Visitors flock to open day

The outstanding turnout delighted the trustees of a facility after a period blighted by rows between individuals previously connected with the building and damage inflicted by vandals.

But the troubles were well and truly forgotten as Sunday'sevent got underway. Crowds poured into the community centre in Olivers Meadow to provide all its user groups with a large number of enthusiastic visitors and lots of new members.

A spokesman for the trustees said: 'The purpose of the open day was to show residents in Aldingbourne and the surrounding neighbourhood what fabulous facilities are on offer here at the community sports centre.

'We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received from the local community. We are also pleased that so many new members were recruited on the day.

'We would like to say thank you to everyone who helped to make this day such a success.'

Shooting, tennis and bowls club members were inundated with adults and children who wanted to give the sports a go.

The open day provided the perfect chance to show off Aldingbourne Tennis Club's magnificent newly surfaced courts, while the bowls club's superior playing surface and impressive pavilion also delighted visitors.

For the snooker club, its recently refurbished full-sized snooker table was used for a potting challenge for allcomers.

Groundsman Mike Kennedy hitched a trailer to his tractor to provide popular rides around the playing fields for children. The Hop Scotch pre-school display was also well received with its various children's activities.

Youngsters and adults alike enjoyed watching the displays of Bognor Model Railway Club, while the Barnham Trojans' junior exhibition matches and penalty competition was popular with dads and their sons.

The performance of traditional Irish dancing by the O'Mainnin School was a highlight enjoyed by all.

All the activities ensured visitors worked up a thirst and a hunger.

Aldingbourne Social Club coped well with the larger than expected numbers as chairman Harry Hedges took control of the barbecue.