Comments from the judging panel yesterday were largely favourable with a remark that Harry was more in the category of beach comedian than a butler.
As the majority of us arrived on the Sands, Elliot was already in his butler attire ready to make his first feed for Nicky Graham who had started with Neil earlier. Water bottles & flasks were neatly laid out & there was a comment directed at Harry regarding his apparent lack of wet gear. Harry countered by stating he had administered sudocream by hand rather than gloves but appeared to be upstaged when Chloe had to retrieve her own whistle having not had it presented to her as may have been expected.
In the water I noticed again Elliot's enthusiastic leaping to feed Nicky. Meanwhile Harry (who had earlier been told "he had an attitude" by Chloe) exacted a measure of revenge by withholding the feed before asking her who the best butler was. Chloe wisely nominated Harry in order to receive her nutrition, the whole episode drawing a few frowns from the judging panel.
Harry made himself busy ensuring towels were presented at the waters edge for Eleanor & Glenn before Chloe exited herself. He even offered to carry Chloe up the beach which on this occasion she declined. I stayed in for only an hour today, acting as butler for Anji. My exit - to get Anji water & food was met by a sprinting Harry who bought me my shoes (but no towel).
After administering the necessary to Anji I returned to the area of the beach designated for domestic staff. Pete Hornby had arrived. When Ali got out a towel was waiting at the waters edge. A chair had been carried for her to sit on & hot coffee was purchased & delivered. Simplistic perfection with no wasted energy.
By now Elliot & Nicky had departed. Harry commented that elliot missed the shoreline towel presentation & had "All the gear but no idea." Pete Hornby at this point interjected giving the definition of duties to be "more than just brown nosing."
I assisted Anji at the shoreline, offering my hoodie for protection against the wind. Ali Castleton arrived shortly after with her butler Mich, sadly too late to participate in these championships but known & respected as a practitioner of "Fortnum & Mason standard."
It was in the end a close run thing but the decision went to Anji Page by virtue of self sacrifice, longevity, companion swimming & cake. Anji got the longest swim in today too, an hour & forty five minutes. Her victory does in no way diminish the efforts of the others - the role of beach butler is one of high regard & esteem. Well done to you all.
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