Friday 1 February 2013

WINTER

The months of December and January have been decidedly wet and cold.  In this privileged part of the world, a day of rain can always be followed by a full blue sky, but we have experienced an exceptionally humid period. This has adversely affected the state of the clay courts which have been mainly unplayable during this time. So we are lucky to have so many hard courts!

Here is a photo of a well-washed shirt one frosty morning, illustrating one effect of the recent weather conditions;  thank-you Fred.....


 The tennis-playing groups have bravely kept up their good humour  and good eating. The IWG tennis captain, Judy talks to 25 of her ladies in the club restaurant here:


The accent was on decorative hats, as you see - Caroline next:



While the Chef quietly prepared the excellent meal in the background:



A great event as usual. 

The ladies followed this a few days later with a cocktail evening to view (and sell!) a good number of works of art painted by several group members.  What a talented and active crowd!


On a serious note of security, a little explanation could be acceptable, of the notice on the wall near the offices, indicating that a 'défibrillateur cardiaque' is available. Anxious members will have been appreciative of this important purchase by our owners;  but exactly how and when would this apparatus be used?

Let us earnestly hope that the occasion will never occur..............  but nevertheless, if it does happen that a player collapses on court;  members should be ready to act, and to act correctly and rapidly.

The first thing to check should be to find if the victim is still breathing - if not; this could be the most serious case, & heart massage should be initiated immediately, with someone telephoning SAMU at 15.

This is where the defibrillator comes in. The victim's chest should be uncovered, & the electrodes in the pack placed on each side of the heart, as you will see in the video linked to this text. With the apparatus plugged in to the set, an oral diagnosis will be emitted. If fibrillation (chaotic vibrations not allowing normal heart pumping) is detected; the instruction to press the button giving a strong electric shock, will be announced. 

All this carried out correctly could save the life of one of us: watch the video carefully, & imagine in your mind what you, yourself, would remember to do in such a situation. 

(Pour une traduction en français, viens me demander au Club: en tout cas le video est en français

Bon tennis & bon appétit dans votre restaurant !

Remember also the Annual Vignal Tournament from February 23rd to March 10th; I sent out forms to fill in before February 20th, to possible participants this afternoon. Otherwise communicate directly with Olivier or Didier at the Club. Bonne chance!