As summer draws to a close, the communities of Balcombe and Pavilion are alive with activity, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of competition. From lively quizzes and garden shows to nail-biting bowls matches, locals are making the most of the season’s final days, each event weaving another thread into the vibrant tapestry of village life.
For those in Balcombe, the calendar is brimming with opportunities to gather and celebrate. The Balcombe Club Quiz, a staple of the local social scene, is set for Sunday, August 31, 2025, kicking off promptly at 7:30 pm. Teams of four will compete for bragging rights (and perhaps a little more), with entry set at £2 per person. According to the Balcombe Village Voice, booking is essential for this popular event—so those hoping to join better dial 01444 811226 before seats vanish.
Music lovers won’t be left out either. On Saturday, September 6, the Club will host a live music night featuring the Southern Bandits, a dynamic trio known for their energetic mix of Rock n Roll, Ska, and Rockabilly. The evening promises to get toes tapping and spirits high, especially with Q serving up a mouthwatering Chicken Schnitzel. The Balcombe Village Voice describes the Southern Bandits as “a fantastic trio playing Rock n Roll, Ska, Rockabilly and other crowd-pleasing dance tracks.” For anyone craving a night out, this one’s a no-brainer.
Not to be outdone, the Balcombe Gardeners’ Association is gearing up for its Spring Show on Saturday, September 6, from 2:30 to 4 pm in the Victory Hall. The event promises a “magnificent display of flowers and produce,” with categories for all ages and green-thumbed abilities. This year’s heat has been a mixed blessing for local crops, but organizers are confident the show will dazzle. For those who want to join the fun, entries must be submitted by Wednesday, September 3. And if you miss the main event, a pop-up produce sale in the Victory Hall Car Park at 11 am on Sunday, September 7, offers a second chance to snap up the best of Balcombe’s bounty.
One quirky highlight? Balcombe’s very own Bake-Off Competition, featuring a Chocolate Flecked Rosemary Olive Oil Cake that sounds both decadent and (dare we say) healthy. Children can get in on the action, too, with categories like “an egg box full of garden treasures” for the under-fives and a seasonal mobile or a Year Book design for older kids. The recipe and full details are in the Year Book, and, as the organizers say, “the more the merrier.”
The spirit of friendly competition isn’t limited to quizzes and cakes—Balcombe’s Bowls Club has been busy on the green. On August 20, the club faced Hellingly, ending with a score of 51 to 62. Just two days later, Balcombe entered the Reigate Priory annual competition with a slightly unconventional team (one woman and four men, after failing to find a fourth man), yet managed to secure second place out of fourteen teams. The players—Elaine Jeffery, Nick Dalton, Nigel Simpson, and Richard Homewood—certainly earned their stripes. More matches followed: a 59-59 draw against West Hoathly on August 23, and a hard-fought 77-86 loss to Popes Mead on August 24.
Meanwhile, the Pavilion Bulls and Badgers have been making waves in the West Sussex Bowls League. The Bulls, fighting to avoid relegation in Division One, earned six crucial points from an aggregate victory and wins on two rinks against their rivals at Priory. That victory, as reported, pulled them clear of the drop zone—at least for now. With two games left, the Bulls have notched up 64 points, two more than Bognor Regis A, who remain in danger. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown on Friday, August 29, when the Bulls host Bognor Regis A at Pavilion Road in a match that could decide both teams’ fates.
The Bulls’ top performers at Tarring included Malcolm Gardiner, George Rhodes, Ken Chapman, and skip Simon Warr, who delivered a commanding 25-9 win. Another rink, featuring Richard Williams, Barry Balchin, Richard Calvert, and skip Derek Little, also secured a victory with a 19-15 scoreline. Not every rink went their way—Peter Woods’ team lost 15-11, and Tony Beale’s group fell 21-9—but the aggregate win was enough to boost morale and standings. If the Bulls can maintain their momentum and beat both Bognor Regis A and basement team Norfolk A in their final match on Sunday, August 31, they could achieve the mid-table respectability that seemed out of reach just weeks ago.
The Pavilion Badgers, meanwhile, wrapped up their second season in the league with style. Their final match saw them defeat East Preston & Kingston on all three rinks, racking up an impressive 81 shots to 28. This victory was especially sweet, as it avenged an earlier defeat and secured a fifth-place finish in Division Three, with six wins, six defeats, and two draws for a total of 51 points. Arundel took the championship with 79 points, while Goring Manor finished second with 64.
The Badgers dedicated their win to team captain Bryan Bodicoat, who was sidelined for the last two games due to a fall. The team’s resilience and unity were on full display, with Barry Ledger’s quartet outbowling their opponents 33-5, and Jonathan Gauntlett’s team pulling away late to win 28-14. Mike Lawton’s rink overcame a shaky start to clinch a 20-9 victory, sealing the Badgers’ triumphant finish.
Pavilion’s success wasn’t limited to league play. On August 20, they achieved a second consecutive whitewash in the Stracey Shield season, defeating Goring Manor with an aggregate score of 95 to 56. Pat Edmonds’ team led the charge, while solid performances from the likes of Alex Meadows and Barry Ledger helped secure the sweep. Upcoming matches against Worthing and Maltravers in mid-September will be critical if Pavilion hopes to maintain a top-two position in the standings.
Back in Balcombe, community spirit continues to shine. The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, September 3, at 8 pm in Bramble Hall, with the agenda posted online and on the noticeboard opposite Victory Hall. And for those seeking a moment of reflection, church services on Sunday, August 31, include an 8 am Holy Communion and a 9:30 am Parish Eucharist.
From garden shows and quizzes to bowls matches and music nights, the end of August and start of September promise to be a whirlwind of activity in Balcombe and Pavilion. Whether it’s the thrill of victory, the joy of gathering, or simply the pleasure of a well-baked cake, these communities know how to make the most of every moment.