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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WEST SUSSEX BOWLS TOURING CLUB
In early 1955 a group of 30 bowlers got together and arranged a bowls tour. Under the directorship of Chairman / Captain A. G. Smart of the Tithe Green BC and Secretary C. J. Uncles from Worthing Pavilion BC, they left Worthing Central Railway Station on 15th May 1955 by coach and headed for the Royal Hotel, Weymouth. The next day Greenhill BC in Weymouth played host to the clubs first tour match – against Weymouth and District.
On this first tour they travelled under the name of ‘The West Sussex Tourists’ and so successful was the week that it was decided to put the tour on an official footing and accordingly a meeting was called for 21st July 1955. Mr. Artlett of the Maltravers club was elected President and a name of the Sussex Martlets Bowls Touring Club was agreed. By November 1955 the club name had been changed to it’s current title of the West Sussex Bowls Touring Club, Sussex County BA having objected to any club prefixing it’s name with the word ‘Sussex’.
We would like to record our thanks and appreciation to Worthing Pavilion BC who allow us to play ‘home’ matches at their venue. We took advantage of this kind offer by hosting matches in 2005 (our 50th year) against both Sussex County and English BA. In 2015 (our 60th year), once again we hosted Sussex County. Thanks also to Worthing Indoor BC who allow us to hold committee meetings and our AGM on their premises.
The club have toured every year since and a total of 349 members have enjoyed bowling with the club on their annual jaunts. This remarkable touring record came to an end in 2020 and 2021 due to the awful Corona-virus Pandemic. We can proudly boast of 18 members who have each toured on 20 or more occasions. Our 2019 tour saw our club secretary Chris Rolph create a new touring record having travelled 36 times. His record has now been extended to 39 tours. The previous record holder Ken Armstrong went on 35 tours before he passed away in May 2014. Steve Hawkes has travelled 34 times, Cecil Wadey 32 and Roger Ayling 26. Graham Allen, Alan Catterson and Harry Gosnell have been on 25. Kevin Mitchell 24, Geoff Armstrong, Ron Hyam, Cecil Salisbury and Charles Walkden 23, Bill Bryder, Wally Edwards and Ted Lane 22. David Dallyn, Joe Gilpin achieved 21.
WE MUST SURELY BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!
To view a spreadsheet of all the matches (and results) of matches played on tour since 1955 (up to and including our 2024 tour – 2020 and 2021 both cancelled due to Covid) please click WSBTC – tour results etc
To view a spreadsheet of all the members who have toured with the club and the years they travelled (1955-2024) please click WSBTC – tours travelled 1955 to date 24.06.07
ARE WE THE CLUB FOR YOU?
You are interested in becoming a member?
Some information about the club that may help you make your mind up as to whether joining us is for you.
The club was formed in 1955 by a group of bowlers from in and around Littlehampton and Worthing. The sole purpose of the club was to provide social recreation and a bowling holiday for male bowlers. Nothing has changed since these early days except that the club has developed a regular ‘non tour’ fixture list in both the Outdoor and Indoor seasons.
We have been lucky enough to have had in our membership no less than four Sussex County Bowling Association Presidents, three Sussex County Indoor Presidents, at least three Sussex County selectors, our members have won numerous County Competitions and three National Titles.
Although competitive on the green we pride ourselves on being a club for all standards literally from beginners to National Champion. We believe our club has a tremendous reputation for camaraderie both on and off the green and this is paramount in the thoughts of the committee when reviewing applications from new members. Potential members must at the time of their application be a member of a Bowling Club within the County boundary of West Sussex or be a member of a club from outside West Sussex but be resident within West Sussex.
Applicants should be aware that the club is run for members who wish to: a) travel on our annual tour (we usually leave Sussex on the second Saturday in May). b) partake in our ‘non tour friendly’ matches and invited ‘opens’ both indoor and outdoor. c) have an interest in attending our annual dinner (usually the first Friday in May). d) enjoy themselves in the company of likeminded bowlers. The club wear Burgundy coloured shirts (and Burgundy coloured jumpers if one is worn) together with Grey trousers or shorts for all their matches. Upon acceptance to the club details will be given re purchase of the garments.
APPLICATION FORM
If after reading all the above information you feel the club is right for you please click WSBTC – application form and info page to download an application form. Alternatively please contact the Honorary Secretary on 07876/538583.
THE THOUGHTS OF PRESIDENT JON (posted on 15th December 2024)
Fellow tourists, as I now enter my second year as President I remember the words left on the coach in Bedford telling me I had “room for improvement” in my presidential role. Let’s hope these words ring true and we have an even more successful year as a club in 2025.
It was great to see all the members who attended the club’s recent AGM on a cold and horrible evening, and my thanks go to everyone in making it such a straightforward night. Special thanks to Jim Roberts for providing the mid-meeting entertainment in his nod to the retiring committee.
Following the AGM however, I was saddened to hear about Paul Blakemore. I’m sure you will join me in passing our heartfelt sympathies onto his family at this sad time. In reflection, I’m pleased that Paul was able to tour earlier this year and speaking with him at this time I know he thoroughly enjoyed both the week and everyone’s company on tour.
Now as I look forward into 2025, the club’s annual dinner and tour to Paignton will soon be upon us (please note that your Hon.Treasurer will be sending out tour balance and outstanding subscription reminders in early January). In the meantime, we have several indoor friendlies to challenge us. Let’s all support Captain Roger in fulfilling these fixtures and I hope to see you on these days.
Finally, as per usual tradition, I would like to wish you and your families a happy Christmas and healthy New Year. And during this festive period of non-stop football, I’m sure you will join me in saying “UP THE ALBIPOOL”
Jon Clear (President)
CAPTAIN ROGER’S RAMBLINGS (posted on 2nd December 2024)
I would like to thank all the members who were at the AGM for electing me as captain for an unprecedented 10th year. To those who weren’t at the meeting – I hope you agree.
It has been an honour and pleasure over the years and I’m looking forward to leading you again for the remaining indoor, our tour and the outdoor games.
I couldn’t do the job without your help and support, for which I am truly grateful.
I hope we can go one better on tour in 2025 and win all our matches and improve on our outdoor form in the friendlies, we only won two games last summer. We all know winning isn’t everything but it is better than losing!
I hope to see you all in the New Year and wish you all a happy Christmas and a great healthy new year.
Captain Roger
CLUB CALENDAR 2024/25 (updated on 18th September 2024)
2024 TOUR CHAMPION – Jon Clear
2024 Tour champion Jon Clear receives the Ken Armstrong Champions Trophy from Immediate Past President Derek Brockhurst.
OUR RECORD BREAKING TOURIST – Chris Rolph
Chris Rolph being presented with his engraved trophy to commemorate his attaining a club record of 36 consecutive tours in 2019. Paul Armstrong the son of the previous record holder Ken Armstrong travelled to Tenby to present the award. Chris has now extended his number of tours to 39.
OUR NEW PRESIDENT – Jon Clear
Our new President Jon Clear proudly wearing his Presidential Chain after being presented with it by Acting President Derek Brockhurst at the 2023 AGM.
OUR NEWEST HLVP – Derek Ford
Derek Ford receives his HLVP certificate from Acting President Derek Brockhurst at the AGM in November 2023. Congratulations Derek.
To view the club calendar of events for 2024 and 2025 please click this link: WSBTC – calendar 2024 and 2025 as at 24.09.18