Taking place on the afternoon of the 18th January 2025, organiser Tim Parratt assembled the very best of the best to take part in several rounds of Monrad competition with traditional wooden weapons. Members are always encouraged to wear fancy or period dress, and with this year’s competition helping raise money towards Gaz Short’s Kilimanjaro climb to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, there was no surprise to see him rock up to climb up rocks.

With all rounds successfully negotiated without injury, too much embarrassment, or damage to any of the vintage equipment on display, Jackson Bowden (grandad’s squash kit, and a racket that pre-dates him considerably) came through to win the final against Ali Mutch (wife’s squash kit) and take home the prize of a glass tankard full of fizzy sweets - just like how they did things back in the 1970s.

Get those elbows on ice, and we’ll see you all again next year!