Saturday 22nd June – Friends v. Wooler Bowling Club
Friends from nine counties gathered at the most northerly bowls club in England for the first of three matches in Northumberland. The welcome from the members at Wooler Bowling Club was warm and matched the weather, with the sun beating down and suntan lotion in demand!
The Friends team contained two members from England’s most southerly club in Cornwall who had made the long trip north, and so remarkably both ends of the country were present.
Following the obligatory photos the Wooler Captain of the Day, Cynthia, welcomed everyone and the game got underway. Three of the Friends’ five rinks really enjoyed their games and won, while the other two rinks enjoyed their games but came second! Everyone welcomed the home-made elderflower cordial to which we were treated at the halfway point in the game – much needed refreshment on a very warm day.
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- waiting for the call to play
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- Welcome from Cynthia and Graham
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- On the green
Overall the Friends were pleased with a 119 – 68 score, with Maddie McConomy, Claire Fletcher, Richard Peyton and Andy Hunt the most successful Friends rink. Retiring to the shade of the clubhouse the players were treated to a delicious homemade tea prepared by the ladies of the club, featuring among other delicacies, mini raspberry and white chocolate tarts which disappeared rapidly. The Wooler club does not have a bar, but some of us were lucky enough to win prizes in the raffle for later consumption! One member of the Friends team commented that his winning ticket was the first thing he had drawn all afternoon!
The members at Wooler were extremely hospitable and pleased to see a visiting team, as their remote location seldom receives touring teams. The spectacular countryside bathed in sunshine for the journey back to our overnight accommodation completed a most enjoyable start to the weekend’s matches.
Graham Annetts
Captain of the Day