Callington Bowling Club
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The previous few days had seen the South West bathed in glorious sunshine with temperatures reaching 30c. Many volunteers had prepared the clubhouse and grounds, and in the sunlight everything looked welcoming.
The day before the game, the green had been double cut, and on the morning of the game the green had been ironed which would have given a running speed of 17 seconds. However, the weather forecast was for thunderstorms and rain; indeed as the morning progressed the skies darkened only to be lit by lightning flashes followed by rumbling thunder. At about 10.30 the forecast was proven to be accurate and a period of continuous heavy rain flooded the playing surface.
The rains continued as players and guests arrived and a large and varied collection of umbrellas was soon assembled in the entrance lobby. Just after noon the rains eased and greenkeeper John Banks led the way as the waters were pushed to the green ditches. A further hour's drying time enabled the green to be playable - and at a reasonable pace. Whilst the external work was progressing, the buffet lunch was being served in the clubhouse, and President Paul Robson cut the specially produced Celebration Cake baked by Val Gill and decorated by Di Jackson.
As the start time neared, all the players and guests assembled outside for the traditional photographs before a 'spider' took place which raised £55 for Macmillan Nurses. A full length game was completed without waterproofs just before the rains restarted when all players were safely seated in the clubhouse for the evening meal, speeches, and toasts.
75th Anniversary Celebration Match v Bowls England Wednesday 8th September