The Bude Haven Recreation Ground is celebrating 100 years since it was founded in 1923.
A group of local business people joined with the Thynne family, who provided the land, to create a company that would provide sporting and leisure facilities for the people of Bude and visitors to the town.
They reclaimed the land, which was being used as the town’s rubbish dump, and developed the grounds.
Today the company is still run by a board of directors. All are volunteers and accept no remuneration for their work and commitment. 1987 saw the company became a charitable trust to ensure the future of the facilities.
Being sighted on reclaimed coastal land, the company has had to contend with the grounds being flooded on several occasions during its 100 years. The company has managed to bounce back after each event due to the hard work of the directors, staff and the people of Bude.
Over the years the grounds have continued to develop. Tennis courts have changed from red clay to modern all-weather surfaces. Mini or crazy golf was introduced. It has been re-vamped on several occasions and continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike. A second squash court was built with a glass back wall installed. The main building was also redeveloped and now includes the popular Rec Café .
A spokesperson said: “The Bude Haven Recreation Ground has over the years been very well served by loyal and hard-working staff. Last year our long serving Company Secretary, Sue Meadows handed over to Lindsey Kinsman who is doing a sterling job.
“Our head groundsman, Andrew Wise is celebrating more than 30 years of dedicated service and is ably supported by Steve Bickle.
Three long established sporting clubs, Bude Bowling Club, Bude Tennis Club and Bude Squash Club are all based at the grounds. All three cater for a wide range of abilities, welcome new members
The Recreation Ground is open to everyone from Easter until the end of September. All the facilities are available to use at affordable prices (check the Facebook page for a detailed list of these) and equipment is also available to hire for the tennis, squash and bowls if needed.
The Bude Haven Recreation Ground is very pleased to celebrate its centenary by inviting local residents, and visitors to Bude, to attend our Centenary Open Day on Sunday, May 21. Crazy golf and putting will be available free of charge along with free taster sessions of bowls, tennis and squash being delivered by the three clubs. The Rec Café will also be open.