Maidens Bowling Club hosted the national team from Zimbabwe as they competed at the World Bowls 2004 held at Northfield, Ayr between 23 July and 7 August.   The six members of the team were Richie Hayden, Roy Garden, Denis Streak, Adrian Mellows, Chinky Marillier and Kevin McGeoch (Team Manager). Maidens was the only bowling club in the area to host a team for the finals.

The Zimbabwe side made the most of the facilities at Maidens to practice on Monday 19 July and enjoyed their lunch and tea with welcoming club members.

On Wednesday 21 July, along with available Committee members, they visited Wildings Hotel for a meal, courtesy of sponsorship by Mr Brian Sage.

On Thursday 29 July the team were at Maidens on a day off to relax. During this time they visited Kirkoswald Parish Church and were given a guided tour by Rev Arrick Wilkinson.   They were amazed at the history of the church and expressed their appreciation to him.  All the team are of Scottish descent.   They also visited Culzean Country Park.

On Saturday 31 July the team were invited to a Scottish night held within the clubhouse.   This ended up as a mini Burns night - haggis, neeps and tatties being served.   The Selkirk Grace was performed  by Kevin, the team manager, and Roy gave a rendition of  "Tae a moose".  On the late afternoon of Friday 6 August a few of them managed down to the clubhouse to relax, and they finally returned via the Electric Brae to their hotel in Ayr in the evening  - emotional farewells all round..

"Our boys" were extremely grateful for all the support they were given and thoroughly enjoyed their time with us.  Many new friendships have been formed.  They are now safely back home with their bronze medal and many happy memories, which we will all treasure.

Kevin recently e-mailed me and expressed his appreciation to the club members "who opened up their hearts to make them all feel at home and so relaxed".   I have no doubt that contact will be maintained between Maidens and Zimbabwe.

Photographs taken can be accessed via the Internet-details on our website: -  www.maidensbowlingclub.co.uk .