April 2019 - Hummersknott Badminton tour to France and Belgium

Saturday 20th Apr 2019

A the start of the school Easter holidays a group of 28 based at Hummersknott Badminton Club and Durham, took Eurostar for 4 nights in Paris, 2 nights in Amiens and 2 more in Lille. The group were joined by 10 Italians who they met on previous tours, and who flew into Paris from their local airport in Naples. As well as the usual sights of Notre Dame (just before the fire), Eiffel Tower, River Seine, Euro Disney, there were 2 especially significant other visits. The first to the UK Embassy near the Champs Elysees, only 4 days before the Brexit deadline. Ambassadorial staff were most hospitable and gave us lots of time, (and refreshments), explaining their own role and uncertanties over the Brexit date. The second was to the Town hall in Amiens where we had a superb reception with Mayor Brigette Foure, President Alain Gest and numerous other dignitaries, and again expressions of International Friendship were made by both countries. There were 5 badminton matches - the final one just over the belgian border into Kortrijk. All proved enjoyable and interesting to play, ( and feed in most cases), with the locals.

Report by Philip Boyle