At the start of Closing Day, in memory of our late President, Eddie Jones, Vice-President Alyson Tapley led the club in a half-minute silence, followed by a half-minute applause.
We then moved on to the Spider. The jack was in position, players were ranged round the perimeter – and the heavens opened. Players scurried for cover, leaving the jack lonely and despondent in the centre of the green. The rain continued for some time. Meanwhile, the bar did a good trade, the raffle was conducted and the faith tea was eaten early.
Around half past three, after the rain had stopped and the green allowed to drain, we all went outdoors again. Eddie had wanted it to be brightly coloured, casual wear and the general committee promoted fancy dress (though without a specific theme). So we had costumes ranging from Super-Mario (organiser extraordinaire Tom) to a giraffe via a wetsuit, Harry Potter and Boy George.
There was time for two sets of five ends, with players all mixed up and playing out of their usual positions, before the sun began to shine brightly, driving us all back indoors. Well, strictly the decision to stop was made before the sun came out, but you know...
I’m writing this on a Monday morning, under a blue sky and a forecast of sunshine for the whole coming week. Ain’t it typical?
Photos: Kevin Smith
