A civic award was presented recently to Mr Geoffrey Parker for his services to bowls in Leeds after spending over 25 years in various roles including Fixture Secretary across clubs in the city. He was nominated by North East Leeds Vets Bowling League with the backing of Cllr Pauline Grahame who both felt that Mr Parker deserved to be commended for his services to the sport.
The award was officially presented to Mr Parker during a presentation ceremony with the Lord Mayor at the Civic Hall. A second presentation was arranged at Swillington Bowling Club where the Yorkshire Reporter caught up with the deserving winner and his supporters!
Mr Parker said “I am very very proud to have received the award. It was quite a shock to find out I had been nominated but I am delighted about it.”
Somewhat of a pioneer, Mr Parker with the help of his son, brought the game of bowls into the digital age by setting up a database and website. The website enabled Mr Parker to do his job as Fixture Secretary more efficiently and meant that they were the first bowling league in the north of England to have a website. Mr Parker remembered “I kept that website running for 15 years. The world of bowls is still digital but it has now moved on to a national database. Everyone followed on after me and there was no turning back! I couldn’t have done it without my son though.”
President of the North East Leeds Vets Mr Grimes commented “Mr Parker is very deserving of the award. I want to point out that bowling is not just for the elderly, anybody can take part – young, old, and families. Everybody can have fun and benefit from what bowls has to offer.”
Cllr Pauline Grahame adds “ I am very pleased Mr Geoffrey Parker has received recognition and we need to encourage people to get involved in the community. Bowling is an healthy activity and enjoyed by many.
