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Published: July 28th 2008
Rock the Polo
The score boardAll week the weather report has been for thunderstorms on Sunday. A mixed blessing. On the one hand, something needs to break the heat. On the other hand, six of us had plans to travel out to Windsor to watch the polo match. As so often happens, the BBC got it wrong and we woke up to sunshine and the continuing heat. At least we didn't have to watch the matches in the rain.
At 9.00, we all piled into a taxi and made our way out to Windsor Great Park and the polo ground, learning the rules of the game along the way. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, if broiling hot. The one comment that everyone we met all day made was about the heat. Interestingly, although there were booths selling every conceivable item (including movie posters -- at a polo match??), no one was selling sun cream. As a result, we got to meet the First Aiders as they were the only ones who had thought that much ahead. In the end, it didn't really matter. We all got burned.
After dropping off our bags and having the obligatory bacon sandwich with a glass
First Aiders to the Rescue
Thank goodness for sun cream! of Pimms, we made our way over to the pitch for the first match. It was the Prince of Wales team v. Hurlingham. Deciding that we would be Republicans instead of Royalists, we cheered for Hurlingham who went on to win the match. Thought that was a good omen for the day.
By the time the match ended, we were more than ready to get out of the sun. We went into lunch and ate and drank great food and wine. None of us ate or drank too much as we knew we were facing another few hours in the sun. After the meal, bottles of water in hand, we went out to watch England v. Australia. No problem knowing who to root for this time, and England won a very exciting match by one goal. Polo is actually really fun to watch. The pitch is huge -- 300 yards long and 150 yards wide. The horses race up and down, the mallets are flying, the ball gets hit from one end to the other and the crowd cheers for every goal. The best bit is half time when everyone walks onto the pitch to tamp down the divots.
Sitting in the Stands
It was very sunny and hot. In the middle of the second half, two Australian guys decided to liven things up by streaking across the pitch. My first live streakers. They got the biggest cheers of the day. I also got to see Prince Charles as he was the one handing out the prizes at the end of the match.
In the evening, several groups had organised parties. We chose to attend the one put on by Chinawhite, THE nightclub in London. I've actually been there once, but it was not a success. I loath nightclubs. They are truly my idea of hell. Hot, dark and sweaty -- no thanks! But this was a huge tent, outside and light. We spent the evening dancing and drinking, meeting loads of new people and just generally having a great time.
Unfortunately, our taxi home got lost on the way out, so we were very late getting home. No matter as I don't have to work, but for those who do, it must have been a very early morning. In spite of that, Jeremy and I decided that it was the party of the year and we have already booked our table for next year.
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anna
non-member comment
the video is more convinient!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been at Rock the Polo party and let me tell you that it was amazing. Beautiful and well dressed people. drinks for free:-). I had so much fun! Have a look at the video of this event on http://www.t5m.com/chinawhite-rock-the-polo/