Twenty six students and senior academic staff arrived at about 7.00 p.m. after their bus eventually found the bowling centre. They were quickly supplied with a drink at the bar and were then handed over to the coaching staff laid on by the bowling club. The coaching staff were magnificent. They divided the students into groups of three and each group was joined by a Rotarian. The art of bowling was then explained and demonstrated and the team members given a chance to try out their skills. Each group was then divided into two teams of two and played a short competitive game. Two members of the Bowling club junior teams joined in with one junior allocated to each team.
The American students cottoned on quickly once they appreciated the difference between indoor bowling and their familiar ten pin bowling. The former is much more subtle. The students learned quickly but were easily outshone by the juniors. On the performance of the Rotarians, it is better to draw a discreet veil.
The students and Rotarians then partook of an ‘English’ supper of sausage, mash, peas and gravy followed by apple pie and custard. It was not to the taste of one or two students while others went back for seconds. The aim had been to provide something that was not familiar to them at home.
There followed brief speeches of appreciation by one of the students and by Professor Foot. Each Rotarian and wife was then presented with a lightweight water bottle emblazoned with an OU (Oklahoma University). The coaches called in to say goodbye and were given a rousing farewell by the students.
The evening was enjoyed by all and great thanks are due to the bowling club and the coaches for hosting the event. The Rotarians are keen to maintain their good relationship with the bowling club and hope that they will be able to show their appreciation in a tangible manner in the near future.
Jonathan Bolgar