Memories
The first 21 Years of the 21st Century
Year 2000: Harrogate Advertiser 10 November 2000
Year 2000: British Parks and British Federation tussle for power
A report from the Harrogate Advertiser dated 10 November 2000 written by Steve Cochrane, now the Chief Executive of Yorkshire CCGBA. This report outlines the bitter split between the British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association and the newly formed British Federation of Crown Green Bowling as it happened in North Yorkshire in the year 2000.
As some of you may have heard the special general meeting of the British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association became a little heated. Before delegates was a proposal to change the name of the association to the British Federation of Crown Green Bowling in keeping with the now extended framework of counties taking part in the competitions organised by the association - most are not Park Associations. There were also various bylaw changes that were designed to make the running of the association easier. To the annoyance of the chairman of British Parks these amendments were passed en bloc - this resulted in a running battle between the chairman, his supporters and the chief executive Ray Angus.
It became evident to the North Yorkshire delegates that this division had been simmering for some time. Several personal accusations were traded between the top table committee and the meeting ended in disarray. It then became apparent the chairman was refusing to accept the vote that had taken place and it was later announced chief executive Angus had resigned. Angus has since issued press statements that he had been asked to form the Federation of Crown Green Bowling and would be inviting County Associations week.
Delegates from North Yorkshire attended their inaugural meeting of the Federation where it was announced £15,000 of sponsorship was available initially. Most counties who attended declined to join the new Federation at this meeting as they needed to report to their respective counties but I understand that 17 counties have now joined the Federation with eight remaining with British Parks, another 13 have yet to make the commitment.
North Yorkshire had indicated they are to join the new Federation. It is felt that this will offer the best opportunity for bowlers in the district to achieve their goals. One deciding factor is that county selection and competitions will be open to male and female bowlers equally - something that despite campaigning by North Yorkshire, was never accepted by the British Parks Association. As matters unfold I will keep you informed of the changing events.
If you have an alternative memory of this event or another memory from the year 2000 that you would be prepared to share with our readers then contact us now and share it.
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