GBA exec. scores in boardroom
GUERNSEY could soon be hosting the British Isles Championships.
GUERNSEY could soon be hosting the British Isles Championships. Many of the world's top players would be displaying their talent at the Guernsey Indoor Bowling Centre at Hougue du Pommier. And it would owe much to the foresight and persuasive ability of a Sarnian.
'Part of my four-page review included details for advancement of British Isles bowls. The meeting in Manchester agreed to recommend my proposal at the annual meeting in March to change the format, moving the 2006 championship games away from the international matches.'
The British Isles Championships are contested by England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey. Each association's winner of its annual junior singles, singles, pairs, triples and fours plays in a straight knockout for the title of British Isles champion.
At the same time, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland play an international match comprising 24 players - six rinks of four.
Having all the matches in one place means that only the bigger British clubs are able to play host. Changing the format to Collins' recommendations could have important repercussions for Guernsey.
'Firstly, Guernsey champions have had to travel away to Wales, Ireland, Scotland or England to play, which is usually a five-night trip. Under the new format, it will be only three days, saving two nights' accommodation at £50 a night. That's an overall saving of £1,500 to £2,000 for the whole party, not including meals and transport costs.
'But the major change is that the championships will now require only one green of six rinks. Therefore Guernsey will be able to host the event every sixth year.'
Collins said that this was great news for both the sport and the island.
'I hope that VisitGuernsey and the Sports Commission, for example, would take the opportunity of helping to support the event, the cost of which would be very little as funding is raised through the bigger countries.'
With travelling spectators, it could mean 4-500 sporting visitors coming to the island. Guernsey players, for once, would also have home advantage.
'This also means that every club in Britain could host the event, instead of the normal big ones,' said Collins.
'Therefore, Guernsey players will see different parts of the British Isles. Clubs could also fund raise over a longer period, to find the money to support the event.
Subject to confirmation at the BIBC annual meeting, it is one of the most important victories in Collins' career, and this time it was in a meeting room, not on a rink.
Collins said that the changes he recommended open the door for a Guernseyman to become president of the BIBC, as the host country always provides the official for that post.
'The opportunity was missed by previous administrations to have two greens together in Guernsey, when the Sports Council at the time offered the money,' added Collins.
'But it would still be my intention - and is in my draft 10-year plan - to find funding to have two greens together somehow. Guernsey could then hold the European Championships, World Bowls Championships and so on, which would bring hundreds of players, officials and spectators to Guernsey.'
The BIBC meeting also approved other ideas from Collins, including the appointment of a development officer for the British Isles.
He was asked whether he would consider the position, but said that his commitment to work at the Treasury and Resources Department would prohibit that.
'I have been attending the meetings for a couple of years now; everyone knows me and I am amazed that I am received so well, by the council members, who are normally retired gentlemen.
'A year ago, if you had told me I could change bowls in Britain for the better I would never have believed it.
Guernsey's current champions who will play in Ireland next year from 2-5 July are Collins - junior singles; Gary Pitschou - singles; Matt Le Ber and Dan de la Mare - pairs; Alan, Mike and Paul Merrien - triples; and Matt and Len Le Ber, Craig Dorey and Dave Trebert - fours.