By David Reader

Wednesday 20th July will live long in the memories of the members of Adastra Bowling Club following the visit of the Royal Hospital Chelsea (Chelsea Pensioners). They arrived at Hassocks Parish Council offices having travelled from London by luxury coach. They disembarked and clothed themselves in their famous scarlet tunics and marched at ‘pensioners’ pace’ to the bowling green.

A number of Hassocks residents turned out to watch them and gave them loud applause as they marched past them. They were warmly welcomed by the Adastra Bowling Club president Barbara Hornby and members of the club. After a photo, they were served with tea and biscuits before changing into their bowling attire. The gentlemen’s changing room inside the Pavilion looked quite spectacular with the scarlet tunics neatly placed on their own wooden clothes hangers.

The game result was an honourable draw and the pensioners also congratulated the green keepers for such a wonderful surface. Following the game, a few drinks were consumed and quite a good social atmosphere created. The 53 portions of fish and chips arrived on time thanks to the hard work of Ilker and all his staff at Hassocks Fish & Chips and the visitors said how much they had enjoyed their day out in sunny Hassocks.

A cheque for £200 was donated to the Royal Hospital Charity, which was gratefully received. After a very enjoyable day, they returned to London, but not before they issued an invitation to Adastra Bowling Club to visit the Royal Hospital on a date to be arranged in 2023.