History – WEST MIDLANDS POLICE CROWN GREEN BOWLS

The West Midlands Police Crown Green bowls team was formed in 1987

and participated in the Northern Police League, later to become the National Police League. At that time they played their games at the Yale Bowling Club, Willenhall.

In 1990 under the secretarial lead of Mick HINTON and with the help of ACC Paul LEOPOLD a “Flat” green was converted to a “Crown” green at Tally Ho, Edgbaston and the Police team started playing from their new home venue. Success in the National Police League encouraged them to apply to the Warwick & Worcester League and in 1991 they joined Division 11. By 1996 they were playing in Division 7.

In 1997 the club had the honour to host the BCGBA singles merits. This was the W & W centenary year and the selection of our green for such a prestigious occasion was a privilege.

In 1998 a second team was formed and joined the MWBH Saturday league to bring mixed bowling to the Police. Teams were subsequently entered in the Yardley Wood Wednesday league and two teams in the Thursday Big Crown.

In 2004 we entered a team in the Northfield Sunday league.

A shortage of regular players resulted in a re-think in our membership of the Big Crown and as a result we joined the Thursday Heart of England Friendly League in 2007 with a team of mixed ability players in a search for “new” greens. We are enjoying our participation in this league and gained promotion to Division 5 in 2008.

In 2008 the Kings Heath Royal British Legion and Police O’60’s team moved from their base in Kings Heath Park to Tally Ho. They are currently in Division 2 of the S & W Birmingham O’60 League.

Mick HINTON is the current Secretary of the National Police League and the W.M.P. actively participate in their programme of events on Wednesdays at venues from Tally Ho to Yorkshire.

Alan Seager (Club Secretary)

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