We drove three hours from Townsville to Collinsville. We know there's no bowls on a Wednesday but came to stay and roll up.
Hoppy (Bruce) from Herberton was wearing a Collinsville shirt when we were there. Jean told him we'd be there in a couple of days. He said he came from there and that we should ring the President Barry who would let us stay there.
We did and he did!
Barry met us at the club just after we arrived. He took us on a tour.
He's a carpenter by trade and is doing a lot of work there.
There's a big verandah with a kids' play area at the back. They want to try to encourage young families to come to the club.
One of the things Barry is doing is creating a new barbecue area - decorated with old bowls. He hopes to put in a pizza oven where people can come and cook their own.
He showed us how he puts in the bowls.
He carves a groove in them so they sit nicely in the structure.
Out the back on the shed is a bowls paining.
And on the tank.
When we arrived in town we saw a sign that said Collinsville is the 'Pit Pony Capital'. It's a mining town and we guess pit ponies are an important part of their history. The bowls club has a beautiful paining of a pit pony out the front.
The club has one grass green. It's a bit patchy in parts as they've had some moss. It's quite slow.
Mal was in the van fixing a power plug. Jean decided to roll up by herself.
After about six ends she started to get the weight right. It was tough on the slow green.
Mal joined her.
Of course he got shot first bowl!
Jean gave him a run for his money!
But Mal had the last laugh (as usual!).
Collinsville - thanks for the hospitality.
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