07 Jul Shepley Bowling Club attracts £1.6 million of investment for new ground
Shepley bowling club have landed the largest investment deal in bowling history. Ex-Shepley resident and multi-billionaire businessman Richard Ambrose-Pringle (93) has announced his intention to make available an astonishing amount of money to his old bowling club.
A great headline, and a nice thought, but completely untrue – and so too was an article published by Huddweb on 30 June incorrectly accusing Shepley Bowling Club of playing an ineligible bowler in the first round of the Team KO. The Veteran’s League has no idea how Huddweb came to be so misinformed but no part of that story was true. The only “story” to share is that the Shepley team arrived on the day with just nine men and not being able to field a 3rd pair conceded that game 21-0.
Since raising a complaint with Huddweb the offending paragraph has been deleted from the article, but this is of no consolation to Shepley as it had already been read and shared by upward of 100 people. Despite a polite request to do so, no form of public retraction or apology has been forthcoming for wrongly discrediting the club. This is surprising but hopefully will be addressed at some point as it will take little effort to confirm the truth and make amends.
The Association is very aware of the hurt felt by Shepley Bowling Club due to having their fine reputation tarnished by the false story. We have reassured both the Club President and 10-man team captain that steps will be taken to help address the matter given Huddweb has so far failed to own its mistake – hence this news item.
Kirkheaton Con bowler Jeff Jacklin is entirely responsible for what is posted on Huddweb and the Veterans Association has no control over this. Articles on Huddweb relating to the Veterans League often carry a “unofficial website Veterans League” logo which is a good reminder that they are exactly that, unofficial, and the content cannot always be trusted.
Most likely a result of jumping to incorrect conclusions this case highlights the need to use social media thoughtfully and responsibly – which is a good prompt to remind everyone of the BCGBA Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct covers behaviour on and off the green, including use of social media. The BCGBA and YCCGBA are, commendably, taking breaches very seriously and have progressed a number of disciplinary cases in the past 12 months including where social media has been misused. Social media misuse carries a minimum penalty of a 1 year suspension, with longer suspensions for serious or repeat offences. A copy of the Code of Conduct can be found on our website at https://www.hvba.co.uk/bcgba-code-of-conduct/. All members are strongly encouraged to be familiar with this, be sure to adhere to it and remember if you are subject to unacceptable behaviour on or off the green, or on social media, it is not something you have to tolerate. Abuse, bullying, intimidation, harassment, public discrediting, breach of privacy etc – raise a complaint via your Club, hvba or YCCGBA and be assured the matter will be taken very seriously. If social media related try to keep copies/screen saves at the time as this makes it easier to follow up should someone subsequently delete it.
By the way, if anyone is inspired to bankroll the Shepley dream ground please do not hesitate to let the club know.