A bowling club celebrated its century-long place in the community.
Bensham Manor Bowling Club, in Thornton Heath, marked its 100th anniversary on June 6. Established in April 1926 after persistent efforts led by Thornton Heath local Alfred Charles Jonas, the club has been a recreational hub for bolaers.
The green, initially opened in June 1908 by the Mayor of Croydon following Mr Jonas's plea to the council, was informally used by residents till 1926.
Its formal establishment was spurred on by Bensham Manor Ratepayers Association, which at a meeting at the Winterbourne Road Schools elected the first chairman of the club, Cllr H Keyes.
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As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Centennial Bowls Competition was launched, with teams from across the London Borough of Croydon, including one from South Norwood. The tournament featured three-person teams from each club in a five-end match.
The Croydon Municipal Officers Bowling Club clinched the Bensham Manor Bowling Club Centennial Trophy, presented by Alan Aldam, the current president of the Borough of Croydon Bowling Association.
Before the celebrations ended with a barbecue, there was an event known as "The Spider". Created by Visually Impaired Bowls England, the event offers an opportunity to fundraise for its cause.
