West Indies 2009

West Indies 2009 represented Paragon coming full circle, returning to the venue of our first tour in March 2004. Since then, the Windies had hosted a World Cup - a tournament that wasn't without its critics - and Sir Allen Stamford had been revealed as a very dubious player in West Indies cricket.

Our first group jetted off to Antigua and stayed in the England team hotel, and readied themselves for watching cricket in one of the legacies of the World Cup - the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. I'd guess everyone knows what happened next: ten minutes' play and an abandoned Test match. Fortunately, the Antiguans put all hands to the pump to play at the ever-popular Antigua Recreation Ground and our guests enjoyed four days in the great old ground as England just failed to get the win they so desperately needed.

On to Barbados, where our bigger group arrived to complete the tour party. Tuffers produced an unforgettable performance at the karaoke - when he could nudge the tour manager from the mic! Barbados produced - as it always does - entertainment in spades, from the Oistins fish fry to Harbour Lights and the ever-popular St Lawrence Gap. Paragon's Ravi Bopara celebrated his ton with a Usain Bolt impression, but another flat track ensured another draw, and West Indies holding on to the 1-0 lead they picked up after our First Test collapse in Jamaica.

And so to Trinidad. A more industrial and less 'touristy' island, but fascinating nonetheless. Port of Spain served up some entertaining evenings out, as well as the odd wrong turn! But "The Avenue" was a superb venue and the cricket had a far better, more Caribbean atmosphere than Barbados. Joyous scenes met yet another draw, and the West Indies celebrated a series victory.

Here's what our guests had to say:

A wonderful tour as usual - thanks for some very amusing evenings & good nights out. I think a karaoke evening should be included in every future tour. Shame we couldn't make it a series draw, but at least we got to see plenty of 100s & a great last couple of sessions.
Lara MacCrimmon

A very enjoyable trip and well organised - thank you for your organisational efforts. It was a great pleasure meeting you, Phil and Dawn - all of you
worked hard and mixed well - a real bonus. I have plenty of photo's for you - feel free to pass my contact details on to the Digicel girls! An excellent trip.
David Tebbutt

Well, mate, we can honestly say that the tour package was way beyond our expectations. The Cricket experience was wonderful, the hotel, the events and the trips were all excellent and managed with a deft touch. Mr Phil Tufnell is a complete gentleman and he put the icing on the cake!!! We cannot rate our holiday higher, it was, quite simply, 'The Best Ever'. We will be back on tour with you just as soon as the Piggy Bank allows. THANKS.
Steve "Snoops" Taylor

Fantastic tour, really well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. I thought the administration from start to finish was excellent, always knew what was happening, where to be etc. The whole tour represented great value for money and I’d have no hesitation in recommending Paragon to anyone interested in a cricket tour of this nature.
Tim Powell

I had a great time and all credit to you Tuffers and Dawn for making it so enjoyable. The hotel was ideal - the only negative was that I thought Tuffers could have given me a bit more support with the dancing at Harbour Lights instead of exiting the stage left, very quickly......
Richard Shelley