RAIN AT LAST

The barbecue following the tournament was a great success, many more members & friends joined in the festivities than were present on the courts. The orchestra was discreet enough not to inhibit a vivacious conversation during the meal, but lively enough to excite the subsequent 'belly-dancing'.
We entered a rainy period shortly afterwards these happy events, & were lucky that bad weather had kept off for so long. Prolonged drought, followed by heavy rain, often damages villas & other constructions, especially in areas with a lot of clay. The south-east corner of our claycourts 2 & 3, was showing ominous cracks in the containing walls, & it was thought wise to prevent further movement without delay. Although still in the period of Ramadan, our friend Fred worked very hard to prevent further movement of these courts. Here are 3 photos to show the new cement mixer in action, & the resulting concrete constructions to support the wall & the weight of material it has to support. Note that the liquid cement has to be transported from the mixer into the previously prepared wooden framework (coffrage), where it solidifies. It is envisaged to provide support to the north-south wall also.
Some play has been possible on claycourts today, although they are not yet well-prepared: more sturdy members have managed matches on the hardcourts, rejoicing in some bright sun again, so soon after the downpours.