The Mangaroa Valley (near Upper Hutt for those
who don’t know) is the venue for this unique event.
In 2007, the weather was pleasant, but that
didn't deter the small band of dedicated bowlers. It has
been a few years since the last such event, as the previous
organisers moved on to other things.
A group of hardy members decided it was event
worth preserving and continuing, so ...
We gathered at Mangaroa School (to whom our
thanks for the use of their facilities). Having registered
and formed into 'teams' (well, more or less!) we set off!
The course is 1.7 kilometres each leg, so
it is a pleasant walk (spoilt by the need to throw the bowls!),
and starts about 10:30. The course is an "out and back"
circuit, with a break for a drink and a snack at the halfway
point.
Needless to say HVIS members are preparing
for future years when we will challenge teams from other
societies for the right to call ourselves National Champions.
And when the bowling is completed, we repair
to the clubrooms, sit around, indulging in those two most
Irish of pastimes - eating and singing - with our own resident
accompanists. All in all a fine day out.
