A GROUP of Belgian cyclists swapped two wheels for bowls during a stop in Hailsham as part of a seven-day tour.
The 14 friends, who live in Brussels, were welcomed by Hailsham Bowling Club and given the chance to experience one of England’s most traditional sports.
Club members taught the visitors the basics of lawn bowls before they enjoyed a friendly introduction to the game, accompanied by plenty of encouragement and good humour.
The cyclists began the day in Hastings and travelled through Bexhill before arriving in Hailsham. They were then due to continue to Tunbridge Wells.
Guydode de Grefte, one of the visitors, told Hailsham News: “We are on a bike trip that we do every year with 14 friends.
“We started from Hastings this morning and went via Bexhill to come here to Hailsham. We will end today in Tunbridge Wells after we learned more about this quintessentially British sport.”
He said learning to bowl had presented the group with a new challenge because of the sport’s distinctive, weighted bowls.
He added: “It is very different altogether because these balls are asymmetrical, so you have to think about it.”
“I think what is nice is it’s kind of a community sport and very traditional, and that’s lovely. The bowling club has been very welcoming and we’re pleased to be here.”
Club president Kathy Pease said: “It’s great to have our visitors here today and we’re happy to show them how we play the sport, which is growing in popularity.
“They’ve done so well picking it up and played really well in the short time they’ve been doing it.”
The friends will spend seven days completing their cycling tour and are expected to cover around 300 miles.
