WATER

A pump was repaired just in time for the claycourts to be watered before the start of the doubles tournament at 3 pm. I was called in at the very last moment to replace Joyce in the first round, & managed 5/3 with the help of Nick Pearch against his 9-year old son Alexander & Gaby - a Belgian lady player. It was pretty hot at that time on hard court, & I was pleased enough to retire on the arrival of the official No: 27.
Matches of 8 games continued between the 28 entrants for 4 rounds, then one more round after a break for apéritif. Partners changed after each round according to each draw - some anomalies in the random results of these draws were noticed: in particular, poor Dawn found herself against Jean-Louis Leboucher for three of the five rounds. This new arrival is a serious opponent, well-versed in doubles' tactics - he arrived, introduced by his Brazilian wife, Monica, a valuable addition to the International Ladies Group.
These exertions seemed to be enjoyed by all, & were followed by a relaxing period of music by a group new to the Club; the barbecue helped the players & friends to recuperate their energies: which were further put into use by the more venturous, in various dances, well-supported by the band, & even by some belly-dancing!
All in all, a most successful day of events & new acquaintainces; the sort of occasion which no doubt will be repeated in the near future.
Sunday saw a few of the braver souls again battling on the courts; the swimming pool welcomed one last swimmer before the closure, & a few hours later, the long-awaited rainstorm appeared. (After record rainfall last year & the early months of this year, our last rain goes back to the last days of June! No rain at all during July, August, & the first 12 days of September!)
Here's a photo of a sky in September: the skies have generally been more colourful in the evenings of November. We shall see.