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On the week end of 25th to 27th February, Dennis Stones travelled to Paris to lead an ECC Introductory Umpiring Course and Examination.

There were nine participants including one who had travelled from Italy to attend as well as the captain of the French National team! Everybody got themselves involved and there were lively discussions, particularly about penalty runs and player behaviour. The general view was that it was a pity penalty runs were not used to correct bad behaviour and Dennis was asked to toddle along to Lords and put the matter right! Any language problems were ably handled by David Rhodes of the French Umpires Association who smoothed over the sometimes heated discussions that took place.

During Saturday and Sunday the course was visited by a film crew who were shooting a documentary. This is to be shown in France with the intention of raising the profile of the game. Dennis was asked to explain cricket in precisely two minutes which rather took him aback. However, he tried and the result seemed to please the director. They also filmed some of the course including the interaction between the students and instructor. Everybody played their part though one or two did ham it up!

Dennis was well looked after by David Rhodes who stayed late in the evening and this was very much appreciated by Dennis as he was never left at a loose end.