Journal Entries
Bowled over
Posted Jan 22, 2000
Opening my post yeasterday, I was surprised to find an envelope sent by my parents and containing a couple of pages from their local newspaper, the Bradford-based "Telegraph & Argus". My attention quickly turned to a page dominated by a charming tale about a keen amateur sportsman who'd battled back after a double heart bypass operation to help his crown green bowls team win a cup and league double. The bowler, a remarkably young-looking 64-year-old, was featured in three large photos illustrating the story.
All pleasant enough stuff - but not, you might have thought, of intense personal interest. But it was. Because the bowler was my Dad.
So now we have a famous sportsman in the family. I'd like to give him a call and congratulate him, but I'll probably have to approach his PR person first now... 
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Latest reply: Jan 22, 2000
Mr. Hankey the world-beater!
Posted Jan 17, 2000
As a great fan of "South Park", I was delighted to see that Mr. Hankey has become a champion in the sporting world! Mr. Hankey - Mr. Ted Hankey, to give him his full name - has won the Embassy World Darts Championship!
To mark the occasion, I have composed the following short poem. I hope you like it.
Mr. Hankey did his bit,
Threw his darts and they all hit.
On the Champion's throne he'll sit.
Now no-one can say he's rubbish.
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Latest reply: Jan 17, 2000
Green around the Gills
Posted Jan 12, 2000
OK. You can all stop laughing now. 
Yes, Gillingham 3, Bradford City 1. And yes, I was there. And yes, City were awful. Gillingham were bold and positive and fully deserved their win.
And you know what? I know I must be getting old, because I'm able to smile about what is a truly awful result for the club I've loved since 1968. The Gillingham fans were decent in victory and even made me laugh out loud two minutes before the end when they sang "Go home! You might as well go home" to the tune of "Blue Moon". Never were truer words sung in jest.
Good luck in the Fifth Round, Gillingham; and I'll be giving my match programme to a certain Gills fan of my acquaintance who couldn't make it to the game tonight. She'll enjoy having a souvenir of this evening more than I would. 
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Latest reply: Jan 12, 2000
The Internet Pub
Posted Jan 11, 2000
I went out for a walk up Holloway Road last night and encountered something I'd never seen before, but which I suppose logically had to happen. Not having Sky TV at home, I was looking for a friendly hostelry in which to watch the Liverpool v Blackburn cup-tie. I knew of a sports bar nearby that had lots of screens, so it was the obvious place to go.
I did go there and I did get to see the match (well done Blackburn!) - but I also saw something else. Three guys happily surfing the 'Net with pints at their elbows. Yes, folks, the Internet Cafe has been with us for some time. Now it's time to welcome the Internet Pub! 
(For the benefit of other north Londoners, this paradise is to be found at The Swagman's Rest, 596 Holloway Road, London N7).
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Latest reply: Jan 11, 2000
Jolly coppers on (Valley) parade
Posted Dec 30, 1999
It's not often I find myself with a police escort, but in a manner of speaking I had one throughout the Bradford City v. Everton game the other day. I should add quickly that I remain a peaceful, law-abiding sort of footie fan, but it just so happened that I was seated right at the back of the stand and next to an aisle, where the officers of the law are routinely stationed.
During the dull bits of the (goalless) game, I amused myself by eavesdropping on their conversation, and what I heard was an extraordinary implicit compliment to my hometown club. The cops sounded just like two extra spectators. With no crowd trouble to deal with, they were free to watch the game and get paid for it, which can't be bad. I even heard one ask the other if he'd managed to get "on" (on duty, presumably) for City's forthcoming fixture with Chelsea. (He had, and sounded very happy at the prospect).
I wonder if the Strathclyde police were similarly enthusiastic about patrolling the Glasgow derby the other day? 
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Latest reply: Dec 30, 1999
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