OAKLEY TOUR 2018

Yesterday 38 tired but happy members returned to Oakley from the Club's tour to the Forest of Dean. Bells Hotel at Coleford proved to be an excellent base with good accommodation, service and excellent food. On arrival on Friday there was time for a quick buffet lunch before we took on the Forest of Dean BC for our first game. After Dinner that evening we were entertained by an excellent magician. Saturday saw us make the journey to Gloucester Quays where, in the morning, many went shopping whilst others visited the Museums and some even found, in the centre, a display of vintage cars. The afternoon games were against Barnwood and Pineholt BCs. Sunday dawned wet and windy and once the Chepstow and Caldicot clubs confirmed play was not possible, "Plan B" (not that there was one) swung into operation with Ric Newson leading an intrepid party into rainy Chepstow where they dispersed to various hostelries and cafes for lunch. For a while it looked as If Ric might have to return to the hotel and report he had lost a member but fortunately the missing gentleman was found and Ric's blushes were saved. Fortune was also with us as the hotel possessed a 4 short mat indoor facility, which was not in use, so the afternoon was, by many, spent playing short mat with our coach driver Joseph playing his first ever game of bowls. Monday saw us making the trip into Wales to play the Abergaveeny and Crickhowell clubs. Abergavenny, established in 1860, is the oldest club in Wales and both there and at Crickhowell we received a wonderful and hospitable welcome. Back at the hotel we found an entertainer had been arranged to sing after the last night Dinner and grateful as we were, members were disappointed that we did not have the opportunity to listen to our driver Joseph who had brought his guitar with him. So we arrived at our last day and after loading the coach we made our way to the Swindon Outlet Centre and the GWR Steam Museum for lunch before travelling on for matches at Shrivenham and Faringdon clubs. Again we were well looked after with both clubs providing after game meals before we wended our way back to Oakley where the first "drop off" took place at 8.45 pm.. Yet again we had an excellent tour and our thanks go to Peter Bown who selected the hotel and chose the venues for matches. The Tour Trophy for the most successful bowler went to Terry Varndell, whilst the "Black Mark" Trophy that goes to the person who committed the most misdemeanours went to our driver Joseph Annetts, the third member of his family to win the award. Joseph was obviously delighted as he has now become our newest member.