Highlights
The Ladies Association was founded in 1969 by three counties, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire, and named initially as ‘Midland Counties Ladies Bowling Association’.
First President was Marble Edwards (Shropshire), Chair was Eve Ashcroft (Staffordshire) and Secretary/Treasurer was Dorothy Piearce (Warwickshire).
In 1972 North Shropshire Ladies applied to form their own Association – this was granted. Burton & District applied in 1979 and were followed by Mid-Cheshire. Further applications were received from other Associations who were not in the Midlands.
Above: Susan Pugh (BCGBA Ladies President 2026) with Sally King & Natalia Moseley – Dorothy Piearce Winners 2025.
It was, therefore, agreed to rename the organisation the British Crown Green Ladies Bowling Association.
By 1989 there were 21 counties and areas including the Isle of Man were in the Association. Wales affiliated in 1994 to take the total to 22 areas participating. In 2026 the total number is now 20 Counties.
The first Ladies Individual Merit was played in 1979, Madge Collins of Staffordshire being the first name on the trophy. In time we will ensure that all winners are listed on the Ladies Individual Merit page.
In 1996 a Ladies Junior Merit was organised and the first winner was Dawn Morris of North Shropshire who collected a trophy kindly donated by Gerald Merry, the BCGBA President of that year.
Sadly in 1996 the founding secretary, Dorothy Piearce, passed away and it was decided to play a Ladies Doubles competition in her memory, which still thrives as a growing competition in the BCGBA Calendar.
In 1989 the Association was accepted as a member of the British Crown Green Association and now has been fully amalgamated into the Governing Body organisation.