Leicestershire’s Tony Allcock is one of the most recognisable names in bowls. A three-time Indoor World Singles Champion and two-time Outdoor Singles Champion, Allcock also achieved great success representing England and playing in pairs. Now Chief Executive of Bowls England, Tony answered your questions about his career highlights and remaining ambitions…

What are your memories of growing up in Leicestershire?
Tim, Loughborough
It was a village way of life when it was safe to play in the water meadows, which are now Watermead Park, and in the street at night. I spent 23 years in Leicestershire before moving to Gloucestershire and now Worthing. My brother and sister live in Thurmaston and Queniborough so I come back to see them.

How did you first get into bowls?
Nick Perkins, Braunstone
My mother was an England player, my father was a very good county player and they took up bowls at Goodwood Bowling Club. As a youngster I had to go to these boring matches and didn’t take much of an interest. It wasn’t until I was 11 that I started playing bowls on the lawn behind my parents’ house. In those days young people simply weren’t allowed to play and weren’t accepted by clubs. I played on the corner of cricket fields whilst my parents were playing, until, when I was 14, the local club at Fosse Way accepted me. From the age of 17 I swept the board in all club competitions and reached the all-England finals in London. My career escalated from there.

What was your training regime like?
Helen Quinn, via email
I never really had any formal coaching; I did my own thing. My technique worked for me but it wasn’t textbook. My delivery was very quick but probably not as accurate as it could be. I had natural ability. My partner, David Bryant, who I won five world titles with, was practised and more refined and tried different techniques, but I just got on with it.

What have been the highlights of your career?
Suzanne, Glen Parva
Winning the World Indoor Championships three times and winning two Outdoor Championships, which are big tournaments and held every four years, so I held the title for eight years. Playing for such a long time for my country was a big achievement, but it took its toll and I finished prematurely. I finished after one of my most successful indoor seasons and haven’t played since. I don’t regret retiring when I did because I went out at the top and I’ve always tried to be in control. A lot of the England team managers said I finished five years early.

What were your experiences of the Commonwealth Games?
Tim, via email
My best was silver in the singles. I retired before the Manchester Commonwealth Games and became the Performance Director. That was my favourite because I picked a team that, apart from this year, was England’s most successful Commonwealth team. I trained people for the Exceptional Athletes with Disabilities event, including a blind lady who won the world singles title. I also trained and introduced girls like Ellen Falkner and Amy Monkhouse. We won three golds, two silvers and a bronze. Those achievements gave me more satisfaction than my achievements as a player.

What other achievements, away from bowls, have given you most pride?
Walter Yeates, Melton Mowbray
Being honoured by the Queen. I went to get the MBE and she asked me all sorts of questions about bowls and every time I was trying to bow to take a step away she asked another one! I have been described as a high achiever in all aspects of life. I’ve always been determined and set targets.

What does your role as Chief Executive of Bowls England involve?
Abdul, Leicester
I was appointed by the English Bowling Association eight years ago and I’ve been part of unifying the English Bowling Association and the English Women’s Bowling Association, which was one of my biggest achievements. We are trying to modernise a very traditional sport. We have 2,500 clubs in England and a membership of around 230,000 people, many of which are of an older generation. Bowls is recognised by Sport England as a sport that keeps older people active.

What are your remaining aims and ambitions?
Tommy, Evington
The sport needs to modernise without losing the traditional values. I was born into bowls and 56 years later I’m still right in the middle of it. I have a great responsibility and give up a lot of hours voluntarily. I don’t want any medals for that, it’s my passion and my sport, but as soon as that starts eating into me then I’ll make the decision and that’s it.

I show dogs at a very high level and I’ve taken the best of breed for Japanese Chin Toy Spaniels at Crufts for the last four years. I’ve also shown rabbits and guinea pigs. It’s relaxing but tinged with some adrenaline. It’s a diversion, a different world, and you need that.

Would you consider playing bowls recreationally when you’re older?
Barry, Aylestone
Absolutely impossible. I’m probably county standard still, but fatter, uglier and the joints don’t work as well! If I wanted to play competitively then I would’ve carried on the plateau I was at. Do it or don’t do it, no half-measures.