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09-Aug-07:
CONGRATULATIONS TO SHAUN - KATLINE & INDY
 Our
readers will remember my story of the magical wedding of Shaun Moxham and
Katline Cauwels on the 15th of July in Antwerp last year. This morning I
spoke to Shaun and heard the wonderful news that they have had their first
child. A baby boy called Maddox Moxham.
Both he and his mama are doing very well. He weighed 2.960kgs and was 50
cm long. Both Katline and the baby are fine.
An excited Shaun told me that baby Maddox has good balance and a great
right arm!!! This is one baby with a squash pedigree good enough to place
one of those long distance bets on - 2030 World Champion???
 He couldn't have a better coach.....................or parents.
I wish I could be in Antwerp to celebrate with them but I will catch up in
Bermuda at the World Open with my wife, daughter and David Palmer to enjoy
a glass or two of bubbly & have the opportunity to say a huge
congratulations from all of their friends on the tour.
One small disappointment - I was hoping it would be Maddox Robert but no
worries mate!!
The Voice of Squash
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 A
Royal Squash Wedding
Robert
Edwards goes to Belgium ... |
July 2006:
A Vision in Bermuda
 The
first time that I met Katline Cauwels was in Bermuda in 2004.
I was there with David Palmer and his friend/coach/mentor Shaun
Moxham to film the DVD of David’s remarkable career – the Making
of a World Champion.
We were firmly ensconced in the family home of Julian and
Shiobhan Rose.
 The
filming was done and we were poolside enjoying the fun and the sun
of Bermuda. Suddenly this vision appeared before me – Katline had
arrived to spend a few days holiday with Shaun.
Clearly she had spent a long time in the queue when good looks and
charm were handed out – but I was most impressed by her common sense
and her absolute “niceness” – Moxham had found a gem!!
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 Well
what can I say ...
I’ve known Katline for a long time but we only started dating
since the World Championships in Antwerp 2002 so I guess you
could say that I had a double victory there with David winning
the title and starting my relationship with Katline.
David was my best man as I was his just a few years ago so
that was great, especially since he flew from Australia just
for four days leaving his newly born daughter Kayla behind
with his wife Mel, a great effort from a great mate.
We got married in Katline’s home town of Antwerp which is
where we live now, we had great weather which is definitely
not the norm in Belgium and of course a great party.
Five hours after the party stopped we were on a plane to
America for a fantastic honeymoon in California, visited San
Francisco, Los Angeles, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
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Robert with Charlie de Rycke, 'and the beer she found for me!' |
Margaret, Joe and Sandy
Luc Mattens
 Luc
is famous in the squash world for doing thirteen years of PSA
events in Belgium. They grew from the smallest to the 2002 PSA
World Open in Antwerp.
I did all of the big events with him and can confirm from
experience what a colossus of a promoter and a wonderful man
Luc Mattens is.
Sandy & I joined them to catch up on the news & I hope that he
doesn’t mind me telling you that he was diagnosed with cancer
some time ago - many of us have said silent prayers for his
return to good health.
He was able to tell us that he is now in the clear – his
business is flying again and judging by the body language he
has found somebody who had been very important to him during
the bad times and now will share his future.
Ingrid is clearly a lady who has made a difference!! He ended
by inviting us for lunch the following day together with Joe
and Margaret.
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The Invitation
In the spring of this year our postman dropped the Wedding
Invitation through the door of my home in West Wales. Sandy and I
had been invited to their wedding planned for Saturday the 15th of
July in Antwerp.
David rang to say that we could stay with him for the visit – so
flights were booked.
David and Shaun give the normal Aussie bloke a bad reputation – for
two guys committed to the art of winning, they are also considerate
and thoughtful!! Sandy & I were met at Schipol Airport by the famous
duo and driven to Antwerp.
 A
four hour round trip at a time when Shaun was off his feet with the
preparations for his wedding and Dave had just arrived from
Australia. Thanks guys.
Our readers will remember my severe
gloating when Julian Rose and I had destroyed David and Shaun on the
golf course during the PSA Masters in Bermuda this year – obviously
they wanted some kind of perverse revenge.
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Locked in with Joe
That is when they showed their other side – Sandy and I were to
share David’s home with none other than the mighty Joe Shaw
and his lovely wife Margaret. Joe is an enormous personality
who could talk for the Australian nation!! Yes, even more than me!!
Locked in with Shaw for five days – wow!!
Five memorable days were to follow – we began with a marvellous BBQ.
at Shaun’s house. With Katline off with her mother, sister and
friends for a Hen Night, Moxham became mine host. What a host he was
– he became a catering dervish preparing for and serving about 20+
close friends. The drinks arrived as if by magic – the food was
excellent and the conversation easy, as I introduced Sandy to many
old friends whose lives had in some way or other touched mine on the
PSA circuit over the years.
All too soon Joe had me by the ear and I was frog marched to the car
and the journey home. That evening was the fore runner for some
special nights as we enjoyed a nightcap with Joe & Margaret. They
are so funny – Joe speaks like a machine gun. Full of stories and
Aussie humour and when he goes too far Margaret shuts him up with a
couple of chosen words. She is the perfect Sheila to his Crocodile
Dundee.
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The Wedding
Joe was scrubbed up by Margaret the next day and we set off for the
wedding - which was to take place in the magnificent Saint-Benedict
Church in Lillo. Built in the middle ages, the Church was a
wonderful setting for such a special day. The sun shone – everyone
was in their finery – smiles and laughter were the order of the day
– a perfect setting for a perfect couple.
Shaun sat with his best man, David and we all waited for the arrival
of the bride.
To the sound of “I don’t want to miss a thing” by Aerosmith –
Katline, a vision of loveliness, entered the Church on the arm of
her proud father, Freddy. Father Rene Dockx began the service
in Flemish & English.
The service was very touching – never more so than when Shaun and
Katline called Shaun’s young daughter, Indy, to their side to
be part of their wedding as she will be part of their future life
together.
The service ended to the strains of “A
beautiful day” by U2 and suddenly we were all outside in the cobbled
square and the flash lights started to pop.
After 20 years on the PSA tour it was a pleasure for me to find
myself with a group of young squash players just starting on the
trail to the top. Bradley Hindle, a young Australian who has
just based himself in Antwerp while he launches himself on the PSA
circuit. Rik Smet, a Belgian International, who was about to
leave for New Zealand to compete & the lovely Charlie de Rycke
who was leaving for Hong Kong. All of them impressed me with their
common sense as we discussed their hopes and aspirations. They were
so respectful & I especially liked the way that they found me a
couple of beers!!
Even Peter Pastijne, who until recently played the PSA tour,
was present in an organisational role – nice to see you again Peter
– even if you were late – nothing changes!!!!!
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The Reception
 That
night was the formal Wedding Party and Dinner at a sensational venue
called the Barcelona Meeting. It has a sumptuous indoor
setting and also boasts an impressive outside balcony that enjoys
panoramic views.
So many old and dear friends to hug and say hello to. My golf
partner Jules - The Rose of Bermuda had arrived with Siobhan and
their two beautiful daughters. Then I spotted the rocket fuelled
Erik Van de Pluym and his equally supercharged wife Jet.
You will remember Erik as an ex. top Dutch player who now has a
successful Squash Centre in Maastrricht. His energies also encompass
being a PSA Promoter. One who is very respected by all of the
players for the way he treats them at his events. More kisses and
hugs before I spot a special man called Luc Mattens & his
girlfriend Ingrid.
More old friends to meet before Joe, Margaret, Sandy and I find a
table out on the balcony. The drinks flowed and so did the stories.
We were joined by others interested to hear two old men indulging
themselves with stories & anecdotes of all our yesterdays in the
squash world!!
A marvellous day was to come to an end as I felt Joe’s fingers on my
ear and I knew it was time for home and another nightcap!!
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The Honeymoon
The next day Luc & Ingrid took Sandy, Joe, Margaret and I for lunch.
Joe summed it up when he said in his broad Australian tones –
“that’s the best bloody restaurant I have ever been to!!!” But I
think it was more than the ambience and the food – it was the
company and the care of our hosts. Thank you Luc & Ingrid.
The next day Shaun and Katline flew to America for their honeymoon –
David flew back to Aussie to be with Melinda and their new baby
girl, Kayla. It was nice to have Dave telling me about his new
daughter – another father who has clearly fallen under a daughters
spell. Congratulations to David and the lovely Melinda.
Sandy and I were left to enjoy a couple of extra fun filled days
with Joe and Margaret – and to thank Katline’s parents, Freddy and
Danielle for a marvellous wedding celebration. Never have
guests/friends been so cared for.
We are back home now and I am preparing to leave for the Al Ahram
World Open in Cairo next week, where I will meet up again with the
groom and his best man. The memories are still vivid – it was an
unforgettable wedding – planned with extraordinary attention to fine
detail.
The Bride was beautiful and the sun shone.
It was wonderful to see old friends – and to make new ones. And I
feel safe now ……………with Joe 10,000 miles away in Aussie!!! Give him
hell Margaret.
The
Voice of Squash |
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