Nine Pilgrims made it down to Sherborne on 7th February this year for our annual event (it’s so frustrating not being able to use the word ‘pilgrimage’ ). We were without a few key members: Fabian Mercer busy keeping the streets of York safe, Kirk keeping the whole of Europe safe and Nabob Maciver establishing a diplomatic foothold for the Pilgrims in a north African, former French colony.
Of those that did make it, Stubbs of course had furthest to travel, although one hopes it was an easier escape this time, now that the president has less practical power than an average Normandie village postman. Deehan demonstrated that even without Maciver, Hazlemere continues to contend for – amongst other things – best leafy commuter belt fives centre of excellence. Tim Ambrose proved once again that despite the relatively recent closure of most of the mines, competitive handball is alive and well in the Black Country. Also joining was Sloane Square’s answer to Lancelot Spratt – Toby Dean, John Barber, David Park (naturally arriving by bicycle somehow despite living in North London) Edd Horder – still quietly refusing to be the official Pilgrims photographer and warm welcome to new joiner Alex Upton.
We played a doubles tournament style competition with the school team and the Pilgrims mixed together. It was all play all, one games to fifteen. Consensus seemed to be playing to 11 might have worked better. The school boys who were the strongest we’ve seen for many years now, were joined on court by Mr Scorer to whom our thanks must go for such a fantastic event. The overall winners were Mr Park and Will from the school.
We were also joined in the George pub and on the courts by Paul Carling, Mike Cleaver and George Tatham. We really appreciate the support gentlemen and a pleasure to see you all.
Post match activities included: Rugby watching, the Digby Tap, a magnificent feast at the Rajpoot and to top all this off wine tasting outside the Abbey ( glasses kindly supplied by and bottle cooled by Rajpoot) where we sampled Mr Stubbs’ delicious champagne ( soon to be available at all good wine merchants and/or Mullion Cove, near Penzance after midnight when the tide’s right and no full moon).