ENGLAND’S Commonwealth Games lawn bowls team enjoyed a day off the green exploring tourist hotspots in Stratford and Warwick in the run up to Birmingham 2022.
The 15-strong squad were treated to a private one-hour walking tour of Stratford with Stratford Town Walk guide Helen Hogg, followed by a trip to Warwick Castle’s Midsummer Carnival with a light lunch.
The walking tour took the team around historical sights including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, Harvard House, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall and the Guild Chapel, as well as the Royal Shakespeare Theatres. They were accompanied by Shakespeare’s England’s Darren Tosh, who put together the itinerary for their day.
The tour also included fascinating stories of Stratford’s history, and Shakespeare’s life through fire, flood and plague.
The Midsummer Carnival at Warwick Castle runs until July 10. This Tudor carnival celebrates the summer solstice and includes a Midsummer Horse show, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a carnival procession led by Queen Elizabeth I.
Alistair Hollis, Bowls England’s Head of Sport Development, said: “The team really enjoyed the day – Helen as tour guide was excellent and as a result a couple of the team may now be on Mastermind with Shakespeare as their specialist subject. Warwick Castle and the accompanying lunch was lovely. A special thanks to Darren for accompanying us during the day.”
Up to 3,000 fans are expected a day to watch the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls events next month during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games across five bowling greens at Leamington Royal Victoria Park. Play begins on Friday July 29 and ends on Saturday August 6.
Mr Tosh, digital marketing manager for Shakespeare’s England, said: “Excitement is building for Birmingham 2022 across the world. It’s fantastic for South Warwickshire that the spotlight will be shining on Leamington and Warwick as host locations for all lawn bowls, para-lawn bowls and the start and finish of the cycling road races. We wish all teams the best of luck.”
