Ian Hyde-Lay is a teacher who lives and works in Victoria, BC. He has been heavily involved in sport his entire life, as a player, coach, referee and administrator.
September 22, 2026. West of Paris. My wife and I enjoy a stroll in the picturesque town of Carriers-sur-Seine. Keen to get over any jet lag after a lengthy transatlantic flight. A bright sun shines above. The river sparkles. Tall grasses along the bank sway in the afternoon breeze. We pass a gentleman sitting alone on a bench. A gray cap sits atop a well lived in face. A light blue vest covers a collared shirt. Sleeves rolled up. Blue jeans. Hands, clasped together in his lap
March 2026. London, England. The house lights dim. The atmosphere swells. A sold out Royal Albert Hall readies for the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music. The finest military ensemble in the world, the Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, comes to life. For me at least, in what is a pulsating and stirring two hour performance, one particular offering stands out. Fronted by a brilliant alto sax player, the band produces a touching, heartfelt rendition of the iconic “I Will
