Buxted Park Bowls Club

Buxted Park Bowls Club Newsletter August/September 2026

Welcome to the August edition of our monthly newsletter which is being published slightly later than usual to enable coverage of our very successful finals weekend. It is unbelievable that the outdoor season is already drawing to a close but hopefully you will all agree it has been an enjoyable few months playing bowls and mixing with friends. We have had a lot of success at club and individual lever this year, with winners in the county competitions, successful Mid Sussex League and John Spriggs League campaigns and a comprehensive programme of friendly matches. We have seen a number of new members join the club this year and thrive in the game and lots of people helping out to support events and keep our club running well, maintaining our reputation as a great place to play bowls for members and visitors alike. Thank you all!

John Spriggs League

With all matches concluded, Buxted Park were confirmed very worthy champions of Division Two and promoted back to Division One. A team photo is now included on the website (with Denzil cropped in as he had been drafted into the Mid Sussex League team on the day the photo was taken). Photo

Mid-Sussex League

Going into the last game we were in second position, just one point behind Lindfield. We had a brilliant game against Newick for the last match and got the full 10 points but, unfortunately, Lindfield also got the full 10 points in their match against Downsman, meaning the final points totals in the division were 67 for Lindfield and 66 for us. However, we did have the biggest shot difference of plus 131, showing what a successful season we had, and we have kept our place in the top Division for 2027.

Mick Read Invitation Day

On Sunday, 2 August 2026, we hosted our annual Mick Read Invitation Day where 20 teams from across the county visited Buxted for a day of fun, food and bowls. This is always a popular event enjoyed by all and again we received lots of positive comments and thanks from those who took part. This event could not have happened without so many club members volunteering to help. We served tea and coffee for 90-odd people on arrival and then the two lunch sittings were delivered back-to-back in what can only be described as a slick military operation – a massive thank you to all who helped organise and deliver a very successful day for the club. Photos

Mixed Pairs County Champions

Congratulations to Leah Hawkins and Mark Strong for their victory in the final of the mixed pairs county competition against a team from Pulborough Bowls Club. It was a well fought contest that went to the very last end. Very well done Leah and Mark! Photo

Syd Allen Day

On Saturday, 29 August, we held our annual Syd Allen competitions day of two wood singles matches. After a successful and enjoyable day, Tom Melville and Alex Paine progressed to the final which was subsequently played on finals weekend.

Eileen Morris Receives Her Sussex County Badge!

Warmest congratulations to Eileen on being awarded her Sussex County badge! The county badge is an official achievement awarded to players within Sussex who meet specific criteria. In short, you earn points by competing in county competitions, accruing further points the more you progress. At the moment, women require eight points to qualify for their badge and men require nine points. Once you have earnt enough points to qualify you are awarded your badge when you are invited to play in your first county match. Follow the link for a photo of Eileen Morris receiving her Sussex County badge from Julie Hawkins, President for the day. Eileen had just enjoyed a lovely afternoon playing for Sussex Ladies versus Kent Ladies at Cranbrook Bowls Club. Photo

Representation at Leamington

Chris Barradell and Nicola Drew, County Ladies Pairs Champions, were invited to represent Sussex at the National Bowls Finals in Leamington Spa. Peter Barradell and Mick Patching also represented Sussex at Leamington after making it to the semi-finals. Mark Strong was their team manager for this and he was incredibly pleased with all the players to get so far – well done all! Photo

Finals Weekend

Over the weekend of 5/6 September we held our Club Competitions Finals and what a superb weekend it was. The weather was kind and there was a consistently high standard of competition and play and, most importantly, good grace and humour throughout the finals matches. A big thank you to Tom Melville, Competitions Secretary for organising this year’s competitions and for arranging the finals weekend. Thanks also to the 20-25 members who came along to watch and support our finalists, Peter Barradell for brilliant work on the green, Jason Walter, Peter Barradell and Peter Pickett for helping to set up all the rinks. Thank you to Peter Pickett, Jason Walter, Nicola Drew and Sue Hanlon for marking games. Finally, a HUGE thank you to Dave Driver and Sue Hanlon for looking after us all with some delicious, filled rolls and running the kitchen with teas and coffees. The results were as follows:

• 100 Up - Winner Peter Barradell - Runner Up Alex Paine
• Handicap - Winner Jason Walter - Runner Up Nicola Drew
• 3 Wood Pairs - Winners Andrew Taylor/Jackie Stanhope - Runner Up Anne King/ Tom Melville 
• Men's Singles - Winner Jason Walter - Runner Up Alex Paine 
• Ladies Singles - Winner Nicola Drew - Runner Up - Chris Barradell 
• Syd Allen - Winner Alex Paine - Runner Up Tom Melville 
• The Plate - Winner Andy Lane - Runner Up Peter Barradell 
• The Yardstick - Winner Alex Paine - Runner Up Jason Walter 
• Non-Winners - Winner Peter Barradell - Runner Up Jackie Stanhope 
• Aussie Pairs - Winners Alex Paine/Nicola Drew - Runners Up Mark Strong/Leah Hawkins 
• 4 Wood Pairs - Winners Gloria Dowding/Peter Pickett - Runners Up Sheila Goldsmith/Andrew Taylor 

Finals Weekend Photos

Dates For Your Diaries

• Thursday, 17 September 2026 – 14:30 West Hoathly (Home) – Our final match of the season;
• Sunday, 20 September 2026 – Green closure;
• Monday, 21 September 2026 – Green renovation work begins – all welcome to come along and lend a hand!;
• Wednesday, 21 October 2026 – Indoor match - 14:00 Royal Tunbridge Wells Indoor Bowls Club (Mixed - Away);
• Friday, 23 October 2026 – Presentations Evening (£12 a head including buffet and entertainment);
• Sunday, 15 November 2026 – 10:30 – Buxted Park Bowls Club Annual General Meeting (AGM);
• Sunday, 6 December 2026 – Indoor match - 14:15 Wealden Indoor Bowls Club (Mixed - Away); and
• Sunday, 21 February 2027 – Indoor match – 14:00 Eastbourne Indoor Bowls Club (Mixed - Away).

Finally, if you have any comments, suggestions or content for the newsletter or the website going forward, please email Andy Lane, Website Administrator at: andylane67@hotmail.co.uk

Buxted Park Bowls Club newsletter - July 2026

Welcome to the second of our monthly newsletters which aim to give you all an overview of club news, events and achievements as well as a forward look of forthcoming events. While the series of heatwaves has brought challenges and is by no means ideal for many of us, the generally very good weather has resulted in us being able to undertake a packed programme of bowls this month with very little disruption. It is great to be able to reflect on some significant achievements and successes as we move towards the final stages of a highly successful season for Buxted Park Bowls Club. The July newsletter photo gallery can be accessed via the following link: https://www.buxtedparkbowlsclub.co.uk/galleryview/?gid=7

John Crock Club Competition Day – 19 July 2026

This year saw the 30th anniversary of the John Crock tournament so it was lovely to see so many members taking part both on the green and supporting from the side. The format involved 30 members drawn into triples teams and then playing a ‘round robin’ competition with each team playing five games of four ends leading straight to a final in the afternoon. The points were close with every team winning at least one of their matches. The full results table was as follows, with the top two teams progressing to the final:

After a cup of tea and slice or two of Competition Secretary Tom Melville’s famous Whisky and Ginger cake, the final got underway. Andy’s team managed to get one shot on each of the first two ends to take a 2-0 lead but Jason’s team came back to score four on the third and deciding end and clinch the match 4-2 overall. Anne, Anna and Jason were presented with their well-deserved trophy by the lovely Helen Branch.

A special well done to our Chairman Paul Dunstall who won the spider and will receive his choice of spirit or wine, provide by Tom. A further special mention to Norman Pugsley for all his hard work organising the John Crock day in previous years.

A truly lovely day of bowls, food, sun and friendly competition between friends.

Nicholas Soames League

Matches have now finished for the season. Although we have not fared too well this year, we are looking forward to hopefully improving next season. Most importantly, everyone who has bowled in the competition this year seems to have enjoyed themselves and would like to take part again next year. Another big thank you goes to Norman Pugsley for captaining the games.

John Spriggs League

After a narrow 2-8 defeat at home to Horsham at the end of June, the pressure was on our Spriggs team to get back on track during July. The trip to neighbours Uckfield on 14 July provided a stiff challenge on a very tricky green but we managed to come away with a positive 6-4 result. We then followed this up on 21 July with a convincing 10-0 victory over Haywards Heath at home. On 28 July, an 8-2 victory over Hurstpierpoint put us in a position where top place in the table and promotion to division one should now be guaranteed! Well done to the squad for a very successful season and good luck in the last match away to Horsham on 4 August.

Mid-Sussex League

After an excellent start to the League this year, topping the League table, a few results were disappointing, and we slipped down to the middle. However, we have managed to turn things around and some good results and large shot differences have now given us a chance. With two matches left, one against Lindfield who currently top the league, there is all to play for.

County Pairs Success – 25 July 2026

On 25 July, Christine Barradell and Nicola Drew represented the club in the women’s County Pairs at Preston Park and achieved a resounding victory of 20-7, with the opposition conceding after 15 ends. Everyone at the club would like to offer huge congratulations to Chris and Nicola for a brilliant achievement!

Tom Francis Victory – 26 July 2026

There was further success for the club in the final Tom Francis competition at Burgess Hill on 26 July, with a 40-26 victory across two rinks. Very well done to everyone who has played in any of the rounds and supported the teams. This is the second year running that Buxted Park has won this trophy - what an achievement! Can we make it three years running next year…?!

Across the month of July, we have also hosted several external matches, notably area finals, with the Committee providing hands on support to ensure things go smoothly, helping to enhance the reputation of the club as well as bringing in a little additional income. Thank you to all of those who have helped to organise and support these events on behalf of the club.

Look ahead to August

Sunday, 2 August 2026 – The Committee will be hosting the Mick Read invitation day at the green.

Tuesday, 4 August 2026 – We travel to Horsham in our final match of the season in the John Spriggs league and to put the final stamp on promotion back to Division 1 of the competition at the first time of asking.

Sunday, 16 August 2026 – Following his excellent victory in the area final of the Sussex County Champion of Champions, Alex Paine will be playing in the main semi-final at Worthing Pavilion. https://www.worthingpavilionbowlingclub.org.uk/

Later in August – Syd Allen club competition day, all encouraged to get involved. 

Please continue to put your names forward for friendly matches as it is the best way to learn and develop as well as meeting people from other clubs.

Finally, if you have any comments, suggestions or content for the newsletter going forward, please email Andy Lane, Website Administrator at: andylane67@hotmail.co.uk

Buxted Park Bowls Club Newsletter - June 2026

It is unbelievable that we are at the mid-way point in the season already. Despite some challenges with the weather, we have had a great season so far with a number of new members joining us and getting involved as well as external success at club, team and individual level in competitions and leagues.

It really was “flaming June” weather-wise although there was some rain as well as the heatwave conditions. We had a several matches cancelled throughout the month but mainly managed to keep playing despite the weather. Perhaps as a symbol of us overcoming the weather challenges, Sue Hanlon took a lovely picture of a rainbow through the trees during a Nicholas Soames match on 8th June v Lindfield.

The club had an excellent start to both the Tuesday evening Mid-Sussex (MSL) and John Spriggs leagues, with our teams recording wins in the first three rounds of matches, both securing top spot in their respective divisions. However, hot off the press, both teams suffered 8-2 defeats last night (30 June), away to Lindfield in the MSL and at home to Horsham in the John Spriggs. The Horsham result was particularly close, with just a single shot separating the overall scores of the teams, emphasising the fact that literally every end and shot counts in these competitions! Best wishes to our squads in these leagues to get back on track in the next round of games.

The extreme weather was particularly noticeable on Saturday 27 June, when we slipped to a comprehensive defeat at home to Haywards Heath and experienced some heavy rain as well as scorching sunshine. Howver , as you will see from the photos (link below), the weather did not dampen our spirits!

On Sunday, 28 June, Buxted won the Tom Francis match against Lindfield. This competition involves simultaneous home and away fixtures. They will next be playing Haywards Heath on Sunday 12th July at 10am (one home, one away) in the semi-final – please do come along and support the home team if you are able.

Our green is such a lovely setting, and the Friday night social evenings have continued to be popular – those attending last week’s roll-up enjoyed a pizza evening alongside the bowls.

Look ahead to July

• Sunday 5th July - Leah Hawkins, Mel Bridges, Nicola Drew and Chris Barradell will be travelling to Seaford for the Quarter finals of the Gladys Rowland and we send them all our very best wishes for a successful match.
• Sunday, 12th July – Tom Francis semi-final (as above, please do come along and support then team).
• Sunday, 19^th July – John Crock Trophy internal club competition day, all encouraged to get involved.
• Sunday, 26 July – Syd Allen club competition day, all encouraged to get involved. 

Please continue to put your names forward for friendly matches as it is the best way to learn and develop as well as meeting people from other clubs.

Finally, please remember to get those internal club competition matches played as we move towards the quarterfinals.

June photos can be found here: June 2026 Newsletter Photos

Men's and Ladies' Top Club Competitions

Men's Top Club Competition

On Friday night our men played at home in the first round of the National Top Club competition against The Crouch. Everyone played brilliantly but it just wasn’t to be this year despite us winning in two of the five disciplines. The games were incredibly close with us losing by just one shot in both the two-wood singles and the pairs. Spirits remained high though as cooking on the BBQ were bacon rolls and burgers ready for the hungry competitors when the game finished!