The World according to Sibs or.......... Recent History of Luton Rugby Football Club Tours
| Mumbles Tour Report 2009 | |
| Following a 4 year absence since our last tour to Canada in 2005 an intrepid band of club members took it upon themselves to arrange a purely social tour to the wilds of South Wales namely the town of Mumbles, the home of our club steward, Chris. The party consisted of 19 members, a mixture of seasoned tour veterans and 9 apprehensive, Senior Tour Virgins who were ready for their initiation in to the very prestigious club (Senior Tour Veterans). The party met at the club on Saturday 29th August 2009, and following a hearty breakfast and some liquid refreshment, the 1st Court session of the tour took place, presided over by our resident tour Judge, The Right Honourable John "Hang em High" Davies, who had only just been released from treatment following the last tour. The main order of business centred around members of the previous tour to Canada who had committed a gross act of Piracy and Mutiny by usurping the lawful powers of the Tour Court and inflicting permanent mental torment on both the Tour Judge and the Prosecuting Officials. The following offenders were charged with Mutiny, Pete Wardley (The Major), John Kilby, Little Duff, Big Duff, Piggy, Paul "Pole Dancing" Redders, Alex "Mexican dancing Champion" Barr, and John "Best Sscrum Half in the club" McBarron. Having been found guilty, the mutineers were forced to wear Pirate eye patches for the entire journey to Mumbles, and when asked a question, had to reply "Ooo R Jim Lad" .......... This sentence started off the tour financial kitty very nicely. Armed with ample supplies of liquid refreshment and in high spirits the intrepid party travelled to the Wilds of South Wales accompanied by our interpreter Chris. Once ensconced in our living quarters, members took the opportunity to become familiar with their local surroundings including watering holes and the infamous Wine Street in Swansea. Following a hearty cooked breakfast and a pint (or two) at the Retro Bar, the party made their way to the Jimmy Cracker 7's Tournament which is arranged annually by Mumbles RFC in aid of a local Charity. Dressed in beach wear including flip-flops we arrived at the venue to be greeted by freezing cold weather and torrential rain. Like all good explorers we sought shelter in the still being erected beer tent and chose our team for the tournament, The Wan Choi Wanderers, who are based in Hong Kong, and take part in Charity Rugby events to raise money for specific causes. Spookily our chosen team wore an outfit resembling the Pirates of the Caribbean costumes which continued our theme of Pirates. Each time they entered the arena our tour party gave them a rapturous rendition of "oo R Jim Lad". After several hours of freezing wet weather our beach wear party sought refuge in the quaint converted house known locally as Mumbles RFC and joined in the festivities with the local inhabitants. Some of the younger members took under their wing one such female resident referred to as "Yummy Mummy" together with her daughter. The younger members continued socialising in to the early hours while the seasoned veterans sought the more tamer aspect of the local restaurant CJ's. | |
| With the Tour Judge looking as if he had caught a bad infection of red blotches, two valiant members of the party offered to see the Judge home safely in a taxi. Unfortunately the desire for more liquid refreshment saw them leave the judge to the mercy of the local taxi service half way through the trip to the hotel. This left the judge to navigate his own way home and pick up the taxi fare on arrival. Monday, 31st August started with an early muster for a Mystery Tour. Following a hearty McDonalds breakfast, the tour party boarded the carriages for a short trip to the docks. At this point many members of the tour party seemed to look decidedly ill, and wished they hadn't had that last pint several hours ago. After a short while word was received from the Captain of our ship The Waverley, that the weather in Ilfracoombe was so bad that the ship wouldn't be sailing. This news brought the biggest smile to date from those who were feeling slightly under the weather. With a reserve plan in place the tour party made light of this set back and travelled back in to town making full use of local ale houses spreading the word of Luton Rugby Club, before returning to Mumbles RFC for evening libations. Again some younger members continued their exploration of Wine Street, with one of their number, who was acting as a guardian, showing them how pole dancing should be done in a local club, minus most of his clothing. Two of the group who were fearless in their endeavours, travelled to a part of Swansea where even the taxi drivers don't go, but returned safe and sound later that night, some what reluctant to talk of the exploits. Tuesday morning saw our departure from Wales leaving behind many new friends who had contributed to making this a memorable Social Tour. Looking ahead there is talk of returning to the annual Jimmy Cracker 7's Tournament next year and entering a team in the tournament. |
Since my first involvement with Luton Rugby Club some 30 or so years ago, I have been privileged to be a participant in several senior tours over the years. In providing this piece for the website I hope I have given you an insight into 'what goes on tour' without breaking the golden rule!
Mark Sibley
November 2008
I'd like to use the space below for pictures of Youth & Junior tours/festivals ...please email me with any that you have.
Luton Rugby Football Club
01582 - 720355
