Lister

By Kenneth Praefke
Translation Søren Petersen

A giant score board on one of the walls inside the pavilion keeps track of the comprehensive score. Team Passion holds the lead before the tournament’s last day. “The essence of Roskilde is to have a good time with sports among friends”, Jonas explains, while he carefully swings a golf club back and forth. A handful of well dressed gentlemen in sand-coloured pants, polo shirts and striped waistcoats are moving around in the background, some of them with rackets and others with golf clubs. It’s all about sports and beers.

The Country Club was actually modelled on the British example. It consists of four teams with four gentlemen on each and a judge. They compete in several noble sports and the final is decided on ‘beer-bowling’, a classic at Roskilde Festival.

“Fancy a fencing duel with me?”

When the tournament is finished, the camp continues to challenge other festival-goers. The girls opposite the club have already been challenged for a game of beer-billiards.

Inside the pavilion three girls are sitting by themselves watching the well-dressed gentlemen. “They are gentlemen, so we always get a chair”, Line notices. “The camp is always full of girls”, Jonas brags. The sport and the nice outfits draw the attention of the ladies. Even though no girls actually live in the camp, there are always girls visiting. “The ladies love it”.

“Fancy a fencing duel with me?” a member in chequered pants, polo shirt and grey waistcoat asks. Another member accepts the challenge.

Scotch and Earl Grey

Like in a genuine British country club they have a well-assorted supply of British beverages. First there is the Earl Grey tea. And then a Grant’s whiskey is presented to the circle of club members. After thorough smelling the gentlemen shake the honey coloured fluid well around in the glass.

“We are above the mob”, Gustav says with affectation: “We are gentlemen”. He makes a gesture and puffs on his pipe.

Finally the challenge trophy is presented. It has the name ‘Camp Country Club’ engraved in it. On the day of the final it will be decided, which team brings the trophy home. But first the gentlemen must drink scotch from trophy. And if there’s anything left, the trophy must be handed on. After all, they are gentlemen.