As tradition, following on from Rob and Ian its my turn to make 1000!!!
I have been a member here for 2 years, and although I was shy and slow participating in it, I finally found my feet!
I first heard of APAT after my cousin Geo (Geosarge/George Dickson) said he was playing in the APAT Edinburgh in 2007, so I went along to rail him and find out more about it.
I had a fantastic time, and even then, met a few people from APAT and right away I was drawn to the friendliness of everyone.
My first event was Dublin in 2007. I sooo remember myself, I was shy and very very nervous to be playing Live in a field of so many players, I didn"t even last to the dinner break lol. It was great fun tho, and I met so many fab people during the weekend.
My best memory was Blackpool in 2008, when I won the UK Forum Championship, what a feeling, what support and what a buzz! What always comes to the forefront of my mind was the support, I have never ever experienced anything like it, and I met many new friends that weekend, including Harmony, Bain, Hawthornbantam and Caz. I am quite sure the hugs I received regularly off Ger (Duke) and MickyP telling me I could do it and wishing me the best of luck kept my confidence up, as well as the massive support I received from my team.
I also met Lou and Mike Saban through APAT, very dear friends to me and Lou is wonderful, my Best Friend and poker buddy.
Anyways I could go on and on about it but I won"t but I just want to say its a pleasure to be a part of APAT, a wonderful community of people, lots who I am honoured to call my friends, who have helped me overcome my lack of confidence and my shyness.
A huge thank you to the APAT organisers, Des, Tikay, Rich and every1 else who run these fantastic tournaments for the members as well as to Leigh, Ian and Neil for their running of the National Leagues, they do a superb job for each Division and, not forgetting the members, without whom there would not be this fantastic community of people.
I hope to play every single APAT tournament next year, thats the plan, but I look forward to a fair few tournaments left in Season 3.
Cheers
Mary
xxx
