Horley Bowling Club set for centenary celebrations (From Redhill And Reigate Life)
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Horley Bowling Club set for centenary celebrations
2:55pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in Local News
Horley Bowling Club is to celebrate its centenary this year with a series of special events including matches and competitions with teams from Bowls England and the Chelsea Pensioners.
The club, based in Horley Recreation Ground in Brighton Road, will be launching its celebrations on April 20, with an opening drive attended by the Mayor of Horley, Richard Olliver, and his wife, Gill.
That will be followed by a match between Horley Men and a team from Bowls England on June 13.
The club's men's side will take on a team from Surrey County on June 21, and a team from the Chelsea Pensioners on July 3.
Other centenary events planned include an open triples competition against invited teams and a match between Horley Ladies and a team of ladies from Surrey County, both in August.
The celebrations will close in September with a barbecue on September 1, and the closing day drive on September 21.
The club, which plays between April and September, can trace its history back to 1913 due to county records, which show that at the time of its affiliation in 1933, it was recorded as having been in existence for 20 years.
During the 1920s, the old “St Barts” Club played on a green then existing behind the church rooms in Albert Road, Horley.
On its affiliation to the Surrey County Bowling Association in 1933, the club moved to a green laid out on land in Vicarage Lane.
Later, Horley Parish Council ensured the continuance of the local bowling tradition by laying out a new green in the Recreation Ground, which was opened in 1965.
High-points in the club's history have included a 24-hour sponsored outdoor bowling marathon in July 1985, which, with other fundraising events held, raised more than £1,600.
Two more bowling marathons were held in 1999 and 2002.
The club, which is always looking for ways to improve the maintenance of the bowling green, was given a boost recently with the delivery of a sprayer used to fight weeds and moss, sponsored by Ian Taylor Body Repairers.
Club membership secretary Alex Bennett, said: “We always welcome new bowlers and this year it would be a great opportunity to visit the club and see what we have to offer.
“Free coaching is available by recognised coaches.”
For more information call Alex on 01293 824439 or email: anbennett@talktalk.net
