18 Rotarins and their partners assembled to greet and host the Americans. They also had the vain ambitions to show them how to play indoor bowls. After all, they only do 10 pin bowling over there don't they? Bowling here, with weighted bowls, is amuch more subtle game.
The bowling club, The Bristol Indoor Bowls Club, did us proud and provided 10 coaches to illustrate the technique of indoor bowling and guide us, both the novices from the USA, and, to be truthful, the novices from the UK , during the subsequent matches.. They are bright these American youngsters and despite having been brought upon 10 pin bowling, they quickly picked up the skills required and put us to shame!
After an hour and a half of bowling a halt was called and and all enjoyed a simple traditional meal of steak pie followed by apple pie.
Two of the students gave short speeches of thanks and appreciation to which Presient replied with a warm welcome to Bristol and a short lecture on the history of bowling, its involvement with the Spanish Armada and Sir Franci Drake who insisted on completing his game of bowls before going out to defend the realm.
The evening finished with the students distributing T shirts and water bottle to their hosts and the coaches. We now look forward to next year's visit by a new lot of American students wishing to be taught a game that goes back to 1522.
Many thanks Jonathan for this fine report of a great evening.