LOCAL crown green bowler Derek Ainsworth will spend 12 hours on the green in a sponsored challenge to raise £1,000 for Cornerstone Library in Churchtown in Southport.

The marathon will take place at Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, on Botanic Road, Churchtown, on:- Sunday, 30 August 2026, from 8am until 8pm.

Throughout the day, Derek will play a series of singles and mixed doubles matches with some of the area’s leading crown green bowlers.

Members of the public are invited to come along, watch the matches and encourage Derek during the challenge. Admission is free, and the day will also include a raffle, crafts, homemade cakes and refreshments.

Derek is taking on the marathon because of his lifelong love of reading and his belief that everyone should have free access to books.

He said:- “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.”

Cornerstone Library is a volunteer-run community library operated by North Meols Library Association.

More than 40 volunteers help to keep the library open, welcome visitors, care for its collection and provide services across the wider community.

Alongside more than 3,000 books for adults and children, the library provides computer access, printing and photocopying facilities, weekly Story and Rhyme Time sessions, and a Library-at-Home service for people living in a number of  local care homes.

Gillian Vaughan, Chair of Trustees at Cornerstone Library said:- “We are extremely grateful to Derek for taking on such a demanding challenge on behalf of the library. Cornerstone is about much more than books. It is a welcoming community space, a place where children can begin their reading journey, and a service that also reaches people who cannot easily visit us. Every contribution towards Derek’s £1,000 target will help us continue providing a free and welcoming library service for Churchtown and the surrounding area.”

Anyone wishing to support Derek can download a sponsorship and Gift Aid form from the Cornerstone Library website. Paper copies are also available from the library during normal opening hours.

People are welcome to call in at any time during the event, stay for a match or spend longer enjoying the atmosphere.

Event details

Derek’s 12-Hour Crown Green Bowls Marathon

Date:- Sunday, 30 August 2026
Time:- 8.00am to 8.00pm
Venue:- Hesketh Arms Bowling Club
Address:- Botanic Road, Churchtown
Admission:- Free
Fundraising target:- £1,000

For further information and the sponsorship form, click here.  


About Cornerstone Library 

Cornerstone Library opened in Churchtown in October 2023 and is operated by North Meols Library Association.

The library is supported by more than 40 volunteers and provides books, children’s activities, computer facilities and outreach services for the local community.

North Meols Library Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales.