A memorable day of bowls, friendship and community support for Cornerstone Library.

On Sunday 30 August 2026, Derek Ainsworth took on a 12-hour sponsored bowls marathon at Hesketh Arms Bowling Club in support of Cornerstone Library.

From 8am until 8pm, Derek bowled throughout the day, joined by members of the local bowling community, friends and supporters. Cornerstone Library volunteers were there too, helping with refreshments, homemade cakes, stalls and the raffle.

The day had everything: sunshine, heat, a sudden deluge, plenty of laughter and, finally, the satisfaction of reaching the end of a very long twelve hours.

The day, in Derek’s own words

At the start of the morning Derek admitted he was a little tired after a poor night’s sleep, but said he was looking forward to seeing the bowling community, library volunteers and everyone coming down to support the event.

“I’m really looking forward to it and the sun’s out.”

Two hours in, with the sun shining, Derek was in excellent spirits and enjoying the atmosphere.

By the halfway point he was beginning to feel the effort, with a sore back and a welcome chance for tea, cake and a sandwich between games.

“The people have been fantastic and the weather’s been great.”

Nine hours in, the weather changed dramatically with a heavy downpour. Derek was clearly tiring, but still determined to carry on.

“I think the wall is approaching. But I’ve just got to battle through it and it’ll be fine.”

Twelve hours completed

At the end of the twelve hours, Derek described himself as tired but emotional, reflecting on the support he had received and the success of the day.

“It feels like a good day, a successful day... I’m just pleased that we raised a lot of money for the library and that’s the best thing ever.”

A remarkable community effort

In his closing thank-you speech, Derek paid tribute to the many people who helped make the marathon possible.

He thanked members of Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, the bowlers who joined him throughout the day, Cornerstone Library volunteers, those running the stalls and refreshments, and everyone who helped with publicity and organisation.

He also spoke warmly about the support of the wider bowling community, saying they had backed him from the very beginning through sponsorship, encouragement and practical help.

Derek said the final amount raised was expected to be well over £3,000, around three times the original £1,000 target.

He also gave a special thank-you to Gillian for helping keep the event organised and on track, describing the whole effort as something they had done together.

Derek on BBC Radio Merseyside

Derek spoke to Paul Beesley on BBC Radio Merseyside on Saturday 29 August 2026 about his 12-hour crown green bowls marathon in support of Cornerstone Library.

The interview featured in Crown Green Bowls Marathon and International Beatleweek. Derek can be heard at around the 3:32 point, near the end of the programme.

Listen on BBC Sounds

Watch the marathon

A short film following Derek through the day, from the early morning start to the final hours of the challenge.

End of the day

More moments from the event, including the people, atmosphere and community support that helped make the day so memorable.

Photos from the day

A few moments from Derek’s marathon, the bowling, the weather, the stalls and the people who came along to support Cornerstone Library.

Thank you

Our sincere thanks go to Derek for taking on the challenge, to everyone who bowled with him, to Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, to the Cornerstone Library volunteers, and to everyone who donated, baked, staffed stalls, provided raffle prizes, helped with publicity or simply came along to support the day.

The event was a wonderful example of the generosity, friendship and community spirit that surrounds Cornerstone Library.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable day.