CLUB TOUR - WHEN SALLY MET LOUIS

Yesterday evening, 40 Oakley tourists returned from the annual tour, this year to Weston-Super-Mare. We stayed at the York Hotel, a stones throw from the Pier and "beach" but, unlike last year, we were not too successful in dodging the frequent and often heavy showers. Our first match on Tuesday was against Ashcombe Park where we managed a win but Wednesday was a wash out with the greens at Clarence being waterlogged. Thursday saw us having a free day at Wells with members enjoyimng tours of the Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Unfortunately the day was overshadowed by our receiving the sad news that Club stalwart Martin Smith, who should have been on the tour, had passed away in the early hours of the morning. The Farewell Dinner on the Thursday evening was arguably more subdued than usual but as President Ric pointed out Martin woold have wished us to enjoy ourselves and, judging by the bar bill, we did. New tourist Richard Waters thanked Ric and presented him with a gift to acknowldge all his hard work in arranging the tour and Ric responded thanking all those who had helped to make it a success, particularly Sue who had organised him. Friday saw us returning home with a stop at Ilminster, the seventh time we have visited them on our way home from tour. Arguably the strongest Club in Somerset, we tried to improve our chances by bringing into our team, as a guest, World and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Louis Ridout. It was quite a day for the inexperienced Sally Day but she rose to the occasion, helping Louis to the highest winning rink. Needless to say, however, the match was lost. Leaving Ilminster for the trip home, Ric brought the tour to a close by announcing that the Black Mark trophy, for the most misdemeanours on tour, had been won by Wendy Aherne and that the fines for Black Marks (and other activities) meant that over £200 would now go to his chosen charity. . Ric also reported that the Trophy for the best results on tour had been won by Sally Day, with a little help from Louis!! We now look forward to the 2026 tour to Dawlish.