Anwen Butten Inducted into the Welsh Hall of Fame
BowlsWales is proud to celebrate one of Welsh bowls' greatest ever players. On Thursday 25th June, Anwen Butten officially joined the Welsh Hall of Fame — an honour that reflects a career spanning 35 years, six Commonwealth Games, and medals at every level of the sport.
A Career Built on Dedication
Anwen first represented Wales as a junior international in 1988, inspired by watching her mother compete on the international circuit. That early spark grew into one of the most decorated careers in Welsh bowls history.
She went on to represent Wales as a senior outdoor international from 1999 to 2022, and as a senior indoor international from 2016 to 2023. Throughout that time, she competed consistently at the highest level — and won.
Her major medal haul includes:
- Two Commonwealth Games bronze medals
- Five World Championship medals, including gold at the 2004 World Outdoor Championships in Leamington Spa
- Two Atlantic Bowls Championship gold medals — in Johannesburg in 2009 and again in 2019
- British Isles Championship titles in the fours (2018) and pairs (2024)
- Multiple Welsh National titles across triples, pairs, and fours
- Over 40 county titles for Ceredigion
Making History at Birmingham 2022
Anwen's sixth and final Commonwealth Games marked a fitting end to her playing career. In Birmingham, she became the first bowler ever appointed as overall Team Captain for Team Wales — leading not just the bowls squad, but every athlete representing Wales at the Games.
The Welsh Government paid tribute to her contribution at the time, describing her six-Games legacy as immeasurable. For Anwen, it was the perfect send-off.
Giving Back to the Sport
Retirement from competition did not mean stepping away from bowls. Anwen moved straight into the role of Welsh Women's Team Manager, taking responsibility for the Under 18, Under 25, Senior, and World Bowls squads.
She has also helped shape the next generation much closer to home. Her daughter Alis is now a senior international, and her son Hari has represented Wales at under-25 level. Together, Anwen and Alis won the Welsh National Pairs title in 2023 — a moment Anwen described as an absolute delight.
Recognised Beyond Sport
In 2025, Anwen received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. The award recognised not only her sporting achievements but also her 30 years of service as a Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Glangwili Hospital.
That combination — elite athlete and dedicated public servant — sets Anwen apart. She has given as much to her community off the green as she has to Wales on it.
A Proud Moment for Welsh Bowls
BowlsWales warmly congratulates Anwen on this well-deserved recognition. Her induction into the Welsh Hall of Fame reflects everything that is great about our sport: commitment, excellence, and a genuine love of representing Wales.
We look forward to seeing her continued influence on Welsh bowls for many years to come.