LAWN bowlers at Toronto Workers Club enjoyed a game with a difference on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When staff from the touring holiday company AAT Kings pulled up at the club in a shiny coach and invited locals to a game of indoor bowls, there were puzzled expressions all round.
But the coach was not there to transport bowlers to another venue for a game - the coach was the venue.
The coach is billed as the world's first mobile lawn bowls set up.
The coach's seats have been removed, and in their place is an astro-turf bowls green.
AAT Kings state sales manager Daniel Toby said the coach was visiting more than 60 regional towns and metropolitan cities over two months.
"It's a bit of fun, it's interactive and it's quirky," Mr Toby said.
"And wherever we go we see the same facial expressions from people."
The first reaction is typically one of confusion and curiosity.
"But as soon as people step on board, we see they have a huge smile on their face."
The coach is also a novel marketing tool for the company and its network of agents.
"We're here today to say thanks to our local agents, Escape Travel, at Toronto, to have a bit of fun and give something back to the local lawn bowls community," Mr Toby said.
The coach is the brainchild of AAT Kings global general manager Anthony Hayes, the former Queensland tourism boss who devised the 'Best job in the world' campaign.
Mr Hayes said there was some method in the madness of the coach.
"We want to say to people thinking of going on a guided tour that if you come with us, you'll have a bit of fun and we'll put a smile on your face," Mr Hayes said.