Sporty Sussex

Having looked into croquet, hockey, bowls and tennis in May, Hanna Prince turns her attention to four more sports this June. It’s time to get ready to go fishing, run for checkpoints, swing for glory and bat for Britain!

Stoolball

Although the game first originated back in the 15th century, it was in Sussex during the 19th century that the first organised teams played, spreading nationwide after WWI

Two teams compete to see who can score the most runs. Batsmen score by hitting the ball into the field and running between two wickets, or by hitting the ball beyond a boundary line. It’s fast-paced, fun and easy to get into.

“Stoolball is cheap to play, you don’t need your own equipment and it’s a really good community – you make loads of friends,” said Rick Mason, a vice president of Stoolball’s governing body, Stoolball England. “First and foremost it’s about camaraderie, but the ladies’ game is more competitive than the mixed. There are county and England exhibition games in ladies, whereas the mixed game is really just about having a good time.”

One advantage of this traditional Sussex sport is that it’s multi-generational. It’s commonly played in schools and there are junior teams across the area, but kids can also take part in adult games from the age of 11. Something you see a lot in stoolball is families playing together,” says Rick. “I play with my sister and in our team we also have a mother and son.” The starting point for anybody hoping to take up stoolball is the Stoolball England website: www.stoolball.org.uk – Use the map to find your local team and contact the team manager directly for advice on how to sign up.

Golf

With 66 clubs to choose from, Sussex is a top spot for anybody looking to try their hand at golf

This historic club-and-ball sport has been played in Britain since the 15th century, with the first 18-hole course created at the Old Course in St Andrews in 1764. The Open Championship first played in 1860 remains the premier global tournament. Today, golf courses consist of either 9 or 18 holes, with an 18-hole round taking about four hours to complete. Nearly 900,000 people in England play golf regularly – so what’s the big appeal? “It’s healthy exercise,” said Peter Scaramanga, a regular player based in Lewes. “I love being outside in the fresh air, enjoying the views. The other critical thing is the social element. With most sports it’s quite difficult to chat and play at the same time, whereas with golf you can have a chat along the way.” Another big part of golf’s appeal, said Peter, is that it offers the opportunity for players of all levels to compete against one another. “Because of the handicapping system, you can play golf with people who are much better than you and much worse than you,” he said. “You can play with your wife, your friends, your kids – regardless of ability.” Beginners will generally need to take lessons from a professional before progressing to playing full games. Contact your local golf course to find out how to get started.

Orienteering

Angling

The popularity of this fast-paced and adventurous sport is on the rise in the UK. Participants use an orienteering map to navigate between checkpoints, the challenge at competitive events being to complete the course in the fastest time

“The two skills of orienteering are athleticism and navigation,” said Will Heap, member of Southdowns Orienteers. “It’s this amazing combination of physical and mental agility, which is so appealing to many people. You can be good at one but not the other and still be able to join the sport.”

Southdowns Orienteers has around 300 members ranging in age from one to 90. The club runs events most weekends, with courses ranging from fun and easy to long and complex. At larger events competitors are grouped into different age classes, making it a perfect adrenaline sport for the whole family.

“There’s something amazing about seeing all ages competing in the same sport,” said fellow Southdowns Orienteer, Kate Turner. “I think that’s what really appeals to our family – we can all go together, have loads of fun and be challenged on different levels. Our kids have made lots of new friends too.”

It couldn’t be easier to get started – all participants need is a stout pair of shoes or running trainers. Maps and dibbers (electronic chips that register your locations at checkpoints along the course) are provided at events. Sussex has a good selection of permanent orienteering courses (POCs), which orienteers can navigate independently. For more information visit www.southdowns-orienteers.org.uk

If you’re searching for a sport that combines stress-relief with an idyllic outdoor setting, angling might be for you. Whether you’re float fishing, lure fishing or fly fishing, the ultimate object is, of course, to catch a fish – but Uckfield angler Dave Flint says that it’s really about so much more than that “Anglers are privy to Mother Nature at her finest,” said Dave. “It’s not unusual to have a friendly robin or a kingfisher flitting from bush to bush. Because anglers sit quietly, rabbits, foxes and deer are often visible. Anglers are also at the vanguard of spotting pollution incidents. For me catching fish is probably only about 25% of the joy of angling. I’ve had many enjoyable sessions where I haven’t caught any fish!”

Angling is also a top activity for kids. Not only can it help detach them from screens and encourage a connection with nature, it also teaches patience – in fact, it’s often used as a therapy for children who suffer with ADHD. “Our club run an annual junior day to encourage kids to have a go,” noted Dave.

The sport can be solitary or sociable, depending on your preference. “You can fish a small pond, a five-acre lake, a 280acre reservoir, a bubbling stream, a large river, from the beach or out in a boat at sea… Angling appeals to a wide variety of people,” explained Dave. With basic equipment available for under £50, it’s cheap to get started. Attend a Get Fishing beginner session www.anglingtrust.net/getfishing or contact Dave at www.crowboroughanglers.org.uk to find out more.