Golf and tennis too much? There’s always bowls

In existence for more than 30 years and competing on the international stage for nearly just as long, it may not be thought of as one of the more notable sports played within the Jewish community – but Lawn Bowls has built up its own significancet presence.

The Maccabi Lawn Bowls Association (MLBA) was formed in 1993 following a poor performance by the Maccabi GB Lawn Bowls team at that year’s Maccabiah Games in Israel.

One of the players from that team, Mel Richfield, contacted Maccabi GB and as a result of that, together with a group of local Jewish bowlers, the MLBA was formed. With Richfield serving as Chairman, Martin Greenfield as Treasurer and Ruth Harris as Secretary, Bernie Davidson completed the initial founding quartet.

The MLBA then contacted all the well-known Jewish bowlers who joined the Association and played friendly matches against local clubs. In March 1994, the committee invited Frank Dryer – who is now the MLBA Chairman – to join, he organised Men’s and Ladies’ annual championships which are still being held today and are proving to be very successful. Back in the day, Ted Katzler beat David Lawrence and Patricia Davidson beat Rita Mason, to become the first-ever winners of the competition.

Describing how the MLBA stands today, Dryer says: “In total, there are around 100 men and women who are primarily senior citizens. We don’t have our own ground, but the bowlers are all members of bowling clubs, both outdoors and indoors and play on a regular basis.

“Both myself and Ruth also organise six friendly matches in the outdoor season against local clubs, which prove very popular with the membership, and are played with six teams of three bowlers each.”

Frank runs four annual competitions, the most recent of which, the 2024 Maccabi Championship Finals Day, was held at Oak Hill Bowls Club in September. Barry Hartog of Woodcock Park BC won the Men’s Singles event, Gary Burns of Wanstead BC and Andrew Cohen of Woodcock Park BC won the Men’s Pairs, Burns and Sandra Fenton of Basildon FC won the Mixed Pairs, with the “Mel Richfield Trophy” (played annually in memory of MLBA’s first chairman) being won by Bernard Shannon of Stanmore BC & Cambridge.

As mentioned, the sport also has a history at Maccabiah Games, dating back nearly three decades, with success also achieved down the years.

Gay Laurence and Edelweiss Somers won gold in the Ladies’ Pair in 1997, while Marion Green won bronze in the Ladies’ Singles. Marienne Wainstein won gold in the same competition in 2001, with more success coming in 2005 when Ruth Harris and Marigold Fortes won bronze in the Ladies’ Pairs, with Marion Green joining them in the Fours to take the bronze medal. Terry Lichkin and Douglas Greenston won bronze in the Men’s Pairs in 2017, and completing the rollcall, Tal Sidi claimed bronze in 2022.

While enjoying success in the past, Frank hopes interest can continue. “Lawn bowls is in decline with many clubs closing nationally”, he says. “However, within the Jewish Community a few clubs with significant Jewish membership are proving sustainable due to the fact that the sport is suitable for those of a mature age who wish to maintain physical activity in a friendly environment, but with the option to participate competitively. Lawn bowls also attracts players who might be moving on from golf and tennis.”

As to hopefully enjoying a healthy future, he adds: “The MLBA and Jewish bowls have been strengthened by the introduction of regular tours to Israel which started in 2011 and are led by Stuart Lustigman, although they have been interrupted by Covid and the current conflict.”

Speaking about the trips to Israel, Lustigman, who was player-manager at the 2022 Maccabiah Games, and is trying to ensure that Maccabi GB will be represented in Israel in 2025, says: “The tours have been extremely successful and combine the opportunity to play against Israeli clubs and support the Jewish State which we need to continue as soon as possible. With no bowls in the European Maccabi Games and now maybe not in the Maccabiah, these tours are even more relevant.

“I hope the popularity of lawn bowls will grow within the Jewish community and would encourage anyone looking for an inexpensive friendly pastime to give it a try.”

And reflecting on the work Frank has done for the sport in the community, Lustigman adds: “Having joined in 1994, Frank has organised its competitions and matches for 30 years, ably assisted by Ruth Harris, an amazing milestone. He also runs competitions for other clubs both outdoors and indoors so Maccabi is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working volunteer without whom the MLBA would not be as well established as it is today. All Maccabi bowlers are indebted to Frank and thank him for his years of excellent service.”

Anyone interested in participating in the MLBA or for more information, should contact Maccabi GB at: jordan@maccabigb.org