On 19th July, 22 members of Adastra Bowling Club travelled to London to play a return match against the Chelsea Pensioners. Last year, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Adastra Bowling Club, the Chelsea Pensioners came to Hassocks. An invitation for a return match was issued to be played on their home green at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the iconic veterans of the British Army, the Chelsea Pensioners.

Regular tours of the buildings and grounds of the Royal Hospital are conducted for both private groups and public visits, and the group were met by Alan Gill, the Secretary of their Bowls Club and an authorised tour guide. Having showed the visitors around, Alan took them to the Bowling Green on a lawn in front of the famous building. An excellent, friendly match took place, with Adastra winning. They were proud to announce that one of their players was over 90 years old, but Adastra Bowling Club had three players present aged over 90!

The visitors were treated to a meal and then convivial drinks in ‘The Covid Arms’ afterwards, where the Hassocks club presented a generous cheque as a donation. As they were waved off, Adastra Bowling Club promised to return and visit the Chelsea Pensioners again soon.