We have been talking about a senior cricket tour for several years. And now after long deliberations, feasibility studies and BS we discussed our thoughts with a few choice individuals to see if our proposal would float. With a resounding YES vote from all, we’ve decided to go for it.
The “Armada Tour” is taking place from 10th to 14th June 2019. Why ‘Armada’?. Well it’s because we’re hitting the high seas (The River Thames actually, please excuse my bouts of over dramatising….it’s the excitement).
We have hired two, 8 berth, 65ft, river boats. Our wonderful Fixture Secretary is arranging for three matches during the week (final details to follow soon). Below is our proposed itinerary for the tour.
Monday 10th June
Arrive at the boatyard in Reading at 12 noon. Deal with the handover and fill the fridge full of soft drinks and canapes.
Arrive at Henley-on-Thames for dinner at a local hostelry, celebrate the first tour for a number of years with a swift half or two.
Tuesday 11th June
Depart Henley roughly aiming for Maidenhead, stopping at Marlow for a trip to the gym or a pub lunch for those who are fit enough already.
First game of the tour against Maidenhead and Bray, a 20/20 in the early evening just to loosen ourselves up for a “real” game the following day.
Wednesday 12th June
Wander back up the river towards Hurley to play an afternoon match against their club. The evening will be spent in a local hostelry admiring the local produce and brew.
Thursday 13th June
Following our success on the field against Hurley (obviously) we will be ready for our final match. We will upsticks and head back up-country to the beautiful village of Wargrave, where our finest 11 players (the ones who can still stand that is) will play an afternoon match. Afterwards celebrations will take place, raising a glass to a wonderful week’s cricket and with a tear in our eyes look back at the last four days, smile and then wince as we realise our livers will need 12 months off before they are ready to tour again in 2020.
Friday 14th June
An early start is needed to get back to the boatyard for 9.30am… then back home and sleep to allow the body to recover for Saturday’s league match (God help us).
Places are available on a first come, first served basis, limited and for members of the club only. This is a seniors’ tour (18 years of age plus). However older colts are more than welcome to come along for the day to play cricket if there is space and we would really welcome supporters from all of the club’s membership to cheer us on, if you fancy a day out.
So how much I hear you ask?
£220 per head for the boat hire and damage deposit (hopefully this will be returned).
Drinks, food and any other light refreshments are excluded.
If you don’t fancy staying on a boat, but still want to be on tour, there are plenty of local pubs and hotels in the villages we are playing at. You will need to sort out the arrangement yourself and will be asked to submit a tour donation of £20 per day.
There may be other incidental costs such as match fees, mooring fees, parking at the boatyard etc but that will be sorted out closer to the date.
To secure your place.....
You must text me on 07813 603179 saying yes please, I want a berth… add your name and then pay £100 directly into the club bank account. Your place will only be fully secure once you have paid the deposit. By paying this you agree to fully fund your place or find someone else to fill the space if you are forced to drop out. The balance must be paid by the end of January. If you prefer, you can pay the full amount upfront.
The Club’s Bank Account Info is:-
Sort code is 30-99-93 and account number is 02957098
Please put your name and TOUR as a reference.