ALLAN THORNHILL
ABOUT ME
Born in Herford, West Germany in 1967, I grew up and still live in Surrey. Aged 14, I took to the sport of bowls encouraged by my Grandfather Tom. I was the youngest Umpire in the country when I first qualified in 1989 and I have experienced the very pinnacle of the sport officiating all over the World at the highest level.
As a Lawn Bowls Umpire
It was in 1989 that I took the first tentative steps as a junior Club Level Umpire. It took a while for a 21 year old to earn respect as an official but I progressed and was supported along the way by many club and county colleagues.
It was not long before I yearned for more and took the chance on the tougher exams to become a National Grade Umpire in 1996.
Very soon after this and having completed a number of successful National Championship performances I was selected for my first International event in 1999. From then my feet have not really touched the ground and I am now honoured to be among the top officials in the World having attended six consecutive Commonwealth Games together with 25 years on the elite World Bowls Tour panel of officials.
At Work
I am the Head of two laboratories at the prestigious Institute of Cancer Research where I have been since 2001. I manage a dedicated team of 20 staff.
I enjoy the challenges that assisting cancer researchers offers as they strive to find the cures for Cancer.
At Home
Married to my darling wife, Helen, in 1999 we live happily on the borders of Surrey and Sussex with our son Lewis.
I was encouraged to play the sport of bowls by my beloved grandparents when I was just 14 years old. It saddens me that they were unable to see my full success.
My parents have supported me in my achievements often coming to watch matches at which I am officiating.
I enjoy relaxing at home, watching TV, photography, computing and developing websites.
At Play
Whilst Bowls plays a large part of my social life, I also enjoy combining a passion for photography and wildlife.
