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2008 Campsite Olympics

This weekend was the inaugral Campsite Olympic Games. Lime Tree Park, Buxton won the extensive bid process due its excellent grassed areas and relatively low level of human rights infringements.

The competitors were all at the absolute peak of physical and mental fitness. The finest examples of humankind I ever set eyes upon. In no particular order we had me, Martin & Char, Pete & Ginny, Emma, Clint & Joel, Jon, Gareth & Hels, Goldsy, Nick & Amy, Paul & Suzie, Louise, Mark & Rachel and Dave, Maria, Harry & Theo.

Whilst most athletes engage in high altitude training. The campsite athletes took the less orthodox route of subterranean fitness conditioning in the Blue John Cavern. I was unable to join them but I understand the stalactitic deposits were some of the best they'd ever seen. After they returned to the surface, the team nutritional experts recommended a large pub lunch in Edale. Charlotte's choice of a cumberland sausage and a cornish pasty is exactly the dish Paula Radcliffe chooses before a big race. [insert your own punchline here].

The opening ceremony was quite something. Whilst Beijing had fireworks and music, Buxton '08 had a man with a flag. The list of events was exciting and diverse, it included:

• target darts - gold medal won by Shep


• rope puzzles - gold medals won by Shep & Clint


• talking with your mouth full - gold medal won by Nick


• three-legged race - gold medal won by Paul & Suzie


• wheelbarrow race - gold medal won by Paul & Suzie


• limbo - gold medal won by Rachel


• standing long jump - gold medal won by Clint


• egg throwing - gold medal won by Pete & Ginny

Which meant that, at the end of the events, we had a four way tie at the top of the medal table. Paul, Suzie, Clint and me all had two gold medals. Consequently a play off was required. We have Dave to thank for supplying a dazzling array of fancy dress for the event. Apparently all Royal Navy officers have an extensive wardrobe of dresses and wigs. The play off saw a drag queen (me) v a sailor (Charmo) v a cowboy (Suzie) v a sheikh (Clint) in am all-or-nothing sprint around the campsite. Our eventual winner, ladies and gentleman, was Mr C J Walker. Well done to him but I'm sure you'll all agree that sport was the winner.

The closing ceremony lasted all night and involved quite a bit of beer, wine and riddling. Terrific weekend. Oh, and it was Charlotte's birthday. Nearly forgot that bit.