HALE BARNS DEVON TOUR 2006

This year's shortened tour was, apart from one or two cricket match results, another 'best ever'. Everything went smoothly, so Throbin's blood pressure stayed OK as we found three grounds open and three teams ready to welcome us. Houghie behaved himself, so we'll have the same warm welcome next year. Our three new tourists Payno, Fretters and Charlie Apsden were great additions to the touring party, and Clare added that missing female touch: don't stop giggling, Clare, especially at the dirtier jokes.

The social side was as good as ever all through, and the evening at Cornwood even better, if that's possible. Brian was again in superb voice, Tony Barter wouldn't know an inhibition if he saw one, and those of the Cornwood ballads that we weren't too drunk to remember will be added to ours. Next year we'll start the match at 2.00 to have even more time to enjoy the evening. The Cornwood lads also had a whip round to make a donation to Molly and Boxtys's sponsored ride - much appreciated. The free day on Tuesday passed in the usual drunken haze. Throbin went AWOL again, seems to get back later each year