John Mayhew is a former resident of Neyland who is a self-confessed sporting fanatic and although he has lived in New Zealand for a number of years he still keeps a careful eye on sport in Pembrokeshire via the internet.
But he has been helping to achieve some world-wide fame for Cambridge Central Bowling Club, for whom he plays in the town in Waikato, as they have just entered the Guinness Book of Records for playing the longest-ever lawn green bowls match – a massive total of 172 hours, or put another way, just over a whole week non-stop!
Massive challenge for six bowlers
The record was previously held by an Australian bowls club with the time of 170 hours and three minutes and the team from the town of Cambridge previously tried to beat the record but an illness to one of the players caused them to call a halt.
Beating the Aussies’ massive time involved six bowlers (three pairs) to bowl both day and night with two pairs on the green bowling at all times, which meant pairs bowled for two hours and then had a break of one hour.
As John told us by e-mail,
“It was an incredible record to witness because there was so much support from players and good-will from our community as we raised a considerable sum for charity in the process.
The bowlers were Alistair Carter, Nell Nicholl, Alan Buchanan, Paul Crawley, Sue Le Compte and Ryan McGowan, who all showed real grit to battle through the nights, even when the weather wasn’t brilliant.
John was a busy steward
“My participation as steward (where I did shifts of four hour) was to look after the six players needs with regard to getting them tea, coffee, water or anything else they needed – and I was also responsible for ensuring that the players were awake and ready to go on the green at the desired time, as well as providing refreshments for some of the spectators.
“I also called at two local cafes each day at 3.45pm to collect the sandwiches and cakes left over for the players and support crew, and also collect free coffees for the players a few mornings at 6am.
“It was a great team effort and as a Neyland and Pembrokeshire man I was proud to play my small part in such a wonderful venture!”