A friend writes:I agree with you wholeheartedly. The political apathy in this country distresses me immensely,particularly when people were prepared to die because they believed in democracy so strongly.
However, I would like to make 2 points: The American system of government was borne out of a tension between the smaller and larger states, when the constitution was being codified. The smaller states felt that if all federal government bodies were elected by size or population of state, their interests would be completely ignored or overruled - hence the two-chamber system, whereby one house, (the Senate) sees each state elect the same number of Senators, regardless of size, population, etc. The other house - the House of Representatives sees each state return a different number of representatives dependent upon, (if I remember correctly) their population. (When this was being debated in the late 18th Century, states which had large populations of slaves were also worried they would lose out as they had fewer
'voting' members of the population, which led to the despicable '2/3rds' idea.)
Voting, and the civic activity that surrounds this, is something that is embedded in Americans - they vote for many, many local civic positions - I think some towns even vote for their dog-catcher. This is not something we do in this country.
Local politics in the UK also has something of an image problem - people do not know what powers their local or county councils hold, and do not know where to find out. It's also perceived as an area that only 'local busybodies' get on their high horse about - or care enough to stand. People are not aware of the day-to-day impact of local councils etc, so are often unwilling to vote. These are not my feels, but issues we discussed at great length during my degree studies. Admittedly, this is going back 7 or 8 years, so may be out of date. However, I fear the apathy has just got worse.
A parting shot: perhaps it is the 'winner takes all' nature of our 'first past the post' electoral system that puts people off: If you live in an area that is dominated by one particular party, which you don't want to represent you, does your vote for a candidate who stands so little chance of winner, actually count or make any kind of difference? Should we change our electoral system?
This was written as a comment by a young friend but sent to me elsewhere. I reproduce it here because it adds to my argument re Civic activity, which I intend expanding in the next few postings.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Localism
A friend commented on my previous posting about reducing the number of MPs to 430 by saying that the USA number is underpinned by a whole system of federalism and therefore my suggestion might not be workable in our situation.
My reply is slow in coming as it has been bubbling away in my head for some considerable time. It is still at the incomplete fermenting stage but it is supported by reading "Thatcher & Sons: A Revolution in Three Acts" (winner, Channel 4 political book of the year 2007) by Simon Jenkins (published by Penguin).Simon Jenkins writes twice weekly for the Guardian and weekly for the Sunday Times. He has been editor of both The Times and the Evening Standard. In 1995 he chaired the Commission on Local Democracy and published "Accountable to None:The Tory Nationalisation of Britain".
In "Thatcher & Sons: A Revolution in Three Acts" he looks at the political legacy of Margaret Thatcher and her "true heirs", John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He argues that they have utterly transformed Britain in the process to leave us where we are now "prosperous but perplexed, spoilt for 'Choice' but less and less equal, infantilized by targets, drowning in bureaucracy and bombarded by spin."
In the book he states my principal mantra and creed, "Localism is the stuff of politics" (page 306). I am against centralism and the view that Britain is a "unitary welfare state, politically monolithic and administratively homogeneous" (page 307). I believe centralism has brought about the collapse of British public life and is one of the prime reasons for the British apathy at the polling booth. I cringe when I read in the newspaper of voters threatening to withhold their vote at the coming elections because of the MP expenses scandal. It seems to me that this puts the protester with the majority who don't vote anyway and therefore negates their protest completely. I believe less than 40% actually vote and that figure might even be optimistic.
My call for the reduction in the number of MPs has therefore to be reconciled with my belief that the whole business of government needs decentralising and we need to return to "localism" to re-empower the voter. We need to look at other societies for some ideas of how to recapture local government from the grasp of central government. "A citizen of a typical American suburb or small town might expect to devote a night a week to some civic activity" and "80% of Germans can name their local mayor." (Jenkins, page 308). Both these ideas, "Civic activity" and "name the mayor", would stump the local voter here in my own area. I will return to both ideas in later postings as both are key planks in my own small but persistent political awakening.
My reply is slow in coming as it has been bubbling away in my head for some considerable time. It is still at the incomplete fermenting stage but it is supported by reading "Thatcher & Sons: A Revolution in Three Acts" (winner, Channel 4 political book of the year 2007) by Simon Jenkins (published by Penguin).Simon Jenkins writes twice weekly for the Guardian and weekly for the Sunday Times. He has been editor of both The Times and the Evening Standard. In 1995 he chaired the Commission on Local Democracy and published "Accountable to None:The Tory Nationalisation of Britain".
In "Thatcher & Sons: A Revolution in Three Acts" he looks at the political legacy of Margaret Thatcher and her "true heirs", John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He argues that they have utterly transformed Britain in the process to leave us where we are now "prosperous but perplexed, spoilt for 'Choice' but less and less equal, infantilized by targets, drowning in bureaucracy and bombarded by spin."
In the book he states my principal mantra and creed, "Localism is the stuff of politics" (page 306). I am against centralism and the view that Britain is a "unitary welfare state, politically monolithic and administratively homogeneous" (page 307). I believe centralism has brought about the collapse of British public life and is one of the prime reasons for the British apathy at the polling booth. I cringe when I read in the newspaper of voters threatening to withhold their vote at the coming elections because of the MP expenses scandal. It seems to me that this puts the protester with the majority who don't vote anyway and therefore negates their protest completely. I believe less than 40% actually vote and that figure might even be optimistic.
My call for the reduction in the number of MPs has therefore to be reconciled with my belief that the whole business of government needs decentralising and we need to return to "localism" to re-empower the voter. We need to look at other societies for some ideas of how to recapture local government from the grasp of central government. "A citizen of a typical American suburb or small town might expect to devote a night a week to some civic activity" and "80% of Germans can name their local mayor." (Jenkins, page 308). Both these ideas, "Civic activity" and "name the mayor", would stump the local voter here in my own area. I will return to both ideas in later postings as both are key planks in my own small but persistent political awakening.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Victory for the Gurkhas
At midday today, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made the announcement to the House of Commons that all ex-Gurkhas who have served more than 4 years in the British Army will have the right to settle in the UK if they wish.This is what the Gurkha Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years.
After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, this is a superb announcement.
We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign. To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.
The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support. I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team.
The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.
I received this from Joanna Lumley today.
After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, this is a superb announcement.
We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign. To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.
The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support. I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team.
The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.
I received this from Joanna Lumley today.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FA Cup Reorganised
Again this isn't an original idea of mine but rather one that I would like to throw what little petulant force I have behind it.
The FA Cup is a great British tradition of allowing the minnows to take on the giants. I followed with pride and great emotion the progress of the Havant and Waterlooville Hawks in last year's campaign and especially that wonderful match at Anfield. In many ways that summed up the magic of the FA Cup. Indeed Portsmouth, not exactly a minnow but not exactly a giant, went on to win the cup!
However this year the FA Cup has been tarnished by some of the big clubs fielding reserve sides in the competition as their priorities are winning the Premiership or the European Championship or one of the other minor Cup tournaments. This devalues the FA Cup and the following proposal is an attempt to redress that situation. It is also an idea that might boost the chances of English footballers and ultimately the England team.
The proposal is that the FA Cup is seen as a British or English competition. I am not being insular here as I realise that lots of foreign players come here for the opportunity to play in the FA Cup, however I think they are well recompensed by the size of their fees and salaries. The Football Association must insist that all teams entered in the competition must field teams that consist of at least seven or eight English or British players. I realise that will create some fun as to who will qualify as what (see recent international qualification arguments for individual players and countries) but that wouldn't be a major concern. It would also leave a little leeway for those foreign players mentioned above. It would also give the FA a more hands on approach to their own major competition.
Most of the minnows already would qualify for the above proportion of English players to foreign (although sadly even here this situation is in decline - foreign players are cheaper!). Most of the giants could do it using the size of their squads and including their reserves and academies. This is the sort of approach they take now if they want to throw the match in the later stages of the contest when reassessing their priorities.However they wouldn't be doing it for their own purposes but because the rules of the competition require them to so do. It would also put all the giants in the same position rather than one choosing to lose to another. It would also level the playing field a little more for the minnows.
I can imagine the cries of horror that will go up from the giants as they will claim that the public will be horrified that such and such a star will not be able to appear. However all they have to do is carefully choose which of their stars will appear and will be cup=tied. I believe that after a general bit of upheaval and kerfuffle the public will like the more level playing field provided by the new rules, will like the breaking of the monopoly held by the top half dozen clubs, and will like the rise of new and upcoming English or British stars.
These English or British players will also experience the spotlight thrown upon them by such a prestigious competition and will be able to make a bid for places in the international squads. After all the European Cup and the World Cup are more akin to the FA Cup than they are to attrition of a over long Premiership campaign. I also believe national sponsors will be more than willing to support such a competition and of course the voracious monster that is television will equally devour the new aspects of the competition.
The FA Cup for the British!
The FA Cup is a great British tradition of allowing the minnows to take on the giants. I followed with pride and great emotion the progress of the Havant and Waterlooville Hawks in last year's campaign and especially that wonderful match at Anfield. In many ways that summed up the magic of the FA Cup. Indeed Portsmouth, not exactly a minnow but not exactly a giant, went on to win the cup!
However this year the FA Cup has been tarnished by some of the big clubs fielding reserve sides in the competition as their priorities are winning the Premiership or the European Championship or one of the other minor Cup tournaments. This devalues the FA Cup and the following proposal is an attempt to redress that situation. It is also an idea that might boost the chances of English footballers and ultimately the England team.
The proposal is that the FA Cup is seen as a British or English competition. I am not being insular here as I realise that lots of foreign players come here for the opportunity to play in the FA Cup, however I think they are well recompensed by the size of their fees and salaries. The Football Association must insist that all teams entered in the competition must field teams that consist of at least seven or eight English or British players. I realise that will create some fun as to who will qualify as what (see recent international qualification arguments for individual players and countries) but that wouldn't be a major concern. It would also leave a little leeway for those foreign players mentioned above. It would also give the FA a more hands on approach to their own major competition.
Most of the minnows already would qualify for the above proportion of English players to foreign (although sadly even here this situation is in decline - foreign players are cheaper!). Most of the giants could do it using the size of their squads and including their reserves and academies. This is the sort of approach they take now if they want to throw the match in the later stages of the contest when reassessing their priorities.However they wouldn't be doing it for their own purposes but because the rules of the competition require them to so do. It would also put all the giants in the same position rather than one choosing to lose to another. It would also level the playing field a little more for the minnows.
I can imagine the cries of horror that will go up from the giants as they will claim that the public will be horrified that such and such a star will not be able to appear. However all they have to do is carefully choose which of their stars will appear and will be cup=tied. I believe that after a general bit of upheaval and kerfuffle the public will like the more level playing field provided by the new rules, will like the breaking of the monopoly held by the top half dozen clubs, and will like the rise of new and upcoming English or British stars.
These English or British players will also experience the spotlight thrown upon them by such a prestigious competition and will be able to make a bid for places in the international squads. After all the European Cup and the World Cup are more akin to the FA Cup than they are to attrition of a over long Premiership campaign. I also believe national sponsors will be more than willing to support such a competition and of course the voracious monster that is television will equally devour the new aspects of the competition.
The FA Cup for the British!
Pay Them More!
This isn't entirely original but one way of avoiding the MPs' expenses farce or debacle is to pay them more so they don't need to put in expenses' claims. By so doing we accept that the role they play in our parliamentary democracy is of great importance and that we downplay it at our peril. Newspapers love to dig up dirt about our representatives and then to cluck in disapproval. The parliamentary expenses system seems to offer them easy targets. I don't like the idea that the system is being misused but I don't like the ammunition it provides for newspaper proprietors and editors to lay into our admittedly imperfect system, and its too human participants, to make us doubt our own democracy. What would they propose we replace our democracy with?
Don't get me wrong here. I am pissed off with my parliamentary representatives as much as the next man as I think they are in danger of devaluing our system by providing such easy targets for the newspapers and media. I do think part of the problem is the ability of prime ministers to hang on to power until they judge the moment is propitious for a general election. I believe we should insist on exact terms or periods of office - so if a government is elected on the 7th May one year, we all know that the next general election is the 7th May five years hence. This would prevent or at least limit the media attacks on a "dying duck" government in an attempt to bring pressure on a prime minister to call an election. It seems to me that the pressure must have the reverse effect.
I am also pissed off with the "presidential" nature of our government. I don't think our prime minister should be the all powerful "president" of our government but rather the head of a coherent cabinet of like minded and strong individuals. The government should not stand or fall by the likes of Gordon Brown or David Cameron. There is too much trying to make them the equal of Obama for goodness sake, but the Americans run a different democratic system to us. Their system was built upon the hopes and dreams of disenfranchised Englishmen ( and I do believe there is a case to be argued to bring the American revolution back home but that is a different issue from the one being argued here). We mustn't boost the role of the prime minister so he can go and talk on equal status with the USA President. Rather he goes as the representative of a strong and independent nation of some 60 million plus. This brings me back to the status of our other parliamentary representatives and the raising of their salaries to end any reliance upon expense claims or daily attendance allowances or whatever other rot is proposed instead.
Now I know I am going to be asked how can this be paid for? I do have an answer but I would first like to remind readers we are a strong, independent and incredibly wealthy nation. Even in a recession, when those three adjectives come under attack, we still qualify as all three.
I am pissed off (today's expression I fear) about our treatment of the Gurkhas and feel we as a nation have a debt of honour. To hear Phil Woolas trying to mealy-mouth (is that a verb?) his way out of any agreements by saying we must look at the financial costs and implications annoys me. A government that can find billions and billions of funding when they need it can spare a few millions of our money in a matter of national honour and pride.
How will I pay for the increase in salary to our MPs? At the moment we have 646 MPs or one MP for every 92000 people or 68000 electors: 529 for the English (population 50 million), and 117 for the Britons (population 9.75 million). One also needs to add in the fact that the Britons all have their devolved assemblies of their own. I admit the powers to those assemblies are restricted by Westminster but still those assemblies do exist.These numbers will change slightly in 2010, when 4 more English MPs will come into existence while the Britons stay the same, but all that does is increase the total number to 650.
My proposal would be to reduce the number of parliamentary representatives not to increase them as seems the current trend. My suggestion would be reduce the number to 430, thereby cutting 220. This cut would go some way to financing the raise in salary for the new number. The 430 would consist of 360 English MPs and 70 Britons. This would slightly increase the English representation from 81.8% to 83.7%.
In order to do this each MP would have to represent 138967 people or approx 102715 electors. This would mean the end to some historical constituencies and I do love tradition. It would also reduce the Labour strongholds in Briton and possibly enhance the Conservative ones. There are drawbacks to my proposal and I haven't been able to think through them all but doggone it I think it's worth a thought or two!
Don't get me wrong here. I am pissed off with my parliamentary representatives as much as the next man as I think they are in danger of devaluing our system by providing such easy targets for the newspapers and media. I do think part of the problem is the ability of prime ministers to hang on to power until they judge the moment is propitious for a general election. I believe we should insist on exact terms or periods of office - so if a government is elected on the 7th May one year, we all know that the next general election is the 7th May five years hence. This would prevent or at least limit the media attacks on a "dying duck" government in an attempt to bring pressure on a prime minister to call an election. It seems to me that the pressure must have the reverse effect.
I am also pissed off with the "presidential" nature of our government. I don't think our prime minister should be the all powerful "president" of our government but rather the head of a coherent cabinet of like minded and strong individuals. The government should not stand or fall by the likes of Gordon Brown or David Cameron. There is too much trying to make them the equal of Obama for goodness sake, but the Americans run a different democratic system to us. Their system was built upon the hopes and dreams of disenfranchised Englishmen ( and I do believe there is a case to be argued to bring the American revolution back home but that is a different issue from the one being argued here). We mustn't boost the role of the prime minister so he can go and talk on equal status with the USA President. Rather he goes as the representative of a strong and independent nation of some 60 million plus. This brings me back to the status of our other parliamentary representatives and the raising of their salaries to end any reliance upon expense claims or daily attendance allowances or whatever other rot is proposed instead.
Now I know I am going to be asked how can this be paid for? I do have an answer but I would first like to remind readers we are a strong, independent and incredibly wealthy nation. Even in a recession, when those three adjectives come under attack, we still qualify as all three.
I am pissed off (today's expression I fear) about our treatment of the Gurkhas and feel we as a nation have a debt of honour. To hear Phil Woolas trying to mealy-mouth (is that a verb?) his way out of any agreements by saying we must look at the financial costs and implications annoys me. A government that can find billions and billions of funding when they need it can spare a few millions of our money in a matter of national honour and pride.
How will I pay for the increase in salary to our MPs? At the moment we have 646 MPs or one MP for every 92000 people or 68000 electors: 529 for the English (population 50 million), and 117 for the Britons (population 9.75 million). One also needs to add in the fact that the Britons all have their devolved assemblies of their own. I admit the powers to those assemblies are restricted by Westminster but still those assemblies do exist.These numbers will change slightly in 2010, when 4 more English MPs will come into existence while the Britons stay the same, but all that does is increase the total number to 650.
My proposal would be to reduce the number of parliamentary representatives not to increase them as seems the current trend. My suggestion would be reduce the number to 430, thereby cutting 220. This cut would go some way to financing the raise in salary for the new number. The 430 would consist of 360 English MPs and 70 Britons. This would slightly increase the English representation from 81.8% to 83.7%.
In order to do this each MP would have to represent 138967 people or approx 102715 electors. This would mean the end to some historical constituencies and I do love tradition. It would also reduce the Labour strongholds in Briton and possibly enhance the Conservative ones. There are drawbacks to my proposal and I haven't been able to think through them all but doggone it I think it's worth a thought or two!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Paternal Pride!
Below is the link to the News review of "Closer", in which the reviewer refers in glowing terms to the performance of Alice Corrigan as Anna:
"http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/entertainment/Review-Closer.5202520.jp"
Please forgive a father's pride in his younger daughter but the review says everything about the performance that I and her mother saw last night and were unable to express. Comic timing allied with purity of characterisation and emotional depth contributes to a stunning performance! Well done, Kitten!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7174256@N03/sets/72157617196543832/
link to some stunning rehearsal photos by Finchy!
"http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/entertainment/Review-Closer.5202520.jp"
Please forgive a father's pride in his younger daughter but the review says everything about the performance that I and her mother saw last night and were unable to express. Comic timing allied with purity of characterisation and emotional depth contributes to a stunning performance! Well done, Kitten!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7174256@N03/sets/72157617196543832/
link to some stunning rehearsal photos by Finchy!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Welcome to Pompey, Theofanis Gekas
Gekas had a very quiet game, in last night's reserve game (only Primus known name) against West Ham, at West Leigh, as he got very poor service. The wingers (Nlundulu and Alors) weren't up to the task and didn't get enough decent crosses in. He isn't a big bloke but got to some headers he shouldn't have. The midfield (Hurst and Mahoto) seemed to prefer to shoot wildly, rather than pass into the box. He really had very few chances until the 93rd minute when he took a long punt out of defence (Wilkinson continues to impress), swivelled, took it through three defenders to the edge of the box and hit a rasping volley diagonally into the top far corner of the net past a desperately diving goalkeeper. It was a clean and impeccable goal. It was a chance he made personally and took really well. In my opinion he should be played up alongside Crouch and drop Nugent. He won't put in the work of Nugent but he is no slacker and given the sniff of a chance is likely to bury the ball. With some of the chances Nugent as had recently this bloke wouldn't have missed.He looks balanced and difficult to knock off the ball - he is more Maradonna than Henry!
Without Kranjcar and Kaboul, Pompey will have to revert to Johnson and Pennant on right and Herminator and Belhadj on left. With Davis and Basinas in middle, Gekas could be the man supporting Crouch or Kanu to snatch the all important single goal. It doesn't look like he will be playing at Old Trafford, unless last night was to shake off the cobwebs, but against Newcastle and other rivals in relegation battle, he could be the deciding factor and well worth the trial!
Without Kranjcar and Kaboul, Pompey will have to revert to Johnson and Pennant on right and Herminator and Belhadj on left. With Davis and Basinas in middle, Gekas could be the man supporting Crouch or Kanu to snatch the all important single goal. It doesn't look like he will be playing at Old Trafford, unless last night was to shake off the cobwebs, but against Newcastle and other rivals in relegation battle, he could be the deciding factor and well worth the trial!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
We Won!
No not a cry of joy that Pompey sneaked a one goal victory over close rivals Bolton but that the Bench theatre won the quarter finals of the Southern Division of the All England Theatre Festival. Further details can be found on my sister page, Bench Hamlet 2008 (See link to the Right).
Friday, April 10, 2009
The distance in metres?
The Firstborn finally got me on the first of our monthly walks around Hampshire as part of my training for the Great France walk. Trying to fit them in on Sundays around the plethora of family events and rehearsals for a huge range of different productions is no mean feat!
However we settled on a circular walk from Hambledon to the Bat and Ball pub, the cradle of cricket. This is officially a walk of six miles, which distance both the Firstborn and I can do easily enough. The terrain is easy going and the weather was lovely, indeed perfect for walking. We had the Hampshire version of a topo-guide with a description of the walk and points of interest. We also had a Pathfinder map, which I had used on previous occasions to mark in other circular walks recommended by the News columnist, John Price. We set off confidently and well, but had one hiccup finding the footpath across a field to a stile just before Hermitage Farm. We managed to find the stile and the farm, but, having passed the farm, we made our major bloomer. This doesn't presage well for the 1800 kilometres of the Great France Walk but I have no idea mentally or physically what 800 metres feels or looks like!
i am about to digress here for a moment, before returning to the problem we encountered on the walk. I visit B& Q on Wednesdays quite frequently these days, as I have a senior discount card, which gives me 10% off. It also seems the entire elderly or retired population of most of Hampshire do the same. This particular Wednesday I went to buy fence panels. I have already replaced the easily accessible ones to the east of my property, but have decided that the west could do with replacement as well, and hopefully in time for the 60th birthday celebrations of the Best Beloved in the first May weekend. Despite her reservations I went for the whole number in one go with a delivery date giving me two weeks to put the fence panels up. I measured up the task carefully: I needed them all to have the same width but three different heights of 1.2 metres, 1.5 metres and 1.8 metres. This took some mental arithmetic and careful measuring I can tell you but armed with my piece of paper I arrived at B&Q ready for the task. There were insufficient numbers of fence panels on display but I had needed to waylay a young assistant anyway to put my order in. He talked about the number of 6 x 4 I needed, and one 6 x 5, and one 6 x 6. You, intelligent reader, are probably already ahead of me on this one, but I really had difficulty equating what he was saying with my piece of paper. In the end, as we were finalising the order and delivery date, I asked him what measurements was he using. He replied, of course, that he was using imperial - 6ft by 4ft, etc, and instantly I could see the fence panel dimensions in my head and see how the three different sizes correlated. I asked him why he was using imperial when I had spent a lifetime and several tough minutes calculating this particular order in metric. His reply was simple - this was senior Wednesday and most of the clients felt easier with imperial. The moral of my tale is that I could visualise six feet so much easier than its metric equivalent.
Back to the walk. The Firstborn and I were looking for a path to the north, or on our left, at approximately 800 metres after Hermitage Farm. We had travelled 200 metres when we saw a couple of walkers coming down a path to our left and decided quite erroneously that this was the path we sought. We then discovered ourselves at odds with the topo-guide, which promised us a whole series of stiles, which of course we couldn't find, because we were some 600 metres to the west of them. Others might have turned back and retraced their steps, but there is a stubborn Corrigan streak, that at times can be a virtue, but at other times is less so. We eventually found tracks and paths northwards, even though they bore no comforting footpath signposts. My suggestion to cut across fields eastwards, in what I knew was the direction of the pub, were quite correctly turned down by the Firstborn ( she seems to have inherited her mother's quality of common sense and the ability to ignore my inarticulate grumblings). However our sojourn north finally brought us to HMS Mercury, which is some considerable distance north west of the Bat and Ball pub! When we finally arrived at the pub, I calculated the distance we had covered so far on our walk, by using the Pathfinder map. We had intended to do a six mile walk in total, but had already covered seven and a half miles, and had another four miles to get us back to the car at Hambledon! The lunch at the Bat and Ball, and the meeting with Peter Brown and his lovely wife (also having lunch at the pub after a stroll up from Horndean), did not really recompense for the doubling of the walk.
At this rate of misguided navigation, I am more likely to hit the Adriatic than the Mediterranean on the Great France walk.
However we settled on a circular walk from Hambledon to the Bat and Ball pub, the cradle of cricket. This is officially a walk of six miles, which distance both the Firstborn and I can do easily enough. The terrain is easy going and the weather was lovely, indeed perfect for walking. We had the Hampshire version of a topo-guide with a description of the walk and points of interest. We also had a Pathfinder map, which I had used on previous occasions to mark in other circular walks recommended by the News columnist, John Price. We set off confidently and well, but had one hiccup finding the footpath across a field to a stile just before Hermitage Farm. We managed to find the stile and the farm, but, having passed the farm, we made our major bloomer. This doesn't presage well for the 1800 kilometres of the Great France Walk but I have no idea mentally or physically what 800 metres feels or looks like!
i am about to digress here for a moment, before returning to the problem we encountered on the walk. I visit B& Q on Wednesdays quite frequently these days, as I have a senior discount card, which gives me 10% off. It also seems the entire elderly or retired population of most of Hampshire do the same. This particular Wednesday I went to buy fence panels. I have already replaced the easily accessible ones to the east of my property, but have decided that the west could do with replacement as well, and hopefully in time for the 60th birthday celebrations of the Best Beloved in the first May weekend. Despite her reservations I went for the whole number in one go with a delivery date giving me two weeks to put the fence panels up. I measured up the task carefully: I needed them all to have the same width but three different heights of 1.2 metres, 1.5 metres and 1.8 metres. This took some mental arithmetic and careful measuring I can tell you but armed with my piece of paper I arrived at B&Q ready for the task. There were insufficient numbers of fence panels on display but I had needed to waylay a young assistant anyway to put my order in. He talked about the number of 6 x 4 I needed, and one 6 x 5, and one 6 x 6. You, intelligent reader, are probably already ahead of me on this one, but I really had difficulty equating what he was saying with my piece of paper. In the end, as we were finalising the order and delivery date, I asked him what measurements was he using. He replied, of course, that he was using imperial - 6ft by 4ft, etc, and instantly I could see the fence panel dimensions in my head and see how the three different sizes correlated. I asked him why he was using imperial when I had spent a lifetime and several tough minutes calculating this particular order in metric. His reply was simple - this was senior Wednesday and most of the clients felt easier with imperial. The moral of my tale is that I could visualise six feet so much easier than its metric equivalent.
Back to the walk. The Firstborn and I were looking for a path to the north, or on our left, at approximately 800 metres after Hermitage Farm. We had travelled 200 metres when we saw a couple of walkers coming down a path to our left and decided quite erroneously that this was the path we sought. We then discovered ourselves at odds with the topo-guide, which promised us a whole series of stiles, which of course we couldn't find, because we were some 600 metres to the west of them. Others might have turned back and retraced their steps, but there is a stubborn Corrigan streak, that at times can be a virtue, but at other times is less so. We eventually found tracks and paths northwards, even though they bore no comforting footpath signposts. My suggestion to cut across fields eastwards, in what I knew was the direction of the pub, were quite correctly turned down by the Firstborn ( she seems to have inherited her mother's quality of common sense and the ability to ignore my inarticulate grumblings). However our sojourn north finally brought us to HMS Mercury, which is some considerable distance north west of the Bat and Ball pub! When we finally arrived at the pub, I calculated the distance we had covered so far on our walk, by using the Pathfinder map. We had intended to do a six mile walk in total, but had already covered seven and a half miles, and had another four miles to get us back to the car at Hambledon! The lunch at the Bat and Ball, and the meeting with Peter Brown and his lovely wife (also having lunch at the pub after a stroll up from Horndean), did not really recompense for the doubling of the walk.
At this rate of misguided navigation, I am more likely to hit the Adriatic than the Mediterranean on the Great France walk.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Grand France Walk
I am delighted to say I have already had the offer of one walking companion - cheers. Pedthered! The offers may increase as my plans are made clearer in this blog. I don't seem to have posted for ages and can only really blame the sunshine. Weak and pale it might be and the wind can be freezing at times but oh how pleased I am to see the sun. So much pleased to see the sun that I have been working in the garden!
Besides working in the garden I have been sitting in the garden sheltered from the wind and reading "And Did Those Feet" by Charley Connelly. This is a wonderfully satisfying and witty book about Charley doing several long distance walks in the UK along trails taken by famous historical characters, Boadicea, Saxon Harald, Mary Queen of Scots, to name but three. This is a marvellous intertwining of history and walking.
In the light of my planned Grand France Walk (see previous postings - 1100 miles from the Channel coast to the Mediterranean cote)I am fascinated by the whole book but particularly by his early chapters on walking itself. This quote is from page 8:
There can surely be no better way to ease your way to a healthier mind and body than by walking. It's leisurely. it's good for you, it's easy. You don't need any special equipment*; you don't meed any particular skills or training. Walking is a scandalously under-rated and ill-appreciated human trait. (C) Charley Connelly.
The asterisk * is my addition to the quaote because by page 15 Charley does adjust that statement to: you do need "the right equipment" and he cites "chafing" as been one of the main reasons. My own personal painful experience backs up this comment.
Charley quotes other great minds who equate walking with thinking. Many was the time I was trapped in meetings with colleagues or with the head teacher and I had to excuse myself to get up and start pacing up and down. My brain felt waterlogged with ideas, concepts and decisions. The only way I could get my brain to function more effectively was to be up on my feet. I also found that I taught better if up on my feet and prowling the classroom. The subject matter and the delivery may have been boring but the pupils never knew where I was going to end up next.
Charley also relates that his early walks exhausted him (page 15) and now I have started walking everywhere in the local vicinity - I even walk to my exercise classes at Langstone and at Hilsea - I know what he means. I also know what he means by moisture wicking clothing. Being a large man incline to perspire freely, I have found the need for moisture wicking underwear and T shirts an imperative acquisition. He also recommends light cotton walking trousers of which I have already a few pairs as I have found them invaluable in the past for camping and walking. I have waterproof over-trousers but need to find a much lighter weight pair. I have no need yet of fleeces, socks of different thicknesses and base layers but figure I may have to invest carefully when I begin the Grand France Walk for real.
I have a pair of good quality walking boots which I have had for a number of years now. I suspect that they may need replacing more than once on the 1100 mile trek across France. I am using Google Earth at the moment to way mark the journey across France and have so far reached Chinon. I am interested in seeing the topography of the walk as I know that the challenge of mountain walking will be presented to me several times and I have expressed my fear of heights many times in previous posts. I am also working on the logistics of how to achieve the walk and the problems of overnight accommodation. I do have a number of viable options already and may take a leaf out of the best beloved's flexibility manual and try a variety on the journey. I would remind regular readers that the journey will be in small sections in spring and autumn over about four years - 150 miles per section or 300 miles per year should see the enterprise achieved.
The Firstborn has already got me to agree to monthly Sunday walks with her. We will probably begin at the five mile length and build up. I hope to do the Wayfarers Walk and parts of the South Downs Walk as preparation or rehearsal for the Grand France Walk. However I am hoping I will be able to persuade the Best Beloved that we can begin in autumn 2009 and walk the first section from Ouistreham to Saint Denis sur Sarthon or 128 miles on the Grande Randonnee (GR)36. This is eight days' worth of walking but could be spread over two weeks of camping in late September and/or early October with rest days interspersed amongst the walking.
Besides working in the garden I have been sitting in the garden sheltered from the wind and reading "And Did Those Feet" by Charley Connelly. This is a wonderfully satisfying and witty book about Charley doing several long distance walks in the UK along trails taken by famous historical characters, Boadicea, Saxon Harald, Mary Queen of Scots, to name but three. This is a marvellous intertwining of history and walking.
In the light of my planned Grand France Walk (see previous postings - 1100 miles from the Channel coast to the Mediterranean cote)I am fascinated by the whole book but particularly by his early chapters on walking itself. This quote is from page 8:
There can surely be no better way to ease your way to a healthier mind and body than by walking. It's leisurely. it's good for you, it's easy. You don't need any special equipment*; you don't meed any particular skills or training. Walking is a scandalously under-rated and ill-appreciated human trait. (C) Charley Connelly.
The asterisk * is my addition to the quaote because by page 15 Charley does adjust that statement to: you do need "the right equipment" and he cites "chafing" as been one of the main reasons. My own personal painful experience backs up this comment.
Charley quotes other great minds who equate walking with thinking. Many was the time I was trapped in meetings with colleagues or with the head teacher and I had to excuse myself to get up and start pacing up and down. My brain felt waterlogged with ideas, concepts and decisions. The only way I could get my brain to function more effectively was to be up on my feet. I also found that I taught better if up on my feet and prowling the classroom. The subject matter and the delivery may have been boring but the pupils never knew where I was going to end up next.
Charley also relates that his early walks exhausted him (page 15) and now I have started walking everywhere in the local vicinity - I even walk to my exercise classes at Langstone and at Hilsea - I know what he means. I also know what he means by moisture wicking clothing. Being a large man incline to perspire freely, I have found the need for moisture wicking underwear and T shirts an imperative acquisition. He also recommends light cotton walking trousers of which I have already a few pairs as I have found them invaluable in the past for camping and walking. I have waterproof over-trousers but need to find a much lighter weight pair. I have no need yet of fleeces, socks of different thicknesses and base layers but figure I may have to invest carefully when I begin the Grand France Walk for real.
I have a pair of good quality walking boots which I have had for a number of years now. I suspect that they may need replacing more than once on the 1100 mile trek across France. I am using Google Earth at the moment to way mark the journey across France and have so far reached Chinon. I am interested in seeing the topography of the walk as I know that the challenge of mountain walking will be presented to me several times and I have expressed my fear of heights many times in previous posts. I am also working on the logistics of how to achieve the walk and the problems of overnight accommodation. I do have a number of viable options already and may take a leaf out of the best beloved's flexibility manual and try a variety on the journey. I would remind regular readers that the journey will be in small sections in spring and autumn over about four years - 150 miles per section or 300 miles per year should see the enterprise achieved.
The Firstborn has already got me to agree to monthly Sunday walks with her. We will probably begin at the five mile length and build up. I hope to do the Wayfarers Walk and parts of the South Downs Walk as preparation or rehearsal for the Grand France Walk. However I am hoping I will be able to persuade the Best Beloved that we can begin in autumn 2009 and walk the first section from Ouistreham to Saint Denis sur Sarthon or 128 miles on the Grande Randonnee (GR)36. This is eight days' worth of walking but could be spread over two weeks of camping in late September and/or early October with rest days interspersed amongst the walking.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Pompey - further thoughts on a theme
George Egglestone was complaining about the turgidity of the first half against Stoke. I must admit Pompey first halves are normally chronic affairs but the gaining of points is all that matters at this moment in time. George sits in the south stand and I sit in the north stand. We exchange thoughts, ideas and feelings on Pompey more regularly now we have joined the ranks of grumpy old men.
Pompey are excused duty this weekend because hopefully Manchester United are screwing the chances of the previous manager but one to win the Carling Cup. However I have no real objections to him winning this trophy as long as he ends up below us in the league table and perhaps drops down to the Championship even.
Next Tuesday Pompey play Chelsea at home and the Scolari Chelsea might have been in our sights but the rejuvenated Chelsea should be too strong for us on paper but perhaps a surprise draw might still be on the cards. That is an awfully long sentence but I was holding my breath and disbelief while I wrote it!
However we need twelve points to reach the magic number of 40. We must beat Middlesbrough away, WBA, Sunderland and Bolton at home. If we can force draws with Everton here at home, Hull and Newcastle away we will give ourselves a buffer zone of three extra points. These 15 points will also help to keep other teams below us and in the relegation zone.
We are playing better defensively and we were robbed by a rotten referee decision for a penalty at Stoke. However if I see Distin or Campbell with their hand up and an opposing forward looping a header into our net yet again (Beattie at Stoke and Torres at Fratton) rather than getting between the player and goal I shall do myself a mischief! Hreidarrson should have continued off the field after chasing the winger but didn't and so kept Beattie onside so what game was Distin watching to claim offside?
I don't think Crouch is our best striker when it comes to speedy counter attacking. He works really hard at winning the ball coming out of defence and he works really hard as the first line of defence. I don't think Kranjcar is strong enough to be the main playmaker in the hole behind the striker(s). Basinas played a really tight passing game for his first two games but looked a bit bewildered by what was expected of him at Stoke - too many lofted balls. He is a neat passer along the ground and needs better outlets provided.
I am seriously tempted by the double ranks of four in defence and four in midfield, especially in away games, with a variation in home games. I have problems with the attack in either version.
Four in defence are Johnson, Campbell, Distin and Hreidarrson. I would use Kaboul if the opposing attackers are more mobile and Pamarot would be my defensive substitute.
Four in midfield are Little, Davis, Basinas and Hughes. I think the middle two are forming a partnership worth cultivating. I know the latter two have been out of the picture with injuries but I would stick them both in front of the full backs with instructions to hold their ground. I wouldn't expect either to come marauding forward.
The variation at home would be to replace either Little with Pennant or Hughes with Belhadj. Traore would be my substitute. Kranjcar could also be used as the player in the hole if I wanted a further tactical change.
Up front is a real problem. I would like to see the Greek Gekas given a run out but he is a complete unknown quantity to the fans. He is a shoulder of the last defender sort of guy who does his best work in the 12 yard box. He is not a lone striker and therefore needs to be working in a partnership but with whom? I have expressed my reservations about Crouch but he can be used in the looser formation at home when Pennant or Belhadj are playing but needs to be encouraged to go for goal himself rather than laying off for non-existent support. He needs to get into the box more.
Nugent is a willing war horse but lacks the cutting edge and skills needed to worry Premiership defences. Utaka has the pace but lacks the cutting edge and skills needed to worry Premiership defences. Kanu is a slower version of Crouch. Both these players need pacy support men.
Up front away from home I would use a pace merchant like Utaka in the centre prompted and supported by another trickier striker or midfield player. Both these players would be expected to be knackered by the second half or the hour mark and therefore to be substituted by a similar pairing or a pair offering something slightly different. Perhaps away from home Pennant, Traore or Belhadj could be that trickier player playing in the hole behind or beside the lone striker. Perhaps young Pele might also find a role here or at least as one of the substituting pair. Nugent could form one of the substituting pair as well. As you can see I have real problems with the attacking options using the players we have got. I still think we needed a powerful playmaker in that hole and a stronger forward. I am glad we didn't buy Jimmy Bullard in the end (turned out too expensive by far) but he and Nolan were the sort of players I had in mind. Someone in the shape of an Emile Heskey, Darren Bent, Marlon Harewood or even Carlton Cole was the sort of forward I had thought about. Play Up Pompey! I am not depressed and think we are in with a real chance of escaping relegation with Hart and Kidd in charge but the view from the South and North Stands is going to be of pretty dire football at times. However Pompey goals scored and Pompey points gained are all the game is about for the rest of this season. Then we can build for next season in the summer.
I wish the owner would sell the club and let us all move forward on the new stadium. I saw a new Fratton Park of 40000 capacity as part of a dream scenario for the World Cup bid. I also see that an entertainment arena as part of the new stadium would add real benefit to the scene on the South Coast. I appreciate what the owner has done but he has now become something of a block and needs to make way for a new investment of money, energy or ideas.
Pompey are excused duty this weekend because hopefully Manchester United are screwing the chances of the previous manager but one to win the Carling Cup. However I have no real objections to him winning this trophy as long as he ends up below us in the league table and perhaps drops down to the Championship even.
Next Tuesday Pompey play Chelsea at home and the Scolari Chelsea might have been in our sights but the rejuvenated Chelsea should be too strong for us on paper but perhaps a surprise draw might still be on the cards. That is an awfully long sentence but I was holding my breath and disbelief while I wrote it!
However we need twelve points to reach the magic number of 40. We must beat Middlesbrough away, WBA, Sunderland and Bolton at home. If we can force draws with Everton here at home, Hull and Newcastle away we will give ourselves a buffer zone of three extra points. These 15 points will also help to keep other teams below us and in the relegation zone.
We are playing better defensively and we were robbed by a rotten referee decision for a penalty at Stoke. However if I see Distin or Campbell with their hand up and an opposing forward looping a header into our net yet again (Beattie at Stoke and Torres at Fratton) rather than getting between the player and goal I shall do myself a mischief! Hreidarrson should have continued off the field after chasing the winger but didn't and so kept Beattie onside so what game was Distin watching to claim offside?
I don't think Crouch is our best striker when it comes to speedy counter attacking. He works really hard at winning the ball coming out of defence and he works really hard as the first line of defence. I don't think Kranjcar is strong enough to be the main playmaker in the hole behind the striker(s). Basinas played a really tight passing game for his first two games but looked a bit bewildered by what was expected of him at Stoke - too many lofted balls. He is a neat passer along the ground and needs better outlets provided.
I am seriously tempted by the double ranks of four in defence and four in midfield, especially in away games, with a variation in home games. I have problems with the attack in either version.
Four in defence are Johnson, Campbell, Distin and Hreidarrson. I would use Kaboul if the opposing attackers are more mobile and Pamarot would be my defensive substitute.
Four in midfield are Little, Davis, Basinas and Hughes. I think the middle two are forming a partnership worth cultivating. I know the latter two have been out of the picture with injuries but I would stick them both in front of the full backs with instructions to hold their ground. I wouldn't expect either to come marauding forward.
The variation at home would be to replace either Little with Pennant or Hughes with Belhadj. Traore would be my substitute. Kranjcar could also be used as the player in the hole if I wanted a further tactical change.
Up front is a real problem. I would like to see the Greek Gekas given a run out but he is a complete unknown quantity to the fans. He is a shoulder of the last defender sort of guy who does his best work in the 12 yard box. He is not a lone striker and therefore needs to be working in a partnership but with whom? I have expressed my reservations about Crouch but he can be used in the looser formation at home when Pennant or Belhadj are playing but needs to be encouraged to go for goal himself rather than laying off for non-existent support. He needs to get into the box more.
Nugent is a willing war horse but lacks the cutting edge and skills needed to worry Premiership defences. Utaka has the pace but lacks the cutting edge and skills needed to worry Premiership defences. Kanu is a slower version of Crouch. Both these players need pacy support men.
Up front away from home I would use a pace merchant like Utaka in the centre prompted and supported by another trickier striker or midfield player. Both these players would be expected to be knackered by the second half or the hour mark and therefore to be substituted by a similar pairing or a pair offering something slightly different. Perhaps away from home Pennant, Traore or Belhadj could be that trickier player playing in the hole behind or beside the lone striker. Perhaps young Pele might also find a role here or at least as one of the substituting pair. Nugent could form one of the substituting pair as well. As you can see I have real problems with the attacking options using the players we have got. I still think we needed a powerful playmaker in that hole and a stronger forward. I am glad we didn't buy Jimmy Bullard in the end (turned out too expensive by far) but he and Nolan were the sort of players I had in mind. Someone in the shape of an Emile Heskey, Darren Bent, Marlon Harewood or even Carlton Cole was the sort of forward I had thought about. Play Up Pompey! I am not depressed and think we are in with a real chance of escaping relegation with Hart and Kidd in charge but the view from the South and North Stands is going to be of pretty dire football at times. However Pompey goals scored and Pompey points gained are all the game is about for the rest of this season. Then we can build for next season in the summer.
I wish the owner would sell the club and let us all move forward on the new stadium. I saw a new Fratton Park of 40000 capacity as part of a dream scenario for the World Cup bid. I also see that an entertainment arena as part of the new stadium would add real benefit to the scene on the South Coast. I appreciate what the owner has done but he has now become something of a block and needs to make way for a new investment of money, energy or ideas.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
How to eat an elephant?
The idea is to walk 1800 kilometres or 1100 miles from Caen on the Channel to Marseilles on the Mediterranean. The idea is not mine but is taken from the website, France on Foot.
My own suggestion would be to bring the walk down into bite size chunks, a week here or a fortnight there, rather than attempting to do the whole walk in one. How do you eat an elephant? One mouthful at a time is the answer.
The fact that someone has done the trip before me and written extensively about the experience deters me not a jot. I feel that attempting the task and the effort/determination to complete it will be beneficial to me as a person. I am not a trailblazer or put off by walking in others’ footsteps. I am not trying to claim credit for the idea but am rather setting myself a challenge that perhaps would have been impossible at any other stage of my life. I will need to plan and prepare to a degree that I have rarely needed to do. I will also need the assistance of the best beloved in the matter of helping with the logistics. On occasion I hope to welcome her as a walking companion but don’t intend insisting on her walking all the way with me. I hope others will join me on occasions and in sections of the walk. I could also see if people were willing to sponsor me for some or the entire walk and give the money raised to charity. But the aim is the walk itself!
I am writing about it in my blog to publish my intentions and to stiffen my resolve. I don’t want the idea to remain a pipe dream. This is something I have thought about and dreamed of during the last few years of my teaching career. When asked what I was going to do on my retirement, I would often say that my ambition was to walk one of the grand randonnees in France without giving too much thought to how or when.
I believe my physical health and well being is now good enough to sustain the endeavour if done over sufficient time. Thanks to the lovely Debbie Hobbs (Cardiac Rehab IV), I am fitter now than I have been for some years. I am overweight. If, however, I wait until I have lost weight I won’t start. Instead by setting myself the goal and getting into training for the event I will actually motivate myself to lose weight, thus achieving both aims. I will also check with my doctor and cardiologist to make sure I am doing nothing untoward. The sufficient time though depends on whether I do one or two sessions per year. I would want to walk in spring or autumn rather than in the summer. I could therefore in theory do both a spring and autumn expedition in one year if I chose or was able.
In the walk described at France on Foot, the account is only of the first 494 miles or just under half of the trip. This half takes 32 days in 4 instalments of about 127 miles each. If I did one instalment a year, it would take me four years but if I could manage two instalments a year I could do the whole walk in four years, which would see me to 2013 or my 66th year.
In the walk described at France on Foot, the first section is 128 miles long over 8 days. This is approximately 11.5 miles per day. (There are 1.6 kilometres in a mile.) I had expected to do days of walking interspersed with rest days and may have to revert to this plan after I have reviewed my training. I need to build up my walking gradually in terms of energy levels and distance covered. There is the local Wayfarers Walk and, of course, the South Downs Walk on which to practise. In the past I have mainly done circular walks, which are still valid exercise, but are not extending enough in their own right.
I already have the maps on which to plan the route. I have thought about this plan before but it has returned to me with a new determination. I need to think about equipment especially boots and clothing. I will also need to think about the logistics as my initial plan is to move from camp-site to camp-site along the randonnee. Rather than carrying my tent, though, I have a different plan, which involves the best beloved closely. She is not adverse to the plan I have sketched for her but is interested in the detail almost as much as I am. This post is obviously one I shall return to frequently as the idea takes more concrete shape in my head. For now it is back to the funding applications I am putting in for the Havant Literary Festival.
My own suggestion would be to bring the walk down into bite size chunks, a week here or a fortnight there, rather than attempting to do the whole walk in one. How do you eat an elephant? One mouthful at a time is the answer.
The fact that someone has done the trip before me and written extensively about the experience deters me not a jot. I feel that attempting the task and the effort/determination to complete it will be beneficial to me as a person. I am not a trailblazer or put off by walking in others’ footsteps. I am not trying to claim credit for the idea but am rather setting myself a challenge that perhaps would have been impossible at any other stage of my life. I will need to plan and prepare to a degree that I have rarely needed to do. I will also need the assistance of the best beloved in the matter of helping with the logistics. On occasion I hope to welcome her as a walking companion but don’t intend insisting on her walking all the way with me. I hope others will join me on occasions and in sections of the walk. I could also see if people were willing to sponsor me for some or the entire walk and give the money raised to charity. But the aim is the walk itself!
I am writing about it in my blog to publish my intentions and to stiffen my resolve. I don’t want the idea to remain a pipe dream. This is something I have thought about and dreamed of during the last few years of my teaching career. When asked what I was going to do on my retirement, I would often say that my ambition was to walk one of the grand randonnees in France without giving too much thought to how or when.
I believe my physical health and well being is now good enough to sustain the endeavour if done over sufficient time. Thanks to the lovely Debbie Hobbs (Cardiac Rehab IV), I am fitter now than I have been for some years. I am overweight. If, however, I wait until I have lost weight I won’t start. Instead by setting myself the goal and getting into training for the event I will actually motivate myself to lose weight, thus achieving both aims. I will also check with my doctor and cardiologist to make sure I am doing nothing untoward. The sufficient time though depends on whether I do one or two sessions per year. I would want to walk in spring or autumn rather than in the summer. I could therefore in theory do both a spring and autumn expedition in one year if I chose or was able.
In the walk described at France on Foot, the account is only of the first 494 miles or just under half of the trip. This half takes 32 days in 4 instalments of about 127 miles each. If I did one instalment a year, it would take me four years but if I could manage two instalments a year I could do the whole walk in four years, which would see me to 2013 or my 66th year.
In the walk described at France on Foot, the first section is 128 miles long over 8 days. This is approximately 11.5 miles per day. (There are 1.6 kilometres in a mile.) I had expected to do days of walking interspersed with rest days and may have to revert to this plan after I have reviewed my training. I need to build up my walking gradually in terms of energy levels and distance covered. There is the local Wayfarers Walk and, of course, the South Downs Walk on which to practise. In the past I have mainly done circular walks, which are still valid exercise, but are not extending enough in their own right.
I already have the maps on which to plan the route. I have thought about this plan before but it has returned to me with a new determination. I need to think about equipment especially boots and clothing. I will also need to think about the logistics as my initial plan is to move from camp-site to camp-site along the randonnee. Rather than carrying my tent, though, I have a different plan, which involves the best beloved closely. She is not adverse to the plan I have sketched for her but is interested in the detail almost as much as I am. This post is obviously one I shall return to frequently as the idea takes more concrete shape in my head. For now it is back to the funding applications I am putting in for the Havant Literary Festival.
Thoughts prompted by a folding bicycle
I read "What are you doing in there?", the blog of a fellow traveller in the foothills of life and experience. We have a great deal in common and it is quite sustaining to read others' thoughts and to realise how much we are prompted by the same needs. My friend, Peter, has just had a pop at the Abu Qatada case, half term holidays and bankers. He is more reasonable than I am as I can get quite apoplectic when asked to give my opinion. I call myself a liberal but some of my views come across as illiberal. However the remarkable thing about Peter's recent postings is he has reminded me of something I had once said I was going to do in my retirement.
Peter is going to ride a Brompton bicycle in the round of the Brompton World Championships at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in September. Part of the reason for this ambition was when his son James cycled to Paris over a period of three days last year. I also was mightily impressed by James' feat but not enough to want to take to the saddle of a bicycle.
No my ambition is to walk 1100 miles in France from the Channel coast to the Mediterranean cote.
Peter is going to ride a Brompton bicycle in the round of the Brompton World Championships at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in September. Part of the reason for this ambition was when his son James cycled to Paris over a period of three days last year. I also was mightily impressed by James' feat but not enough to want to take to the saddle of a bicycle.
No my ambition is to walk 1100 miles in France from the Channel coast to the Mediterranean cote.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
We won!
I feel obliged to help out Pompey with my presence at the moment as yesterday I helped them secure their first win since November last year.
Manchester City were a fairly dire set of visitors who didn't impress a great deal. However they were also the visitors a couple of years back when Pompey embarked on the Great Escape, by which they escaped threatened relegation. Hopefully yesterday's victory will mark a similar change in this season's fortunes.
Both sides contributed nothing very much to a drab first half. However in the second half Pompey were playing towards the Fratton End and my seat in the North Stand is level with the penalty spot at the Fratton End. The noise we made was deafening at times and truly arousing.
Both Pompey full backs scored. Glen Johnson dribbled into the box, hit one shot which rebounded back to him, persisted and moved parallel to the goal before hitting a stunning volley with his left foot into the roof of the net. The Fratton End erupted and I found myself dancing an insane jig of jubilation with hundreds of total strangers.
The Herminator's goal was a typical header from a cross from approximately the penalty spot. The celebration was almost as loud and as ecstatic except for the sudden realisation that we had at least ten minutes of the match left.
Now this season Pompey have failed to maintain a lead for any length of time and indeed have given the opposition so many goals in the fading minutes or even seconds of a match. You could feel the tension throughout the ground as the Pompey fans expected the worst. However it was not to be and we chalked up a historic victory.
I was also impressed by the number of times I saw Brian Kidd in the technical area calling over midfield players to give them instructions to relay back to their team mates. He looked like he wasn't just exhorting them but rather giving them pointers as to what structure and tasks they needed to do. In other words they were receiving directions rather than reactions.
I thought Basinas made another steady contribution in the middle of the park in front of the two centre backs before he was substituted by Mullins. The latter made an okay contribution but there were a couple of passes that went astray and made the crowd groan in frustration. Pennant went off to be replaced by Belhadj in the centre of the park, which heightened the alarm as the Algerian is a bit reckless and a hot head. I would like to have seen Geras and the youngster Pele but perhaps this wasn't the match.
Robinho was substituted after a very nondescript performance for a £30 million player. Bellamy was booked for truculence after finally getting on the referee's wick - long after he had got up the noses of the crowd, who would have booked him just for being Bellamy. Otherwise the Manchester City missed Wright-Phillips and didn't seem to have much of a cutting edge (remember, they beat us 6-0 at Eastlands earlier in the season!)
Paul Hart wasn't in evidence compared with Mark Hughes who seemed to get quite animated in his technical area on occasions. It is a shame his team weren't as animated as their manager. I thought Brian Kidd looked like a very good acquisition for Pompey and hope he is with us for a time. I hope he is a portent that his previous boss, Sven Goran Ericsson, is on his way as the new Pompey boss. In previous posts I expressed the opinion that Avram Grant would join us soon and that I wasn't particularly adverse to his arrival - he did a good job as stand in Chelsea manager last season. However SGE would be something else again and would show the football world and the Premier League that Pompey still have ambitions. We also no longer need to look fondly back on the feats of the previous manager but one. "The Blue Army", the Pompey tribal chant that still raises the hairs on the back of my neck, doesn't need a name attached to it - it still has a power of its own. The team earned back some of its pride yesterday and the crowd saluted them.
Manchester City were a fairly dire set of visitors who didn't impress a great deal. However they were also the visitors a couple of years back when Pompey embarked on the Great Escape, by which they escaped threatened relegation. Hopefully yesterday's victory will mark a similar change in this season's fortunes.
Both sides contributed nothing very much to a drab first half. However in the second half Pompey were playing towards the Fratton End and my seat in the North Stand is level with the penalty spot at the Fratton End. The noise we made was deafening at times and truly arousing.
Both Pompey full backs scored. Glen Johnson dribbled into the box, hit one shot which rebounded back to him, persisted and moved parallel to the goal before hitting a stunning volley with his left foot into the roof of the net. The Fratton End erupted and I found myself dancing an insane jig of jubilation with hundreds of total strangers.
The Herminator's goal was a typical header from a cross from approximately the penalty spot. The celebration was almost as loud and as ecstatic except for the sudden realisation that we had at least ten minutes of the match left.
Now this season Pompey have failed to maintain a lead for any length of time and indeed have given the opposition so many goals in the fading minutes or even seconds of a match. You could feel the tension throughout the ground as the Pompey fans expected the worst. However it was not to be and we chalked up a historic victory.
I was also impressed by the number of times I saw Brian Kidd in the technical area calling over midfield players to give them instructions to relay back to their team mates. He looked like he wasn't just exhorting them but rather giving them pointers as to what structure and tasks they needed to do. In other words they were receiving directions rather than reactions.
I thought Basinas made another steady contribution in the middle of the park in front of the two centre backs before he was substituted by Mullins. The latter made an okay contribution but there were a couple of passes that went astray and made the crowd groan in frustration. Pennant went off to be replaced by Belhadj in the centre of the park, which heightened the alarm as the Algerian is a bit reckless and a hot head. I would like to have seen Geras and the youngster Pele but perhaps this wasn't the match.
Robinho was substituted after a very nondescript performance for a £30 million player. Bellamy was booked for truculence after finally getting on the referee's wick - long after he had got up the noses of the crowd, who would have booked him just for being Bellamy. Otherwise the Manchester City missed Wright-Phillips and didn't seem to have much of a cutting edge (remember, they beat us 6-0 at Eastlands earlier in the season!)
Paul Hart wasn't in evidence compared with Mark Hughes who seemed to get quite animated in his technical area on occasions. It is a shame his team weren't as animated as their manager. I thought Brian Kidd looked like a very good acquisition for Pompey and hope he is with us for a time. I hope he is a portent that his previous boss, Sven Goran Ericsson, is on his way as the new Pompey boss. In previous posts I expressed the opinion that Avram Grant would join us soon and that I wasn't particularly adverse to his arrival - he did a good job as stand in Chelsea manager last season. However SGE would be something else again and would show the football world and the Premier League that Pompey still have ambitions. We also no longer need to look fondly back on the feats of the previous manager but one. "The Blue Army", the Pompey tribal chant that still raises the hairs on the back of my neck, doesn't need a name attached to it - it still has a power of its own. The team earned back some of its pride yesterday and the crowd saluted them.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I have another blog page
This is for the attention of my cousin, Denise, who has just joined the ranks of my regular readers.
I also write a theatrical blog as well called "Bench Hamlet 2008", which can be found in the links on the right of this page. In this sister blog I cover my adventures as a member of the Bench Theatre, which I have been since 1972 or 37 years! I try to include on this sister blog the articles I write for the Benchpress, the newsletter for the Bench Theatre. I also do reviews of theatre I have seen or taken part in. I occasionally wander into the back alleys of theatrical lore and superstition plus some of the old ideas of the theatre that might be dying out but are worth the preserving. I am suggesting that the "Bench Hamlet 2008" is worth the occasional read as well as this my home blog.
It is happy birthday to Elodie, my grand niece, and Denise's grand daughter this Saturday - Joyeux anniversaire, cher Elodie! Elodie's father, Vincent, est francais and Amy, Elodie's mother, is fluent in French. As regular readers of this blog will know, I am a Francophile and this French addition to the family fills me with enormous pride!
I also write a theatrical blog as well called "Bench Hamlet 2008", which can be found in the links on the right of this page. In this sister blog I cover my adventures as a member of the Bench Theatre, which I have been since 1972 or 37 years! I try to include on this sister blog the articles I write for the Benchpress, the newsletter for the Bench Theatre. I also do reviews of theatre I have seen or taken part in. I occasionally wander into the back alleys of theatrical lore and superstition plus some of the old ideas of the theatre that might be dying out but are worth the preserving. I am suggesting that the "Bench Hamlet 2008" is worth the occasional read as well as this my home blog.
It is happy birthday to Elodie, my grand niece, and Denise's grand daughter this Saturday - Joyeux anniversaire, cher Elodie! Elodie's father, Vincent, est francais and Amy, Elodie's mother, is fluent in French. As regular readers of this blog will know, I am a Francophile and this French addition to the family fills me with enormous pride!
Monday, February 09, 2009
Chinese New Year
"http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A4185380"
The Chinese New Year of the Ox was celebrated last week. The Best beloved said she was also born in the Year of the OX, so naturally I looked it up at the link above. The characteristics of someone born in the year of the Ox are:
"Those born in the year of the Ox are said to be easy-going, though they can sometimes be bigoted and stubborn, with furious tempers. They hate failure and don't like to be challenged. At their best they are quiet and patient, with a tendency to inspire confidence in others."
The Best Beloved does appear easy-going and can be stubborn, but "bigoted" and "with a furious temper" don't fit her character at all. I think the first part of the second sentence about hating to fail is fairly accurate as anyone will tell you if you have played cards or games with her. The bit about doesn't like to be challenged is off beam. However the last sentence sums her up beautifully!
"Oxen are said to be compatible with those born in the year of the Rat, Snake and Rooster." Unfortunately I was born in the year of the Boar or Pig.
"Those born in the year of the Boar (also known as the Pig) are said not to say much, though they have a thirst for knowledge. They don't have many friends, but those friends they do have are friends for life and they are exceptionally loyal to them. They tend to be chivalrous and gallant and they loathe arguments, despite their quick tempers. They face the problems of life head-on, and solve them with fortitude and honesty. Boars are said to be compatible with those born in the year of the Goat and Rabbit." I quite like these characteristics and to a certain extent agree with them. I am shy on first acquaintance despite appearing over-confident - elements of being an actor perhaps? I can say a lot but not all of it of much value. I would like to believe the three middle sentences apply to me, especially about friends and loyalty.
The Year of the Rabbit
1951 1963 1975 1987 1999
The Year of the Goat
1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003
If you find the year of your birth is in either the Year of the Rabbit/Hare or the Year of the Goat/Ram/Sheep, then look up your characteristics at the link above and see if you recognise yourself in the description. The former are said to be financially lucky and the latter talented artists who enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You see, the former would make me money and the latter wouldn't spend too much. Does that what they mean by being compatible?
The Chinese New Year of the Ox was celebrated last week. The Best beloved said she was also born in the Year of the OX, so naturally I looked it up at the link above. The characteristics of someone born in the year of the Ox are:
"Those born in the year of the Ox are said to be easy-going, though they can sometimes be bigoted and stubborn, with furious tempers. They hate failure and don't like to be challenged. At their best they are quiet and patient, with a tendency to inspire confidence in others."
The Best Beloved does appear easy-going and can be stubborn, but "bigoted" and "with a furious temper" don't fit her character at all. I think the first part of the second sentence about hating to fail is fairly accurate as anyone will tell you if you have played cards or games with her. The bit about doesn't like to be challenged is off beam. However the last sentence sums her up beautifully!
"Oxen are said to be compatible with those born in the year of the Rat, Snake and Rooster." Unfortunately I was born in the year of the Boar or Pig.
"Those born in the year of the Boar (also known as the Pig) are said not to say much, though they have a thirst for knowledge. They don't have many friends, but those friends they do have are friends for life and they are exceptionally loyal to them. They tend to be chivalrous and gallant and they loathe arguments, despite their quick tempers. They face the problems of life head-on, and solve them with fortitude and honesty. Boars are said to be compatible with those born in the year of the Goat and Rabbit." I quite like these characteristics and to a certain extent agree with them. I am shy on first acquaintance despite appearing over-confident - elements of being an actor perhaps? I can say a lot but not all of it of much value. I would like to believe the three middle sentences apply to me, especially about friends and loyalty.
The Year of the Rabbit
1951 1963 1975 1987 1999
The Year of the Goat
1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003
If you find the year of your birth is in either the Year of the Rabbit/Hare or the Year of the Goat/Ram/Sheep, then look up your characteristics at the link above and see if you recognise yourself in the description. The former are said to be financially lucky and the latter talented artists who enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You see, the former would make me money and the latter wouldn't spend too much. Does that what they mean by being compatible?
Goodbye Tony
It is with sadness that I say farewell to Tony Adams as manager of Pompey. I think he has been let down by the players and by the club. He wasn't the greatest man manager and he was too quirky in a very conformist world. I was pleased he played my selection on Saturday against Liverpool. He did bring on Kranjcar as suggested in the second half but in the 46th minute rather than the 60th. He should have shut up shop before the end but I am not sure that he had the players with which to do that. This was always a problem for Tony is that the midfield pool to choose from is too restricted. He took off Mullins to bring on Kranjcar. If Tony had been able to stick with me I feel sure we would have weathered the rest of the season. I do feel Crouch, Campbell and Distin in particular need a good kick up the a***! I felt Nugent and the Herminator played well for the team. I thought Basinas had a quietly effective debut once he moved into the centre of the park - trying to get him to fill that right hand berth of the midfield was a mistake. Basinas needs to sit in front of the two centre backs with Mullins and Davis as his two willing assistants. If you put on Kranjcar he needs to sit at the pointy end of a little diamond formed by those four players. Belhadj and Pennant provide the two wide players of the midfield moving up to make two wingers. Crouch should be dropped for a while or at least kept as an impact player on the 60th minute. Play Nugent up front by himself or send on Geras to do that job. The only way to bolster the team if defending a lead is to reinforce with another central defender, i.e. Pamarot or Kaboul. In other words we play with three centre backs and two full backs. In order to do this we would have to sacrifice one of the wide players and Belhadj would have to be my first choice. If this was felt to be defending too deep, we could send on Traore to work alongside Kranjcar in the hole behind the lone striker rather than using the youngster to replace Belhadj wide on the left. I haven't heard of anything of Glen Little recently but he could certainly do a job on the wide right of midfield to plug the gap in front of Johnson and possibly behind Pennant. It would restrict even further the England full back's forays down the right.
My team versus Manchester City:
James
Johnson Campbell Distin Herminator
Basinas
Davis Mullins
Pennant Belhadj
Nugent
(4-5-1)
Substitutes: Begovic, Pamarot, Kaboul, Kranjcar, Traore, Little, Crouch and Geras.
If I felt that a more attacking formation was appropriate i.e. 4-4-2, I would drop Belhadj and bring on Kranjcar in the hole behind Nugent.
James
Johnson Campbell Distin Herminator
Basinas
Davis Mullins
Kranjcar
Pennant Nugent
I am expecting Avram Grant to be announced as the new Pompey manager as from today or at least this week. I suspect Basinas and Geras were his signings. I think Grant did a good job with Chelsea but was made to make way for a starrier name in Scolari. I think and hope that Grant can stave off relegation and keep Pompey safe. I also hope he can get the players to accept their responsibility for our present precarious state and perhaps cut out some of the silly mistakes. At the moment every mistake is being punished by a goal given away. Perhaps we also need a manager who can bring a modicum of luck with him. Poor old Tony had no luck whatsoever!
My team versus Manchester City:
James
Johnson Campbell Distin Herminator
Basinas
Davis Mullins
Pennant Belhadj
Nugent
(4-5-1)
Substitutes: Begovic, Pamarot, Kaboul, Kranjcar, Traore, Little, Crouch and Geras.
If I felt that a more attacking formation was appropriate i.e. 4-4-2, I would drop Belhadj and bring on Kranjcar in the hole behind Nugent.
James
Johnson Campbell Distin Herminator
Basinas
Davis Mullins
Kranjcar
Pennant Nugent
I am expecting Avram Grant to be announced as the new Pompey manager as from today or at least this week. I suspect Basinas and Geras were his signings. I think Grant did a good job with Chelsea but was made to make way for a starrier name in Scolari. I think and hope that Grant can stave off relegation and keep Pompey safe. I also hope he can get the players to accept their responsibility for our present precarious state and perhaps cut out some of the silly mistakes. At the moment every mistake is being punished by a goal given away. Perhaps we also need a manager who can bring a modicum of luck with him. Poor old Tony had no luck whatsoever!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
In this bad weather
The following is a text message received this morning from my little brother:
"Weatherman said the temperature is going to drop really low tonight and every one should check on elderly friends, you ok?"
It did make me laugh but he is only two years my junior and he does live in the frozen north. I have told everyone down here the story of Bradford being built on seven hills like Rome. In snowy weather a snow plough starts off on top of each hill and works its way down into the centre freeing the roads for the morning rush hour into work. During the day they work their way out of the town centre back up to their depots at the top of each hill, thus clearing the way for the evening rush hour. Now I don't know whether this is true about the snow ploughs (the seven hills resemblance to Rome is) but I always like to make the point that you would be hard pressed to find seven snow ploughs in the whole of Hampshire. Bradford is (was?) geared up for bad weather and snow ( I must have told you the story as a college student home for Christmas and doing the Royal Mail and getting lost in a snow blizzard up Manningham?) whereas Hampshire isn't. How the tide has turned this winter. Mind you here in Havant we, as usual, are protected by the Solent and the isle of Wight even from a north easterly from Siberia and our mini climate saw off the snow quickly.
Anyway I replied to little brother: "So far so good, youngster!" but you cannot get the right amount of irony in a text message.
I welcome my cousin, Denise (known to everyone else as Kath - but therein lies another story)as a reader of my blog. She was most put out that I hadn't told her about my appearance on "Ladies of Letters" (see below) before it was broadcast. I tell so many people through my Facebook and through this blog that I thought I must have covered everyone.
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"Weatherman said the temperature is going to drop really low tonight and every one should check on elderly friends, you ok?"
It did make me laugh but he is only two years my junior and he does live in the frozen north. I have told everyone down here the story of Bradford being built on seven hills like Rome. In snowy weather a snow plough starts off on top of each hill and works its way down into the centre freeing the roads for the morning rush hour into work. During the day they work their way out of the town centre back up to their depots at the top of each hill, thus clearing the way for the evening rush hour. Now I don't know whether this is true about the snow ploughs (the seven hills resemblance to Rome is) but I always like to make the point that you would be hard pressed to find seven snow ploughs in the whole of Hampshire. Bradford is (was?) geared up for bad weather and snow ( I must have told you the story as a college student home for Christmas and doing the Royal Mail and getting lost in a snow blizzard up Manningham?) whereas Hampshire isn't. How the tide has turned this winter. Mind you here in Havant we, as usual, are protected by the Solent and the isle of Wight even from a north easterly from Siberia and our mini climate saw off the snow quickly.
Anyway I replied to little brother: "So far so good, youngster!" but you cannot get the right amount of irony in a text message.
I welcome my cousin, Denise (known to everyone else as Kath - but therein lies another story)as a reader of my blog. She was most put out that I hadn't told her about my appearance on "Ladies of Letters" (see below) before it was broadcast. I tell so many people through my Facebook and through this blog that I thought I must have covered everyone.
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Pompey changes for Saturday
I have discovered that I can't include Pennant in my team for Saturday's game against Liverpool as his loan agreement means he is no allowed to play against his own club. I have also learned that Kaboul is doubtful but that Kranjcar and Campbell might be available.
This would change my team formation:
James
Johnson Distin Campbell Hreidarson
Davis Basinas Mullins Belhadj
Crouch Nugent
Belhadj would become the main outlet down the left rather than Pennant down the right. This might cramp Nugent's style a bit but he has earned the right to start the game. Davis would not play wide right but central defensive as in my previous post. This should enable Johnson to break down the right as in previous games before Pennant's arrival. Campbell would replace Pamarot as club captain. Pamarot and Wilson would be my defensive substitutes if and when needed.
My 60 minute plan would have to change. Geras would definitely replace Nugent and Kranjcar would replace Crouch. This would change the format to 4-5-1 but with Kranjcar in the hole behind Geras. I could retain Crouch instead of Kranjcar if I felt there was profit still left in doing so. I could also do a change between Belhadj and Traore if I needed to freshen up the left wing attack.
My 75 minute plan, decided by whether we are winning or losing at that stage, is to have the option to send on Traore or Pele to join Kranjcar as attacking midfield players in place on one of Davis/Basinas/Mullins - probably the Greek as he might find the pace of the Premier League difficult to sustain in his first match.
This still leaves me two days to practise these changes with the squad. I believe the basic squad knows its job and perhaps only needs to run through set pieces with Basinas taking corners and free kicks. I would work on getting the ball behind the opposing right back to supply Belhadj. I would also practise the changes proposed for the 60 minute plan and possibly the 75 minute plan. The latter could almost be as much of a surprise to your own team as to the opposition and therefore only needs sketching in on the training field.
Play Up Pompey!
This would change my team formation:
James
Johnson Distin Campbell Hreidarson
Davis Basinas Mullins Belhadj
Crouch Nugent
Belhadj would become the main outlet down the left rather than Pennant down the right. This might cramp Nugent's style a bit but he has earned the right to start the game. Davis would not play wide right but central defensive as in my previous post. This should enable Johnson to break down the right as in previous games before Pennant's arrival. Campbell would replace Pamarot as club captain. Pamarot and Wilson would be my defensive substitutes if and when needed.
My 60 minute plan would have to change. Geras would definitely replace Nugent and Kranjcar would replace Crouch. This would change the format to 4-5-1 but with Kranjcar in the hole behind Geras. I could retain Crouch instead of Kranjcar if I felt there was profit still left in doing so. I could also do a change between Belhadj and Traore if I needed to freshen up the left wing attack.
My 75 minute plan, decided by whether we are winning or losing at that stage, is to have the option to send on Traore or Pele to join Kranjcar as attacking midfield players in place on one of Davis/Basinas/Mullins - probably the Greek as he might find the pace of the Premier League difficult to sustain in his first match.
This still leaves me two days to practise these changes with the squad. I believe the basic squad knows its job and perhaps only needs to run through set pieces with Basinas taking corners and free kicks. I would work on getting the ball behind the opposing right back to supply Belhadj. I would also practise the changes proposed for the 60 minute plan and possibly the 75 minute plan. The latter could almost be as much of a surprise to your own team as to the opposition and therefore only needs sketching in on the training field.
Play Up Pompey!
Ladies of Letters - first episode
I watched the first episode of the "Ladies of Letters" starring Maureen Lipman as Irene and Anne Reid as Vera. I recognised the house used as Vera's as being the set in which I filmed my very short scene. I sat on the armchair visible in the lounge while at that time the sofa was occupied by technical crew, who were monitoring video screens perched on the coffee table of the filming going on elsewhere in the house. I climbed the stairs, which Vera is seen to fall down in the first episode, to meet the first assistant director and the director to have my part explained to me. The whole house was crammed with technical crew filling every nook and cranny so it is very interesting to see it looking so pristine and empty on screen.
I was very pleased to see one of my photos being used as Gerald when Vera is in the kitchen preparing a recipe that she is going to send to Irene. My photo is then given a close up full screen and a dollop of the mixture Vera is making lands on the bottom right of the photo.
I am hoping that other photos of me are used in further episodes leading up to my brief physical appearance. In order to justify my appearance, I need to be clearly identifiable as Gerald, Vera's dead husband. I didn't really meet Anne Reid as she was leaving the base as I was arriving, so we simply exchanged a polite hallo. Ingrid and I did spend an enjoyable day at Chichester watching the two halves of "Nicholas Nickleby" presented as matinee and evening performances on the one day. Ingrid sat next to Ann Reid and they chatted away amicably in the breaks - the best beloved as a real talent for doing that - old curmudgeon here prefers emailing to actually speaking. We were sat behind the late but lovely Anita Roddick of the Body Shop and somehow we seemed to get her involved in our conversations as well. Mind you, it was that kind of show that elicited oral responses picked up by those around you.
"To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer" Paul Ehrlich.
I was very pleased to see one of my photos being used as Gerald when Vera is in the kitchen preparing a recipe that she is going to send to Irene. My photo is then given a close up full screen and a dollop of the mixture Vera is making lands on the bottom right of the photo.
I am hoping that other photos of me are used in further episodes leading up to my brief physical appearance. In order to justify my appearance, I need to be clearly identifiable as Gerald, Vera's dead husband. I didn't really meet Anne Reid as she was leaving the base as I was arriving, so we simply exchanged a polite hallo. Ingrid and I did spend an enjoyable day at Chichester watching the two halves of "Nicholas Nickleby" presented as matinee and evening performances on the one day. Ingrid sat next to Ann Reid and they chatted away amicably in the breaks - the best beloved as a real talent for doing that - old curmudgeon here prefers emailing to actually speaking. We were sat behind the late but lovely Anita Roddick of the Body Shop and somehow we seemed to get her involved in our conversations as well. Mind you, it was that kind of show that elicited oral responses picked up by those around you.
"To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer" Paul Ehrlich.
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