CLIPPER RACE FLEET MOVES TO SUSTAINABLE RUNNING RIGGING AS IT EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH MARLOW ROPES

Hailsham-based Marlow Ropes is making history again as it supplies sustainably made and recyclable running rigging for the eleven-strong fleet in the upcoming Clipper 2023-24 Race. Made with 73% recycled or sustainably manufactured raw materials, this will be the first fleet and ocean race where this type of recycled and sustainable rigging is used.

The announcement marks over 20 years of partnership for the two organisations, spanning ten editions of the Clipper Race. Throughout this relationship, Marlow Ropes has been able to research, develop and refine its products in the ultimate R&D setting- a 40,000 mile circumnavigation where matched ocean-racing yachts face extreme conditions and intense racing.

Every rope will now be made using a Bio-Dyneema® core, a sustainably sourced synthetic fibre which has the lowest carbon footprint per unit strength compared to other synthetic fibres as its production relies less on fossil fuels.

The majority of rope covers will be made from a blended Blue Ocean rPET (recycled polyester) yarn made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The durability of this yarn was successfully trialled in the 2019-20 edition, with each yacht using Blue Ocean mooring lines used whilst docking in ports around the world.

Paul Honess, Sales Director at Marlow Ropes added: “We are very proud of our 20-plus year partnership with the Clipper Race and are thrilled to see it back in all its glory this year. The strength in our relationship enables us to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of yachting rope technology.

“The development work and testing we’ve been able to do as a result of working with the Clipper Race over the years have played a significant role in bringing our sustainably manufactured yachting range to the cruising market, whilst delivering exceptional performance that ensures our ropes are technically and environmentally better for both the Clipper Race crew and for every sailor using a Marlow cruising line around the world.”

SHORT MAT BOWLS ENJOYED BY ALL THANKS TO WEALDEN’S COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAMME

An electric winder to help bowlers with limited mobility has been installed at Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club thanks to funding through Wealden District Council’s Community Grants Programme.

The Community Grants programme allocated £3,000 to Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club to purchase the electric storage and winding machine.

The new machine helps set up the mats and roll them back up again with ease to allow members with limited mobility and strength continue to play bowls.

Chairman of Wealden council Councillor Ron Reed and Councillor Pam Doodes, the council’s portfolio holder for Community, recently visited the club, which meets in the Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane, to see the new equipment in action.

Councillor Doodes said, “I really enjoyed my visit to the Hailsham Short Bowls Club to witness how easy it was to roll out the long heavy mats using the mat rolling machine purchased by the club with the help of a grant from Wealden. This machine helps enormously, all energy is now used playing bowls.

“Thank you Hailsham Short Bowls Club for your warm welcome and a great afternoon of fine bowling. I’m so pleased the grant from Wealden has made such a difference.”

Chairman Councillor Ron Reed said, “To be invited along to Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club and meet the members was great. The grant has made such a difference to the club.

“I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to play bowls and would encourage anyone wanting to start a new hobby or to increase their social life to attend.”

MONKSEY’S MUTTERINGS

HAILSHAM’S NEW GOLF COURSE

We all know the population of our once quaint little market town is growing at an alarming rate, those of you who are friends, family or follow me on social media are probably aware of my concern relating to the rate that housing is being built in the area and how the crucial infrastructure is not growing at a commensurate proportion.

However, in the last few weeks I am pleased to say that the leisure amenities available to the residents of Hailsham are being expanded with a rather expansive and unusual golf course which I am sure will be used by many people in the area and may even attract visitors which is great for local businesses, I know we are only in the initial stages of golf course but the sheer size and scale of it are already apparent and it will be exciting to watch as it slowly manifests itself into one of the biggest courses I have ever seen.

It appears that B12 or The George will be utilised as the main clubhouse with golfers teeing off somewhere near Mill Road with the first green in the area of Archery Walk, after which players will be facing the downhill part of the course on Bellbanks Road. The next few holes will take you up Diplocks Way and onto Hempstead Lane before negotiating what is looking to be an immensely difficult section of the course at the bridge on Hawks Road, the preliminary building work of a deep bunker can already be seen, I am sure it will certainly catch a few people out.

One of the longest sections of the course takes strongest big-hitter as they strive to reach the hole that is located at the traffic lights opposite Bowes House care Home, then it’s a short walk down Summerheath Road to face the less challenging Bridgeside Surgery section.

How’s my driving?

The grand finale is compact but still challenging last few holes over the railway bridge and down to the traffic lights at George Street, North Street and Station Road, although these final holes are in close proximity they are well protected by bunkers and other obstacles such as large splits in the course that will catch out even the wariest of players.

All credit to whoever came up with this idea of Hailsham having the first Street Golf Course, you can watch its creation as they make the holes in the road, create the huge bunkers and if you are really lucky you can test them out by driving your car on the course…although some vehicle damage may occur.

Until next time!

Brad Monks: www.verymagic.co.uk