Carry on bowling

The match day started during the morning, so no one knew what a drenching they were in for later on.

More than 100 people attended to help toast the club's birthday. Teams from all over Sussex and one from Surrey competed in a tournament at Norfolk Pleasure Gardens greens in Littlehampton.

The Gala Day also included a presentation ceremony for the day's prizewinners, a grand raffle and refreshments provided by the club.

Since beginning in 1953, the club has grown from strength to strength and many members, both male and female, have gone on to represent the county.

To keep their success going for another 50 years the club has a junior section, and some of the youngsters compete in the county under-25 competitions.

Birthday organiser Graham Finch said: "Our 50th anniversary Gala Day was a huge success despite the appalling weather. All the teams turned up and bowled in a very competitive, sporting spirit.

"I must give special thanks to the mayor and mayoress, David and Susan Dyball, and councillor Mark Butler and his wife Julie for their team effort and bowling all day in that torrential rain."