Another year, another anniversary celebration for Haywards Heath & Beech Hurst.

Hot on the heels of marking 70 years since Haywards Heath Bowls Club and its then Beech Hurst neighbours began sharing a clubhouse, came the 120th anniversary of the formation of the older of the two – Haywards Heath.

Members marked the occasion in the way they know best – a game of bowls, a burger and a beer or two.

In the absence of chairman John Milsom and Tina, who normally do so much of the work on such occasions, others mucked in and produced what captain Graham Brown described as “a really great day”.

While he spent much of it explaining the playing format for the competition, honorary secretary Jennie Evans was slaving away sorting out the catering, alongside birthday “boy” Basil Larkins – who shared a cake or two to mark his own anniversary, the precise number of which I’m led to believe was somewhere between the other two.

Each of the club’s sponsors was represented at the event, some of whom took the opportunity to have a bowl themselves under the guidance of Jill Saunders and Anne Bosman.

And Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne also took to the green as an invited guest.

Triples triumph

Club members took part in a mini-triples competition, played in the format of the Carrow Cup.

Triumphant team was Dorothy Glasby, Peter Huntley and Chris King, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Secretary Jennie Evans writes: “We had a lovely lot of helpers at 9am to help with setting up rinks, banners and bunting. [Greenkeeper] Marley cut the grass early in the morning so that we looked very smart.

“Members started arriving at 10.30 for a start at 11am. By this time the home-made cakes, tea and coffee were available to start the players off. They played until 12.30, when more cake was consumed and tea and coffee provided.

“At 1.30 the games restarted and the banners and bunting waved gently in the breeze. The sun popped out now and again. It was near-perfect conditions.

“By 3.30 the burger van was fired up and producing burgers in the car park. Tokens were handed out in military style by Elaine Larkins and Jennie Evans and all 71 members and sponsors were served with their choice of burger. The young men on the van were greatly appreciated with their jokes and banter.

“The bar was now open and the cakes were nearly all eaten (none went to waste).

“From the feedback, the members enjoyed their day and there were a lot of older members who don't manage to get to the club so often, catching up with each other.”

Membership goal

And treasurer Basil Larkins: “The club welcomed Katy Bourne (Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex), who spoke about the history of the club and her own love of bowls, drawn from her memories of her father. She met its two longest-serving members, Bas and Doreen Kingshott, and mingled with members for more than an hour.

“Various club sponsors attended and received an introductory bowls lesson from club members.

“Members played a celebratory match and then enjoyed some excellent burgers provided by Bangs Food Truck. Even the weather was kind, and the threatening rain held off until the day was almost over.

“The club has significantly grown its membership in recent years and aims to have 100 playing members by the next significant milestone in 2028, when it will be 50 years since the creation of the club in its present form.”

Photos by Basil Larkins, Dorothy Glasby, Mike Wakeling and Tara de Silva