JOAN WRIGLEY has taken over as head of the Yorkshire Crown Green Bowling Association.
The Linthwaite-based former county player and captain accepted office as president at the annual meeting at Mirfield Old Bank.
She is only the second female to be honoured with the chain of office, which was handed over by outgoing president Chris Hasselby.
Deputy to Joan – whose only female predecessor was Sheila Whiteley from Brighouse – is Keith Hatzer from Halifax, who was Yorkshire’s away team manager for many years before taking charge of the home team.
Joan has stated one of her biggest aims is to get more people playing the sport after the Yorkshire Bowls Partnership – which envelopes all codes of the bowling – last year attracted an extra 1,200 participants.
“We need help from clubs and club members to press forward with this and that means volunteers,” said Joan.
“Be it one hour, one day or one week, any time people can give to support the Partnership would be warmly welcomed and very much appreciated.”
Those who feel they can help should contact Partnership secretary Charles Clark (01642 484410) or Paul Humphreys of the Bowls Development Alliance (07557 819569).
Joan is also at the forefront of a drive to recruit more referees into bowling.
Seminars are being held at Bradley & Colne WMC so that people can learn the laws of the game with a view to taking the British Crown Green Referees Society exam and become referees.
The seminars are on Thursdays, March 8, 15 and 22, at 7.30pm. The examination will be held on Saturday, March 24 (10am). It’s advised people should attend all the sessions if they wish to become a referee.
