Amy’s world Hall of Fame honour

Champion bowler Amy Pharaoh has become an inaugural inductee into the World Bowls Hall of Fame – capping off a memorable season.

Waltham Toll Bar Academy's Head of PE will be formally inducted next month at a celebration dinner in Kuala Lumpur.

She learned of her selection in a letter from the President of World Bowls Brett O'Riley.

"It is with great honour that I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your selection," he said.

"Your extraordinary achievements, unwavering sportsmanship, and lasting contributions have helped define our sport and inspired bowlers around the globe."

"It was a surprise and a huge honour to be an inaugural inductee," said Amy.

"Unfortunately, I can't attend the dinner because I'm already taking time out this term to represent England in the prestigious Hong Kong Classic."

This season saw Amy complete a prestigious career Grand Slam when she won the national triples title, 30 years on from losing the last time she reached the same final.

She was just 14 when she last appeared at the triples' final at the annual championship in Leamington Spa, only to fall at the last.

This year's triumph was followed by a win in the pairs final, so Amy holds two national titles for only the second time in her illustrious career.

In 2011, she was a member of a victorious fours team and won the pairs. She was English singles champion in 2004.

"I was thrilled to win the triples for the first time and complete the career Grand Slam," she said.

"People think because I have been playing bowls a long time I have held a lot of English titles.

"The fact is I last won one in 2011. After a 14-year wait, I lifted two. You stand for ages waiting for a bus and two come along at once!"

To get through to the national finals, held every year at Leamington Spa, competitors qualify through county events.

"Over the last 30 years, I've missed out on getting to the finals or lost at Leamington Spa.

"The county final we played in this year was one of our hardest games and, on reflection, I do wonder whether it was written in the stars.

"To get to the national final and win it was amazing."

Amy plays out of Cleethorpes Bowling Club and, in the triples, was partnered by Spalding duo Chelsea Spencer and Ruby Philpott.

It was Chelsea's first outdoors national title.

"I remember getting to the final in triples 30 years ago like it was yesterday.

"I was 14 at the time and it caused a bit of a stir because very few that young got through to Leamington Spa, let alone the final.

"I remember there were articles in The Times and the Daily Telegraph, as well as locally. "It's bizarre really that I've actually won the title 30 years later.

"I never really thought that I'd not won the triples until we actually won. Then it started to sink in.

"We also realised that Chelsea was born 30 years ago and Ruby hadn't been born!"

The threesome beat an Oxfordshire team 19-17.

She won the pairs a few days later with partner Caroline Cullum, also a member of Cleethorpes Bowls Club.

"I don't think there is a secret to my longevity. I am very competitive and want to win. I've always enjoyed the sport and still enjoy it."

The outdoor season having finished, Amy's turning her attention to playing indoors for the first time in years.

That is because she has been long listed to play for England in the Commonwealth Games, taking place in Glasgow next year.

It is a slimmed down event to cut costs and bowls has been moved inside as a result.

"The Commonwealth Games puts bowls on a level playing field with other sports. For many, they won't watch bowls regularly but will when it's the Games. It is like me with curling at the Winter Olympics."

Before then, she has travels to represent England in the Hong Kong Classic, being one of two women and two men to have been asked.

"It's a prestigious tournament and the first time I've been asked. It lasts around nine days."

She will go there with the support of Waltham Toll Bar.

"I could not compete and play at this level without the fantastic backing of senior leaders and colleagues.

"Knowing I have their support allows me to compete and, hopefully, I can inspire some of the students too.

"But I don't play bowls for that reason – I play because I enjoy winning and, it turns out, I'm quite good at it."

Executive Principal Philip Dickinson: "We're proud to have a national champion in our staff room, leading our PE offer, and around our school.

"We congratulate Amy on a remarkable career Grand Slam in bowls.

"The fact Amy's been at the top of her sport for so long shows her unstinting dedication, loyalty and desire to win. She's an inspiration to staff and students.

"We wish her well in Hong Kong and hope she's selected for next year's Commonwealth Games."

Waltham Toll Bar Academy's head of PE Amy Pharaoh (right) on the winners' podium with team-mates Ruby Philpott (left) and Chelsea Spencer.

It was 30 years ago Amy last made the triples final at the Leamington Spa championships with her mum Chris Gowshall (centre) and Nora Hall.