A roll-up yesterday was held with players having to deal with the wind. We played on the Dales green and it was interesting to see how the different players tried to cope with the strong westerly that was blowing.
This morning David and I held our last session with the Waiopehu College pupils and they had to deal with similar conditions and again, some were able to manage. They were playing two end singles and as well as the wind, they were having to change their bowls and this was a test on how quickly they realised that a different size, make and/or age, all affected the amount of green needed to be taken.
I was impressed with these pupils, not only by the way the played the game but also by their friendly attitude and keenness to learn how to improve. One hopes that one day they will remember how they enjoyed the game, and will take up the sport. Nice also that they thanked us at the end of the session and because Margaret MacKay was not present, (playing in a gala at Levin Womens’), they made a point in stopping there on their way back to their College to thank her. I dropped in later to tell her and found out about their visit.
I took a couple of photos and was reminded of my younger days as a Cub. Before the area became a bowling green, our leader used to take us to this ‘park’ and we played running games. Many years later, my father was the green keeper there and he was made a Life Member of the club. My mother played there and when she died, my father put up the flagpole with her name attached. And when I finally decided to take up the game, he took me to that green and taught me the basics of the game. All in their way, happy memories.
I stopped to see Margaret but instead caught Alice looking upwards, seeking help from above I thought.
In fact she had heard a bird whistling and was trying to see what it was.
Margaret, telling me that the pupils had called in.