Good ideas often prove to be nothing short of idle chitchat, that unfortunately never get the chance to materialise.  One chance conversation though between tabler's Jonathan Rickett and Stuart Millichip proved to be too tempting to allow the idea slip through their fingers.  Why don’t we go skiing? , “What a wonderful idea” was the response, and soon both were joined in conversation by Mark Fish and Garry Hawes, who both showed an equal determination to hit the slopes.

About three weeks went by and it appeared that everyone was still keen to make this happen, thus the first of many meetings were called to discuss where to go and how we would get there.  About six Tuesday evening meetings passed, a lot of cheese and wine consumed and nothing was booked until it was decided that we should just book it before the ski season was over.

A catered chalet was booked via Super Travel, the Channel Crossing was booked and Stuart’s Shogun was prepped for a Round Table road-trip through Europe to the Austrian Alps, where Chalet Roseanna in St Anton would be our home for one week, and what a fun week it proved to be. 

Three years ago when I first joined Tenbury & District, I didn’t think for one minute that I would make such good friends, let alone drive through Europe on a ski holiday with them.  How glad I am now that I was to join such a group! 

St Anton must be one of the most beautiful towns in the world, full of traditional wooden Austrian chalets and full of charm and character.  The mountains are nothing short of breathtaking!  Standing at the top of the mountain, taking in the views and fresh air must surely rank as one of the most exhilarating experiences life can offer. 

Jonathan, his brother Peter (who joined us from London) and Stuart are all seasoned skiers, whilst Garry had only skied a couple times and Mark was a beginner.  Consequently, it was important to ensure Garry and Mark were kitted out properly and equipped with ski instructors, in order to ensure a successful week. 

Within three days all five were skiing from village to village, which is a fine achievement for any beginner and it became obvious that a new common interest was forming between the chaps. 

Back at Chalet Roseanna, new friends were made, to the extent where we invited our new friends to the next Tenbury Round Table Ladies Night.  Each evening, a champagne reception was held at 7.30 by the roaring fire, followed by the most beautiful five course evening meal, accompanied with fine wines and port. 

The plans are now in place to ensure a second ski holiday in 2009, when we intend to take a larger group and to include our families.  Anyone who is interested is more than welcome and should contact our sports officer. 

Written by Stuart Millichip