A SEA of red descended on Horley Bowling Club, as Chelsea Pensioners arrived for a match to mark the club's centenary.
A party of 16 bowlers representing the Royal Hospital Chelsea Bowls Club travelled to the Brighton Road ground for the special match.
Among their number was "Little" Audrey Merton, one of only two female members of the Chelsea Pensioners' team.
Horley club secretary Irene Bennett said: "They dismounted from their coach near the entrance to Horley Recreation Ground in full regalia – a splendid sight for all those who had collected to watch and welcome them.
"The scarlet tunic and shako (cap) were taken off for the bowling itself, but this loss of colour was recompensed by the sun making a sudden and well-timed appearance.
"The games were great fun and the meal afterwards very enjoyable."
During the meal, Horley president Terry Foote gave a speech, along with club captains Mike Dows and Brian Wilson.
The game was won by the Horley team but there will be a return match next year, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea's own green.
