On Saturday, July 27 the hospital at Rye held a fundraising afternoon at Rye Bowls Club on the Salts, Fishmarket Road. The weather was glorious and the event, a fun afternoon of bowls, was really well attended, with lots of people wanting to try their hand at the sport and support our local hospital as well.
Organised by Tony Kember, a member of the friends and fundraising committee of the hospital and a stalwart of the bowls club, tuition and support were provided to the eager participants, who then moved on to a fiercely competitive three person team competition.
The crush was so great at the start, that Tony said he did wonder if it would ever get organised, but due to his skills and the help of other bowls club members, who came out to support the hospital, all fell into place.
Participants came from all over Rye and three members of staff from the Conquest Hospital, the Hastings Angels team, rolled up, too. They had seen the poster in the hospital and had always fancied having a go.
Skill levels were remarkably diverse, but with help, everyone really enjoyed themselves, and delicious teas and cakes were available after the first set of ends, provided through the fundraising team.
The hospital put on its always excellent raffle and made a donation to the bowls club. A good sum of money was raised for the hospital itself and thanks go to Francesca Clent, the company secretary, and Jacky Dudfield, chair of the friends and fundraising committee, for the overall organisation. Here they are, pictured with the club captain, Annette Bull.
As well as fundraising money for the hospital, it is hoped the profile of the bowls club has been raised, as the threat of closure of the greens loomed earlier this year.
Websites:Â The Rye Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital and Rye Bowls Club. The Salts, Fishmarket Road TN31 7LP
Image Credits: Gillian Roder .