SOMERSET WOMENS' COUNTY INDOOR BOWLING ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 at North Petherton IBC at 11am
Present
Hon Secretary (Watchet) Mrs K Warner
Hon Treasurer Mrs G Campbell
Fixture Secetary Mrs M Atkins
Competition Secretary Mrs G Jones
J Price (Bridgwater/Selector), J Tibbs (Bristol), A Midwinter (Clarrie Dunbar), J Murrell (Minehead), S Tassell (Nailsea), J Glendinning (North Petherton/Welfare/Wardrobe), J Broom (Puriton), S Sinclair (St. Andrews/Safeguarding), F Hunt (Taunton), S Lloyd (Taunton Deane), B Colby (Yeovil/Selector), V Welch (Minehead)
M Hamilton (SBA Development Manager), K James (Patrons Chairman)
Welcome. K Warner welcomed the members in attendance and M Hamilton and K James.
Apologies
D Fisher (Ilminster/Selector), T Alden (Isle of Wedmore), K Webb (Purnell),
Minutes
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 22nd July at North Petherton IBC at 18:30pm were approved then signed by A Midwinter
Matters arising
Amalgamation of the National Governing Bodies – M Hamilton
Bowls England and England Indoor Bowling Association have to amalgamate for the long term future of the game; financially and in order to get funding to make the sport viable.
Currently working with Stakeholders looking at structure, merger and acquisitions. The plan is for it to be ratified by February 2027. With Sport England on board it will potentially bring £4-5 million into the funding pot (currently £150K).
The following is MH's understanding of what might happen based on conversations with interested parties.....
The intention is to move to a County model rather than Club model. There is intent for players to affiliate to “BOWLS” then money will disseminate down from BOWLS to the County and thence to Clubs.
It is likely that there will be a requirement for counties to merge in maybe 3-4 years time. Certain KPIs will be required to be met which will be easier to achieve at the County level. The more KPIs met; the more funding received.
Currently Clubs pay affiliation upwards (to County → Governing body) but this change could mean Clubs could reduce their membership fees as the individual would pay a personal affiliation.
Likely change to one HQ with a Centre of Excellence built in the middle of the Country (Leamington?)
There will be a change to a Business type structure with an overriding Board with indoor and outdoor incorporated. All positions will be voluntary, with sub-committees formed.
Communications are likely to be direct to players. The biggest weakness is getting players to engage. Communications need to improve.
Any questions can be addressed to MH - mathamilton@gmail.com
SBA, SWCIBA and SCIBA need to work better together. SBA are working on a revised Constitution and a 5-year strategy plan. SBA, SWCIBA and SCIBA need to come together to help build a model for the future.
Patrons – K James
Indoor Patrons was originally set up by SCIBA to assist with the juniors; promoting the sport and to help finance the younger players and bring them on. Recently, the Patrons have supported the U18s and U25s when they went to the Nationals at Nottingham and SCIBA with coaches.
There are no games scheduled for this season. It seems that the Patron's funds would need to be disbursed in light of the amalgamation.
KW and KJ to meet to discuss U25 funding.
Correspondence
We are playing Devon in the Atherley and it looks like Devon are likely to be back for next season's South West League.
Secretary's report
We still have no President. KW suggested buying some generic SWCIBA pens.
Treasurer's report
All affiliation fees have been paid. The main income since the last meeting is a few competition entry fees.
Transfer of Account details still to be done (Action GC)
Fixture Secretary's report
Difficult to get responses from people when trying to arrange fixtures.
All current agreed fixtures are on the website. One addition has been a friendly v Taunton Men on 21st February 2026.
On 2nd November we have a friendly v Wiltshire at Bristol, but we also have the SBA presentation lunch and potential Egham fixture on the same day. Currently we have 20 names down online. Availabilities need to be amended by players if no longer available.
Nailsea will also sort out a fixture. Are there any other clubs who would like to host, please contact M Atkins
It was discussed whether a coach was required for the away game at Dolphin. As it is early (11:40am) it was agreed that players would make their own way and some compensation will be made to drivers.
Taunton Deane costs were discussed. Cost of game will be £14 at TD when jacket potatoes are selected. Afternoon tea for the Open Day.
Competition Secretary's report
10 pairs and 9 triples entries have been received so far.
Annual Presentation Luncheon
Presentation Luncheon Action JB, JG, DF to research options.
F Hunt brought menu selections with various prices from the Oak Golf Club. It was agreed to try this with a view to checking their availability w/c 27th April or 4th May 2026.
Kit
Zapkam sample trouser and jacket were shown around.
U25s
KW currently working on fixtures. Some help would be appreciated.
AOB
AGM will be on 25th April 2026 at 10:30am at North Petherton IBC
The next Council Meeting will be on Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 6pm at North Petherton IBC.
The meeting closed at 1pm