On Saturday 7th December, despite the shocking weather conditions, seven OMs Tom Bomford (7. 94-99), John Burnett (SH. 60-64), John Elford (7. 64-69), Jonathan Fisher (5. 66-71), Jim Foxall (5. 64-68), Philip Shaw-Hamilton (3. 65-70), Simon Shenkman (6. 77- 81) and one Carthusian (Andrew Hamilton, MMTCC) had an enjoyable day of tennis at fortress Moreton Morrell, surrounded on both approaches by floods and fallen trees!
It must be mentioned in dispatches that David Jenkins wisely made the decision the day before to stay at home – I say wisely, not just because she-who-must-be-obeyed was asking whether it was absolutely necessary to travel on a red-alert weather day, but on the morning that he would have driven, three roads were closed and trees blown down in East Knoyle!
Tim Harper was very unfortunate. Sensibly travelling the night before from Carmarthen, via Swansea, and hoping to avoid the potential chaos on the roads, he fell into the trap of chaos on the railways:- broken down trains, train cancellations, wrong type of leaves on the track etc. so was forced to abandon the trip and get a taxi back home.
Anyway, at Moreton, the weather was not an issue, though there was a small leak from the roof. Tennis was played with the usual mixture of fun, framed and fresh-air shots, outrageous good fortune, and the occasional brilliant shot from each player. The rolling handicap adopted by the markers (John Burnett and Tom Bomford) ensured a nail-biting finish where everyone felt that they had had enough!
A good lunch was laid on, and a toast made in memory of Ron Hughes (Malvern rackets professional), Keyvan Farmanfarmai (No3, 55-60), David Bryant (MMTCC) and Bernard Weatherill (No6, 64-69).
Those in the photograph attached are, from left to right: Jonathan Fisher, Jim Foxall, John Elford, Ruth Shenkman, Simon Shenkman, John Burnett, Tom Bomford, Andrew Hamilton, Philip Shaw-Hamilton
Report by Philip Shaw-Hamilton
Look out for next years date – all OMs are welcome to attend!