Bowling in Wrenbury

Y4/6 had a lovely morning yesterday, joining Jenny and Norman Bourne at Wrenbury Bowling Club, to be introduced crown green bowling. Some of the children were really surprised to find what was behind the hedge, having not been to the club before. Jenny is well known to the children as she supports in Base 4 on a Friday morning.

They learned all about the 'jack' being the 'marker' and whether to bowl 'finger' or 'thumb'. They also learned the respectful, niceties of the game; shaking hands before the game and wishing the opposition/ visitors a 'good day' before handing over the jack for them to start the game. They they learned the various ways to show the score; it was hard to balance for one of them! health and well-being was also discussed; the fact that a game can last for over an hour, meaning lots of walking, stretching and bending and even weightlifting with holding and bowling heavy wooden bowls!

Once the singles games started, the children became very competitive; even the tape measure had to come out on a few ends! The children were impeccably behaved (as always on visits) and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with a large number of the children saying they would like to come back and play again, as it was 'much better than ordinary bowls because you can bowl anywhere!' Even PS Sharon and PC Sarah called in, watched the children play and had a chat with us all. A real community morning!

For one of the children, Eben, it was a particularly special visit. It was his great grandfather who helped build the bowling club and there is a wonderful photo of Cuff King with all his brothers bowling. I have to say, I wonder if the bowling gene runs through the family as Eben was very good! Maybe even a future team player at the club.

Many thanks to Jenny and Norman Bourne for hosting the session (and the other bowlers who were there practicing but very much welcomed the children). They have offered to run a bowling club for the children after the summer break, which I will happily support, as it keep village traditions and activities going when younger generation get involved!