BOWLS: Jack on The Green
DARREN EDWARDES
Only three sets of bowling greens still survive in the town following the Covid pandemic and council funding cuts – at White Rock, Hollington and West St Leonards. The third of these, based on the edge of Marina Gardens, is the home of St Leonards Bowls Club. Formed in 1906, it’s clinging onto survival due to the determination of the current club members to secure a renewed ten-year lease from Hastings Borough Council, as they continue to run and maintain the single green and club buildings.
I met Ken Beaney, current club captain, and Joy Veares, club treasurer, for the first time just over a month ago when my visiting parents and brother joined me to re-enact a game of bowls which had featured in many of our past family holidays. I was immediately struck by the warmth and generosity of Ken, Joy and other club members as they shared their woods and provided refreshments free of charge on what was a hot sunny day. In between games we talked about the club, its history and current membership, which has dropped over the past ten years from over 70 members to around 30.
I noted some sadness and weariness in Ken’s face and tone as he shared the club’ history and its recent problems of dwindling numbers and financial pressures. The elation of beating my parents at ‘their game’ was tempered somewhat by what may happen to this proud club. I left the green feeling both admiration and a desire to support and help what is an incredibly valuable community asset keeping alive a traditionally social game, steeped in rich history over millennia.
CUP FINAL WEEKEND
The season runs from April to the end of September. The club is one of 12 that compete in the local Mermaid League. It also plays a number of friendlies with other teams across Sussex. Most matches are mixed doubles. But it also organises in-club competitive tournaments, with a cup final weekend on 2/3 September.
There’s no dress code for casual play, which costs £5 an hour or £6 for two hours per player, discounted for large groups. In competition, players don grey trousers/shorts/skirt and white tops.
Autumn will bring the club some financial challenges. The close season requires a focus on vital green repairs, re-seeding and an overhaul of the water sprinkler system in preparation for reopening in spring 2024. A local couple have already taken to action by funding promotional leaflets to encourage both participation and membership, as well as the use of local amenities around this treasured green space.
Plans are afoot to hold a fundraising afternoon of ‘quintessentially British Fun on the seafront’, so come and see what this simple skilful game has to offer you in the summer sun, and help contribute in the process to keeping this little gem alive and rolling.
St Leonards Bowls Club is open to the public between 10am and 5pm every day up to the end of September subject to club events and weather conditions. For further details call Pam Beaney 01424 424227.
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