The annual Boules, the first since 2019, on the warm Friday evening following Bastille Day. James Rowell was a great MC, ably aided by three experienced umpires he had recruited David, Paul and John – thank you all. The drinks stand was run expertly by Jo and the cake stall with Lorna’s homemade strawberry and French apple tartlets, the galette, vegan brownies and other tasty offerings did a steady business and the barbecue with Udo, and his wife Sally in charge, served excellent fare. A quoits game as a safer alternative for youngsters proved very popular even with the very young. William Scrase undertook the registration process for the first time with skill and patience, helped by Adeeb and their family with a recording of scores.
How fitting that the Geoffrey Shaw cup was presented by Valerie herself to the winners Ruth Newell and her daughter Lara. It was a good night for youth – including the losing finalists, Callum and Cameron. The plate winners were Richard Goss, with a young Ukrainian, Nikita, on his first day in Buckingham!



