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It’s almost tour time! and, here at
pusH we wanted to find out which
festival was top of your list, the one
that you looked forward to and never
missed. so over the next few issues
editions we invite you to write in and
tell us why you can’t get enough of
your favourite festival.
This issue we focus on the Isle of Man
Tour, one of the longest established
tours on the calendar, chalking up its
57th event this year. This is a unique
tour, with the opportunity not only
to play some great hockey and meet
action from the Isle of Man
some awesome people but also to
explore the island itself. And, at only
£80 per team (before 28/02/10) it is a The Isle of Man Tour has plenty of
bargain too! regulars – a sure sign of a top event.
The Tour is spread over the early bank Among these are the Zulus, from
holiday weekend and is supported by Warwickshire, who have been there
the Isle of Man Department of Tourism. right from the begining. PUSH caught
It begins on Friday April 30 and up with some of the players from the
continues until Monday May 3. Zulus to find out more about the Tour.
Tour secretary Denise Goodburn says then I would say some of the older
the organisers are offering teams Why do the Zulus just keep coming guys: Mike Mattocks (the member
the chance of a weekend holiday back for more? who has been 42 times), John Banks
in a friendly and non-competitive The IOM hockey festival has become a (who hardly moves from the bar at the
environment bit of a tradition now within out club, Hydro all weekend) or John Childs who
“We take the teams’ wishes into with a number of fundraisers over the has given us many memorable comedy
consideration and they can play as course of the year to help subsidise moments – my personal favourite
much, or as little, hockey as they the cost. Year on year we have a good was accidentally pouring tea over his
want. Fun features prominently in our mix of regulars who go out of habit cornflakes at breakfast.
planning and we have three nights (our most senior tourist has been 42 The older guys also wanted to pay
of entertainment lined up, including times and counting), or who will go for special mention to the team from
a themed night and a fancy dress the camaraderie and the challenge, or Cliftonville who they share many
evening – not to mention various social quite simply for the social side. memories with.
games!
“While the hockey itself may not be If you could sum up the weekend in any unforgettable moments?
staged on a competitive basis, with three words what would they be? As a hockey player I am sure you are
lots of fun games on grass and some Laugh a minute! aware that "What goes on tour, stays
on astro, teams are keen to win on tour", however, there is one story
the Samaritans Trophy which was What is the Zulu ethos? going back to when we used to travel
awarded last year to the winners of The Zulus were originally formed as over to the IOM by boat. The guys
an X Factor style talent contest. It a touring side, with players selected managed to miss the Wednesday
was won by the Keswick club who are on ability (apparently back in the day morning ferry, and the next ferry did
returning to defend their title in 2010 it was quite an elite touring side), but not leave until the next day, so the
– although the format will be slightly these days we aren't as strict. The only guys had to sleep in Seals Car Park in
different this year. rule we have is that all members must Liverpool. You would have thought that
“The IOM tour is great with all three play hard and have fun. they would have been prepared for
nights of entertainment taking place this, because the previous year they
within easy walking distance of the Why would you recommend other had done exactly the same thing!
main accommodation, Chesterhouse sides to go on tour to the IoM?
Hotel on Douglas seafront.“ If teams want a well organised tour
then you can't go wrong in coming to
the island for this one. There isn't any The Isle of Man Tour caters for men’s,
other tour experience like the IOM ladies’ and mixed teams. If you
38
experience. would like to reserve a place for your
a
GE
team, contact Denise Goodburn on
P Who is your tour legend? mhasecretary@hotmail.co.uk or 07624
H
If you are talking about Zulu members 490 606 or visit www.manxhockey.org
us

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