The Cormorants Programme
2013 Edition
“Cricket remains for me the game of games, the sanspareil, the great metaphor, the best marriage ever devised of mind and body, for me it remains the Proust of pastimes, the subtlest and most poetic, the most past-‐ and-‐present; whose beauty can lie equally in days, in a whole, or in one tiny phrase, a blinding split second.” John Robert Fowles
The Cormorants in sunnier times in 1965 (left)
A damp track at Bryanston in 2012 (centre)
The Upper, Sherborne, in 2011 (left)
Contents Editorial -‐ 1 Presidents Welcome -‐ 2 From the School -‐ 3 2012 Tour Results -‐ 4 Old Cormorants Lunch -‐ 5 Friends of the Cormorants -‐ 6 A Brief History of Tour Fixtures -‐ 7 Sponsor a Young Cormorant -‐ 8 2013 Tour Timetable -‐ 9 Packing for Tour -‐ 11 Questions? -‐ 12 Waffle Ball -‐ 13 End of Tour Dinner -‐ 15 A Cricketers Poem -‐ 16 Centurion Word Search -‐ 17 Contacts -‐ 18
Editorial Greetings fellow Cormorants and Tourists! Firstly a very warm welcome to the 2013 tour and also to the first edition of the Cormorants annual Programme - hopefully you will find it both a pleasant and enjoyable read throughout the course of our yearly migration back to Dorset to play the great game. I would like to thank Andrew Beaton, Louise Smith, Andy Dike, Ben Merrell and Ned Lack for all their help and encouragement in getting this new addition to the tour off the ground and of course my thanks also go out to everyone who has helped contribute to this very first edition. The idea began to take shape in March this year, whilst listening to TMS during the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand, thinking ahead to hopefully another fantastic week of cricket, excellent companionship and a pint of Badger Beer. The aim of this endeavour is to be a companion to the tour and also be a programme that we will produce each year, hopefully, so that we can look back at previous years tours and serve as a memento for each years tour. So the signing or autographing of one another’s is encouraged. Through the pages within you will find information about the tour, fixtures, time-tables, contacts, photos and other detail that hopefully will not only be of use and interest to first time tourists but also for some of the more seasoned club members. It probably goes without saying that most of us well aware of how special this tour is in terms of its history and thanks to the great relationship we have with the school it can happen every year with them providing a pitch and accommodation. So all that is left for me to say is the best of luck to us all this year and enjoy tour 2013. Yours in Cricket Greg Swaby Editor
Presidents Welcome Dear Cormorants, As someone who took part in the inaugural tour to Cornwall in 1960, it gives me great pleasure to write this introduction to another first, our own Cormorants tour programme. A far cry from the means of communication we have had in the past, I hope it will give you a better indication as to the programme for the forthcoming season’s cricket and whet your appetite for our July Cricket week. We are sending this to both current Cormorants and, as importantly, former players. As well as looking to the future, it is very much our intention that Cormorants of all generations remain in contact with each other and continue to share memories of the happy times we have experienced together down the years. I would like to thank Greg Swaby for coming up with this initiative and all the hard work he has put in producing this programme. You will see that it contains lots of information and we hope our new Cormorants website will be going live soon as well. I invite all of you to register on this when the time comes. You will see there are also opportunities to contribute to the running of Cormorants cricket by financial sponsorship. As usual we have a full week of cricket planned for July and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible then in Dorset, if not before. With best wishes Piers Sabine President
The second flock of tourists in 1961
From the School Dear Clayesmorians, I hope you find this brochure both interesting and inspiring. I have been fortunate enough to have gained many years of enjoyment from playing sport but more importantly I have formed some wonderful friendships with people that I have played with and against as well as the many other people involved in some way with the teams that I have been a part of. I feel lucky that I have gained these experiences despite having never received an opportunity like the one the Cormorants provide you with. Sport is a fabulous way for you to remain in touch with many of the school friends that you might otherwise lose contact with. In addition, you will meet other Old Clayesmorians who share your passion for sport and these contacts will serve you well as you progress through your career. The school match against the OC’s gives just a taste of the experience that you will gain if you choose, as we all hope, to play for the Cormorants in future seasons. Seeing Old Clayesmorians return to the site is always a fantastic thrill for the staff of the school and it would be great if you would join the many past Clayesmorian cricketers who have filled the ranks of the Cormorants to continue to share stories and laughter whilst competing in the sport that you love. For years, players of all abilities who have shared a love of Cricket and Clayesmore have been brought together by the Cormorant cricket team and I hope that you will join the ranks of this historical group to see it continue to flourish in the future. With all our best wishes,
Richard Miller Head of Boys Games, Clayesmore School
2012 Cricket Week Results Sunday 8th July – T20 Tournament at Bryanston Cancelled due to bad weather Monday 9th July – vs. Canford Cygnets at Clayesmore Cormorants 142 all out (Connor 62, Marsh 3 for 22, Darby 3 for 27) Cygnets 145 for 7 (Darby 32, A Dike 3 for 39) Match lost Tuesday 10th July – vs. Bryanston Butterflies at Clayesmore Butterflies 277 for 4 declared (Davies 47, Weld 81, Bucknall 52 no, J Denning 60) Cormorants 102 all out (Owton 51, Marshall 3 for 16) Match lost Wednesday 11th July – vs. Arkadin CC at Clayesmore (35 over’s aside) Cormorants 221 for 6 (A Dike 36, Owton 90, Webb 39 no) Arkadin 192 all out (Dawson 69, A Dike 4 for 36) Match won Thursday 12th July – vs. Sherborne Pilgrims at Clayesmore Cancelled due to bad weather
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Old Cormorants Lunch As the tour has grown each year and has done for over half a century now the number of tourists past and present, of course, grows as well. The lunch for former Cormorants and friends will be held at Clayesmore on Tuesday 9th July; the days fixture will be the Cormorants Vs Bryanston Butterflies. This will be a great way of meeting up with old friends and supporting the cricket week. The cost is £15 per person and if you are interested in attending please contact the Development Office at the school, details on page 18. We all looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and new one’s too, enjoying some good cricket, sharing memories of tours past and a very good lunch.
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Friends of the Cormorants Since 1960 Teams we have played against since the tour began
Agrarians C.C.
Jesters C.C.
Arkadin C.C.
Kenilworth Wardens C.C.
Blandford C.C.
Kensington Taverners C.C.
Bristol Bedouins C.C.
Milton Abbey Hornets C.C.
Bryanston Butterflies C.C.
North Mymms C.C.
Camborne C.C.
Old Abingdonians C.C
Canford Cygnets C.C.
Old Bristolians C.C.
Commonwealth XI (Holland)
Sedbergh C.C.
D.J. Watkins XI
Shaftesbury C.C.
Dorset Rangers C.C.
Sherborne Pilgrim’s C.C.
Eltham College
Somerset & Cornwall Light
Falmouth C.C.
Infantry
Fiddleford Falcons C.C.
St. Giles (Cambridge) C.C.
Fontmell Magna C.C.
St. John’s, Leatherhead
Free Foresters C.C.
Strollers C.C.
Gerrans C.C.
Swanage C.C.
Gorran C.C.
The Hague C.C. (Holland)
Gouda C.C (Holland)
T.S. Croxon XI
Headington C.C.
Wimborne Minster C.C.
Iwerne Minster C.C.
W. Ramsden XI
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Cormorants Fixtures; A brief History Dorset Old Boys T20 Tournament This quadrangular T20 tournament commenced in 2007 and is played annually at Bryanston School. Participants are the hosts, Canford Cygnets, Sherborne Pilgrims and ourselves. The format is two games in the morning involving the four teams, with the winners playing each other for the Stour Cup in the afternoon. In all respects it is a great start to the cricket week. Current holders of the Stour Cup are the Cygnets. This is a tournament that all the teams have won at least once apart from the Cormorants, and we will be hoping to put an end to our losing run this year.
Canford Cygnets This year we are away at Canford and as in the last three years we will be competing for the Maxwell Biles Memorial Shield. Max was a popular and much loved Old Canfordian and former head boy of Clayesmore Prep School, who died so tragically young in 2009. The Cygnets took the trophy back to Canford last year for the first time and we will be hoping to restore it to its rightful place in 2013!
Bryanston Butterflies Along with Canford, these are our oldest opponents and we have been playing them for over 50 years. The teams know each other well and this is always a competitive and keenly contested fixture -‐ A home game this year.
Arkadin CC This is another home game and forms part of Arkadin’s mini-‐tour to Dorset, which they have undertaken now for four years. Arkadin are a London based wandering side mainly comprising gentlemen of the legal profession – on reflection, that statement is only partly correct – and are led by OCs Julien Allen and Kelvin Barker. They are popular visitors and add greatly to the week’s attraction, both on and off the field of play. Sherborne Pilgrims This is our newest fixture, with one win to each team so far, last year’s fixture being washed out by torrential rain. It is also one of our toughest, as the Pilgrims always put out a strong side. This year’s match will take place on the Upper at Sherborne, a wonderful place to play and watch cricket.
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Sponsor the Cormorants Want to give back to the tour? The Cormorants cricket week involves a considerable outlay for the Club. At present we have no subscription and are funded on a "pay as you play" basis and a generous annual grant from the Old Clayesmorian Society. We are always looking for financial support and sponsorship and this can be given in a number of ways: Sponsor a young Cormorant -‐ we do not charge match fees for students and the unwaged, and you can sponsor a player for as little as £15 a day. Sponsor a match ball -‐ we still require match ball sponsors and this opportunity is available at £25 per ball. Make a cash contribution to the Club's finances -‐ such donations are always welcome. If you are willing and able to help on any of the above, please contact the Development Office at Clayesmore -‐ see page 18 for contact details
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2013 Tour Timetable Match schedules, details & locations Sunday 7th July Dorset Old Boys T20competition (Away) 11.00am Special Thanks to Andy Dike & family and Louise & Nick Smith for sponsoring each of the days match balls The opening day of tour is hosted by Bryanston Butterflies, with Canford Cygnets, Sherborne Pilgrims and Clayesmore Cormorants playing in a quadrangular tournament. Our lunch and a post play BBQ are provided for players today by our hosts. Once all of the cricket based activity has been finished we need to make our way back to Devine, stow our luggage, kit, tooth brushes away properly and then head down the pub for a pint of Badger and reflection on day one’s cricket. Once last orders have been served we head back to our lodgings and engage in a few games of Waffle Ball, please see page 13 for further details on Waffle Ball.
Monday 8th July – Canford Cygnets (Away) 11.30am Special thanks to Blackfoot Gifts of Shaftesbury for sponsoring today’s match ball Hopefully all of our tourists have survived the first night, have got some breakfast inside them and are able to make their way over to Canford today for the first proper cricket match. Once play has finished for the day, hopefully in our favour, we all adjourn to the a pub close to Canford for a pint with todays challengers and most importantly the presentation of the Maxwell Biles Memorial Shield to the winning team. Then we make our way back to Iwerne, wash up, have some dinner, usually in the village pub and sample a few local Ales before retiring to the boarding house for further Waffle Ball action.
Tuesday 9th July – Bryanston Butterflies (Home) 11.30am Special thanks to Stephen Levinson for sponsoring today’s match ball This is our first home fixture of the week and also the half way point of the tour, hopefully no one will have picked any on-‐field or off field injuries. Lunch and tea for the players is today provided very kindly by the school, the cost of which will be covered by your subs on the day. Following the close of the play we invite the Bryanston players down to our local watering hole for a pint or two of course.
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2013 Tour Timetable Match schedules, details & locations Wednesday 10th July – Arkadin CC (Home) 11.30am Special thanks to Alison Watkins and Sue Price for sponsoring today’s match ball Our final home fixture of the tour and also one of the best matches. The Arkadin’s are a great bunch of guys, who of course bring a good standard of cricket to the field and are excellent tourists off it. Again the school will provide players with a fine pitch-‐side lunch and tea. Following the end of today’s on-‐field hostilities we all adjourn to the pub together, as ACC will be staying over in Devine House this evening.
Thursday 11th July – Sherborne Pilgrims (Away) 11.30am An opportunity to sponsor the match ball for this game is still available -‐ see page 8 And so we have reached the final day of tour. An away match against the Pilgrims, a pretty useful cricketing outfit. Following the close of today’s play this evening we will be having our end of tour dinner and awards at The Cricketers in Shroton. This is always a great night and a lovely way to wrap up the tour. Greg will be the point of contact for getting your place booked and dinner order sorted out for the night, see page 15
Friday 12th of July – (Away to your Home) Time for the Cormorants to migrate Congratulations on finishing the 2013 Clayesmore Cormorants tour, hopefully we have had a very successful time on field and a great time off it as well. Please be sure to settle any final outstanding subs or fees today.
Andy Dike -‐ Winner of the Cormorants Cup 2012
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Guide to packing for tour Cricket kit -‐ essential. Wash Kit. Sleeping bag or bedding. Changes of clothing for wearing at the pub in the evening. Socks. A Charger. Blazer, smart trousers, shirt and tie for the final evenings dinner and presentations -‐ (see the previous pages photo of Andy Dike) A Case of beer or breakfast items e.g pint of milk, cereal’s or loaf of bread Bring some cash with you for match fees, £15 per match generally, this pays for your match lunch, tea & for the umpires as well. Plus you will need some money for food & drink in the pub. A bag or holdall to put all of the above in. And some tips on how to conduct ones self while on tour; To play hard but fair To take pride in representing your and playing with your fellow Alumni To relax and enjoy yourself
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Questions New to tour for 2013? Well you might have some questions then, here are some answers. Q: Where do we stay? A: We lodge ourselves at Devine House. Q: Is there a cash point in the village? A: No. However the village shop also houses the village Post Office, you can withdraw over the counter, it’s also a good spot to pick up any tour supplies or essentials you might have forgotten to pack or bring with you. Q: I have a partner/spouse/significant other/mother who might want to contact me, is there phone signal? A: Unfortunately mobile phone reception is scarce in Iwerne. However there is usually a landline in Devine House. Q: What if I am not playing on one of the days what should I do? A: Come down and watch the cricket and socialise with non-‐playing tourists and others who might be having a rest day. Q: What are match fees per game on tour? A: Generally £15 per match, no charge for students and those not working. Q: I am of a slightly nervous disposition and I am worried that I be egged on to have one too many Badgers and end up in a pedalo on the school lake! A: No need to fret, the consumption on tour is not excessive, no ever ends up under the table. Plus the school has a distinct lack of Pedalos. Q: I want to get in touch with someone regarding _________ ? A: If you look at our contacts page there is a list of lovely people who should be able to help you out with whatever query you might have
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Waffle Ball Waffle Ball? What is it? Who* is it? Where is it? Well below you will hopefully read a clear description that will put you in the picture of what has been called the “greatest indoor speed racket sport…”, “the one good thing to come out of Devine’s kitchen…” and “the only reason I still come on tour…”. The rules of Tennis are in fact based on the rules of Waffle Ball, there is some confusion over this in the media but I can assure you that Waffle Ball was in fact here first. The same confusion of origin also applies for what you may know as a “Tennis ball”, it is in fact a Waffle ball. The court, in actual fact the worlds only court, is located on the ground floor of Devine House, national heritage site recognition is still pending, just between the entrance hall and Dan Rimmers flat. The Waffling season generally lasts for just shy of the first week of July, there are prizes and honours of course as with any major sport, which are: The Gold Jersey and the Waffle Ball cap and of course the title of Waffle Ball World Champion, this looks most excellent on one’s CV on LinkedIn. It is important to remember no racket abuse, as global stocks are dangerously low, umpire rulings are final, beware the bomb serve and the net can be both your friend and your enemy. Happy Waffling for 2013 *Waffle Ball is not in fact a person, nor are any actual Waffles harmed during the course of a match
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On Tour in Holland (left)
The Cormorants in 1964 (right)
The Cormorants in 2011 (left)
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End of Tour Dinner Our final evening and prize giving On the evening of the 11th July we will find ourselves in the Cricketers in Shroton to enjoy each others company, properly digest the weeks cricket, give out the tour prizes and a jolly good meal supplied by the aptly named pub.
We will know the details of the meal options closer to the time of the tour its self, as the Cricketers kitchen is run on a seasonable basis using local produce. But there will be a starter, main course and dessert and of course a drop or two of wine as well. If you are coming on tour as player or non-‐player, all are equally welcome, please get your dinner place reservations emailed to Greg, gregswaby@hotmail.co.uk; the cost for the dinner is £20 per person this year. Location of the venue -‐ The Cricketers, Main Street, Iwerne Courtney (Shroton), Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8QD
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A Cricketers Poem Old Father Time, I pray to you That clouds give it a rest, And that I get a game today, And that I play my best. I pray that my side score quick runs And our opponents falter, And if it comes to pass we lose, I pray the game’s a belter. I pray that once I’ve donned my pads And walked out to the square, That none of my nicks find a palm, And that I score my share. I pray the wicket's well-‐prepared, And that it doesn't stick, That all my shots find gaps -‐ And that the outfield's fairly quick, I pray the umpire knows his job, And doesn’t lift his finger. But if he does I pledge to you: I’ll not forlornly linger. I pray the Captain sets his field With telepathic skill, That all his plans work well And that the catches do not spill. I pray that if a batsman Loops a ball into my lap, I'll pouch it without too much fuss, And get a well-‐earned clap. And if I’m asked to bowl I pray The ball leaves my hand true, So whether or not wickets come I’ll know that they’re my due. Above all, Father Time I pray When all is said and done, That we can all look back and say “By 'eck, that game was fun!”
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Centurion Word Search There are 100 tour and cricket related words below, can you find them all?
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Contacts Need to get in touch with us? Want to play in this years or future tours? Bob Lack -‐ 2013 OC Cricket & Tour Team Raiser email: bobbylack@googlemail.com Want to have more info on what’s been featured in the annual? Greg Swaby -‐ Cormorants Annual Editor tel: 078335 97888 email: gregswaby@hotmail.co.uk Need some flash new stash for tour? Ned Lack -‐ Tour Kit Manufacture tel: 07780 436220 email: ned.lack@kalibazar.co.uk Want to know what’s happening with the school or the OCs social programme? Louise Smith -‐ Clayesmore School Development Officer tel: 01747 813160 email: louise@clayesmore.com Or find us on facebook -‐ facebook.com/clayesmorecormorants
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“To some people cricket is a circus show upon which they may or may not find it worthwhile to spend sixpence; to others a physical fine art full of plot, interest and enlivened by difficulties; to others, in some sort, it is a cult and a philosophy” CB Fry
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Sourced from around the world Bags & Purses
Liquers
Singing Bowls & Tingsha
Bath Bombs
Friendship Balls and Hearts
Slooper Slippers !
Incense Sticks
Confectionery
Jewellery
Sun Catcher
Gemstone Silver Swarovski & Indulgence
Wind Chimes
Bead Curtains Bamboo Carvings Body Pillows Books & Posters Buddhas
Swarovski Crystals
Copper Bracelets Cashmelon Blankets
Toiletries! Gift Vouchers! Wall Art Tiles
Crystocraft Ornaments Dream Catchers Elephants Essential Oils & Massage Oils
Oil Burners Pot Pourri & Fragrances Relaxing & Classical Music
Wine Bottle Holders Wooden Sculptures Yankee Candles
Rugs & Runners
North Dorset Advertiser Sports!
Bert’s News Agents Newspaper, Comics, Sweets & Confectionary, Fresh Sandwiches, Toys & Games, Ice Creams, Post Cards - Absolutely No Children in Store 99 High Street, Fictiowaldron
Friday 12th July 2013 / North Dorset Paper of the year 2013
Cormorants Victorious! More badgers than ducks were seen this week
Once again the plucky Clayesmore Cormorants Cricket Club have covered themselves in glory during their annual tour to beautiful Dorset. An Eye witness report claimed the tourists both batted and bowled throughout their time in Dorset. And were often spotted with some sort of Tour Programme in hand. Their exceptional sportsmanship, good nature and athleticism is apparently down to regular games of one of our countries oldest and finest speed racket sports Waffle Ball. Come rain or shine they were well turned out in both Manor and dress, this reporter could be pressed to say they were almost Devine. Although one or two of the players may have been bowled through the Gate, with one exceptional case letting a out a howl immediately afterwards that could only be compared to a wild beast, it almost had sounds, tones of a Wolverton. But as ever after each game the team mates conducted themselves like Kings with the opposition and supporters alike. Cormorants Cricketers in Action! During the final evening at The Cricketers in Shorton awards were handed out to... (Continued pages 56-89)
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