourage all newcomers to have a go. I do everything except divert the traffic in the front door! The benefit for me is the satisfaction in knowing that I am taking the Club forward and making it stronger by the work I do. I am just proud that such a small Club, in a very small village, has flourished as a result of dedication and hard work by a very small team over the years.

Ann told us more about the history of her beloved Club and explained her involvement in some of its milestones…

“Guardbridge Bowling Club was founded in 1970 on ground rented from the local Paper Mill. I worked for the Directors of Guardbridge Paper Co Ltd, and through conversations with one of the Directors, the future of the Club was secured when he agreed that we could purchase the land at an extremely cheap price. This purchase not only covered the ground containing the bowling green, clubhouse and car parking area but also the ground to the South of the green which had previously been part of the St Andrews to Leuchars Railway Line. This area was subsequently landscaped and, after ‘talking to anyone who would listen’, all the shrubs and plants were donated.

“When it was the Club’s Silver Jubilee in 1995, I managed to replace most of the Trophies and Silverware by contacting the various contacts I had and I also organised a ‘free prize draw’ for all our members with prizes ranging from Clay-pigeon shooting & lunch at Annfield House to Afternoon tea at the Old Course Hotel, Rusacks, The Scores and Rufflets Hotels as well as many other prizes. Unfortunately, our Golden Jubilee was in 2020 amid Covid restrictions so no celebrations were possible.

“As well as all my non-bowling activities, I have also enjoyed success in bowling.  I have won our Club Championship, won the East of Scotland Ladies Pairs along with my daughter, going on to win the Bowls Scotland Torrance Purvis Top 10 for the East of Scotland Women's Bowling Association the following year. I have also played in the Ladies Pairs and Senior Fours at the Bowls Scotland National Finals.”

Ann’s nomination for the National Volunteer Award came from fellow Guardbridge BC committee members, Isla Duncan and Marjorie Allan who were delighted to see her presented with her trophy by club President, Sandy Gannon at a club awards night. We spoke to Isla to find out more about the difference Ann has made to the club over the years…

We nominated Ann as she has volunteered tirelessly for decades, ensuring that Guardbridge Bowling Club not only survives, but flourishes and never misses an opportunity to encourage people to come along and have a go with the bowls or highlight the club to anyone who will listen.  Ann enjoys playing bowls, but everything she does in her voluntary capacity is done solely to improve the club and sometimes this can involve tough decisions.

“The sport of bowls could not survive without volunteers and many of the top players wouldn't be able to win medals without the organisation and support of volunteers, ensuring that tournaments, clubs and associations are able to be run. The club had a couple of difficult times over the years and without her determination and work, I am not sure that the club would've survived.  Many members won’t consider the reasons behind why we get funding, sponsorship or members but this is because there is so much work going on in the background by Ann, ensuring that the club is run the best for all its membership and community.

“Ann's husband, Allan passed away at the end of March this year and it was him who encouraged her to be involved all those years ago and although he was unable to play bowls in latter years, he was so proud of the work that Ann did (and still does) within the bowling community.”

Ann’s late husband Allan would no doubt be immensely proud to see his wife recognised with a national award for her years of service to their bowling club. She told us how it felt to receive the award

“I was absolutely delighted to receive the award – just to know my efforts had been recognised was wonderful. I have always been extremely dedicated to the Club and it is always at the front of my mind, whatever the circumstances. An instance of this was when I had an appointment with a local Funeral Director to purchase funeral plans for Allan and myself and I came back with 2 Funeral Plans plus Sponsorship for our Annual Open Pairs!! I bet that doesn’t happen often!”

Congratulations to Ann on behalf of everyone at Bowls Scotland for receiving this thoroughly deserved National Volunteer Award in recognition of years of service to our wonderful game!

Applications for our next round of nominations close on Friday 14th April 2025. For more information or to nominate someone, please visit: https://www.bowlsscotland.com/club-development/volunteering

Our partners, suppliers and supporters...