The U11A tennis doubles pair, Ludo Milne and Karim Marchoud represented Windlesham in the 62^nd IAPS tennis tournament in Queenwood on 11^th-13 July.

40 teams from around the UK took part with most schools fielding multiple pairs in various age groups.  Every player was expected to play singles as well as doubles with the semis and finals finishing on the Wednesday.

On day one, Ludo and Karim got off to a cracking start, winning against all of the teams in their group, thereby getting through to the final 16 and into the knockout stage.  Having played six sets of tennis already, our boys were tired and quickly let their guard fall.  Their opponents, seasoned players, took an early lead and were soon 5-2 up.  Unluckily for them and not knowing the Windlesham spirit, Ludo and Karim fought for every point, eventually winning 7-5!  Day 2 was a singles day both boys played extremely well and got  into the quarter finals where Ludo came 9^th out of 80 players.  Karim played some superb tennis and got through to the semi-finals on day three and was awarded the bronze medal.

By day three, our boys were exhausted but also determined to play their best.  They were finally beaten  6-2 by Rokeby where the eventual score didn’t do justice to the close match.  Rokeby went on to win the tournament and Windlesham came a very impressive 3^rd overall.  Well done boys!

The Foster’s Family Safari Party to Kenya all returned safe and sound on Sunday 31^st July after their 16 day holiday.

From all accounts the trip was a resounding success; many of the party have described it as being the holiday of a life time, it was certainly a never to be forgotten experience being in the African bush with the Headmaster and Mrs Foster!

The party of 18 arrived in Nairobi early on the morning of Saturday July 16^th to be warmly greeted by representatives of The Safari Company (the agents with whom yours truly had organised the safari’s itinerary).

It was not long before the party were boarding two light aircraft for the first of five internal flights.  All went like clockwork and it was not long before all the nerves had been dispelled – our Safari experience was underway!  By noon we were on our first games drive as we passed Buffalo Springs Game Reserve into Samburu National Game Park.

Samburu Intrepids proved to be a magical first game resort.  We virtually had the place to ourselves notwithstanding the troop of Vervet Monkeys which caused no end of amusement especially with the younger members of the group.  For our final night in Samburu we were treated to a surprise Bush Dinner which will certainly be long remembered by everyone in the party.  It was also the start of the infamous Foster party games round the camp fire.

Our next three nights were spent in the Masai Mara in the beautiful Karen Blixen Camp. Situated right on the bank of the Mara River the huge pool in front of the camp was home to over seventy    hippo.  On our arrival a herd of elephant wandered down to the river on the opposite bank to make the whole setting spectacular almost beyond belief.   The game viewing amidst the wildebeest migration was incredible; on one game drive alone we had excellent sightings of leopard, cheetah and lion!

Our third destination was Amboseli on the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro.  We again had three nights in the blissful surroundings of Tortilis Camp.  With its own very impressive vegetable garden we were treated to some outstanding food with lovely fresh fruit and salads.  The sightings of elephants were simply fantastic but we saw so much more besides; a special place to conclude our game safari.

And so we sadly said goodbye to the African Bush and flew off to the coast.  The peace and quiet of Hemingways at Watamu beckoned and it lived up to its reputation as a warm and friendly family hotel.  Several of the group signed up for Deep Sea Fishing and were richly rewarded with remarkable success, catching sailfish in almost record numbers.  A memorable sun downer cruise on a Dhow down Mida Creek for our last night at the coast was followed by the not to be forgotten meat feast at the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi to mark our final entertainment before flying home.

What an experience for all concerned.  I am sure further accounts will be forthcoming along with hundreds of wonderful photographs.  We have even managed to bring back sunshine and warm weather to the UK but unlike Africa it has not lasted long!

Richard Foster