Does this email look weird(er than normal) to you? It's also available to view at
www.courchevelenquirer.com/newsletter/20072009.html

20/07/2009

S3

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's James Nathan (Metro Ski Show)

As I look back on what can only be described as an “eventful” Natives Summer* Weekender. I have asterisked the word summer as a type of disclaimer because the weather was anything but summery and I’ll tell you why.

Alex, the editor.

It’s a little known secret that founder/MDs of companies are endowed with special (almost super) powers. Now not everyone gets to leap tall buildings and blatantly wear their underwear on the outside of their tights although I hear Alan Sugar does wear a similar outfit behind closed doors. As a former founder of an ltd company I discovered my special powers involved over self-deprication and repulsing (in a magnet sort of way) members of the opposite sex. Anyway before I digress on a more self-deprecating way let me get back to the point.

Apparently, using the last two Natives weekenders as a reference point, Mr Martin was able to control the elements and generally guarantee good glacial snow and fine afternoon sunshine. In his absence this year we were subject to what can only be descried as atmospheric extremes. From a balmy 35 degrees in the valley on Thursday afternoon to a slightly more chilled 5 degrees on Saturday morning. From a sweltering arrival outside the Loop bar to reports of 120kmh winds on the glacier.

Courchevel Enquirer Volleyball comeptition .

Which brings us the blue ribbon event of the weekend the aptly title Courchevel Enquirer (beach) Volleyball competition. After some typically British weather the event was moving indoors to the distinguished if not dilapidated Salle Olympic (named after the 92 games when it last saw a coat of paint).

From the start it was clear that the Flaming Golden Hawks, Team Marmite and Free Razicals were going to contest the title with each team beating the other. It was only in the final game that Team Faiise put paid to Team Marmite’s title aspirations. In the final The Flaming Golden Hawks team of Bonnie Webster (capt) (Ski Club) Al Morgan (Ski Club), Donnie McLeod (Synergy Snowboarding), Tim Holmes (Metro ski show) & Betony Garner (Ski Club) took an early lead and despite a valiant fight back from the serve of the Razicals James Gambrill they won 21-13.

For a full list of scores click here. All the photos from the weekend are online. My apologies for the quality of the indoor events. A mixture of puny flash and badly lit hall have given the pictures a sort of arty lomography look.

A big thanks to the Natives team of Emma, Becs and Ollie. The Ski Club girls, The Metro team, The Loop bar and James Nathan for contributing to my daily hangover with those silly drinking games.