Ottery bowlers brief sighting of HRH

In the 2008 season, the Royal Household Bowling Club visited Ottery on tour and invited us to a return match at Windsor Castle which went ahead last Saturday. It was obviously an attractive venue for our members and so, was over-subscribed. The club captain sensibly wanted all those members who wished to, should be able to bowl. Therefore, it was agreed with the hosts that, to accommodate the excess players, we could change some players at half time. The coach arrived in good time at Windsor and players had time for lunch before driving to the bowling club in the castle grounds. It was noted that the Royal Standard was flying over the castle, signifying that Her Majesty the Queen was in residence, and the Ottery contingent were later rewarded with a brief sighting of her. The match was played in brilliant sunshine punctuated at regular intervals by shadows of the planes over the green going down to Heathrow. Apparently these are required to hold a higher altitude on their approach when the Queen is in residence. Perhaps Ottery, having become used to the green by half time, were at some disadvantage when new players were substituted, but did manage to win on one rink and to draw on another. The winning team was skipped by Michael Potter with Barbara Lee as number one, Ann Howells as number two and Gerry Beighton as three. The hosts were welcoming and the Ottery travellers thoroughly enjoyed the game and were entertained to drinks afterwards in the club house.On the homeward journey players stopped for a meal on the way. Altogether it was a memorable day.l The club's free Open Evening, as published in last week's Herald, is this evening, June 5, and it's not too late to decide to come down and try the sport. Just bring flat shoes. The club is in Strawberry Lane next to the cricket club and there is plenty of free parking space. Do go. It's a special opportunity to find a new interest for any age or gender.