St Francis Bowls Club is situated in pleasant surroundings in the  grounds of the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, with the old St Francis Hospital (now Southdown Park) to the North overlooking the green. The club is part of the St Francis Sports and Social Club and membership is open to the general public. As members we are able to use all the Social and Sports Club  facilities, including a bar, which provides light meals and entertainment. We also have our own rink side clubhouse.    

 

  In 2024 the club celebrates its 70th anniversary​ 

 

In 1948 staff members of St Francis Hospital formed a  bowls  section on an area of lawn next to the nurses’ home opposite  the main building.  The area of play was limited and competitions with other clubs impossible so in 1954 a new site was found at Beechmont and a 4-rink bowling green was constructed with a financial contribution from the hospital authorities.  President of the club was the Medical Superintendent, Dr. William McCarten, who presented the McCarten Challenge Cup which was competed for over several years. In the early 1980s a new hospital was announced to replace Cuckfield Hospital and in 1985 the hospital authority allocated another site for a new 6-rink bowling green which opened in May 1987 with the old site becoming the new hospital entrance road and car parking.  In 1999 the Club enjoyed a bowls tour to Hong Kong organised by the Chairman, the late Michael Truran. 

 

This green is now the proud home of  St Francis Bowls Club and is looked after by a small group of dedicated members. Due to their care and attention to detail, the rink must rank with the best in the county for the quality of bowling surface.

 

St Francis Bowls Club is open to all.  Currently the membership is about 60, which is large enough to be able to provide teams to play in many competitions, but at the same time, small enough to allow plenty of rink space for members' use. Despite our fairly small size, we have had considerable success in external competitions, both individually, and in team events.​ During the season, the club holds a number of social events when members can get together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. ​