Derek’s 12-Hour Bowls Marathon
Help Derek raise £1,000 for Cornerstone Library
Local bowler Derek Ainsworth is taking on a 12-hour crown green bowls marathon to support our volunteer-run community library.
From 8.00am until 8.00pm, Derek will play a series of singles and mixed doubles matches with some of the town’s leading bowlers.
Prefer a paper copy? Sponsorship forms are also available from Cornerstone Library.
Sponsor Derek
You can support Derek by collecting sponsors from friends, relatives, neighbours and colleagues.
Download and print the sponsorship form, add the names and pledged amounts of your sponsors, and follow the return instructions shown on the form.
Every sponsor and every contribution will help Derek move closer to his £1,000 target.
Paper copies can be collected from Cornerstone Library during normal opening hours.
Come Along and Support Derek
Everyone is welcome to join us during the day. Watch some excellent crown green bowls, enjoy refreshments and help create the community atmosphere that will keep Derek going throughout his challenge.
What is happening on the day?
- Singles and mixed double matches
- Library Stall with Books and Crafts
- A raffle
- Some of the area’s leading crown green bowlers
Come in and enjoy
- Tea, coffee and refreshments
- Homemade cakes
- Plenty of opportunities to cheer Derek on
- Free admission and a warm welcome
Call in for a few minutes, stay for a match or spend longer with us. Every visitor will make a difference.
Why Derek Is Taking on the Challenge
Books and reading have been an important part of Derek’s life for as long as he can remember.
He believes that books are central to education, personal wellbeing and our ability to understand ourselves, other people and the world around us.
Derek also believes that everyone should have free access to books, regardless of their age, background or circumstances. Having seen the difference Cornerstone Library makes within the local community, he wanted to do something practical to support its work.
“Reading has been a lifelong passion of mine. Books can educate us, comfort us, challenge us and improve our wellbeing. They open doors to new ideas and opportunities, and I believe access to them should be free to everyone.
“I have seen the valuable work Cornerstone Library is doing in Churchtown. It is much more than a place to borrow books. It brings people together, helps children discover the joy of reading and takes books to people who may not be able to visit the library themselves.
“I know there are many worthwhile causes asking for support and that household costs are putting pressure on people. I wanted to take on a personal challenge and do something practical to help this important local service continue.”
Derek AinsworthMore Than a Library
Cornerstone Library is a friendly, volunteer-run community library in the heart of Churchtown. More than 40 volunteers give their time to keep the library open, welcome visitors, care for the collection and provide services within the wider community.
Free Access to Books
The library has more than 3,400 books, including adult fiction, non-fiction, local history and children’s titles. Visitors can also use computers, printing and photocopying facilities.
Story and Rhyme Time
Our weekly sessions welcome pre-school children, parents, grandparents and carers for stories, songs, laughter and time together. Early access to books can help children develop language, imagination and confidence.
Library-at-Home
Volunteers take carefully selected books to people living in a number of local care homes, helping them continue to enjoy reading, comfort and conversation.
What Your Support Means
Cornerstone Library is operated by North Meols Library Association, a registered charity.
Money raised through Derek’s challenge will help support the continuing work of the library and maintain a free, welcoming and useful service for the local community.
Sponsorship will help support:
- The day-to-day running of the library
- Books and resources for adults and children
- Story and Rhyme Time activities
- The Library-at-Home service
- Free access to books and reading
- The future development of library and community services
Whether someone sponsors Derek for £2, £5, £10 or another amount, every contribution will help.
What Visitors Say About Cornerstone Library
Comments from our visitors show what the library means to the people who use it.
These comments reflect the care, time and enthusiasm our volunteers bring to the library each week.
Three Simple Ways to Help
Collect Sponsors
Download a sponsorship form and ask friends, relatives, neighbours or colleagues to support Derek.
Paper forms are also available from Cornerstone Library.
Come Along
Join us at Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, watch the matches, enjoy refreshments and cheer Derek on.
Spread the Word
Share this page through social media, email or local community groups, and encourage others to take part.
Help Derek Reach £1,000
Twelve hours of crown green bowls will be a considerable physical and mental challenge. Derek will have the support of fellow bowlers, Cornerstone Library volunteers and, we hope, the wider Churchtown community.
Download a sponsorship form today, collect sponsors and join us on Sunday 30 August.
Sunday 30 August 2026
8.00am to 8.00pm
Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, Botanic Road, Churchtown
Paper copies are available from Cornerstone Library.
Thank you for your support.