A nice, relaxed game with lovely people of Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi (pronounced "Gundawindy or Gundy") is our first Qld town on our way to Hervey Bay for Mal's family reunion. Yesterday we drove to find out where the Goondiwindi Bowling and Croquet Club is located. It's easy to find. Just off to the left at the bottom of the main drag.

Jean had been in touch with Maree, the Manager on Messenger many months ago to find out when they have social bowls. She arranged the trip so we could be here on a social bowls day. Maree put our names down for today.

We arrived really early. Jean asked Maree about the MacIntyre River - her river - which flows behind the club. She gave us some instructions and we went down.

The club has one grass green looked after by volunteers. It's nice but when we came yesterday it was covered with storm debris.

It's a cute club

with a friendly bar.

There are heaps of great old photos:

There's one of the original clubhouse.

We met Greg who owns Foodworks. His shop got broken into last night. Shame, it's a nice shop - local produce.

All the bowlers hung out for a drink beforehand.

Maree said she'd wait until everyone gets here to decide the format but it's two games of ten ends with a small break in the middle. There were 18 so we played three-bowl triples. Mal played skip with lead Jean and Chris from Southport Gold Coast.

(Mal, Jean and Chris)

We played against Jill, Gary and Charles.

Jeff showed Jean his bowls shirt with the racehorses.

She said "I remember Gunsynd - The Goondiwindi Grey!"

There is an old fallow bowling green next door. Jill said there are only a few Croquet players. When they play, which is not often, they do it on the bowling green.

The green started really slow. Hard to get the weight. We got a seven. Their faces dropped. Mal was having so much fun. When they had shot he'd take the kitty.

The club had such a nice, relaxed atmosphere. It's the people. Friendly and welcoming.

Four ends to go and we got a six. Jean said to Chris when we go to Southport we'll play triples together. She agreed enthusiastically. Then they got a six which made it 24 to 14 with two to go.

They got a four to put them six behind going into the last end. It finished 24 to 19. They scored eleven shots in two ends. With that effort they should have won.

Steve called the results.

The winners had plus 16 so we didn't win the Easter chocolates.

Get relaxed at Gundy!