CLUB CHARACTERS

Perhaps the first of our members that surprised me when chatting about his various occupations, was the well-loved Hank. The Dutch group have an annual lunch in his memory, organized by his wife, Dawn. In addition to his genial participation on our courts, he had been a Racing Driver! Not only that hazardous occupation, but what I found with a little persistence in our little chat,  the considerably safer  past-time of making stringed instruments! I hear that his double-basses were particularly successful.  

Here is a photo from November 2004: 

followed by one of Dawn from May of this year:

A much more recent discovery from casual conversations in the Club, concerns our English friend Edward Grimshaw. Not particularly vociferous during his doubles matches - even on the rare occasions when his dear wife, Lucia misses her volleys!  I can now reveal, by dint of my careful journalistic attempts on your behalf...........

You will recognize the intrepid explorer slightly younger than now; but not his exact situation.  He tells me he was here on the summit of Mount Scott in Antarctica, and that he made this ascent during his two year sojourn in that continent back in the 1960's.

Certainly, you must agree, a serious candidate for the distinctive title of 'Club Character'.

One more photo to emphasize the point: imagine surviving two days of continual snow in these surroundings!

So let's not complain too much if it rains all this week! But remember I'm always on the look-out for new material..........

I'm asked to remind you of various items which may interest some of you:

If you wish to re-contact the fitness expert, Christophe Dehays, he is not far away, and you will find details of what he does, at his website, www.selectgym.com .

There is a sale of home-made objects by a friendly neighbour on December 8th here in the Club - more details of this and of Christmas Choral happenings on notices in your favourite Restaurant.

My Best Wishes for a Happy Festive Season, signed by my namesake's local resident on a suitable perch, after the annual pruning of the willow tree.

a single click on a photo enlarges it