Please let me apologise for the impromptu hiatus of late. Owing to a punishing work and social schedule, I haven't been able to post for a few weeks. Never fear, Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs will be back soon, covering more from Bournemouth and High Wycombe, including Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
There have been a lot of developing stories over the past few weeks, including developments in the Heather Barnett case and the verdict in the Ralph Millward trial has been announced. I'll be looking at these stories and more in the coming weeks.
I'm also looking for more contributions so if you have a passion for news from in and around Bournemouth or High Wycombe, please feel free to get in touch with some ideas! Simply email willgeldart@hotmail.co.uk and I'll reply as soon as possible.
WilliWycombe
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Bournemouth's Lap Dancing Clubs Under Threat
Bournemouth has undergone many changes in the last decade. Once seen as merely a retirement haven for the blue rinse brigade, the town has seen a transformation. The 'happiest place in the UK' now boasts a vibrant night-time economy, buzzing student community and of course, seven miles of beautiful beaches.
It's also home to a number of lap dancing clubs. For better or worse, Spearmint Rhino, Wiggle and For Your Eyes Only, to name a few, drag in the punters eager to see copious amounts of flesh.
Their position in the town could be under threat. Bournemouth borough's licencing board headed by Steve Wright have asked that local residents have a greater say in where lap dancing clubs are opened.
The current legislation means councils have little power to impose restrictions on the clubs however the board have indicated they are prepared to adopt section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.
This will afford them powers to control areas such as opening times and exterior appearance plus giving them the opportunity to refuse to grant or renew a licence.
Mr Wright stipulated that the council are only just beginning to define a policy. The measures enacted will mean such establishments will have to apply for a sexual entertainment licence besides a licence to run a club and sell alcohol.
He added, “Local people will be able to make written representations on an application for a lap-dancing club on the grounds that it would be inappropriate, given the character of the area, or if it would be located in an area that is primarily residential."
So what defines a particular establishment as a place of sexual entertainment? I'm assuming that the guidelines mean an abode where such services are paid for.
Even so, there are known places in the Bournemouth area where gentlemen can visit to meet gorgeous women. Apparently they only pay for the canapes and ambience and anything sexual that occurs between consentual adults is just an added bonus and not part of the service. Do they requre a licence for such sexual entertainment?
Likewise, would a group of amorous forty-year olds who nip round a mate's house for a go on her newly fitted pole need to apply for a licence? I suppose it's subject to debate whether you classify anything that might go on as 'entertainment', let alone that of the sexual variety.
Also, what of the boozy lads night in? There's probably more perverse, homo-erotic nudity going on there than you can shake a stick at. Get a bunch of guys together, some supermarket vodka and a Twister mat and you've practically got an orgy on your hands.
So what's the future for lap dancing clubs in the town? If they have to apply for licence renewals every year, what are the chances of them being turned down?
Bournemouth isn't exactly Amsterdam and there aren't ladies with their red lights on enticing gentlemen into their cramped rooms so the exterior perhaps isn't such a problem.
The big deal then must lie in the service they offer. The fact remains though, you don't have to go in, especically if you're likely to be offended. Perhaps they're best kept in the open and not forced underground. The potentially criminal element lurking around the lap-dancing establishments can then be monitored if needs be.
Even the more liberal members of society probably don't want a lap-dancing club opened in the middle of a residential street. It'll be interesting though to see if the council act on existing clubs and impose any restrictions or perhaps go further and shut them down altogether. Does Bournemouth need lap-dancing? With the attractions if offers, especially to weekend visitors, some might say, it does.
It's also home to a number of lap dancing clubs. For better or worse, Spearmint Rhino, Wiggle and For Your Eyes Only, to name a few, drag in the punters eager to see copious amounts of flesh.
Their position in the town could be under threat. Bournemouth borough's licencing board headed by Steve Wright have asked that local residents have a greater say in where lap dancing clubs are opened.
The current legislation means councils have little power to impose restrictions on the clubs however the board have indicated they are prepared to adopt section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.
This will afford them powers to control areas such as opening times and exterior appearance plus giving them the opportunity to refuse to grant or renew a licence.
Mr Wright stipulated that the council are only just beginning to define a policy. The measures enacted will mean such establishments will have to apply for a sexual entertainment licence besides a licence to run a club and sell alcohol.
He added, “Local people will be able to make written representations on an application for a lap-dancing club on the grounds that it would be inappropriate, given the character of the area, or if it would be located in an area that is primarily residential."
So what defines a particular establishment as a place of sexual entertainment? I'm assuming that the guidelines mean an abode where such services are paid for.
Even so, there are known places in the Bournemouth area where gentlemen can visit to meet gorgeous women. Apparently they only pay for the canapes and ambience and anything sexual that occurs between consentual adults is just an added bonus and not part of the service. Do they requre a licence for such sexual entertainment?
Likewise, would a group of amorous forty-year olds who nip round a mate's house for a go on her newly fitted pole need to apply for a licence? I suppose it's subject to debate whether you classify anything that might go on as 'entertainment', let alone that of the sexual variety.
Also, what of the boozy lads night in? There's probably more perverse, homo-erotic nudity going on there than you can shake a stick at. Get a bunch of guys together, some supermarket vodka and a Twister mat and you've practically got an orgy on your hands.
So what's the future for lap dancing clubs in the town? If they have to apply for licence renewals every year, what are the chances of them being turned down?
Bournemouth isn't exactly Amsterdam and there aren't ladies with their red lights on enticing gentlemen into their cramped rooms so the exterior perhaps isn't such a problem.
The big deal then must lie in the service they offer. The fact remains though, you don't have to go in, especically if you're likely to be offended. Perhaps they're best kept in the open and not forced underground. The potentially criminal element lurking around the lap-dancing establishments can then be monitored if needs be.
Even the more liberal members of society probably don't want a lap-dancing club opened in the middle of a residential street. It'll be interesting though to see if the council act on existing clubs and impose any restrictions or perhaps go further and shut them down altogether. Does Bournemouth need lap-dancing? With the attractions if offers, especially to weekend visitors, some might say, it does.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Things To Do in Bournemouth: Eating Out
Bournemouth is home to a diverse set of international cuisine, from Moorish, Turkish and Korean to the more established Thai, Chinese and Indian. Also, as in most towns with a significant student population, there are the usual assortment of takeaways to grab a quick bite or in some cases, to sober up.
On my jaunts around the Bournemouth restaurant scene, I've had the pleasure of dining in ambient atmospheres with friendly service. Some of the food was fantastic and some of it could perhaps be described as slightly bland however thankfully, no experience has been awful.
Here is a brief summary of some of the places I've eaten with a mini-review. Please note, I can't necessarily remember what I'd eaten in each one as some of the visits were a long time ago!
-Barolo, Wimborne Road, Winton
Barolo is a popular Italian restaurant, close to the hub of Winton and within an easy 15 minute bus journey from town. I remember it being quite a large restaurant however the dimmed lights afforded it an intimate quality. Patrons seemed happy enough to wile away a few hours just sitting at the well-stocked bar, chatting with the barmaids, waitresses and owners. Our waiter was very keen to make sure everything was satisfactory, albeit sometimes too keen and bordering on intrusive but never crossing the line. Good service, smart restuarant, fairly good food.
-Bedouin, Charminster Road, Charminster
Ah yes. "We came to Bournemouth and moored in Charminster. It's Moorish, very Moorish" reads the banner at the front of the restaurant. If this slightly bizarre headline doesn't catch your attention, then the throng of Arab gentlemen who often stand outside chatting away will, symbolising Bedouin as a focal point in their community. Inside, there is a smallish restaurant where it can feel a bit cramped however this could be merely because it always seems to be full. In another room, young men smoke shisha pipes and do some more socialising. Good, flavoursome Tunisian and Moorish food with lots of new tastes, unfamiliar to the British pallete. Try a Moorish coffee. Hint: It's nothing like traditional coffee but give it a go.
-Nippon Inn, Charminster Road, Charminster
If you haven't tried Japanese cuisine, there's no better place to sample it then the Nippon Inn, Charminster. I'm not particularly a great seafood or fish eater myself but even I enjoyed the maki sushi, washed down with the Japanese wine, sake. We had one of the specials too which I must confess I can't remember the full name of. Yellow-tail something? I'm sorry. Alas, it went down well and the tiny pieces were also served with ginger and the customary wasabi sauce (very hot!) to give a distinctive taste. The waitresses were extremely friendly and even taught us some Japanese and wished to see us soon. They also had green-tea ice cream, a taste sensation! Try something different if you haven't already and give this very reasonably priced, quality eatery a go.
-Dragon Inn, Wimborne Road, Winton
OK, so I've never had a sit-down meal here but they've long been our preferred Chinese takeaway. For personal service from some of the friendliest staff around, who will offer the odd freebie depending on how much you spend, make this your choice for Chinese. Oh and the food isn't bad either. In fact, my girlfriend assures me that the Singapore rice noodles are a particular favourite.
-Aruba, Pier Approach
I'll be honest here. For a night out, I wouldn't recommend Aruba, it's just not my thing but that is a personal preference. In daytime though, their tasty fusion food, though on the pricey side, is worth sampling. If you're lucky, you can also get a view looking out to sea. Do they still have that parrot at the entrance too?
-Tuk Tuk Thai, Charminster Road, Charminster
I took my girlfriend out here for one of our anniversaries as she loves Thai food. Tuk Tuk Thai is another one of those intimate restaurants, with complementary decor and an authentically traditional menu. The beef strips that I had that night were particularly good. If you want to try something different, have the hot Fisherman's Soup.
-La Tasca, the Square, town centre
La Tasca is the only chain restaurant on this list, tucked away on the edge of the Square. I've never visited its neighbour, Tapas Plus so can't comment there on whether it being an independent merits it being a more authentic experience. Still, La Tasca, a Spanish tapas bar, though not cheap, is cheerful. I'm a big fan of the decor and mood lighting and they do a pretty good paella too. There's lots to choose from so you won't go home hungry.
-Places that have been recommended to me
Eye of the Tiger, Baan Thai (both Old Christchurch Road, town centre)
On my jaunts around the Bournemouth restaurant scene, I've had the pleasure of dining in ambient atmospheres with friendly service. Some of the food was fantastic and some of it could perhaps be described as slightly bland however thankfully, no experience has been awful.
Here is a brief summary of some of the places I've eaten with a mini-review. Please note, I can't necessarily remember what I'd eaten in each one as some of the visits were a long time ago!
-Barolo, Wimborne Road, Winton
Barolo is a popular Italian restaurant, close to the hub of Winton and within an easy 15 minute bus journey from town. I remember it being quite a large restaurant however the dimmed lights afforded it an intimate quality. Patrons seemed happy enough to wile away a few hours just sitting at the well-stocked bar, chatting with the barmaids, waitresses and owners. Our waiter was very keen to make sure everything was satisfactory, albeit sometimes too keen and bordering on intrusive but never crossing the line. Good service, smart restuarant, fairly good food.
-Bedouin, Charminster Road, Charminster
Ah yes. "We came to Bournemouth and moored in Charminster. It's Moorish, very Moorish" reads the banner at the front of the restaurant. If this slightly bizarre headline doesn't catch your attention, then the throng of Arab gentlemen who often stand outside chatting away will, symbolising Bedouin as a focal point in their community. Inside, there is a smallish restaurant where it can feel a bit cramped however this could be merely because it always seems to be full. In another room, young men smoke shisha pipes and do some more socialising. Good, flavoursome Tunisian and Moorish food with lots of new tastes, unfamiliar to the British pallete. Try a Moorish coffee. Hint: It's nothing like traditional coffee but give it a go.
-Nippon Inn, Charminster Road, Charminster
If you haven't tried Japanese cuisine, there's no better place to sample it then the Nippon Inn, Charminster. I'm not particularly a great seafood or fish eater myself but even I enjoyed the maki sushi, washed down with the Japanese wine, sake. We had one of the specials too which I must confess I can't remember the full name of. Yellow-tail something? I'm sorry. Alas, it went down well and the tiny pieces were also served with ginger and the customary wasabi sauce (very hot!) to give a distinctive taste. The waitresses were extremely friendly and even taught us some Japanese and wished to see us soon. They also had green-tea ice cream, a taste sensation! Try something different if you haven't already and give this very reasonably priced, quality eatery a go.
-Dragon Inn, Wimborne Road, Winton
OK, so I've never had a sit-down meal here but they've long been our preferred Chinese takeaway. For personal service from some of the friendliest staff around, who will offer the odd freebie depending on how much you spend, make this your choice for Chinese. Oh and the food isn't bad either. In fact, my girlfriend assures me that the Singapore rice noodles are a particular favourite.
-Aruba, Pier Approach
I'll be honest here. For a night out, I wouldn't recommend Aruba, it's just not my thing but that is a personal preference. In daytime though, their tasty fusion food, though on the pricey side, is worth sampling. If you're lucky, you can also get a view looking out to sea. Do they still have that parrot at the entrance too?
-Tuk Tuk Thai, Charminster Road, Charminster
I took my girlfriend out here for one of our anniversaries as she loves Thai food. Tuk Tuk Thai is another one of those intimate restaurants, with complementary decor and an authentically traditional menu. The beef strips that I had that night were particularly good. If you want to try something different, have the hot Fisherman's Soup.
-La Tasca, the Square, town centre
La Tasca is the only chain restaurant on this list, tucked away on the edge of the Square. I've never visited its neighbour, Tapas Plus so can't comment there on whether it being an independent merits it being a more authentic experience. Still, La Tasca, a Spanish tapas bar, though not cheap, is cheerful. I'm a big fan of the decor and mood lighting and they do a pretty good paella too. There's lots to choose from so you won't go home hungry.
-Places that have been recommended to me
Eye of the Tiger, Baan Thai (both Old Christchurch Road, town centre)
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Wycombe Wanderers Relegated to League Two
Willi's Wycombe
It was always going to take a herculean effort to avoid relegation and Wycombe Wanderers finally succumbed to their fate following a 2-0 defeat in east London to Leyton Orient. In recent weeks, the Blues had given their fans renewed hope of avoiding the drop and completing the greatest of escapes. They went into Saturday's clash with the O's on the back of three victories and a draw.
Wanderers were five points off safety with only two games left and had to beat Orient to retain any hope of survival. As it turned out, Tranmere Rovers and Gillingham, the two sides directly above Wycombe, both won their games against Millwall and Southampton respectively.
Wycombe, roared on by a vocal travelling contingent, toiled with the home side however their resolve was broken twelve minutes from time by Ryan Jarvis. Ex-Wanderer Scott McGleish added the decisive second goal in the final minutes of the game.
Following the disappointment of relegatiom, the overwhelming feeling emanating from the stands appears to be one of hope for next season. No doubt there will be plenty of changes in personnel as manager Gary Waddock seeks to further imprint his own stamp on the team. Only a few members of the current first-team look likely to take their place in next season's starting line-up.
Wanderers will now return to League Two, just one season after gaining promotion. In their Football League history, the Blues have spent ten seasons in the third tier and inclusive of next season, will have participated in seven campaigns in the fourth.
In truth, despite the spirited end of season run, Wycombe never managed to muster a positive set of results significant enough to secure their League One status. There were brief moments when it looked as if the team were about to spark into life, including two 'doubles' over Millwall and Bristol Rovers. Sadly, these were fleeting and thumpings at the hands of Yeovil and Brighton combined with slip-ups against fellow strugglers Oldham Athletic and Exeter City meant relegation always seemed inevitable.
Upon examination, the Blues can have few complaints with their demise. The team have leaked seventy-six goals and have one final game to negotiate, a relegation decider against Gillingham. Recriminations have begun with some fans already pointing to the damaging effect Steve Hayes' protracted pre-season takeover/coup had on events on the pitch.
Whatever protestations certain groups or individuals have made, the difficult task of re-building a squad capable of challenging for promotion next year is of paramount importance. The 2009/2010 season will ultimately be deemed a failure however if the owner's ambitions are to be met, a successful 2010/2011 term is vital.
It was always going to take a herculean effort to avoid relegation and Wycombe Wanderers finally succumbed to their fate following a 2-0 defeat in east London to Leyton Orient. In recent weeks, the Blues had given their fans renewed hope of avoiding the drop and completing the greatest of escapes. They went into Saturday's clash with the O's on the back of three victories and a draw.
Wanderers were five points off safety with only two games left and had to beat Orient to retain any hope of survival. As it turned out, Tranmere Rovers and Gillingham, the two sides directly above Wycombe, both won their games against Millwall and Southampton respectively.
Wycombe, roared on by a vocal travelling contingent, toiled with the home side however their resolve was broken twelve minutes from time by Ryan Jarvis. Ex-Wanderer Scott McGleish added the decisive second goal in the final minutes of the game.
Following the disappointment of relegatiom, the overwhelming feeling emanating from the stands appears to be one of hope for next season. No doubt there will be plenty of changes in personnel as manager Gary Waddock seeks to further imprint his own stamp on the team. Only a few members of the current first-team look likely to take their place in next season's starting line-up.
Wanderers will now return to League Two, just one season after gaining promotion. In their Football League history, the Blues have spent ten seasons in the third tier and inclusive of next season, will have participated in seven campaigns in the fourth.
In truth, despite the spirited end of season run, Wycombe never managed to muster a positive set of results significant enough to secure their League One status. There were brief moments when it looked as if the team were about to spark into life, including two 'doubles' over Millwall and Bristol Rovers. Sadly, these were fleeting and thumpings at the hands of Yeovil and Brighton combined with slip-ups against fellow strugglers Oldham Athletic and Exeter City meant relegation always seemed inevitable.
Upon examination, the Blues can have few complaints with their demise. The team have leaked seventy-six goals and have one final game to negotiate, a relegation decider against Gillingham. Recriminations have begun with some fans already pointing to the damaging effect Steve Hayes' protracted pre-season takeover/coup had on events on the pitch.
Whatever protestations certain groups or individuals have made, the difficult task of re-building a squad capable of challenging for promotion next year is of paramount importance. The 2009/2010 season will ultimately be deemed a failure however if the owner's ambitions are to be met, a successful 2010/2011 term is vital.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
'Quiet Argument' Leads to Bloody Mess in Winton, Bournemouth
Browsing through local news stories on Monday morning, I was shocked and surprised to see a story about a man having his face slashed in a quiet neighbourhood. There was a part of me thinking, 'I wonder if it was near me.'
To my horror, it was! The tree-lined environs of Maxwell Road, Winton, opposite a popular park which families frequent, witnessed a scene usually reserved for the less desirable parts of the town. If that sounds snobbish then maybe it is, however, factually, it's not a churlish statement to make.
These type of incidents are rare in Winton. Even the described nature of the event ensured the attack was almost in keeping with the surroundings. On a quiet Saturday morning, one resident working in their front garden at the time told the Echo, “I did not hear anything at first,” he said. “It must have been a very quiet argument.”
Perhaps we shouldn't over-react to this incident. According to crime statistics from Dorset Police, violent crime fell 14% between April 2007 and April 2008. Incidences of 'violence against the person' are listed as falling 16%.
It should also be mentioned that the men involved in the stabbing are alleged to have been known to each other, with the perpetrator fleeing in the direction of Charminster Road. Despite this caveat, no one wants to witness a couple of mates wielding various sharp instruments at each other over a supposedly quiet tiff in a residential street where families are likely to be nearby.
Let's hope this story is a one-off and not indicative of the oft described 'Broken Britain' encroaching upon this pleasant suburb of Bournemouth.
To my horror, it was! The tree-lined environs of Maxwell Road, Winton, opposite a popular park which families frequent, witnessed a scene usually reserved for the less desirable parts of the town. If that sounds snobbish then maybe it is, however, factually, it's not a churlish statement to make.
These type of incidents are rare in Winton. Even the described nature of the event ensured the attack was almost in keeping with the surroundings. On a quiet Saturday morning, one resident working in their front garden at the time told the Echo, “I did not hear anything at first,” he said. “It must have been a very quiet argument.”
Perhaps we shouldn't over-react to this incident. According to crime statistics from Dorset Police, violent crime fell 14% between April 2007 and April 2008. Incidences of 'violence against the person' are listed as falling 16%.
It should also be mentioned that the men involved in the stabbing are alleged to have been known to each other, with the perpetrator fleeing in the direction of Charminster Road. Despite this caveat, no one wants to witness a couple of mates wielding various sharp instruments at each other over a supposedly quiet tiff in a residential street where families are likely to be nearby.
Let's hope this story is a one-off and not indicative of the oft described 'Broken Britain' encroaching upon this pleasant suburb of Bournemouth.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Things to do in Bournemouth: The Bournemouth Balloon
The Bournemouth Balloon, formerly known as the Bournemouth Eye, enjoys a prime location in Bournemouth Gardens in the centre of the town. Passengers can expect panoramic views for miles around (on a clear day). For about a tenner, they can witness this allegedly breathtaking experience and it's generally considered one of the stellar attractions in the town.
Late on Thursday afternoon, a group of passengers boarded the tethered balloon, no doubt looking forward to the aforementioned experience. Having had the standard fifteen minute ride, they probably didn't bargain on being stuck up in the air for a total of two hours.
An electrical fault was cited as the cause of the elongated ride. Staff had to frantically work to fix the problem and get the passengers down to earth in clear but chilly conditions. Foreign language student Andreina Martinez was one of the party left hanging and she said, “It was getting cold.”
University student Mishaal Albuaynin chose to eschew his fellow passenger's brevity, preferring to elaborate. He told reporters, “I’ve been in Bournemouth for two years. That was my first and last time in the balloon.”
Despite the unfortunate nature of this incident, let's not get carried away. Whatever individual thoughts are on the worthiness of the Balloon experience, it's probably best to avoid the Echo auto-responder list of comments.
'Typical Bournemouth, what a mess' would perhaps fall into this category. The most imaginative so far appears to be "Real ballooning is much better, rather than this toy thing in Bournemouth gardens." (sic). This comes from the aptly named 'likestocomplain', maybe a satirical nod towards the usual standard of Echo reader responses.
Late on Thursday afternoon, a group of passengers boarded the tethered balloon, no doubt looking forward to the aforementioned experience. Having had the standard fifteen minute ride, they probably didn't bargain on being stuck up in the air for a total of two hours.
An electrical fault was cited as the cause of the elongated ride. Staff had to frantically work to fix the problem and get the passengers down to earth in clear but chilly conditions. Foreign language student Andreina Martinez was one of the party left hanging and she said, “It was getting cold.”
University student Mishaal Albuaynin chose to eschew his fellow passenger's brevity, preferring to elaborate. He told reporters, “I’ve been in Bournemouth for two years. That was my first and last time in the balloon.”
Despite the unfortunate nature of this incident, let's not get carried away. Whatever individual thoughts are on the worthiness of the Balloon experience, it's probably best to avoid the Echo auto-responder list of comments.
'Typical Bournemouth, what a mess' would perhaps fall into this category. The most imaginative so far appears to be "Real ballooning is much better, rather than this toy thing in Bournemouth gardens." (sic). This comes from the aptly named 'likestocomplain', maybe a satirical nod towards the usual standard of Echo reader responses.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
John Hampden Hockey Team Stranded by the Ash Cloud
"Never mind, it's only John Hampden", says this bitter ex-St. Bernardian. Over the road from John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe, those of us who attended St. Bernard's Catholic School didn't have the luxury of hockey trips to Greece.
With a plethora of individual ash cloud stories, it is no surprise that the Bucks Free Press have chosen their own. The under 16 hockey team from the Wycombe school had been due to return home following a successful trip in which they became the first team to beat the Greek Under 21 national side and they were the first touring group since the gold winning Australian Olympians of 2000.
Owing to the ongoing restrictions on flights amid safety fears, twenty-six students and three teachers are stranded in the Greek capital of Athens. Deputy headteacher Andrew Wright informed the local newspaper that the group of boys "Are coping extremely well. They've spent most of the day in the hotel lobby playing computer games and listening to iPods, so they're a little bored but in good spirits.
Has history forsaken the curriculum at John Hampden or are the teachers worried about letting their precious winners outside in case their healthy, pink lungs should become encased in poisonous ash and they all start foaming at the mouths?
The deputy head went on to say that they'd be let out for a "long lunch-break." Granted, re-booking accomodation was hassle enough but come on, you're in Athens! Take them out and show them a bit of culture. Or would that involve a separate risk assessment? Perhaps the children aren't covered by the insurance in case of a medical emergency prompted by an 'act of God.' Perhaps that's just Hampden for you. Bunch of sissies. I'm not bitter...
With a plethora of individual ash cloud stories, it is no surprise that the Bucks Free Press have chosen their own. The under 16 hockey team from the Wycombe school had been due to return home following a successful trip in which they became the first team to beat the Greek Under 21 national side and they were the first touring group since the gold winning Australian Olympians of 2000.
Owing to the ongoing restrictions on flights amid safety fears, twenty-six students and three teachers are stranded in the Greek capital of Athens. Deputy headteacher Andrew Wright informed the local newspaper that the group of boys "Are coping extremely well. They've spent most of the day in the hotel lobby playing computer games and listening to iPods, so they're a little bored but in good spirits.
Has history forsaken the curriculum at John Hampden or are the teachers worried about letting their precious winners outside in case their healthy, pink lungs should become encased in poisonous ash and they all start foaming at the mouths?
The deputy head went on to say that they'd be let out for a "long lunch-break." Granted, re-booking accomodation was hassle enough but come on, you're in Athens! Take them out and show them a bit of culture. Or would that involve a separate risk assessment? Perhaps the children aren't covered by the insurance in case of a medical emergency prompted by an 'act of God.' Perhaps that's just Hampden for you. Bunch of sissies. I'm not bitter...
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