Joint East Midlands and Central region bowling event
On 22nd March 2002
A year or so ago I hosted a bowling event, which was held at an American military base near to High Wycombe. It was suggested that another bowling event be held. The events of Sep 11 have made the use of the American facility more problematic. I was planning to use the bowling alley in the town of Aylesbury when Mark, a regular attender at Wycombe meetings, told me there was a bowling alley at Maidenhead a town where he used to work which is slightly nearer to High Wycombe than Aylesbury.
Maidenhead is not a town that I know despite its proximity to my current home. Mensa wise it is "over the border" in the Central Region but does benefit from an active Locsec, Diane Putnam. I contacted Diane, whom I did not know, with my ides of a bowling event, which she was keen to co-host. Accordingly we arranged to meet and make the booking which was a package of a couple of games and food.
Come the night I drove to the alley with 2 other "Wycombeites" in the car, Peter and Mark. Along with Carol and Sue who were driving over from near Hemel Hempstead we would make up the East Midlands contingent. We met Diane and the Central Region contingent at the alley without any problem.
The alley itself was large with over 20 lanes and alas really loud music that made conversation all but impossible. As we had a little while to wait before we were on the lanes I headed for the bar, more in hope of finding a refuge from the noise than a need for a drink. I was to be disappointed as the noise was just as loud in the bar. I enjoy rock and pop music but there is a time and place for everything!
Eventually we were called to the lanes and enjoyed a couple of games. The food came eventually (after a little chasing) and was typical burger bar type fayre. To be honest the food wasn't really to my taste but most people cleared their plates.
It was soon time to go home, the event had gone quite well but my main regret was that it had been very difficult to talk with our Berkshire hosts above the noise of the sound system.
At some time in the future I will look to arrange another event with our friends from across the border but somewhere where we can hear what they have to say. Another bowling event will also be arranged but possibly not at Maidenhead!
Alistair Blackett