Flaming June it certainly was, with temperatures in the low 30s. One tree in the Espace Bozon, had, however, been induced to give rather more shade by the additional of two pergolas. A brilliant piece of organization! A whole trailer-load of tables and benches were arranged in this welcome shade, to provide adequate space for the 30 people present to enjoy their picnic and the cold Pimm’s, wine and water provided by the organizers – Diana Crettaz, Deborah (helped by Nando!) Gorsatt and Regional Chairman Andrew Konecki.
We all had a wonderful time chatting with old friends and new acquaintances. Once the picnics were out of the way, Andrew proposed the Loyal Toast so that our Queen’s 91st birthday was fittingly celebrated!
Then came the serious business – 13 teams took part in the Croquet competition, organized and overseen by Dave Underhill of the Swiss Croquet Association. Most matches were a bit one-sided but there were some very close and enthralling matches, not least the final which could have gone either way and was won by Rosemary Clifton’s team who just pipped Rosy André’s team at the final post!
I, as Past President, had the honour of presenting the prizes, generously donated by Andrew, to the winning team, but also to the unlucky team that came last, captained by Sandra Seewer. There was also a gift for Dave Underhill as a recompense for providing the equipment and organizing the tournament.
Faced with a question whether the course was smaller this year, Dave replied that it was a shade smaller, as befitted the increased age of the participants! Next year it will be another shade smaller!
Thanks go to Andrew, Deborah and Diana for organizing this highly successful event and I, for one, look forward to the 2018 version!
Nigel Coombs
