It was then that I spotted David Collier, international Hockey umpire and now CEO of England and Wales Cricket Board. He'd been taking a bit of stick about the cricket, and it's easy to remember how quickly the fortunes of a sport can rise and fall - and vice versa.
More concerning, when asked to present the player of the year award, was to find that two of my former history teacher's sons were in the shortlist of three. And there was Mr Mantell (never knew his first name) beaming proudly - hopefully at his sons, but probably thinking up his next essay assignment on crop rotation in Lower Tewkesbury, 1842-44.
It's good to be able to get back and mingle with sportsmen and women - some of whom will be there in 2012 - and to feel the enthusiasm for the Olympic project that still burns brightly.
But it was also good to remind them that they shouldn't sit on their hands and wait for things to be delivered wrapped in a ribbon: each and every sport needs to maximise the opportunity. After all it's a once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Cadging a lift home with England men's coach Jason Lee left me in no doubt that the players are being guided in the right direction - unlike the car, that took a wrong turn at Kingston.
Lee-boy used to be an entertaining room-mate and his car was no tidier than his room used to be, but he's keen to lead the squad through to 2012 and recognises the opportunity that it presents for the players and the sport. "Carpe Diem," said I. "Is that left or right at the lights?" said Leeboy.
