quick question...

[dane1]

Currently I am studying bowls within the context of British Identity and was just wondering if anybody had any input on the following...

The values the sport promotes and moments/individuals that encapsulate this.

Cheers

[Speedy]

Hi dane 1,

Bit of a heavy question for this forum sounds like you are doing a degree in sports??

You could consider asking Gary Jack or Jan at 'Bowls England' if they don't know would think they could point you in the right direction!

E-mail address is ;

Jan Smyth <Jan.Smyth@bowlsengland.com>;


Hope this is some help



Some History that I expect you have seen;

Bowls historians believe that the game developed from the Egyptians. One of their pastimes was to play skittles with round stones. This has been determined based on artefacts found in tombs dating circa 5,000 B.C. The sport spread across the world and took on a variety of forms, Bocce (Italian), Bolla (Saxon), Bolle (Danish), Boules (French) and Ula Maika (Polynesian). The oldest Bowls green still played on is in Southampton, England where records show that the green has been in operation since 1299 A.D. There are other claims of greens being in use before that time, but these are, as yet, unsubstantiated


Images show antique set of wooden bowls from
the author's parents collection. Just visible on the
front of the box is the inscription "Slazengers
1902 Lawn Bowls".

Certainly the most famous story in lawn bowls is with Sir Frances Drake and the Spanish Armada. On July 18, 1588, Drake was involved in a game at Plymouth Hoe when he was notified that the Spanish Armada were approaching. His immortalised response was that "We still have time to finish the game and to thrash the Spaniards, too." He then proceeded to finish the match which he lost before embarking on the fight with the Armada which he won. Whether this famous story really took place has been heavily debated.



King Henry VIII was also a lawn bowler. However, he banned the game for those who were not wealthy or "well to do" because "Bowyers, Fletchers, Stringers and Arrowhead makers" were spending more time at recreational events such as bowls instead of practising their trade. Henry VIII requested that anybody who wished to keep a green pay a fee of 100 pounds. However, the green could only be used for private play and he forbade anyone to "play at any bowle or bowles in open space out of his own garden or orchard".

[Angel]

Hi Dane1

I don't think I would be of much help with your question, but Speedy has given you a lot of useful information I don't think I could add anything more


Angel:D

[Frankie]

Bit beyond me, Dane1, seems that Speedy has a bit of an understanding!!

Are you studying in the U.K. (that's if you are studying) or are you from Holland???

[Piemaster]

Bit beyond me, Dane1, seems that Speedy has a bit of an understanding!!

Are you studying in the U.K. (that's if you are studying) or are you from Holland???
Given the username I would have thought Denmark was more likely :)

[Frankie]

Hi Piemaster,

Pleased you spotted my deliberate mistake!! although 'dane1' has not been back on the site, does sound like a student doing a bit of research!

Off to squat up on my geography during the indoor & outdoor season!!!!:D:D