Struggles became intense, and the level of exchanges was quite impressive; observing from nearby, I felt that players were much more concentrated than in the ritual Tuesday bouts; and that many competitors were very anxious to win a prize.
Something like 4 games were possible before the next changeover of partners occurred: this moment was announced by the ringing of a bell (or in fact by the sound of a spoon hitting a cup), and points for games won were noted down. One of the players announced before the final round that he was suffering from an undefined malaise, and asked me to play in his place; I was glad to do this, so that I had made another slight contribution to the event.
Then came the lunch - happily outside on the terrace in the beautiful weather we've been having. This was efficiently set out by the new team, and of a very good quality by all reports. We must congratulate the new cook, David, who is rapidly achieving a pleasing reputation. Let's call him David-le-Grand, perhaps, to avoid confusion with the tennis Davids.
Now this group of 40 friends come together, not only to play and eat together, but of course to talk together in their curiously-sounding language. We others wonder how on earth they were brought up to make these astounding noises........... So we will never know how to speak like this, and will be happy in our ignorance, to hear them having such an enjoyable time together! Here are two photos:
For those who were not there, and haven't yet tried the food, here is a picture of an enticing table already set out for you!
Bon appétit !
