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| South Africa Bowls, Lions Pride Tour
- January 2009 |
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As the group gathered on a cold and windy January morning at Heathrow airport for our Virgin Atlantic flight to Cape Town, no one could have expected the warm welcome we were going to receive from our host bowlers and the beautiful people of this magnificent country they call South Africa.
We were met by our local ground staff and after a short orientation tour of the city, arrived at the President Hotel in Bantry Bay where we were going to spend the next five nights. It didn’t take long for the group to get out in the warm sunshine, sample the local beers and for those brave enough, take a quick dip in the pool!
In the evening we enjoyed a champagne welcome at the top of Signal Hill with its spectacular views of Cape Town, before enjoying canapés and cocktails at the V&A Waterfront |
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We played our first game of bowls against the Constantia Bowls Club. Unbeknown to us they had bought along their secret weapon…. the notorious south easterly winds. Drastic measures were called for and captain of the day, Ann Thomas (Wales), had to call upon our secret weapon, me. A non-bowler who was there to take some photos, but with some excellent coaching and TLC we managed to win our match 27-17, it was a shame about the rest of the rinks!
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Inbetween match days, we took the opportunity to see some of this beautiful city with day trips to the wine farms at Paarl and Franschhoek. We stopped for a fantastic picnic lunch at the Boschendal Wine Farm, which everyone really enjoyed, especially after a few glasses of local wine! We capitalised on the nice evening and low winds that night, and rode the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, before returning to the waterfront for our evening meal, and the unexpected entertainment that followed…. |
Before our second match, we took the opportunity to visit Robben Island and learn first hand about the hardships prisoners faced during the time of Apartheid. The afternoon match saw the ‘Lions Roar’ compete against the WPCC Sports Club. The wind dropped and we were more familiar with the run of the greens. Our captain of the day Carol Norton (England), led the team to a 87-65 win. We celebrated in style with our hosts, enjoying a traditional African braai (BBQ). The WPCC Chairman entertained us playing the music, and the dancing talents of the ladies of West Glamorgan meant another great day was had by all.
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| Our final day in Cape Town was spent sightseeing with a visit to Cape Point stopping off en-route to visit Seal Island, and of course to take the traditional team photo at Cape Point where the two oceans meet. This was followed by another splendid lunch at the 'Two Oceans' restaurant. We then returned to see the world famous penguins at Boulders Beach and if that wasn’t enough for one day we took the chance to take in the beautiful and outstanding Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens. Some of the team took the chance to sample the high tea, (which is now known as Beti Williams cake or should I say mountain!) whilst others enjoyed a guided tour by one of the gentlemen bowlers from the WPCC Sports Club! |
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We left Cape Town after five wonderful nights and began our journey down the world famous garden route to our next stop, Mossel Bay. En-route we stopped at the small Africana town of Hartenbos where we played our third match, led by our Captain of the day, Gaynor Thomas (Wales). I think the long drive must have taken it out of us as we lost the match 64-86, but once again the dancing and singing talents of our welsh ladies stole the show. |
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Our beach front hotel was a pleasant surprise and after a short ride on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train, most people took time to relax either on the beach or around the pool. Some of the group shocked the youngsters and experienced the water shoots and rides at the water park next door! The day was rounded off nicely with sun downers and canapés overlooking the fabulous bay.
Our fourth match of the tour was against Oudtshoorn Bowls Club and we took the opportunity to visit the Safari Ostrich Farm and Cango Wildlife Ranch. As the temperature reached 32 degrees, we started to play bowls. The match was very competitive and we came a close second. Our Captain of the day, Trevor Coleman (England) aka Kevin, took part in a very friendly game of paint the captain! The singing and entertainment went on until late in the evening, and we all arrived back at the hotel exhausted but happy.
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During our visit to Knysna Elephant Park one of the baby elephants became jealous and promptly knocked over Glenys, before sitting on her! At the time we were all very concerned but after a reflective period we could see the funny side of it, especially when she phoned her husband and he asked if the elephant was ok!
After a lazy morning we moved on to our next location, Knysna. Most of the group took time to relax in the sunshine, a few indulged in some retail therapy and the evening was spent at the Dry Dock restaurant overlooking the lagoon.
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| We said a fond farewell to our outstanding driver, who would be returning to Cape Town once we reached Port Elizabeth. |
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Our final match was played against the Knysna Bowls Club with our Captain of the day being Gill Breadon (Ireland). Our final match turned out to be a very friendly game of bowls and was enjoyed by both teams. Once again we came a close second and lost the match 45-59. For most of us on tour this was a special day, that we will remember for a long time.
Our last few days were spent at the Kariega Game Reserve, where we enjoyed four game drives and to our amazement were lucky enough to see the lion family with cubs, the elephant herd and many other animals. |
The tour was a great success for me and our bowls family, I can’t wait to lead the next tour to South Africa on 17th Jan 2010, where we will be visiting the Drakensburg Mountains, the Zulu Battlefields, Durban and Cape Town with the option of visiting Victoria Falls.
Rock and Roll
Steve
“The hotels were first class, bowls games excellent and we met some lovely people. I can’t stop talking about it, a trip of a lifetime.”
Mrs Thomas, Pembrokeshire
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