Thame bowlers (and some) on the last game of the tour...

After a three year break, Thame bowlers returned to Bournemouth on Saturday, 19th September 2009, to play against the four clubs they had last played in 2006.

Collected from the bowls club by coach at 10.00am and after a short stop, we arrived at the Arlington Hotel, which is close to the balloon in the park, in time to change before an early dinner and to travel the short distance to the Pavilion Theatre to see ‘That will be the day’, a non stop musical, which was excellent.  This really set the mood for the rest of the week.

On Sunday, the coach took us to Meyrick Park, the home of Bournemouth Bowling club,  It was nice to see a few familiar faces from previous visits and everyone had an enjoyable game, with the temperature in the mid seventies, although Thame finished second.  Thame's Top Rink award went to Maire Duncan, Don Price, Peter House and Skip Maurice Ward.

Monday was a rest day and a chance to visit the large shopping centre, have a coffee on the pier, take a swim in the sea or ride on the little motor train, which runs the length of the promenade in both directions.

Tuesday, the coach took us to Knyverton Gardens and again it was the warm sunshine which made it all the more enjoyable, and also the tea and biscuits at half way through the game. It was level scoring, but after the short break Thame crept ahead and emerged the winners.  Top Rink award went to Margaret Boynton, Val Birchley, David Jones and Skip Peter House.

Wednesday, it was back on the coach for a visit to Salisbury to see the cathedral or wander around the shops and markets, and spot the trout in the clear waters of the river, before going on to visit Wilton House and look around the Wool Mills and other stores, then returning to the hotel for dinner.

On Thursday, it was another short coach ride to meet some old friends at  Southbourne Bowls Club.  Again, the temperature was up in the seventies, but nobody complained.

We all enjoyed the game and once more it was a win for Thame.  Top Rink honours went to Maire Duncan, Joyce Eldridge, Peter House and Skip Doreen Penn.

It was Friday already and the last game was against our old friends at Poole Park Bowls Club.  Everyone enjoyed playing in the warm weather, and for the home team and ourselves it was the last game of the season, which went to the  Poole Park bowlers.  Top Rink went to Maire Duncan, Don Price, John Hurley and Skip Doreen Penn.

After dinner that evening the prizes were awarded by John Lester, who organised the tour.  Man of the match trophy was won by Peter House and Maire Duncan won the ladies trophy. 

This year's tour was a week later than previous years and the gamble paid off with the weather.  The Arlington Hotel was very friendly, the food was excellent and the rear gate opened onto the park, which was a two minute walk from the shops and the beach. The members had to decide there and then to pay a deposit on the spot to secure the same arrangements for the 2010 tour.  Like most clubs, Thame has a very busy schedule throughout the bowling season and many clubs rush to the coast before the greens are put to bed at the end of September. It is wise to book at least two years ahead to ensure a booking. 

Now, where shall we go in 2011?

John Hurley

Press Officer