There were emotional scenes at River Haven today with the opening of our new Boules Court. The ceremony was conducted by the Governor of Ngatimoti, Sir Michael Edmunds.
On a frosty morning a small crowd of bemused residents warmly welcomed Sir Michael who quite clearly had prepared for the event by enjoying a hot toddy (probably more than one) and much of his speech was unintelligible to the locals. As the vicar said afterwards: “I thought he was speaking a cross between Maori and Cantonese.” However, even if the fluidity of his oratory went over their heads, the crowd warmly applauded whenever Sir Michael belched and cheered heartily when he brandished the ceremonial scissors with such gusto that he cut off his left thumb.
So, the latest addition to the entertainment available at River Haven has now been officially opened, why not come on over for Coffee & Boules.*
*Boules is a collective name for a wide range of games similar to bowls and bocce in which the objective is to throw or roll heavy balls as closely as possible to a small target ball, called the jack in English.
It was a very touching event and Sir Michael had 14 attempts at cutting the ribbon. As you can see on the left Matt our Head of Security remains inscrutable but Cedric, Sir Michaels personal tailor, is overcome with emotion.
Sir Michael really enjoyed the River Haven hospitality
Sir Michael after cutting the ribbon and himself
Sir Michael ‘jacking off’ to start the very first boules match at the newly opened Court of River Haven
