EIGHTEEN previous singles winners will be in the Parade of Champions when the Southampton Open celebrates its golden anniversary this summer.

Tournament supremo Peter Kemp wanted to organise something special to mark the Open's 50th birthday and he has been delighted at the response from past holders of the singles crown.

Earliest of them will be Eric Goater of Fleming Park, the 1955 hero, while Kemp can take particular satisfaction that the 1984 champion, Roger Jones, is not only attending the parade but will also play in the tournament for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Jones shared the title with Peter's son Russell, the final being abandoned after a heavy storm washed out play. Jones was one of a contingent of Welsh bowlers who came regularly to the Open until the mid-1980s.

A member of the Blaenavon club at the time, Jones had moved on but was eventually tracked down to the Panty Park club, Pontypool.

He will play in the singles and the pairs at the Open which runs from July 29 to August 3 on greens throughout Southampton with the finals at Atherley. Event sponsors are funeral directors, Bernard Matthews.

Jones's journey from the valleys is a tuppenny bus ride compared to the trek made by three bowlers from Durban who will play in the tournament during a holiday in Europe. There is also the usual representation from the Channel Islands.

Entries close on May 25 and at present over 100 bowlers are due to chase the singles prize of £300.

Secretary Kemp is especially keen for more mixed triples entries - at present there are only 20 out of a possible 96 - and if that number does not significantly improve, this section may disappear next year.

Kemp can be contacted on 01425 618245 (phone or fax).