ANOTHER ENJOYABLE TOUR

Yesterday evening, Oakley bowlers returned from another enjoyable tour arranged for us by our President Diane Yarrall. On Monday we were picked up by Dartline for the trip to Dawlish Warren and the Langstone Cliff hotel where, that evening, we experienced, for the first time, the excellent and wide choice of food provided by the hotel. During our four night stay at the hotel we played matches against Dawlish Marina, Bitton Park and Dawlish Bowling Club, two of which we had visited on our tour twenty five years ago. Results were mixed, one win, one narrow loss and one big defeat but perhaps the most memorable moment came when Peter Bown's bowl split in two when half way down the green. The Farewell Dinner on the Thursday evening saw President Diane present gifts to those who had helped arrange her tour before new tourist Ken Phillips, on behalf of all 45 tourists, thanked Di and presented her with a gift to acknowldge all her hard work in arranging the tour. Our Friday departure was delayed by almost 45 minutes as the coach company messed up (we loaded one coach only to have to unload it again and put all the bags on the correct vehicle). Then we hit horrendous traffic so our final match had to be reduced to 14 ends. We lost but Amesbury were wonderful hosts providing an excellent two course meal before we boarded the coach for the short trip back to Oakley. Diane brought the tour to a close by announcing that the trophy, for the most misdemeanours on tour, had been won jointly by Hugh Aherne and Ric Newson and that the fines for Black Marks (and other activities) meant that over £240 would, with the addition of a generous £75 donation, now go to St Michael's Hospice. Diane also reported that the Trophy for the best results on tour had been won by Hugh Aherne. We now look forward to the 2027 tour to Portugal.