Friends of English Bowling
 
Bowlers Draw Society

Friends of English Bowling

Fund raising for English Bowling

Promoting bowls with social and recreational activities

Supporting the game of outdoor level green bowls
The Bowlers Draw was introduced by the ‘Friends’ in 2008 to replace the Grand Draw previously run on behalf of the EBA and supported by the EWBA. Since its inception, the Grand Draw had raised over £650k for those Clubs selling the tickets; via the 50% donation scheme. However, it had been commercially operated (by Orchard Associates) on behalf of the EBA, and once all the operating and administration costs were paid, there was little profit for the benefit of the EBA. The Friends assumed responsibility for the Draw after the EBA had to bear a significant loss in 2007; sales falling and costs increasing.

The Grand Draw had been introduced to assist Clubs in raising funds for themselves, without them having to incur any costs. This remains the primary objective for the Bowlers Draw Society, and is considered by the ‘Friends’ as a key element of its support for grass-roots bowling.

In 2008, John Austin, Howard Pryse and Graham Clark formed the Bowlers Draw Society (BDS) from within the ‘Friends’ and operated the Draw on a totally voluntary basis – this principle is ongoing. As well as cutting-out all labour costs, significant savings were made in both printing and postage costs. Total costs in 2008 of only £4k represented a saving of £20k against the 2007 costs – a tremendous achievement.

By operating the Draw, on behalf of the Clubs, the ‘Friends/BDS’ is committed to a voluntary operation that keeps operating costs to an absolute minimum. This will enable the cost savings (Draw profit) to be utilized by the ‘Friends’ in their ongoing support of many of the activities of Bowls England.

We are determined to halt the decline in ticket sales and are always looking for more Clubs to support this Draw, and thereby enhance the finances of their own Club (via the 50% donation of their ticket sales).

For more information please refer to the 2009 Draw - Key Points Summary (below) and or contact any member of the BDS Organising Committee.
 
       
  Bowlers Draw 2009    
       
  Licenced Promoter
Graham Clark,
2 Fleming Close,
Yaxley,
Peterborough, PE7 3ZD		 Organising Committee
Graham Clark (Hunts) 01733 246283
Barry Donovan (Essex) 01206 869804
Mike Poole (Herts) 01707 320358
Howard Pryse (Wilts) 01793 770797		    
         
Key Points Summary - 2009

1. The "Friends of English Bowling" are running the 2009 Bowlers Draw - having assumed this role from the EBA/Orchard Associates in 2008.
2. The Friends operate the Draw via a sub-committee trading as the "Bowlers Draw Society".
3. The Draw Promoter is Graham Clark - licenced by the Gambling Commission.
4. The BDS Organising Committee comprises Graham Clark (Hunts) + Barry Donovan (Essex) + Mike Poole (Herts) + Howard Pryse (Wilts).
5. The principle of a 50% 'donation' (of the ticket money) to the selling Club will continue.
6. The 530 participating Clubs benefitted by £24k from the 2008 Draw.
7. The 2008 Draw made a profit of £10k following several years of losses for the EBA.
8. The Friends will utilise the profit in support of Bowls - consistent with its Constitution.
9. The Friends have substituted the costly Agency work with voluntary labour.
10. Other significant cost savings have been made in printing and postage costs.
11. Costs have been reduced to a minimum - only £4k in 2008 - a reduction of £20k vs 2007.
12. Despite the success of the 2008 Draw - we failed to halt the steady annual decline in ticket sales (sales of £50k in 08 was 5% down on 2007) - we must reverse this trend.
13. The collation of materials into 650 Club Packs (tickets, posters, etc) = mid-March.
14. Club Packs will be distributed to all (530) Clubs who supported the 2008 Draw.
15. Boxes of Club Packs will be distributed to County Contacts - asap thereafter.
16. Distribution of Club Packs will be organised by County Contacts.
17. We will be seeking (via emails, advertising, County Contacts) additional participating Clubs.
18. All 'new' packs will be issued/despatched by Graham Clark from a central stock.
19. The Club Returns Form (+ counterfoils & cheques) should be returned directly to Graham Clark before 30th November 2009.
20. The Draw will take place at the Men's Dinner (Leicester - 26th February 2010).
21. Prize Winner lists will be communicated to all participants Clubs and posted on the Friends and Bowls England websites.
22. Cash Prizes : 1x£2500 + 2x£1000 + 3x£500 + 5x£100 + 12x£50 + 12x£25 23.
Club Prizes : The 5 top-selling clubs (£500/£400/£300/£200/£100) + 5 x £100 draw prizes for all Clubs selling £100 or more (20 or more books) of tickets.

Graham Clark
  Top