old boys weekend!

​On Saturday 24th November, our old boys returned from their miserable world of work back to the sanctuary of Warwick Uni for our annual Old Boyz event. 25 old boys managed to wheel their way out of their nursing homes for a weekend full of happiness, hugs and a bit of hungover of hockey.
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The weekend started off with old and current members rendezvousing in terrace bar for the classic chats of “how’s working life” (except Jimmy and Manny of course). The fresher pledges followed. Seven brave, and some might say naïve, freshers were accepted into the arms of the old boys; big shout out to Oli, Kat, Eve, Joe, Holly, Tom and Oscar. We also sold the rights to give dentist chairs and several other horrifying acts which many of the old boys were happy to purchase in order to relive the power they once had had in the club. At the end, a whopping £324 was raised for our charity, Coventry Haven.

The night then descended into the chaos that is circling. Initially, with four chairs running the circle, everything seemed to be under control. The classic ‘Gangizzle’ combo was dished out their usual circle banter, and cameos from Saz and myself helped to keep the peace. But this harmony did not last long... After the first general breakdown, with new chairs in power and with people considerably more tipsy, things quickly started to deteriorate. The ritual singing of ‘Hey Baby, ooh ahh’ echoed throughout the copper rooms. Eventually, the circle broke down into smaller, even wilder groups. Each group was a mixture of old and current members, with old boys teaching the ‘newbies’ games that were played ‘back in their day’. It was truly a heart-warming sight. Circle soon drew to a close, and the classic tunes of Skool Dayz began to play. Members of all ages started dancing together, enjoying themselves and each other’s company; many shapes were cut, many photos were taken, and much fun was had.
 
Before anyone had a chance to recover from the shenanigans of the night before, it was time for the old boys tournament, starting at midday, a start far too early for some of our members after little sleep the night before. Once there were enough people to form teams, all friendships and laughs shared the previous night went out the window (maybe because people couldn’t remember them) as the teams’ competitiveness kicked in. The old boys, trying to prove that ‘they’ve still got it’ were playing some good, hard hockey. Our current members put up a strong fight in an attempt to retain their dignity as they played against people as old as some of their parents. After 3 matches, everyone involved was exhausted, and it was time for the old boys to return back to their homes ready for work the next morning (after reigning victorious over the club).
 
On a personal note, old boys this year was an absolute delight and I thoroughly enjoyed organising it. It was amazing seeing everyone again and it was wonderful to watch the old and new members mixing so effortlessly. I hope everyone there had as much fun as I did and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year when I will finally be an old boy myself.
 
Peace, hugs and lots of tournaments love xx
Sara