On August 23, my wife, Christine, and I were invited by Coun David Hodgson, the Mayor of Wisbech, to a fundraising event called “Beat the Bowls Mayor”.
I believe around 60 people attended the event. Some of the participants appeared to be “seasoned” players – they even brought their own bowls and user-friendly bowls’ bags!
The majority of us, like ourselves, have never played before and basically just turned up. I have to say we approached the occasion with some trepidation.
Judy, David’s wife, organised everyone into teams consisting of a combination of very good players and new starters to give each team a chance of winning. There were three people in each team and we played six ends per session.
If anyone arrived at the club to watch, it would have looked a strange sight because David insisted that mayors and chairmen or vice chairmen play in their Chains of Office as a stunt and, in my case, just another handicap.
We managed to get through the preliminary rounds then enjoy the delicious refreshments and a welcome drink.
Other rounds came and went and this is the time I would like to refer to the title of this piece: “It is true – practice does make perfect”.
The competitive nature of the participants in the final came to the fore.
The two finalist teams were captained by bowlers who play for county teams and they don’t like to lose even when it was just a bit of fun.
The final was exciting and the winning team members were each presented with a trophy.
One of the Grococks did very well and was in the team that came third. The other Grocock came last. I will let you guess where the writer of this piece finished.
After a really great day out and doing something we have never done before, I must thank Mayor Hodgson for his kindness shown to us throughout the day.
Mayor Hodgson has got me thinking and after an extremely pleasant Sunday afternoon, I wouldn’t mind learning more about the game and possibly joining a club in the Spalding area.
We arrived home at about 4.30pm, a little tired, but satisfied to have learned something new. I only hope Christine’s third place doesn’t go to her head.
Mayor Hodgson was delighted to inform us he has now collected over £1,200 for his chosen charities, well done David.
Rodney Grocock
Vice Chairman
South Holland District Council
