Page 17 - Jan-Feb 2020

WE WANT YOU! CONSIDER THIS YOUR INVITATION!
Bill Brennan
Let me tell you a little bit about Lawn Bowling. I think the most important thing about the sport is that unlike just about every other sport known to mankind there is not a long apprenticeship period. While it will take years to perfect your game, with 5 minutes of instruction you will feel you belong. Spectators on the verandah while watching you will think you have competed all your life.
and after for “tea” to discuss the game and everything else.
In fact this may be not only the number one reason you should be Lawn Bowling, but also the number one impediment to your joining. As you sit on the verandah sipping a drink while enviously watching the Lawn Bowlers you get the impression that they are all experts. Their effortless stride to the mat and smooth delivery convinces you and your companions that you would not be able to join in. Please believe me when I say you most certainly can.
The second thing you must know about Lawn Bowling is there is no more welcoming or social event. It is often said sailboat cruisers are not racers unless there is another boat on the lake. Lawn Bowlers only become competitive when
there is another bowler on the rink. Whether it is summer bowling in front of The Clubhouse or winter bowling on the mat in the Sports Hall bowlers meet before for lunch
I only started bowling a year ago. I like most bowlers have a long way to go, but after limited bowling during the summer of 2018 I felt comfortable bowling for two months in Portugal with 50 Brits who had bowled for years. My ability or inability was not the point. The welcome I got in Portugal was just as warm and non- judgmental as it was when I stepped on the RCYC Rink. There was never a question of my skill level, just a universal acceptance of a new bowling friend.
We are currently Short Mat Bowling in the Sports Hall at 2:00 PM Tuesdays and Fridays. We bowl twelve ends then into the bar. Please come on any day about five minutes to two. If you have whites wear them, but they are not required. We will have bowls or as they say in Britain/Portugal woods for you.
Photos: Courtesy of Peter Bennett and Bill Brennen.
You will make mistakes for sure. The only person who will notice them is you. We hope to see you on the courts. I will not be there for I am headed back to bowl in Portugal this February and March.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 • KWASIND 17
SPORTS