Once again, Cranborne Bowling Club, of Rochester, opened their doors to members of RBBG, for their Spring Bank Holiday ‘Bowls Drive and Quiz’ (Monday, May 31st, 2010). The weather was not promising – and there would definitely be no need for sun tan lotion!

  This tournament (the Drive) is an opportunity for visually impaired bowlers to test their skills against club members with no such impairment. Everyone taking part in the drive pulled out a random ticket, to determine which rink to bowl on; the ticket also gave the team and bowling order, in each case. Each round lasted four ends, so it was a quick, cutthroat business, indeed. Everyone kept his or her own score, updated at the end of each round.

  All too soon, the tournament was over. The threatened wet weather had held off and all rounds had been completed, successfully. Cards were handed in to Aubrey, who checked through the scores, to see who had won. Very shortly, he announced that the winner was ... John.

  Of the RBBG V.I. Members, congratulations must go to Penny G, who amassed a considerable total of 22 points; her score was equalled by Ann H (one of our volunteer helpers). Terry accumulated our third highest score of 21 (see RBBG results table, below).

  Barry had invited a speaker to talk to us, before we ate. The guest speaker was Steve Pendleton, a former soldier who was severely injured whilst on duty in Northern Ireland, in 1991. Telling us of his experiences before, his devastating injuries – including total blindness (incurred when the helicopter in which he was travelling was shot down), he went on to explain how he had been rehabilitated and learned to overcome or deal with the ensuing disability.

  Steve’s account was remarkable, graphic, witty and admirable. His attitude, so positive, is a great example and must inspire confidence in all who hear him. We very much enjoyed the talk and the questions which followed illustrated that everyone had been moved by his words.

  Even more laudable was that, when given a fee for giving the talk, Steve announced that he was donating it to RBBG. Such generosity was loudly applauded and Chris, when he thanked Chris on behalf of our group, recommended that Steve be made an honorary member of RBBG. We were definitely bowled over!

  Chris also had a hand in the contents of the buffet which followed. The food was plentiful and extremely tasty (with his contributions being a couple of quiches and a delicious trifle). A huge vote of thanks, of course, goes to Doreen who organized the buffet and, as usual, with Aubrey devised and ran the quiz, below. We very much appreciated your hard work, thaks.

  The quiz arranged by Aubrey and Doreen, was as enjoyable as ever. It did not have as many rounds as usual, but was filled with fun. The winning team, comprising Bill, David, Chris, Brian, Sandra, Evelina and Hans, made it a day to remember for RBBG.
 

  RBBG Scores from the Drive
 
  Name Score
  Ann H 22
  Penny G 22
  Terry F 21
  Hans F 15
  Pat F 14
  Bill H 12
  Marian R 12
  Chris P 12
  Doreen W 11
  Pete B 9

Rochester Blind Bowling Group