The past fifty years
1971
It is not often that we win against the MCC, but when it happens and in such a grand way, it provides enormous satisfaction
The match against MCC yielded a resounding victory in the anniversary year. Mainly due to the actions of Ernst Vriens (5 for 44.) The English did not get further than 160 runs in their first innings, to which the Flamingos answered with 172. The seductive balls from Stewart Way, in particular (6 for 71) were too powerful for them. After the MCC had made it to 216 for 9 in its second turn (Ernst Vriens 6 for 60), De Flamingos had the floor again. In their second innings, it was mainly Thijs Vermeulen and Jeroen Zweerts who made themselves heard. The reporter: "With beautiful bats, these two batsmen put up a score of almost 100 runs. Vermeulen scored a valuable 53 (despite a remarkable knee bending technique), Zweerts continued to go on and once this young man is up and running, things go very fast. He remained unbeaten with 114 priceless runs. It's not very often that we win against the MCC, but when it happens and in such a grandiose way, it gives tremendous satisfaction. "
The Flamingos were in unapproachable shape in 1971, because The Free Foresters were also beaten. It was the sixth victory over this arch-rival. It was not easy, because although there were only 70 runs to be made in an hour and 45 minutes for the victory, reaching that modest milestone did not seem like a foregone conclusion after a good number of Flamingos quickly had to acknowledge the superiority of bowler Griffiths. Fortunately, Henk Rikse dug in and his 37 not out brought victory to the jubilee.
1972
So long as the majority of the playing members are satisfied enough to wear our tie ...
The decade after the glorious celebration of The Flamingo's 50th anniversary began with an act of altruism. After years of board work, Hugo van Manen thinks it is time to step down. During the meeting of December 6, 1972, chairman Willem Glerum thanked him for his many achievements. A parting gift "in connection with the unpreparedness" has slipped past. Van Manen does not mind. "I am glad there is no parting gift and I do not want one as I have always refused such a gift. I have always enjoyed doing everything, and that under five different chairmen. There were, of course, highs and lows, but the fun predominated."
Right to exist
A year before, Van Manen had spoken extensively about the right to exist of De Flamingos to exist. His conclusion: 'As long as The Flamingos in England enjoy such a good reputation that renowned opponents are happy to meet them, as long as happy initiatives can be developed now and then and as long as most of the playing members are satisfied with wearing our tie, this association will keep the same reason for existence as the Free Foresters, the Incogniti, the Cryptics etc. In England, there, too, one must limit oneself more than in the past, even there the match secretaries often have just as much difficulty with complementing teams."
Sometimes an invitation to join the ranks of the Flamingos led to a curious reaction. For example, Freek van Muiswinkel said on February 10, 1972: 'It is probably the most sensible thing to keep this (the invitation) still, because it will be a mystery to countless people, including myself, on the basis of which I should receive this honour falls. For cricket personalities see: Drs. B. Kleefstra: The glory years of W.G. van Muiswinkel."
Five times lbw
During the A tour of 1972 it is not all gold that glitters. For example, reporter Harry Verspyck must conclude after the fight against Hampstead on August 8 that the umpires have a large share in The Flamingo's defeat by treating five Dutchmen to lbw’s while the English are spared this fate time and time again. For example, the deserved 232 runs of De Flamingos are insufficient for the victory. Although it should be noted that the Australian Campbell with his 112 not out also had an important share in this otherwise rather dubious defeat, the only defeat during a tour that also yielded three victories and several draws. "On Bonaire I recently saw how thousands of flamingos live peacefully in the salt pans. Who would have thought these peaceful animals could behave like such furies on the cricket field?" Verspyck concluded his account of the tour rhetorically and satisfied. Prior to this, the secretary issued the following "useful hints": make sure you have sufficient white cricket clothing and a valid passport. Flamingos who do not own a Flamingo blazer should try to borrow one. The hosts in England value whisky, cigars and cigarettes far above Delft blue or a Volendam doll!
Used balls for next season
Just before this successful tour, Ruud Onstein received a letter from Colonel N.J. Wilson from The Free Foresters. He apparently had the impression that cricket in Holland was in a desperate condition. "I was wondering," writes the Colonel, "if you would like me to keep some used cricket balls for them (the touring party) to take back to Holland for your use next season. They have only had one innings "use and I charge £ 1.50 per ball." A true merchant named Wilson. Incidentally, De Flamingos are happy to take advantage of his offer.
That they have been looking forward to their trip to England a little too much is evident from a complaint from the Me. Zeeland to the ANWB. The Flamingos misbehaved on board on the outward voyage. "The staff had been abused and they made a mess."
1973
Scoring runs is only an afterthought and Olympic thinking dominates
The reporter of the match that The Flamingos played against The Privateers in 1973 liked flowery words and the figure of speech of irony was also no stranger to him. A few examples: "The sky is polluted, and the atmosphere is charged. The ball swings from side to side and vice versa. Scoring runs is only an afterthought and Olympic thinking dominates. ""The Flamingos have a very strong team, just look at the batting order: 8. Onstein, 9. Van Nispen, 10. Oostra 11. Wijkhuizen, after which the tail begins. The match ended in a draw, by the way.
Peter van Arkel chairman
On February 7, 1972, the board of De Flamingos met in restaurant Terminus in The Hague and had to conclude that for the first time in twenty-five years no Nasi Goreng special was served, an omission for which the management of Terminus is held liable. The most pressing question during this meeting was addressed to Peter van Arkel, who was hesitant to join the board. He wanted to become a board member, but not chairman due to lack of time and inexperience. The first argument was quickly countered by the chairman. "This position is by no means time-consuming, but it does require a considerable amount of thinking." This riposte wins Peter over.
On April 14, 1973, he was appointed chairman, succeeding Willem Glerum. In retrospect, Glerum argued that his nine years on the board were the most turbulent in his cricket life, except for the 1940s - 45s. Protest marches, occupations of universities and pot-smoking youngsters, it was impossible. "Fortunately, the influence of this in the Flamingo board has proved to be limited," he says with satisfaction in his farewell speech.
1974
More is expected from a Flamingo than just being a good cricketer
Youth has the future. On April 5, 1972 Bart Lubbers was introduced as a new member. He was 21 years old and a student at the Textile School in Enschede. "He's a neat young man who may be more capable than any other aspiring member who has been around since our February 7 meeting." Talk about villainous. Bart's chances were boosted by his performance during the summer tour that followed. All this did not prevent him from being seriously reprimanded in 1974 for his late cancellation for the A tour to England. The following scrubbing also indicates what was expected of a Flamingo member: "Flamingo membership has consequences that you may not have fully realized when you accepted it. This is also one of the reasons why you are asked to become a member of our association. You cannot just register as a member. More things are expected from a Flamingo than just being a good cricketer. "
Bickering over captaincy A tour
The captaincy of the A tour in 1974 was a cause for dispute. During the board meeting of November 26, 1973, chairman Peter van Arkel expressed his opinion that he considered it less desirable to appoint Mr. Van Schouwenburg, because “he resides abroad and does not play cricket.” Mr. Grijseels then suggests a former chairman. Glerum again. Almost general response: This is not a good thing for the future. However, there appears to be no alternative. Willem Glerum is nevertheless asked. Apparently, he has taken note of the discussion leading up to the request, because he says thanks for the honour, albeit "in fine terms." He does want to become a manager or supervisor. We are happy to make use of this offer.
During the 1974 A-tour to England, Willem Glerum is non-playing captain, but the blood just creeps where it cannot go and so it may happen that in the scoring book of the match against The Free Foresters, the way of assuming Jeroen Zweerts, caught substitute, but everyone knows that it is Willem Glerum who used this difficult catch opportunity with great ease.
Does cricket exist by the grace of good captains?
The awarding of the Cramer McLean cup did not always go smoothly. During the board meeting of March 14, 1974, it appears that no performance really stood out. The suggestion to hand the cup to Henny Wijkhuizen because of his captaincy during the Red and White - VOC match met with resistance. A few members found it difficult to award the cup just for captaincy. They encountered resistance from Leo Molijn. Cricket doesn't exist thanks to good captains, he exclaims. Finally, the cup goes to Henny Wijkhuizen for his all-round performance during the match. On that occasion he was not only an outstanding captain, but also a creditable batsman (37 runs) and a fine bowler (5 for 50).
Allocation for the years of 1974 and 1975 was less difficult. Anton Bakker (VOC) is the celebrated man. First for his 118 not out against Red and White and then for his 108 not out for the Dutch national team against The Cricketers Club of London. Especially the latter performance was of exceptional class. 'Bakker was also very inspired on this trip, because he exploded with a deluge of runs.' The acclaimed batsman did not see his election coming, 'writes the note-taker,' because, somewhat bewildered, he says thanks for the great honor he has now once again received.” For the record, he also won the cup in 1965.
1975
He immediately took cover at the scoring table next to a good-looking, short-dressed Phene fiancé Ann Watson.
The 1975 Corfu tour didn't always go smoothly. During the easily won match against the Phene Philanderers, a very fashion-conscious Flamingo (the only one with a Flamingo blazer), as an umpire with a not out decision on a second run by Schuur, caused a small revolution. You're a worthless umpire was in the air. The reporter: "Our tour director feared storming the field, where the sledgehammers for driving the stumps were at square-leg; he therefore had this bond umpire paid off. For this elderly buddy, the excitement was not over. He immediately took cover behind the piece of net (with mesh that five balls could pass at once) and at the scoring table, next to the good-looking, short-dressed Phene fiancé Ann Watson. She scored correctly, but her drinking and smoking habits had given her a voice to clean coal with."
1976
A hat trick for Henny
Every bowler dreams of winning a hat-trick at least once in his life, including Henny Wijkhuizen. His dream came true on August 4, 1976 in the match of The Flamingos against Esher CC. His performance almost escapes scorers Verspyck and Van Schouwenburg, because half a pint of Pimm's has been put in front of them, in which the lemonade was replaced by gin; a drink that hits the brain somewhat more directly. Henny's performance earned him man of the match, an honour he has to share with Steven Lubbers who scored 102 not out.
The match against national champion VOC in 1976 produced 198. Due especially to the actions of Steven and Bart Lubbers, this was easily surpassed. Some of the older Flamingos muttered very carefully that their playing was reminiscent of that of the Klarenbeek brothers from the 1930s. A big compliment.
On August 19, 1976 the match against the MCC ended in a draw, but that is not the most important and the bowling figures of Ernst Vriens are not particularly striking (1 for 38). It is worth mentioning that this one wicket of Ernst is his 341st in the service of De Flamingos. He carefully kept track of that.
1977
We arrive almost a week before the first race in Corfu "to get used to the temperature of the water, the ouzo, the scooters and the hot beach.
Raising full teams was a cause for concern in 1977. The match secretary sweats every time he has to get another team on their feet. It is of course nice that matches against The Free Foresters and other foreign clubs are popular, and after all, Heineken provides free beer afterwards - but also the less interesting matches have to be staffed.
During a Corfu tour it is always important to acclimatize well. That's what The Flamingos did during the 1977 edition. They arrived almost a week before the first match on the island 'to get used to the temperature of the water, the ouzo, the scooters and mopeds, the olive oil, the language, the hot beach, the long evenings and the asphalt tennis court. '
Bill Edrich and Henri Blofeld
Resting after two easy victories, The Flamingos met at the Cricketer Taverna a party of British cricketers led by Ben Brocklehurst, publisher of monthly magazine "The Cricketer". They wanted to play a practice match for their matches against three local clubs. They turned out to be big names against whom The Flamingos are up against. The reporter: 'Test player Bob Woolmer, well known to us, has had a day of rest, but even without him The Free Foresters' caps of Charles Madden and Richard Umbers, the Australian I Zingari colours and the MCC jerseys of others, have to colour the grey hair. of former test player Bill Edrich, and the cassettes of BBC commentator Henri Blofeld naturally made an impression. '
Those cassettes as well as the photographs taken, it was said, would be sent by the first plane to the editorial staff of "The Cricketer" and also to BBC Sports. However, it was never published. The following numbers indicate why: England team 164 for 7, The Flamingos 169 for 1.
1978
The Spartans seem to go all out for a small total, but have the Van der Linde brothers
If you die in your armour, in this case on the cricket field, like Mike Ainsworth (1922-1978), captain of the Free Foresters touring Holland for years, you deserve an outstanding memoriam. The wording of this was in the good hands of Kees Bakker, who remembered him as someone who attached a special value to his Flamingo membership and had a great affinity with Dutch cricket.
“On Saturday, June 3, 1978, Sparta, which has been in existence for 90 years, will be heard. The Spartans seem to be going all out for a small total, but fortunately for them, they have access to the Van der Linde brothers. Henk van der Linde whips away the most beautiful balls, while his brother Arie supports him in silence and sometimes with a frown. As an extra attraction, Henk provides extensive commentary for every run he has scored. Unfortunately for him, he is bowled in the middle of a sentence during the battle that should earn him his half century. The match finally ends in a tie, a result that everyone is at peace with.”
1979
It is a four against a parked car, underneath it too, the curb is the boundary and everything directly over it is a six
From a letter of thanks from 90-year-old Dr. C.A. Lobry de Bruin to Flamingo President Willem van Rossem (1979): "I am going back to the beginning of this century. Our captain Schröder had rejuvenated our team by including Guus Hamburger, Stroeve and me and that's how I faced the great Posthuma as a 16-year-old HBS boy. The first ball pitched on the edge of the mat to off. I had my right leg ready for a hit in the covers, but the ball crossed to square leg and was fielded near the square leg umpire. The next ball was in the middle of the pitch and I was waiting for, where will that ball go? It went straight and my mid stump was knocked over. "
The hotel breakfast is nothing to write home about during the 1979 Corfu tour. Every day it consists of two pieces of ship's biscuit, after a few days you can no longer gnaw through them with bad Western European teeth. Cricket also takes place on a field that can best be described as one large sandbox, equipped with thousands of lemonade caps, glass shards and other rubbish. There are special rules: against a parked car is a four, underneath it too, the sidewalk edge is the boundary and everything directly over it is a six. The Greek umpires are very decent, but have difficulty with the lbw rule, so decisions were made that would have led to dissatisfaction in native cricket, especially in the upper classes.
1980
That bowler shouldn't have bowled such shit
During the match during the 1980 A-tour against Esher CC, the Flamingos happily hammered away. Gerrit van Laer and Robert Lifmann, in particular, showed themselves and one of them landed the ball on a car roof with a huge six. When the owner of the vehicle came to collect redress, captain Willem Glerum declined all responsibility. "That bowler shouldn't have bowled such shit," is his statement.
1982
Here lies Cobham
In the aftermath of the 1982 match against The Free Foresters, which ends in a tame draw, a story about Lord Cobham, a member of Flamingos during his lifetime, circulates. Even after his death, he appears to be honoured as a cricketer, as evidenced by his epitaph:
Here lies Cobham, beneath this hump, bowled as ever, middle stump.
1983
The first Flamingo Cricket Festival at which the Flamingos, very modestly, win all their matches
As part of the 100th anniversary of the KNCB, the men of the MCC came to our country in 1983. They played under bad weather conditions on May 26 against The Flamingos, who took a long view of a victory. It is true that the 179 runs they scored are quite difficult to achieve (Lex van der Gun 56), but also with the English it did not go too smoothly. They let it come down to the last ten overs in which they put the wood on a lot. In his latest Henny Wijkhuizen, in particular had to pay for it, so the MCC won, albeit narrowly.
The Flamingo Cricket Festival, organized for the first time in the association's history in 1983, was attended by Lloyd's CC, the Privateers, the Dutch Student Team and the Flamingos themselves, who, very indiscreetly, won all their matches. Remarkable achievements: the 98 not out by René Schoonheim against Lloyd's CC and the 4 for 25 by Lex van der Gun against the students. The festival was such a success that it was decided to organize it every two years.
1984
“I would like to ask you whether Bols is again willing to accept C.T.C. To make a number of bottles of gin available to the Flamingos”
In a letter dated July 30, 1984, Flamingo secretary Thijs Vermeulen is engaged in "fundraising" in a very special way. His writing is addressed to the Kon. Distillery Erven Lucas Bols:
My lords,
I would like to ask you whether Bols is again willing to accept C.T.C. To provide the Flamingos with a number of bottles of gin, which can be offered to our English opponents during the so-called A-tour to England from 13 to 18 August next. This year, five games will be played. If possible, we would like to offer ten bottles (two bottles for each opponent). Obviously, it would also be nice to offer the English a Bols gin glass too "
Reading the word "again", Bols will certainly not have been insensitive to this polite request.
You can also stand out for something other than cricket qualities during a tour. For example, in 1984 Wulf van Alkemade was barely making progress with the bat, "but his driving skills in his Range Rover are of unprecedented class in the busy London traffic."
Before the match against Standard Athletic Club in Paris that year, various Flamingos had a lunch so copious that they did not reach their usual level. The annual report: "Even Gerrit van Laer, renowned from East to West and North to South for his unorthodox way of batting, could not really impress this time, although he still managed to score 55 runs."
After the inevitable defeat, the follow-up was also disappointing: "Initially, the touring company was still under the assumption that this defeat would stimulate enormous hospitality afterwards, but that turned out differently. The SAC men had hired an establishment that did not give the impression of being regularly frequented by the Paris jet set. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a very animated evening. "
1985
The unsurpassed table practice of Kees Bakker and the dentist in Corfu
The Gentleman's dinner on January 18, 1985 was once again very successful, as evidenced by the following phrases from the annual report: unsurpassed table performance by Kees Bakker, have made this evening an overwhelming success. Those who stayed at home were once again completely wrong. "
During the 1985 Corfu tour, a few Flamingos were treated to an unexpected spectacle. A dentist practices at the back of the hotel and starts extracting teeth early in the morning. From the window of Verspyck en Peuk they have a direct view of the chair and can enjoy the pre-war barbarism. They are quickly moved to the front.
1986
“Extensive lunches with Dennis Lillee, port from Jaap Grootmeijer and telephone for Wulf."
Every now and then you really must be an insider to be able to follow the reports of matches and tours, but if you are one of the chosen ones, there is much to enjoy, as in the report of the 37th A-tour to England in 1986. A few highlights in a nutshell: 'Arundel Castle and the car that drives onto the field uncontrolled, a hotel with golf courses around it, pubs and jumping waters, telephone for Wulf, the imitations of a Lloyd's member and again a telephone for Wulf, further seeing Geoff Burch, Colonel Wilson and other free lumberjacks, extensive lunches with Dennis Lillee, port from Jaap and again a phone call for Wulf.”
1987
If The Flamingos had been a company, it would now have to file for a moratorium
After the Foresters delegated a somewhat less strong team for a number of years, in 1987 they create a class team that made it very difficult for the Flamingos. They, in turn, were looking forward to it and see Ed de Moura (54) and Pim Kruyt (57) excel. The highlight of the Flamingo innings, however, was provided by Ernest Lefebvre who scored 70 very hard runs in just a few overs (6x6, 4x4). The Flamingos 255 all out, The Free Foresters 234 all out.
Lex van der Gun proved during the Corfu tour of that year that things can get even rougher with the bat. He rattled 101 runs together in 36 minutes against Ergatikos (7x6, 8x4). A few days later, reporter Harry Verspyck had an ugly crash with his moped when he tried to take a turn à la James Bond, which resulted in many bloody excrements. A few months later he declared himself cured.
Sometimes there were troubling times for the Flamingos. In October 1987, for example, a group of members were found willing to shed light on the situation. Among them John Wories who put his findings and those of Willem Peschar, Rob van Weelde and Wulf van Alkemade down in writing. The conclusions are clear: "The union has become more active, while The Flamingos have stood still. If The Flamingos had been a company, it would now have to file for a moratorium. In the event of continued inactivity and no forward-looking policy, we believe that De Flamingos will be bankrupt in two years' time. And worse, no one in the cricket world would notice.
The pioneering role that The Flamingos traditionally played must be restored. How will it be an honour to be asked to join The Flamingos again? "Of course, suggestions are made for improvement. There are no fewer than ten and some of them stand out. For example, it is proposed to play an evening floodlit match in the Feyenoord stadium and a match is looked forward to between the former internationals and the champion of the league.
Other members also have their say. They generally find the board too old and too conservative and too attached to their jobs, the competition schedule too traditional and the image of the club too dusty. All in all, there is therefore plenty of room for improvement.
Blazer by Paul-Jan Bakker
Every now and then there were minor controversies. Chairman Willem van Rossem, for example, reported to Paul-Jan Bakker, at that time representing Hampshire, that the Flamingo board had come into possession of the Flamingo blazer of the former ACC crack Piet Sanders through the intervention of Henk van Weelde and that they wanted to award it to the Dutchman in English as service for his 7 for 31 in 13.5 overs during Hampshire vs Kent on August 21.
Paul-Jan will have felt very honoured, because Piet Sanders was one of the very best bowlers the Netherlands has ever known and "moreover, a very pleasant man, simple, modest and honest. He played in regular tennis shoes, in a snow-white jersey shirt with short sleeves. His attacking yet thrifty bowling was a bit like yours. With a short run-up and a smooth action, he was very fast, and on the spot, often with a sharp off-break, a jewel in his best time," the chairman explained the choice.
Although the board was unanimous in its assessment of this award, one member was not amused - he would have preferred to raffle the blazer at a youth tournament - and terminated his membership. Paul-Jan, given its dimensions, had nothing to do with the garment decision, he gave as an extra explanation.
1988
At the drinks party in the evening, the victory songs blared and the MCC-ers, including several former test players, were somewhat disconcerted
There are those Angstgegner against whom it is true to play well, but from whom little is gained. Until 1988, for example, the MCC was played 22 times, lost fifteen times, reached a draw six times and won once (in 1946). A second victory was about to come, but no one expected this to happen during the tournament on the 110th anniversary of HCC. The MCC had simply sent too strong a team for that. This was due to the strong bowling of Roland Lefebve (2 for 24) and Diederik Visée (also 2 for 24), however, no further than 195 for 7 in fifty overs.
The Flamingos got off to a very energetic start, mainly thanks to Albert van Nierop jr., Who came over from England especially for the HCC festival. With his 54 runs he laid a foundation on which the rest could calmly build. Ultimately, it was Roland Lefebvre who, with his 34 not out, that brought the Flamingos to a safe haven (196 for 4). At the drinks party in the evening, the victory songs blared and the MCC-ers, including several former test players, were somewhat dismayed.
Match reports can sometimes provide annoying reading, but not if they are written by Rob Schoof. His reports on the A tour of August 1988 provide entertaining passages, although the results, five draws in five matches, gave little reason to do so. Rob on the apotheosis of the fight against Lloyd's of London's elves, played in beautiful Worcester Park:
"Baldwin (Poolman) went exactly at 100 from sheer fatigue to run out and was able to use the oxygen equipment. Last one, eight more runs to win (we all jump). Diederik (Visée), biting his tongue until he bled, unfortunately on the dead wicket, the British hired talent Donelan on bat. The first two balls went straight to the wicket keeper and on the third he went out ingloriously.
Fortunately, he had hit the ball high enough to get Diederik to "the hot side of the pitch". Despite his undeniable merits in the previous overs, the young investor from The Hague was unable to earn the first profit points. Frustration, impotence, pitiful scenes in the bird camp. Let's stick to the clincher “cricket wins, nobody loses”. During the excellent barbecue, British amazement at the Dutch battle arsenal dominated. "
1989
Dries bowls slows that are so slow that many a batsman has an ice cream before the ball has reached the bat
There was not much discussion about who would become man of the match after the battle between The Flamingos and the Unibind cricket team. The match that was played during the Flamingo festival (14-16 June 1989 on the fields of HCC) had an absolute star: Alex de la Mar. His 82 not out and 2 for 0 (!) Were watched with admiration by everyone.
On Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, 1989, two different Flamingo teams took on a team that called itself the Diplomatic Services but, was far from it. They turned out to be more servants than diplomats and had barely mastered the basics of the game of cricket, as evidenced by the bowling numbers of the Flamingos (Pototsky 3-1, Sillevis 2-7 and Kost Jr. 2-9). It should be noted that 'Dries bowls slows that are so slow that many batsmen have an ice cream before the ball has reached the bat.' Ed de Moura will remember this match for a long time because he scored his maiden century (109 not out).
1990
“To my great disappointment, I detect a degree of "difficulty" among the board members of our company.” The Flamingo board had to go against the tide from time to time. Philip van Dok, in his capacity as chairman of De Flamingos, received a letter on 13 February 1990 from Paul Maas from Oss who had apparently received a reminder to pay his contribution. It started out promising:
Dear Philip,
“I was surprised to read that you are chairman of the De Flamingos. It amazes me that The Flamingos are still active at all. There will have been some changes during the last ten years, although you don't notice anything of that here in Brabant."
And so it went on for a while. It would make you despondent. Eduard Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman also became a bit despondent. On May 21, 1990, he wrote to his fellow board members:
Best friends,
To my great disappointment, I detect a degree of "difficulty" among the board members of our party. After many years of board membership, I myself no longer have the spirit to continue and I am showing "mental fatigue".
That last word recurs several times in writing. It is clear that new impetus is being requested, so the secretary does not have to keep hiding his fellow board members. At the moment, agreements are not fulfilled, board meetings start too late, and cancellations are not done or cancelled on time. "Let everyone share his thoughts on this," Eduard concluded, no doubt with a deep sigh. His mood will not have been improved by the following letter from Hermes' Chairman W.J. van de Buurt.
Schiedam, June 2, 1990
Dear board,
The game of The Flamingos against Fiji was scheduled for Friday, June 1. This match would start at 11am. The first Flamingo arrived at 11.30 am. He had taken the trouble to report by telephone that he would be arriving a little later. We were delighted to see the number of Flamingos grow to four, allowing us to easily complete the "Flamingo" team with four Hermes and three Fiji players. "
Mr Van Wijk cannot be denied any sense of irony. Incidentally, it must be said that the letters of apology from Flamingo chairman Flip van Dok can be called quite eloquent, so that the Flamingo badge was not too contaminated too much.
Naturally, these years also look ahead, for example in the "Flamingo 2000s" plan. This includes many (some say too many) committees have to consider new initiatives. "The youth is the future" is a common phrase. In short, the Flamingos can use a juvenile injection. The slogan "many hands make light work" is also popular. Becoming a member of The Flamingos should be an honour again.
Wulf became a victim of Henny Wijkhuizen at 99
During the "nervous nineties" the nerves can sometimes grab you by the throat. Wulf van Alkemade experienced this during the A-tour of 1990. In the match against The Free Foresters, he marched happily on his way to his century, until at 99 he became the victim of Henny Wijkhuizen who joins the opponent. He is Henny's only victim (1 for 59). The match ends in a victory for De Flamingos (Tim de Leede 3 for 39 in 10).
In the meantime, the seventieth anniversary is approaching, which would of course be celebrated in style. Chairman Van Dok did not waste any time and on 20 November 1990 invited the British Ambassador Sir Michael Jenkins to the "Gentlemen's Dinner" on 25 January in Hotel Des Indes. When asked if he would like to give an after-dinner speech, the ambassador immediately replied that this would be an honour for him. His performance was a great success and even described as glowing in the Flamingo annual report.
On July 7, 1990, the Flamingo Children's Cricket Festival is lost on the fields of Quick (Hg), a successful event with the participation of fifteen clubs and total proceeds of 30,000 guilders, which is made available to the Queen Wilhelmina Fund.
1991
Who are Ben Turpin, Harry von Nackenstein and Turtleman?
In between all match reports and board announcements, the Flamingo archive also houses an outright cry for help. MISSING suddenly appears as a headline above one of the papers. It turns out to be the missing Flamingo flag and the Flamingo score book that were taken from the bag of the competition secretary during the festival. Ed de Moura Correia eagerly awaits the return of these.
Said Ed is, with John Ravenhill, also the author of the 1991 tour to Corfu. He apparently assumed that the fruit of his pens has eternal value, for the first and only edition is preceded by an elaborate warning that nothing from it may be "reproduced, stored in an automated database, etc., without the prior written consent of the authors." The report may be there, although the enclosed, very extensive glossary is not a superfluous luxury for the outsider. How else is he supposed to know who are Ben Turpin, Harry von Nackenstein and Turtleman?.
At a meeting, things got jolly from time to time. For example, Eduard Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman was appointed an honorary member at the meeting of May 10, 1991, by acclamation, after which both the board and Eduard showed their generous side. The board by offering the new honorary member a beer mug with an inscription and the laureate by offering a round "that was greedily swallowed".
1992
I think the evening was probably a little too far gone for most of the guests to appreciate my remarks
Sometimes The Flamingos had to deal with a piece of British courtesy that they didn't quite deserve. For example, during the dinner on January 31, 1992, many members behaved so loudly that the speaker, in this case the British Consul-General Denis Doble, was unable or barely able to make himself heard. Many a Flamingo is annoyed to death, but Mr. Doble enjoyed the evening very much as did everybody there. I think the evening was probably a little too far gone for most of the guests to appreciate my remarks.
So, the busy ones could pocket that. Dennis's efforts that night did not go unrewarded for him as on August 3, 1994, he received an invitation from The Flamingos to become a member. Of course, chairman Philip van Dok, from whom the invitation comes, was fully aware that the British consul general will not remain stationed in The Hague forever, but he hopes that in any case there will be cricket in a possible new location. For us perhaps a good reason to tour that country.
Flying Geese
Their beautiful name does not appear to guarantee a surplus of cricket qualities, so the Flying Geese suffered a big defeat during the 1992 A tour. The match was played on Tom Morris' lands, where an idyllic cricket field is located between two fens. After 251 runs, Wulf closed exactly after Albert van Nierop jr. has completed his century (100 not out). Baldwin Poolman is a bit pissed off that he was not allowed to make a hundred (82 not out). The English then got no further than 132 runs.
The enthusiasm to play did not end that year, which prompted chairman Philip van Dok to the following cry of despair: "It seems as if the Vogels are no longer in the mood for cricket. There is hardly any response to a request from the competition secretary to 120 potentially active members to register for the competition program. Only 18 members bothered to respond. "
1993
The runway at the end still appears to lead in part over the "autobahn" and the renovation of the arrivals hall is not finished after five years
At the end of the year 1993, Wulf van Alkemade appeals to De Flamingos to sign up for a tour to St. Moritz where there will be ample opportunity to practice cricket on ice. Details of this tour are provided by fax from Richard Doggart who reports stunning surroundings and expects "a reasonable crowd of bemused Swiss to watch the matches." Although according to him it is mainly about fun, a competitive edge has crept in in recent years. Some prior training is therefore recommended to minimize the risk of muscle tears and ankle sprains.
The arrival at Corfu in September 1993 was not without difficulties for the Flamingos. First of all, the pilot flew about 45 minutes in circles above the airport, with bad tongues claiming the need to get rid of much ballast as possible due to a heavy overweight of cricket bags and golf clubs. It also appears that the runway at the end still partly leads over the 'autobahn' and the renovation of the arrivals hall is not completely finished after five years, so De Flamingos, together with just under 1,500 passengers, claimtheir luggage in complete chaos due to the one working conveyor belt.
This tour is not Dries Kost's tour, as can be seen from the following passage from the report of an anonymous writer: "In contrast to the first match, Dries now opened with Lucas. What did not work against Feax, unfortunately did not work against Gymnasticos and Doekje went to the wickets for the third ball. Dries’s costs come to 169.77 guilders per ball, and we have not even calculated the capital he spent on white wine, ouzo and metaxa (aircraft petrol). Dries was seen in a very seedy disco in the early morning hours in a rugby shirt with number 5 (the number of balls in total)."
1994
Can we maintain our amateurism, or should we openly allow a number of players in the Netherlands to be paid "under the table?"
O tempora, o mores. At the beginning of 1994, chairman Philip van Dok sheds light on recent developments in the Dutch cricket world. "Can we maintain our amateurism, or should we openly allow a number of players in the Netherlands that are paid" under the table "or are placed somewhere on the "payroll " “via more or less tolerated constructions?" Is his pressing question. In the long run, it will then only be that the bigger clubs can play cricket at any level, he concludes.
The game against the Staffordshire Police XI, played on August 16, 1994, in Dunstall, had a pleasant side effect for Wulf van Alkemade, because, with the English the commissioner of the traffic police takes part, which means that he could get our many fines for considerable speeding dismissed on the spot. The match resulted in a Flamingo victory, partly because the police officers are fooled by an old trick of scorer Harry Verspyck: the scoreboard shows a score of well above two hundred, while in the book there are no more than 196 runs noted. Although the English then stretched the not exactly easily digestible lunch as long as possible, it did not help them, because Tim de Leede was in super shape and smashed their attack to pieces (117 not out).
During the same tour it turned out that you are also in danger as a non-player. Flamingo scorer Harry Verspyck almost had to go to the hospital when a huge skyer suddenly dived down next to him. Harry shot back quickly with the chair, breaking a leg, causing a true pandemonium. After a few seconds, a pale and very quiet scorer stood up again, but the observant spectator saw a slight twinkle in his eye that indicated that he already knew that he will include this story in his extensive repertoire.
1995
Try to act as a think tank for Dutch cricket, write reports about it, spark discussion, form a member committee of "authority"
Since there are apparently a lot of Flamingo trophies roaming around the country, it is time to bring them to a central location. Fortunately, Cricket Club Bloemendaal offers help. They offered a spot for a Flamingo trophy cabinet in 1995 "so that cups, medals and other attributes can be displayed to a wider audience than is possible in the privacy of a study or living room."
Future of the Flamingos
In 1995 members also made themselves heard when it came to the future of De Flamingos. Thus writes J.B. van Weelde, who wrote a lengthy letter to the board from Wassenaar in which he discussed in detail what the Flamingos can still mean in our cricket world. After mentioning six points that stand in the way of the club's flourishing, he decides gloomily on: tours and (otherwise unrelated to cricket) golf encounters. In my opinion, the youth in our club will have to decide whether or not they want to continue, with a view to the future of our club. I therefore sincerely hope that the younger guard will show up at the a.s. meeting to still be able and willing to testify to their involvement in an exclusive club like The Flamingos! "
Eduard Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman also mentions a crisis. According to him, "the competitive battle has been lost, for example responding to and forming an opinion on the integration of foreigners in Dutch cricket. Our party watched passively and did nothing. "For him, the distinguishing element and honour of being a member of The Flamingos has also disappeared. "Anyone can join De Flamingos. It has become an incoherent company without a club band. "Fortunately, he not only leaves it with criticism, but also gives six points of attention that should help the club to recover. Point four leaves nothing to be desired in terms of clarity: `` Make membership elitist and distinctive again. '' Point five also speaks for itself: ``Try to act as a think tank for Dutch cricket, write reports on it, initiates discussion, form a members' committee of 'authority'. In other words: to become a kind of SER or Senate. "
His opinions are so resonant that he returns to them in an extensive letter to the board. His first point is clear: 'To give membership a more distinctive character, clear (r) criteria must be used: you get to be a cricketer and a gentleman (as the Free Foresters call it) and of (multi-year) main class level, only in exceptional cases. No members should be hired who do not meet the criterion of first-class cricketer."
Blurring of standards
In the 1995 annual report, competition secretary Ed de Moura Correia wrote the following wise words. "In the past year, the media has paid a lot of attention to the concept of the blurring of standards in our society. Unfortunately, cricket is not immune to this either. Umpires are increasingly approached (too) aggressively and their only thing is to give an (official) warning. Of course, the game has matured, especially fielding and batting has improved greatly in recent years, both in width and at the top, and the bowlers have now adapted to playing limited over cricket.
The foreign coaches have played a major role in this evolution, and they have also familiarised the players with a more aggressive approach to the game. In their native countries cricket has been played this way for years, but with the understanding that they respect opponents and the umpire. When we all start to apply this attitude, it can only increase the level of play and joy in the game. "
A very special performance was delivered that year by Dirk-Jan Boelhouwer, who in a 20-over match during the Zami tournament earned the monumental score of 136 not out (7x 4, 13x6). Hein van Hees also spoke against Antwerp CC on his hips as witness 122 (14x4, 1x6).
1996
We discern a fantastic landscape, where we follow whether 'Dances with Wolves' or 'The Sound of Music' was recorded, with a cricket field in between
Passport photos must be submitted prior to the tour on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of De Flamingos. Neat passport photos, that is. According to Wulf van Alkemade, Patrick Groeneveld did not fully understand this, "because he sent a photo from the time when he was still in the criminal circuit! They will be very happy with that at Lords."
The magazine that appears on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of De Flamingos contains, in addition to some cutting Player's Profiles, including that of Ed de Moura Correia - the only overseas player in our team with Portuguese nationality and a very nice welcome from J. Paul Getty : 'As an American who loves cricket I have been curious to learn something about the Hollander's interest in the game, an interest I first noticed when I discovered Dutch players amongst the county stalwarts who entertain us each summer. So when the Cricket Touring Club De Flamingos asked for a match at Wormsley I was only too pleased to acquisce. I look forward keenly to the arrival of this interesting band of low-land cricketers. "
Looking for Wormsley
An exquisite group of Flamingos are more than happy to take advantage of the invitation, but have, according to the tour report, some difficulty finding the field in Wormsley on Monday, 9th September. The reporter describes the maze thus:
"Wearing blazers with a Flamingo badge and an orange invitation tag, many of which we would see later, we leave for Wormsley. This is where the field of the famous oil billionaire must be. We end up off the A roads, on B roads and from there on picturesque country roads. It is true that some of us had already had the honour of playing here, otherwise we would still be looking for the miniscule sign that said: "Cricketground". The caravan, led by the Jaguar of Wulf, made a sharp right turn to land on the expected driveway. After about ten minutes of driving in the beautiful woods, a few Birds start to get the frightened thought that we have made a wrong turn, until suddenly, the light can be seen. We see a fantastic landscape, where we follow whether "Dances with Wolves" or "The Sound of Music" was recorded, with a cricket field in between. "
This beautiful field is played that day and although the opposition is very strong, The Flamingos pull out a more than creditable draw. A truly memorable fight takes place the next day against the MCC at Lord's. After the Flamingos are treated to 337 for 3, Tim de Leede steals the show. "The spectacle that he sets up is unparalleled, a shower of boundaries that even makes the meetings in the sky boxes stop. The second ring is passed with one of his mighty sixes, we are going to believe in victory. The scoreboard is failing. Harry scores unplugged. Unfortunately, Tim goes out with a score of 168 (!). He is welcomed back with applause. Willem Glerum congratulates him, saying it was a good innings, although there were some birthday bowlers in between! "
The historic victory that was now up for grabs was ultimately not achieved, as The Flamingos lose the last five wickets for 29 runs (304 all out).
1997
They should not give that boy a bat, but a sledgehammer
After the very successful anniversary year, there is a certain decline. Fulfilling various board positions in particular poses difficulties. "Usually the argument 'time' is brought up," sighs chairman Philip van Dok in yet another rejection. "Probably these people are not busy enough yet, because then they would bite. It is still the case that people who are busy manage to do things a little more systematically. "
On the occasion of the death of his brother, Flamingo member Ad, Harry van Benthem writes to 'De Vogel,' a short memoriam in which he recalls how the famous English trainer Fred Warburton once remarked: 'They shouldn't put that boy in with a bat but a sledgehammer. shaking hands. '
When you play against the Zamigos, you know you don't have to get up early. Normally, the games against them start at 2.30 p.m., but on August 22, 1997, it was half an hour later and that had consequences later in the day. After the Zamigos made it to 198, it is up to The Flamingos to surpass it altogether before darkness set in. The reporter: "On the side we had already lit the candles - it was about 8.30 pm - when Harm Jan Wilts still went out. The skipper (Philip van Dok) was able to go in, but we and he didn't see much and given the chance of a victory for the Zamigos, he couldn't bring himself to appeal to the light.
The faster bowlers were dropped, but even Beer van Muiswinkel's slows were barely visible. In the penultimate over, the skipper stepped forward on everything, even balls next to the wicket and promptly received a direct hit on the big toe of his left foot. Shrinking in pain, he had to leave the field and it was up to Frank van der Weijden and Ray Ambler to battle it out. They eventually pulled a draw from out of the fire. "
1998
The members of De Flamingos always fulfill an exemplary function in and outside the field
On July 7, 1998, during the A tour, there was a reunion with Wormsley in Buckinghamshire, home of the J.G. Getty XI. Star of the day was Tjade Groot, who at 105 was a plague for bowling. The end of the match was no longer watched by Mr. Getty, who travelled to London to bid at a well-known London auction house for a special edition of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales that was in danger of disappearing to the United States.
Prior to this A tour, KNCB president René van Ierschot dedicated a few words to the place of De Flamingos in Dutch cricket. About the spirit in which our sport should be played, he writes: "Fighting your heart out in the field, but always with respect of your own teammates, your opponents, the umpires and whomever else might be around. In the Netherlands the Flamingos have a strong role in that respect. As a cricket touring club, it counts many of the current and former talented Dutch cricketers among its members. They play together as Flamingos and might be opponents in the field a day later. They realize that opponents try to win and should be respected for trying to do so. Some degree of chauvinism is all right, but the Flamingos should be in a perfect position to ensure that it does never develop into disrespect. "
Tour organizer Ed de Moura Correia also contributed:
"The Flamingos have a good reputation in England, which is why we will play against the MCC and JP Getty XI. This also entails obligations and therefore the tour outfit consists of blue blazer and grey trousers. Flamingo members are expected to wear the Flamingo tie, others, their club tie. "
Practically uncontrollable
The future of the Flamingos continued to occupy minds in 1998 as well. To brainstorm about this, a select group met on 22 September. The immediate reason for the meeting was that the club had become practically unmanageable. Despite promises made at the start of the season, the work to be performed had only been partially implemented. "It would be a shame to let a unique club like De Flamingos die, but greater involvement of the members and good input from board members is certainly required," said Philip van Dok.
After many meetings devoted to this subject, the board came up with the following mission statement: 'The CTC De Flamingo's aims to promote the continuity and the level of cricket sport in the Netherlands by playing matches at home and abroad at the highest possible level, organizing events to promote cricket in general and to promote mutual friendship.
The members of De Flamingos always fulfill an exemplary function in and outside the field. Fair play, observing the etiquette of the game and respect for fellow players, opponents and umpires are of paramount importance and therefore contribute to a good mutual understanding between cricketers of different associations.
1999
It would therefore have shown some real daring, innovation and ambition if you had included the topic of "ladies’ cricket" in your mission and/or activity plan
The year of 1999 had only just begun when Eduard Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman addressed the board with a heartfelt cry. According to him, women's cricket is completely ignored. "It would therefore have shown some real daring, innovation and ambition if you had included the subject of "Ladies’ cricket’ in any form in your mission and/or activity plan."
The letter writer is apparently a bit shocked by his bold words, because immediately after this phrase, he stated that of course he does not mean that ladies can become members of De Flamingos, although he does not consider that should be impossible in the long term.
That his remarks do not completely fall on arid soil became clear on 3 September when, on the grass wicket of the Kon. UD a match took place between CTC De Flamingos and the Dutch women's team.
2000
We are not dissatisfied, and apparently several members also think that we have found our way up again
Women's membership of De Flamingo's appears to be a bridge too far, as can be read in the minutes of the board meeting of June 19, 2000. The minutes secretary states that in this respect the Flamingos can be compared with The Free Foresters and not with the MCC as Eduard Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman suggested in a letter sent in. The MCC must admit women, otherwise the government subsidy will be reversed. Conclusion: "At The Free Foresters, women's membership is not an issue at the moment and neither is it with us."
Fixtures Secretary Ed de Moura Correia received an honourable invitation as early as January 2000 to participate with a Flamingo team in the Nomadic Cricket Festival to be held in Oxford, from 7 to 11 August 2000. It is becoming very enticing because 'during this Festival club members will be able to mingle in historic Oxford surroundings. Those who drink, dine and stay in college will have no fear of breaking the drink, drive laws! Pembroke College, for instance, has a bar that holds 90 and, on a fine evening, drinks can be taken onto the picturesque lawns. "
You cannot refuse such an invitation, especially since there will be illustrious opponents such as I Zingari (1846), The Free Foresters (1856) and The Band of Brothers (1858),
Still, Philip van Dok has his reservations: "As far as the Oxford Festival is concerned, I am concerned about the numbers that we will have to be bring in to play. We will have to do the necessary to get sponsorship, otherwise the choice of participants is extremely limited. An early approach seems more than desirable."
That happens and that is how the name of De Flamingos proudly appears on the list of participants. Opponents: The Hampshire Hogs, The Stragglers of Asia, The Yorkshire Gentlemen and The South Wales Hunts.
The chairman of De Flamingos speaks in an interview with Cricket magazine about the “how and why” of his club. A few quotes:
"You could say that we profile ourselves through our attention to quality in and outside the field. Mind you, this is not old man talk. In my opinion, a cricketer simply has a great social responsibility. As much as it has sometimes become bon ton to stroll onto the field with a cigarette in the corner of the mouth and dressed in shorts with a fantasy motif, it bothers me. "
"Perhaps we sometimes give the impression to the outsider that we are very much looking in our own circle, but that is of course not the case. The Flamingos are spreading their wings at home and abroad. "
In a letter to secretary, Frank van der Weijden, Kees Bakker sheds light on current and past cricket in the Netherlands. After noting that limited over cricket is a great pleasure to watch and that fielding in the premier league has undeniably improved enormously, becoming much more athletic, he returns to his early years:
"In" my "time (here it goes again!) The newspapers and the radio gave previews and then extensive reports of the league games in the then 1st class. In this way, an audience was also reached that was not directly or actively involved in cricket.'' (It is, of course, ego-pleasing to hear, even while moving towards the new millennium, when total strangers: Oh, then Bakker discovered that they appear to be well acquainted with cricket in the 50s and 60s, had a good knowledge of the names of players at the time.)
Philip van Dok honorary member
In March 2000, Philip van Dok was unanimously nominated as an honorary member of De Flamingos. The lengthy "jury report" mentions that he kept the Flamingo ship afloat in difficult times and that, especially in the period 1994-1998, the Flamingo board and thus the entire association relied upon him. "If anyone lives up to the association's motto" Quality on and off the field ", then it is Philip," Wiebe Kloppenburg concludes the eulogy.
After an extremely critical letter from Jan Wilts, who finds that much if not everything should to be blamed for the Flamingos, chairman Wiebe Kloppenburg replies with dignity: 'We are not dissatisfied and together with us apparently a number of members also think that we have found our way up again. We have had two successful tours to England, eighteen enthusiastic new members, much younger and older still active players, sorting out the deplorable state of the finances, growing participation in our matches, introducing a number of new matches into our program, contacts with a number of new touring clubs in England these are just a few examples.”
2001
Fortunately, Maurits van Nierop is in top form. Especially because of his pruning 92, everything ends well for the Flamingos
The 2001 tour to England is undertaken with a mix of experienced, young and very young cricketers. There is only one victory to be noted, noting that in one case defeat is snatched from the jaws of victory. That was against The Privateers who, after scoring 199 for 7 themselves, got half a century from Teun Jansen Schoonhoven and Jelte Schoonheim. It turns out that it was not enough for The Flamingos, because the rest of the batsmen want to go for a win with huge swipes, which so often goes wrong. The only victory is against The Butterflies, a group made up of former students from Charterhouse, Eton, Harrow and Rugby. Although at these prestigious schools they should know about the precise content of the concept of sportsmanship, they give little evidence of it in the field. Fortunately, Maurits van Nierop is in top form. Especially because of his pruning 92, everything ends well for the Flamingos.
2002
Willem Glerum died
In 2002, Herman Wilhelm Glerum, one of the most striking figures in Flamingo history, died. Willem Glerum turned ninety years and 363 days and was a member of the Flamingos since 1928. He became an honourary member in 1971, after a remarkable career at national and international level.
2003
A good initiative was born with the "adoption" of the U23 team by the Flamingos
"The 2003 tour can be credited as the most successful in history," said Ed de Moura Correia in his report. Four of the five matches were won, a great achievement indeed and this with a team that mainly consisted of very youthful cricketers, although senior, René Schoonheim (58) was also not indifferent.
On August 10, 2006, Cricket magazine was pleased to announce that a partnership had been established between the KNCB and De Flamingos. The resulting U23 tour to England turns out to be a great success. For example, on the beautiful field of Charterhouse School, one of the larger private schools in England, the Free Foresters won, with a maiden century as noted by Lesley Stokkers (114 not out). KNCB chairman Marc Asselbergs praised: "A good initiative was born with the" adoption "of the U23 team by the Flamingos. We've seen a lot of good cricket: offensive batting, good bowling and sharp fielding. In the coming years, we plan to organize more of these tours and increasingly accompany promising players to England and gain experience. "
At the General Members' Meeting prior to the Gentleman's dinner on the 85th anniversary, Michiel Muller once again expressed what the Flamingos stand for: "We have always been the gateway to the Dutch top. We have the contacts and offer the possibilities to play good cricket. This must be used properly by the right people. "
2007
At that moment, only a few clubs were represented in all age groups
2007 is the year that The Flamingos play their first twenty20. On August 8, the Grij-Gle cup was played against VRA, the national champion of that moment. The Flamingos lose, partly due to Man of the Match Darren Murray's 67 runs. Everyone agrees afterwards that this first introduction to cricket can be said to be, shortest format successful.
A fine tradition is the game of The Flamingos against the Zamigos, but when it is played for the ninth time on Friday, August 31, 2007, The Flamingos were still
