The Olympic Pipe Comes Home

The fifth annual Chap Olympiad, held on Saturday 12th July, was another triumph for the poorly trained yet immaculately trousered athletes of Britain. 400 splendidly clad Chaps and Chapettes decanted themselves into a secluded corner of Hampstead Heath, where they physically and mentally prepared themselves by indulging in vast picnic hampers and gallons of Pimms, champagne and wine.

Among old favourites such as Pipe Smoker's Relay, Cucumber Sandwich Discus and Bounders was a surprise addition, namely Greco-Roman wrestling. The mysterious figure of Chap-O-San was open to challenges from the audience, which included a bearded Afghan, an Edwardian swimmer and a drunken naval officer. But the obese Oriental was finally trounced by the formidable Tallulah, who eventually smothered Chap-O-San with her extensive decolletage.

It was generally agreed that this was one of the greatest Olympiads since records began (in 2003). The absence of a sponsor was more of a boon than a loss, since our sylvan field of champions was not blighted by banners, promotional leaflets or portaloos.

Photographs of the Olympiad may be viewed at Dafyddowen.com and Pbase.com