An attractive event in an attractive scene. The sponsors:International Labmate run the event in the Mediterranean Garden of St Albans' Highfield Park. This year they surpassed themselves by organising some truly Mediterranean weather to go with it. OK -- they are ably assisted by John Luke and, historically, Dave Chiano, but as I've known these two organise some diabolical weather I give the credit to IL!.

A word about sponsors in general! Our sport would be much the poorer were it not for our sponsors. Our Leagues rely on them for help with trophies, their annual engraving and other expenses. Now that things are tight it is difficult for many of our sponsors to continue their support. So let's hear it for International Labmate! All I can do here is to publicise their website at www.inernationallabmate.com

I believe Dave was instrumental in starting this competition. He has been unwell of late and when I heard he was to be there I conned my wife into coming along with a picnic. I brought my camera and took a few shots tho' I couldn't stay 'til the end so missed finals and presentation. Here Dave is seen chatting up Lyn(n?)(e?), John Luke's other half, while his own was busy chatting up mine.

I mustn't let this become too personal, but I would like to thank all who came over and talked to Sher. You made her feel part of the scene and she says she really enjoyed the day. I knew many of the players, but there were quite a few new faces. Take the two seen in the top photo. I asked them where they'd come from and was told - "over there!" - 200m away. Now this is sad! Here were two pleasant people, wishing to play pétanque, with a beautiful terrain on their doorstep, but with no local structure to produce local competition. Why doesn't St Albans have a League like other parts of Hertfordshire?

There were quite a few French players adding to the Mediterranean atmosphere:

But by the time I arrived, play was well underway:

There were pointers whose faces we did not know. While others we'd recognise from any viewpoint.

There were the young -- and the not so young! But always that important part of the game:

The measure!
And if the foliage obscurred the view at times --Tough!
Meanwhile John L. used the central rustic office to organise the event.

But I must mention the Brickendon Club who play in the Cent. Herts League. I haven't seen them much at tournaments but they were here in force.

They grumbled that I've never been out to see them so I stopped and watched a game between two of their pairs. Each rewarded me with a great action shot:




That's enough -- they're starting to stick their tongues out at me! But well done the Brickies! I really must try and get out to see you.

Right! That's plenty about Poms! I'm sure you know that Los Cianos are Aotearoaphiles. But you may not know that the last two generations are fully paid up New Zealanders. They flew in the morning of Pét in Park! So -- for we Kiwi: Haeremai te manuhiri tuarangi!

He Mokopuna -- He Taonga