The Dubai Exiles Trophy
The silver salver awarded to the winner of the annual fixture between Centaurs RFC and the Dubai Exiles was passed on to David Hudgell, Middlesex CRFU by Mike Root. David attended the Dubai Sevens in December and took the trophy with him so that it could be returned to Dubai Exiles RFC. The letter of thanks that Dubai Exiles have written to David has been reproduced below and may be of interest to Centaurs RFC members and past players.
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17
Lonsdale Close
Hatch
End
Pinner
Middlesex
HA54RY
Wednesday 31st January 2007
Dear David
Thank you for kindly bringing the Exiles silver salver to Dubai. It is really lovely to have the history and to know it has been cherished and played for over the years.
I must apologise for taking some time to reply to your letter and I am sorry that no one got in touch whilst you were still in Dubai. I am not sure who you passed the salver to but I found it in the office in a bag a few weeks after the 7s. It would have been nice to have met you and to thank you for your thoughtfulness in person.
However, as that was not possible I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the salver as it now has a new role. A couple of weeks ago one of our players and his girlfriend were tragically killed in a car crash.. The Club has been shocked and saddened by this terrible event and a memorial match was held for Stuart and Kim on Tuesday 16th January. It was suggested that the memorial match become an annual event and as the match was organized at short notice we had to find a trophy quickly. Of course the Exiles/Centaurs salver was in the office and it seemed fitting to give it another purpose rather than to just gather dust on the wall.
So, I had it engraved so that it now says 'In Memory of Stuart Vowles' under the original inscription. I plan to display it in the Clubhouse with a short history alongside it so that everyone can know its background.
I
am sure you will appreciate the sentiment that the Exiles now attribute to
your salver. It will have a new life and be played for once again each year.
Please pop in to the Clubhouse when you are next in Dubai as it would be lovely to meet you and show you that your salver has a new home and will be well looked after.
Regards
