Hartley Wintney Twinning Association

Visit of Oostmalle Veterans FC
	The visit was arranged at break neck speed when Tony Davies with the neatest of side steps firmly put the ball in the court of the Football Club. E-mails were exchanged between Jan Hendrickx the president of Oostmalle FC expressing their wish to play against Hartley Wintney Vets on 21 May. After much toing and froing the tour came to fruition and the itinerary was agreed as follows: Wednesday 20 May: Arrive Hartley Wintney FC at 8pm to watch the UEFA Cup Final plus food to satisfy the initial party of 10. Needless to say things did not turn out as planned. The traffic in Belgium was very heavy as it was a bank holiday and the touring party did not make the football club until 22.50 hours. Following some light refreshment the following day’s activity was planned.
Thursday 21 May: Hartley’s dedicated tour leader Paul Charman arranged for our guests to play golf at Bowenhurst Golf Club. Unbeknown to Paul the boys had not played golf before. In the evening Hartley Vets played Oostmalle Vets with the home team winning 3-0. The teams exchanged souvenir pennants and following the game we were presented to four crates of the finest Westmalle beer. A very thoughtful and generous gift. Both teams enjoyed a very sociable evening and our guests departed the following morning for the journey home We hope that in the future we will be able to make arrangements in a less hurried manner and that we will be able to show our guests more of England. I would like to add a special thank you to Paul Charman who organised the catering and itinerary for our visitors.
Article and Photo Courtesy Luke Mullen HWFC	For more pictures visit our Gallery.