Cirencester Park Polo Club was the venue for the latest OB event where guests enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Club House before going out to watch a few chukkas, and tread in the divots. DVP for Gloucestershire and Somerset, Mark Howson (65-74), got together with Cirencester Polo Club member, Tom Kidman (61-66) to invite Old Bedfordians and their guests to what is one of the oldest Polo Club in the country. Tom gave us a fascinating talk during lunch, about the history of the Club, the origins of the game and its rules and etiquette. He explained how more attention is paid to the safety of the horse than its rider! Tom also talked us through the handicap system for the players, what constitutes a ‘foul’ and the penalties that apply – including the ‘Right of Way’ and ‘Ride-off’ violations.
Following lunch in the Ivy Lodge Restaurant, a spacious and comfortable converted Nissen Hut, left behind by the Canadians from WW2, we all went out to watch the semi-finals of The Kingscote Cup match. It was thrilling to hear the thundering of hooves as the ponies raced down the field after the ball and to see just how quickly they can stop and turn before thundering back the other way.
Many thanks Mark Howson and Tom Kidman for being our hosts, and, of course, to all those who joined us for a fabulous day in great company.
On the topic of polo, we thought we’d share the fascinating story (taken from te 1966 edition of the Ousel) of ‘the Incredible’ Colonel Stanley Harris CBE, TD (1906-1910), one of the greatest all-round sportsmen of all time, who represented Great Britain in the international polo tournament at Deauville. After WWII, Stanley took up polo for the first time and, within two years, had a handicap of three. He also played at Cowdray and Windsor with many famous stars including Prince Philip and Earl Mountbatten. You can find out more about Stanley’s life and achievements here.