Last night we arrived at St Brendan's College and were greeted by the staff and boys and several intrigued younger pupils. A small boy, 10 or 11 years of age, looked at Martin Sanders in his false moustache and silly hat and noticed he was carrying a rubber chicken. “Ah” he said “British sense of humour, yes?”
Off to their billets they went and out for a (Pam and Martin) birthday dinner went the adults.
Up early to pick up the boys after school assembly – a ceremonial raising of the national flag - and off to a shopping mall for a little retail therapy. Then on to a park for a training session much welcomed after a few days without rugby. Back to school for lunch and then on to the bus for transit to the playing venue. This was the St Brendan's Rugby Club and was way out in the sticks – nearly an hour away. Apparently the school usually train and play at a much nearer ground but this was unavailable. The club ground is in an isolated spot with two pitches and a fine clubhouse beside a lake. When asked whether every Argentine Rugby Club had its own lake (this one does, just like BACRC), Frankie Deges, Argentina's premier rugby journalist, said no, in fact he only knew of two that did. Both matches kicked off at once, Maids fielding mixed teams once again. It became rather obvious that our hosts had opted for A and B selections since one game ended 72-7 to Maids Pumas and the Maids Jaguars lost 19-13 to St Brendan's. Match reports will follow.
We were made welcome by St. Brendan's but obviously our reception could not be compared to that at BACRC. As a school rather than a club, it is the teachers rather than the parents who run the matter. That changes the dynamic significantly. After a brief chat over beer and nibbles while the boys had a drink and a sandwich, welcome speeches and presentations were made. The Headmaster said that he had heard nothing but warm praise from the hosting parents as to the behaviour of our boys and that they obviously had all been well brought up. He said that the school had toured in every continent but that this visit, and their reciprocal one to Maidenhead in September, was hoped to be the start of a program of developing permanent links for future mutual benefit. We shall see.
When St Brendan's do visit later this year, it is going to be tough to match the hospitality shown to some of our boys. I do know that we will be hospitable and welcoming within our capability, but I don't know how many Maidenhead parents will ask the maid to clean their guests boots overnight, or will take a visiting boy to an exclusive private dining club at a horse-racing meeting. We are hoping to put together a “billet book” to capture some of these experiences.
The boys are back to their billet hosts tonight and then tomorrow we are off to Rosario.
Off to their billets they went and out for a (Pam and Martin) birthday dinner went the adults.
Up early to pick up the boys after school assembly – a ceremonial raising of the national flag - and off to a shopping mall for a little retail therapy. Then on to a park for a training session much welcomed after a few days without rugby. Back to school for lunch and then on to the bus for transit to the playing venue. This was the St Brendan's Rugby Club and was way out in the sticks – nearly an hour away. Apparently the school usually train and play at a much nearer ground but this was unavailable. The club ground is in an isolated spot with two pitches and a fine clubhouse beside a lake. When asked whether every Argentine Rugby Club had its own lake (this one does, just like BACRC), Frankie Deges, Argentina's premier rugby journalist, said no, in fact he only knew of two that did. Both matches kicked off at once, Maids fielding mixed teams once again. It became rather obvious that our hosts had opted for A and B selections since one game ended 72-7 to Maids Pumas and the Maids Jaguars lost 19-13 to St Brendan's. Match reports will follow.
We were made welcome by St. Brendan's but obviously our reception could not be compared to that at BACRC. As a school rather than a club, it is the teachers rather than the parents who run the matter. That changes the dynamic significantly. After a brief chat over beer and nibbles while the boys had a drink and a sandwich, welcome speeches and presentations were made. The Headmaster said that he had heard nothing but warm praise from the hosting parents as to the behaviour of our boys and that they obviously had all been well brought up. He said that the school had toured in every continent but that this visit, and their reciprocal one to Maidenhead in September, was hoped to be the start of a program of developing permanent links for future mutual benefit. We shall see.
When St Brendan's do visit later this year, it is going to be tough to match the hospitality shown to some of our boys. I do know that we will be hospitable and welcoming within our capability, but I don't know how many Maidenhead parents will ask the maid to clean their guests boots overnight, or will take a visiting boy to an exclusive private dining club at a horse-racing meeting. We are hoping to put together a “billet book” to capture some of these experiences.
The boys are back to their billet hosts tonight and then tomorrow we are off to Rosario.
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Happy birthday to Martin and Pam.
ReplyDeleteAlong with everyone else, Judith and I were hoping that a couple of weeks away from the "hotel at home" would have encouraged some tidiness - and appreciation when they get home.
Knowing our luck Bryn had the maid service tendering for his every need, we were hoping he would have to muck in with the washing up.
Happy Birthday Pam and Martin, hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner.
ReplyDeleteBirthday congratulations to Pam And Martin. The Kaye family love this blog and all the photos - thanks Graeme! The tour sounds action - packed and so rewarding for the boys in lots of ways. Our staff do not usually do boots but we are working on the under - butler. Come on Maids!
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