The History of Colemans Hatch Bowling Club
Colemans Hatch Bowling Club has been in existence since 1930. At that time it’s Green was located in the grounds of Holly Hill, Colemans Hatch. Holly Hill first appears in Parish records in 1807, but the current manor house was not built until 1885 for John McAndrew, a wealthy shipping magnate. For 35 years he grew the estate to encompass 385 acres, including several farms, cottages and the Thatch Inn.
John McAndrew also built his own church in Colemans Hatch, The Holy Trinity, where he was buried, following his death in 1925.
The estate was then purchased by Major James Owen who lived at Holly Hill for the next 40 years. His death in 1965 saw the estate sold as lots by Knight Frank and Rutley. As the Green was no longer available to the club, a new location had to be found.
In 1969, the Club’s President Mr Jocelyn H Drew was granted a license by the Ashdown Forest Conservators to use the site opposite the cricket ground in Sandy Lane to construct a new Green.
Through the considerable efforts of Mr Drew and his friends, the money was found to construct the Green and pavilion, which was opened on 13 th June 1972.
During the bowling seasons before the Green was completed, the club relied on the generosity of their opponents, who allowed both home and away fixtures to be played on their Greens.
The green has 4 rinks and is situated in picturesque surroundings on the Ashdown Forest.
In September 2020 the green was dug up and completely relaid, providing Colemans Hatch Bowling Club with arguably one of the best Greens in the local area.
Matches are played from April to the end of September home and away with other clubs.
Membership of the bowling club enhances the lives of many people from Colemans Hatch, Hartfield and the surrounding area, as not only do they benefit healthwise from the physical exercise, they also enjoy the social side and making friends.
Our Green is cared for by a professional Greenkeeper to ensure that it is maintained in first class condition.