Chelsea Pensioners join Gosport bowls club to celebrate 50th anniversary

Bridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David GeorgeBridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David George
Bridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David George
A BOWLS club that has been an outlet for hundreds of people has celebrated its 50th anniversary in style.

Bridgemary Bowls Club held its 50th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, May 16 – with a commemorative match against the Chelsea Pensioners, who travelled down for the afternoon.

Players say that the club, in Cunningham Drive, has been a great way to keep fit and make friends with others in the community.

Stan Atthis, 78, has been at the club for 14 years.

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Bridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David GeorgeBridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David George
Bridgemary Bowls Club with the Chelsea Pensioners. Picture: David George

He said: ‘I first joined the bowling club because I wanted the exercise; despite getting older I was keen to keep fit.

‘It’s a lovely community here – good fun with good company.

‘It makes you feel better about yourself and so I’m glad we’re able to celebrate such a milestone.’

Club president Audrey Sitch said: ‘It’s such an amazing privilege to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of this club.

‘Bowls is such a wonderful game for your health, it’s good for the mind and you’re meeting people and having a laugh.

‘I wish more people would think about joining a club.’

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After greeting the Chelsea Pensioners – and sharing stories over tea and biscuits – the groups split across the rinks of the green for an afternoon of games.

Ladies team captain Lesley Howell said: ‘This is a wonderful achievement for the club.

‘This is a very social sport for people who might otherwise be on their own – even if you’re a couple, being part of a club can be a big help if you fall on hard times.

‘To celebrate our 50th anniversary with the Chelsea Pensioners is very special indeed.’

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The Chelsea Pensioners themselves spend many of their days going to bowling clubs across the country.

But 85-year-old Ron Wilkins says that the reception at Bridgemary Bowling Club was a ‘real warm welcome’.

He said: ‘It’s always nice to come to a place like this, and we were given a wonderful reception.

‘To have us at these events seems to have become a tradition, but it’s something we absolutely love doing.

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‘Bowling is about comradeship – we all play together but aren’t really interested in winning. It’s the friendly atmosphere, the company and the beer.

‘Spending the afternoon here at Bridgemary has been great fun – it’s a lovely club.’

Bridgemary Bowls Club will also be holding an open day on Saturday, May 25 from midday to 4pm.

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