Do you want to Join the Sussex Law Society Golf Society?

It is nearly a hundred years since The Sussex Law Society Golf Society (“SLSGS”) was formed by a group of solicitors practising in Brighton. At that time Worthing and Eastbourne solicitors had their own golf societies and they competed with each other. In time, the popularity of SLSGS advanced northwards and many solicitors practising in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill Hassocks and surrounding towns also joined. We held annual competitions with Kent and Hampshire Law Societies. Judges and barristers practising who appeared at the Lewes and Chichester Assizes and Quarter Sessions were often invited to participate in our matches and all had an enjoyable time. In its heyday, the SLSGS boasted upwards of 60 to 70 member firms in Sussex.

Cassels Cup
In 1931, Mr Recorder James Cassels, sitting at the Lewes Assizes proposed that SLSGS arrange a match for ALL the users of the Court i.e. barristers, barristers’ clerks, solicitors and their managing clerks, policemen, prison governor and officers, probation workers and all other staff employed in the courts. He donated a cup called the Cassels Cup.

The event was a great success. Apart from a lull during WW2, the SLSGS has held an annual competition in honour of Recorder Cassels and the names of many prominent practitioners are engraved on this historic prize.

Other annual competitions held by SLSGS are no less important.

The Necessity Bowl

In 1951, solicitor David Bunker of Bunker & Co of Brighton arranged a SLSGS match and donated a prize known as The Necessity Bowl – with the far-sighted caption “Necessity Knows No Law”. This is a wonderful trophy and names of many prominent solicitors – past and present – are engraved on this popular cup.

Other competitions

Until a few years ago, we used to hold an inter society competition involving Law Societies from Sussex, Kent and Hampshire and the prize was a cup known as “The Perkins Cup” donated by James Perkins, the senior partner of Mayo & Perkins of Eastbourne. In recent years it had become harder for some of the other societies to raise a team, with declining younger members and travel becoming harder for the older members.

The SLSGS decided to replace The Perkins Cup with a new cup called “The Mea Culpa Cup” but have not arranged this competition for some time for lack of support.

Our captain – Michael Harris – holds a match annually at Seaford Head. It is very popular and great day out.

We used to hold at least one match against the Banks when some eager diehards of the banking profession (mostly retired) loved to compete with us. Similarly there is often a challenge from the Estate Agents and we enjoyed the thought of beating them! Regrettably these matches have been discontinued as bank managers have ceased exist and estate agents are just too busy!!

It is a sad reflection of our times that in recent years the younger members of the profession find it difficult to take time to participate in our matches. Perhaps it is has become so much harder for lawyers to make a living and to support a high mortgage and raise a family. I hope that they will consider it worthwhile to spend a few hours each year to support our historic Society and get some fun from playing golf and enjoying time with other lawyers.

If you want to join the Sussex Law Society Golf Society and to participate in our very friendly matches, whatever the standard of your golf, contact our Secretary Bob Mayfield.
There is no joining fee.  All you have to do is contact Bob by email bobmayfield111@googlemail.com