Friday, January 13, 2012
The Tube at Broadbridge Heath.
Quiet day today and I enjoyed the warmth of the sun pouring through the windows, even though temperatures have dropped.
I saw the frost and ice this morning and almost cheered!
We need a time of cold in winter to help kill off bugs and bacteria in the air and the soil. Or is that an old wives' tale.....I am an old wife after all!
This morning I did much the same as last Friday.
I dyed my hair.
I knew that having made it too dark last week, it would be a losing battle to lighten it up.
Despite the colour being almost no lighter, it is 100% better. The scary harshness has gone now.
This afternoon we entertained Frieda to tea and biscuits.
She was worried that she is to have a blood test and a urine test next week. "Oh, what do they think I've got now?" Of course I don't know if these tests will reveal anything, but I did point out that she is lucky now she is within the system. The fact that she has been treated for a cancer means that she will be monitored regularly.
This evening we are going to the post card club.
Last evening, you may recall we were timekeeping in The Tube.
I took some pictures there last night before the racing started. There may only be 2 more sprints evenings in The Tube because Horsham Council have almost decided to sell the land, knock down the leisure centre and allow somebody to make money there. I have heard that they are re-considering - but cynical me thinks, well, they would say that wouldn't they?
This shows the tube from the finishing line down to the start.
The track for racing is 50 metres long - the tube is longer of course because there is a need for a slowing down bit before runners hit the wall. The wall is protected with thick crash mats - should rephrase that....the wall would survive; the crash mats are to protect the runners.
The entire length of The Tube has athletics murals painted.
Ovett, Coe and Cram. Jamie has already complained that the artist has it wrong - Cram should be the tallest of the 3.
Sprint start - Alan Wells and Linford Christie.
From the start looking towards the finishing line.
A few pictures for fellow officials to enjoy.
Don Turner, who was a top class distance runner in his day chatting with Barbara.
I said "Smile, Bill!"
The track judges and timekeepers stand together on the same steps.
It is good to arrive early - time, then, to chat with friends.
Not much time for chatting once the races start - and certainly no time for taking photographs.
I sat at the front and was chief timekeeper.
Our next meeting in The Tube is in 3 weeks.
Now I must cook food - well, heat it up.
We popped into the big Tescos by the sports centre after the athletics. I wanted to get another hair dye.
We found that all the things they had left that had to be sold that day had been reduced to 10p.
We have already enjoyed carrot and maple syrup soup today for 10p. It is one of the Covent garden range and sells for about £2 normally.
I have 2 more in the freezer.
Now we will have a meat balls dish and a tiny roast chicken dish (from their children's range) - both 10p each. I will do some extra potatoes and cabbage.
I saw the frost and ice this morning and almost cheered!
We need a time of cold in winter to help kill off bugs and bacteria in the air and the soil. Or is that an old wives' tale.....I am an old wife after all!
This morning I did much the same as last Friday.
I dyed my hair.
I knew that having made it too dark last week, it would be a losing battle to lighten it up.
Despite the colour being almost no lighter, it is 100% better. The scary harshness has gone now.
This afternoon we entertained Frieda to tea and biscuits.
She was worried that she is to have a blood test and a urine test next week. "Oh, what do they think I've got now?" Of course I don't know if these tests will reveal anything, but I did point out that she is lucky now she is within the system. The fact that she has been treated for a cancer means that she will be monitored regularly.
This evening we are going to the post card club.
Last evening, you may recall we were timekeeping in The Tube.
I took some pictures there last night before the racing started. There may only be 2 more sprints evenings in The Tube because Horsham Council have almost decided to sell the land, knock down the leisure centre and allow somebody to make money there. I have heard that they are re-considering - but cynical me thinks, well, they would say that wouldn't they?
This shows the tube from the finishing line down to the start.
The track for racing is 50 metres long - the tube is longer of course because there is a need for a slowing down bit before runners hit the wall. The wall is protected with thick crash mats - should rephrase that....the wall would survive; the crash mats are to protect the runners.
The entire length of The Tube has athletics murals painted.
The hurdlers on the right are David Hemery and Chris Akabusi.
Akabusi holds The Tube record for hurdles and maybe sprint too. And I missed it.
From the start looking towards the finishing line.
A few pictures for fellow officials to enjoy.
Don Turner, who was a top class distance runner in his day chatting with Barbara.
I said "Smile, Bill!"
The track judges and timekeepers stand together on the same steps.
It is good to arrive early - time, then, to chat with friends.
Not much time for chatting once the races start - and certainly no time for taking photographs.
I sat at the front and was chief timekeeper.
Our next meeting in The Tube is in 3 weeks.
Now I must cook food - well, heat it up.
We popped into the big Tescos by the sports centre after the athletics. I wanted to get another hair dye.
We found that all the things they had left that had to be sold that day had been reduced to 10p.
We have already enjoyed carrot and maple syrup soup today for 10p. It is one of the Covent garden range and sells for about £2 normally.
I have 2 more in the freezer.
Now we will have a meat balls dish and a tiny roast chicken dish (from their children's range) - both 10p each. I will do some extra potatoes and cabbage.
Labels: athletics
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Old and the young at athletics.
Today I shall picture some old fogies!
Without the continued enthusiasm of officials who have grown old within the world of athletics, I am sorry to say, very little would happen at grass roots level these days.
I am 67 - and I am one of the younger ones!
We have been timekeeping this afternoon for the young athletes sports hall athletics in Horsham.
It was a lively, noisy afternoon!
I was chief timekeeper. My team was very managable - just 2 others.
There was very little time for taking photographs - race follows race in quick succession.
My team (Bill and Derek) chatting with Keith.
The topic of conversation was the future demolishing of Horsham sports centre and track.
Terrible!
Tescos need the land it seems.
Oh, and Keith is younger than me! But not by much.
When we were first involved Keith was a very good 800 metre runner.
Clive takes the name of a Brighton entrant in the shot competition.
Clive - father of Gareth Southgate, international footballer, manager and now turned football pundit on TV.
Gareth used to run in the same teams as Jamie and Ashley.....30 years ago.
This one is for the amusement of Stella!
Look, young ones, even the elderly like to play around!
I had quite a chat with Derek about the festivities. He hates Christmas!
So, we had a lot of views to share.
John keeps a firm grasp on the scores.
Shock horror in this match - Crawley boys didn't win! They were beaten by Horsham. Congratulations to our friendly rivals.
Crawley girls won.
John has been organising these sports hall meetings and keeping all the records straight since the first match - 30 years ago.
Dominic passes the baton to Jamie in 1981.
By the way - I don't actually hate Christmas. It is part of our history and culture. For the most part it has its heart in the right place. But, it seems, that very few people that I know like what it has become. For many it is a time of fear, stress and unwanted obligations - and who has created this malaise? Why, the big multi national companies who manipulate society for greater and greater profits. I am sad to see it so. Sad to hear of people's fears of not being able to match the perfect expectations of the TV ads. Sad to realise that people would now rather not be very involved.
This evening, of course, it has been a TV evening.
Yes - the X Factor final. The main man came second - best place to be, maybe. He is more able now to steer his own course. I am sad for him tonight - but not too sad.
Without the continued enthusiasm of officials who have grown old within the world of athletics, I am sorry to say, very little would happen at grass roots level these days.
I am 67 - and I am one of the younger ones!
We have been timekeeping this afternoon for the young athletes sports hall athletics in Horsham.
It was a lively, noisy afternoon!
I was chief timekeeper. My team was very managable - just 2 others.
There was very little time for taking photographs - race follows race in quick succession.
My team (Bill and Derek) chatting with Keith.
The topic of conversation was the future demolishing of Horsham sports centre and track.
Terrible!
Tescos need the land it seems.
Oh, and Keith is younger than me! But not by much.
When we were first involved Keith was a very good 800 metre runner.
Clive takes the name of a Brighton entrant in the shot competition.
Clive - father of Gareth Southgate, international footballer, manager and now turned football pundit on TV.
Gareth used to run in the same teams as Jamie and Ashley.....30 years ago.
This one is for the amusement of Stella!
Look, young ones, even the elderly like to play around!
I had quite a chat with Derek about the festivities. He hates Christmas!
So, we had a lot of views to share.
John keeps a firm grasp on the scores.
Shock horror in this match - Crawley boys didn't win! They were beaten by Horsham. Congratulations to our friendly rivals.
Crawley girls won.
John has been organising these sports hall meetings and keeping all the records straight since the first match - 30 years ago.
Dominic passes the baton to Jamie in 1981.
By the way - I don't actually hate Christmas. It is part of our history and culture. For the most part it has its heart in the right place. But, it seems, that very few people that I know like what it has become. For many it is a time of fear, stress and unwanted obligations - and who has created this malaise? Why, the big multi national companies who manipulate society for greater and greater profits. I am sad to see it so. Sad to hear of people's fears of not being able to match the perfect expectations of the TV ads. Sad to realise that people would now rather not be very involved.
This evening, of course, it has been a TV evening.
Yes - the X Factor final. The main man came second - best place to be, maybe. He is more able now to steer his own course. I am sad for him tonight - but not too sad.
Labels: athletics
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Young Athlete's League
Thirty years ago we went to our very first Young Athletes League match.
It was at Rochester.
It was an excited Monk family who joined other families on the coach and a new world began to open up for us.
We have met so many people who became friends.
Jamie competed as a 12 year old sprinter for the Crawley team.
I remember that Bill and I helped with the judging of the javelin competitions - and I remember that it rained.
Ashley was not, at that time old enough to compete for the team - but that changed by the next year.
The start of the Under 13s 200 metres.
A few weeks later Ashley was winning a race at a Crawley Open meeting.
Life in the world of Young Athletes continues much the same today - but with one big difference.
At some point, I forget when, it was decided to amalgamate the boys and girls into one team.
The tracks have changed - no longer the rough cinders of old.
Gosh, we all thought it was such a thrill to go to the Brighton track in those days, the first in Sussex to have an artificial all weather surface.
The boys today were wearing the same vest as Jamie - black with gold hoops.
I really can't remember the result of that first YAL match we went to.
I can tell you that today Crawley won their match.
Today we were a happy group of timekeepers - all of us friends already.
I looked after the team - all men.
I was up and down the steps - into the recorders' room with our times. Hope I don't get cramp!
And one blessed difference between today and that day 30 years ago in Rochester was the weather.
The clouds made some attempts at creating showers, but the showers came to nothing. There were spells when it felt really warm.
It was at Rochester.
It was an excited Monk family who joined other families on the coach and a new world began to open up for us.
We have met so many people who became friends.
Jamie competed as a 12 year old sprinter for the Crawley team.
I remember that Bill and I helped with the judging of the javelin competitions - and I remember that it rained.
Ashley was not, at that time old enough to compete for the team - but that changed by the next year.
The start of the Under 13s 200 metres.
Life in the world of Young Athletes continues much the same today - but with one big difference.
At some point, I forget when, it was decided to amalgamate the boys and girls into one team.
The tracks have changed - no longer the rough cinders of old.
Gosh, we all thought it was such a thrill to go to the Brighton track in those days, the first in Sussex to have an artificial all weather surface.
The boys today were wearing the same vest as Jamie - black with gold hoops.
I really can't remember the result of that first YAL match we went to.
I can tell you that today Crawley won their match.
Today we were a happy group of timekeepers - all of us friends already.
I looked after the team - all men.
I was up and down the steps - into the recorders' room with our times. Hope I don't get cramp!
And one blessed difference between today and that day 30 years ago in Rochester was the weather.
The clouds made some attempts at creating showers, but the showers came to nothing. There were spells when it felt really warm.
Labels: athletics
Monday, August 30, 2010
Athletics Meeting.
What day is it?
Apparently it has been a Monday - but of course it has not been a normal Monday; the shop doesn't open on a bank holiday Monday.
Which is just as well - for we were able to give time to Crawley Athletics Club.
It was a very good meeting - just like the good old days, when athletes turned up in their hundreds.
There had been a real dip in interest a few years ago and the timekeeping could feel a bit boring.
But today it was full of interest and kept us busy for 5 hours.
I had hoped to do a photo diary of the day - but once the track running started there just wasn't time - hardly time to drink a cup of tea.
There were 6 timekeepers - which is enough. And because there was also electric timekeeping we were not much more than a back up.
Before the meeting started, I grabbed a cup of tea and tried to take some pictures of the hammer competition.
That hammer competition certainly upset the timetable for field events, with over 40 competitors.
One of the competitors was Mick Jones - British record holder (very much in the autumn of his career now).
As you see - it can be hard from outside the cage to get a good shot.
At least I have Mick and hammer in the picture - some of my attempts were lacking either athlete or implement!
They whirl that thing round pretty fast.
There's the stand - it was much fuller a little later.
As I walked back there were athletes on the track warming up before their sprint races.
Were my children ever that small?
It is the job of the track judges to agree on the order that athetes finish - and also to make sure all the rules are adhered to.
The timekeepers time of course.
And there is Jim, one of the starters - whistle at the ready I think.
Apparently it has been a Monday - but of course it has not been a normal Monday; the shop doesn't open on a bank holiday Monday.
Which is just as well - for we were able to give time to Crawley Athletics Club.
It was a very good meeting - just like the good old days, when athletes turned up in their hundreds.
There had been a real dip in interest a few years ago and the timekeeping could feel a bit boring.
But today it was full of interest and kept us busy for 5 hours.
I had hoped to do a photo diary of the day - but once the track running started there just wasn't time - hardly time to drink a cup of tea.
There were 6 timekeepers - which is enough. And because there was also electric timekeeping we were not much more than a back up.
Before the meeting started, I grabbed a cup of tea and tried to take some pictures of the hammer competition.
That hammer competition certainly upset the timetable for field events, with over 40 competitors.
One of the competitors was Mick Jones - British record holder (very much in the autumn of his career now).
As you see - it can be hard from outside the cage to get a good shot.
At least I have Mick and hammer in the picture - some of my attempts were lacking either athlete or implement!
They whirl that thing round pretty fast.
So, I took a picture of Karl. He used to be a good thrower for the club. Today he was measuring distances.
There's the stand - it was much fuller a little later.
The timekeepers sit on those steps at the far end of the stand roof.
Actually the seats are beyond the roof and in rain, we get wet.
As I walked back there were athletes on the track warming up before their sprint races.
Were my children ever that small?
Well - no not at athletics events.
These youngsters are Under 11 and being sorted out for the 75metre races.
I wonder if any of their parents will look back 30 years (in 2040) with some nostalgia to their child's first big meeting.
I was looking back 30 years - Jamie was 11 and taking part for the first time. We didn't organise anything for under 11s in those days.
It is the job of the track judges to agree on the order that athetes finish - and also to make sure all the rules are adhered to.
It can be hard in a sprint race when people finish very close together to decide on the order.
I can recall today a race when 1st and 2nd were just 1 hundredth of a second apart - almost impossible to know who was the winner.
The timekeepers time of course.
Each person is responsible for timing the same position throughout the meeting - or more than one position when numbers are short.
Once the marksmen have the athletes ready, the starter whistles.
The chief timekeeper then waves to acknowledge that track officials are ready.
And there is Jim, one of the starters - whistle at the ready I think.
And so the competition was over - at the track.
Bill and I continued later at home.
I have all the results given by the electric timekeeping system and so we compared to the hundredth of a second with what we had on our watches.
Then we can work out our average error.
Bill was the victor! But he was disappointed because, for him, he had a bad day. He was nearly as bad as me!
And to be honest we were not actually that bad.
My average error over 91 times taken was 4.46 hundredths of a second.
We could fault the signal from the guns.
We expect to see a good clear flash from the gun - no, we do not start on the bang.
But our starters are not able to get good ammunition at the moment and all we see is a puff of white smoke.
People of a technical nature will realise why we don't start on the bang - sound takes time to travel.
Tomorrow I think we will go to the shop - to collect any monies and have a tidy up.
We should also go and see Julie - who has not been able to get to the shop for some weeks after a fall.
Jamie has a good blog posting - a village fete, including a picture of John
Labels: athletics
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Back on duty at the track
I did it! I listened to my body - and the message the brain was sending me.
I did not get up early.
Whatever was for sale at Pease Pottage this morning was not bought by me!
I felt a bit stronger after a reasonable night's sleep. I felt, at least, I could get my brain into gear!
We were at the track by 11 o'clock.
This was the first Young Athletes League meeting we have been to for many a long year.
It used to be our social life - meeting up with the other parents of the young lads who would be competing, travelling together in a coach.
But all our young athletes grew up - most gave up competing, though some did not. Most are now married and have youngsters of their own - and for those attached to the club it has become their social life.
There is one big difference between then and now - girls!
It used to be a competition for boys up to the age of 17, and now it is for girls too.
The programme, which is very full, has been worked out very well and it flows smoothly.
There were enough timekeepers today (just) and I had already been grateful that Keith offered to take over as the chief timekeeper.
I sat alongside Bev, a timekeeper from Hastings who I had not met before.
There was lots of enthusiasm and good racing. This is how we should be seeing young people instead of as the tabloid press would have us believe they all are.
Yes, of course, I am glad that Crawley were winners - not sure that will win the league though; but I am most glad to see hard work and fair play and an appreciation of each other's efforts.
I am tired now - but not like I was last night.
I did not get up early.
Whatever was for sale at Pease Pottage this morning was not bought by me!
I felt a bit stronger after a reasonable night's sleep. I felt, at least, I could get my brain into gear!
We were at the track by 11 o'clock.
This was the first Young Athletes League meeting we have been to for many a long year.
It used to be our social life - meeting up with the other parents of the young lads who would be competing, travelling together in a coach.
But all our young athletes grew up - most gave up competing, though some did not. Most are now married and have youngsters of their own - and for those attached to the club it has become their social life.
There is one big difference between then and now - girls!
It used to be a competition for boys up to the age of 17, and now it is for girls too.
The programme, which is very full, has been worked out very well and it flows smoothly.
There were enough timekeepers today (just) and I had already been grateful that Keith offered to take over as the chief timekeeper.
I sat alongside Bev, a timekeeper from Hastings who I had not met before.
There was lots of enthusiasm and good racing. This is how we should be seeing young people instead of as the tabloid press would have us believe they all are.
Yes, of course, I am glad that Crawley were winners - not sure that will win the league though; but I am most glad to see hard work and fair play and an appreciation of each other's efforts.
I am tired now - but not like I was last night.
Labels: athletics
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Off day at home - very much on form at the track.
Strange day!
I have felt not very good for much of it and then, this evening, had to transform into Superwoman!
It started well enough.
My plan was to begin with the ironing - not a great deal, for many things are not ironed; but I do like a good finish to some of the things that we wear.
I almost looked forward to getting started - for I had a new iron.
I bought a cheap lightweight steam iron in Asda on Sunday - only £8.
It works very well - but I didn't work well.
Soon I felt quite wretched - bad headache and nausea. It was a kind of a migraine - I needed to lie down and cover my eyes, because light seemed too bright.
I was up and down - ironing a couple of items and then lying down again.
I did cook some lunch - I get an urge for food with this sort of condition.
After lunch I dozed.
I roused myself to do a shop blog.
http://pilgrimsantiquesweststreetdorking.blogspot.com/
This has led to a friend and I sharing memories of clock golf - and I was able to tell her that this can be played on a Wiltshire lawn.
This evening we had a commitment to be at the track - so, feeling run down and weak I set off.
And there discovered that I had to become superwoman!
I have spoken before of the lack of officials these days - this evening there were 2 timekeepers.....Bill and me.
It was a very hectic meeting for us officials - so many races, so little time.
We gave times for every athlete - somehow, and not always accurately.
I felt no concern that we might be giving a second rate service because we had electric timekeeping as well as us.
Electric timekeeping normally gives us an opportunity to check just how well we are doing - right down to the hundredth of a second. But we had no time to write down our hundredths.
Tomorrow I will look through all the electric times and see just how close (or far out) we might have been.
The last race was a complete challenge.
There was an invitation 100 metres for senior men and this was the final.
Eight very speedy athletes hurtle down the track and finish altogether within a couple of tenths of each other!
I confess Bill and I got actual times for only 2 of them.
That is where some skill at reading the race comes in.
Once home again, I realised that my head and body have not yet come round from whatever today's problems have been.
Time for bed.
Oh and by the way - it seems that our Prime Minister has seen fit to agree with last night's blog posting - about that Raoul Moat person.
I have felt not very good for much of it and then, this evening, had to transform into Superwoman!
It started well enough.
My plan was to begin with the ironing - not a great deal, for many things are not ironed; but I do like a good finish to some of the things that we wear.
I almost looked forward to getting started - for I had a new iron.
I bought a cheap lightweight steam iron in Asda on Sunday - only £8.
It works very well - but I didn't work well.
Soon I felt quite wretched - bad headache and nausea. It was a kind of a migraine - I needed to lie down and cover my eyes, because light seemed too bright.
I was up and down - ironing a couple of items and then lying down again.
I did cook some lunch - I get an urge for food with this sort of condition.
After lunch I dozed.
I roused myself to do a shop blog.
http://pilgrimsantiquesweststreetdorking.blogspot.com/
This has led to a friend and I sharing memories of clock golf - and I was able to tell her that this can be played on a Wiltshire lawn.
This evening we had a commitment to be at the track - so, feeling run down and weak I set off.
And there discovered that I had to become superwoman!
I have spoken before of the lack of officials these days - this evening there were 2 timekeepers.....Bill and me.
It was a very hectic meeting for us officials - so many races, so little time.
We gave times for every athlete - somehow, and not always accurately.
I felt no concern that we might be giving a second rate service because we had electric timekeeping as well as us.
Electric timekeeping normally gives us an opportunity to check just how well we are doing - right down to the hundredth of a second. But we had no time to write down our hundredths.
Tomorrow I will look through all the electric times and see just how close (or far out) we might have been.
The last race was a complete challenge.
There was an invitation 100 metres for senior men and this was the final.
Eight very speedy athletes hurtle down the track and finish altogether within a couple of tenths of each other!
I confess Bill and I got actual times for only 2 of them.
That is where some skill at reading the race comes in.
Once home again, I realised that my head and body have not yet come round from whatever today's problems have been.
Time for bed.
Oh and by the way - it seems that our Prime Minister has seen fit to agree with last night's blog posting - about that Raoul Moat person.
Labels: athletics
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Athletics again.
I scrambled from my bed, donned some clothes and rushed off to Faygate.
Maybe I donned the wrong clothes - it was misty and murky and I felt under dressed in T shirt and shorts.
And anyway, it was all really a waste of time.
I have bought one book to sell on - will make about £1 on it!
I bought a DVD for Jamie and Mam, a skirt for Ecky and a big jar of mango chutney.
And that was it.
So, I went home for a shower and some breakfast.
Later we went to the track for a men's southern league match - actually 2 matches going on during the afternoon.
There were 9 teams there in all - and each team should supply a time keeper. And how many did we have? Well, there was Bill and me and Cecil.
Cecil is a character! He has been involved in the world of athletics for many, many years. He was a race walker in his prime. His prime was a long time ago - I think he is 82.
He is not very fit now, not very mobile.
It is probably his continuing involvement with the sport that keeps him going.
He lives alone - somehow I doubt that he ever married.
He doesn't have the will or ability to look after himself quite as much as he should.
I am not sure how often his clothes are washed. And they are not discarded even when beyond repair.
His shirts usually have remains of food down them - even 25 years ago when he would have been a man in his 50s!
Today he turned up in a long sleeved white (was white once) vest type thing and bright red braces.
I should have had my camera with me.
But I have found a picture of him on a web site - in winter clothing; and the coat covers up all manner of unmentionables!
That's Cecil on the left, watch in hand to time the runners in at a cross country meeting.
He has a Queens Park Rangers football scarf on. The athletics club he is attached to is Queens Park Harriers.
Bill and I looked after him and chatted. I would hate to think that he felt unwanted - though in truth I think Bill and I could just about have managed on our own.
Crawley's B team were in action today - led by an old athletics colleague of Jamie's, Tim Kimber. Tim looks a very fit and toned 40 year old.
The Crawley B team were in competition with other club's only teams - and we were beaten by Eastbourne.
I came home to sort out 3 EBay sales - well, send the invoices. The books are not yet wrapped.
And we watched today's stage of le Tour de France.
Men from BT have been in evidence today. They came, they saw and were defeated.
They will be back!
Another neighbour was round this morning to have a shared grumble about the situation.
Troubles do bring people together.
Now for a cup of tea and a think about where we want to be tomorrow morning.
Maybe I donned the wrong clothes - it was misty and murky and I felt under dressed in T shirt and shorts.
And anyway, it was all really a waste of time.
I have bought one book to sell on - will make about £1 on it!
I bought a DVD for Jamie and Mam, a skirt for Ecky and a big jar of mango chutney.
And that was it.
So, I went home for a shower and some breakfast.
Later we went to the track for a men's southern league match - actually 2 matches going on during the afternoon.
There were 9 teams there in all - and each team should supply a time keeper. And how many did we have? Well, there was Bill and me and Cecil.
Cecil is a character! He has been involved in the world of athletics for many, many years. He was a race walker in his prime. His prime was a long time ago - I think he is 82.
He is not very fit now, not very mobile.
It is probably his continuing involvement with the sport that keeps him going.
He lives alone - somehow I doubt that he ever married.
He doesn't have the will or ability to look after himself quite as much as he should.
I am not sure how often his clothes are washed. And they are not discarded even when beyond repair.
His shirts usually have remains of food down them - even 25 years ago when he would have been a man in his 50s!
Today he turned up in a long sleeved white (was white once) vest type thing and bright red braces.
I should have had my camera with me.
But I have found a picture of him on a web site - in winter clothing; and the coat covers up all manner of unmentionables!
That's Cecil on the left, watch in hand to time the runners in at a cross country meeting.
He has a Queens Park Rangers football scarf on. The athletics club he is attached to is Queens Park Harriers.
Bill and I looked after him and chatted. I would hate to think that he felt unwanted - though in truth I think Bill and I could just about have managed on our own.
Crawley's B team were in action today - led by an old athletics colleague of Jamie's, Tim Kimber. Tim looks a very fit and toned 40 year old.
The Crawley B team were in competition with other club's only teams - and we were beaten by Eastbourne.
I came home to sort out 3 EBay sales - well, send the invoices. The books are not yet wrapped.
And we watched today's stage of le Tour de France.
Men from BT have been in evidence today. They came, they saw and were defeated.
They will be back!
Another neighbour was round this morning to have a shared grumble about the situation.
Troubles do bring people together.
Now for a cup of tea and a think about where we want to be tomorrow morning.
Labels: athletics
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Sunday out and about
It was not exactly a day of two halves because the first part was much shorter than the second part.
We were at the Pease Pottage boot sale at 7 o'clock - never the best one for us to buy at.
I bought a large amount of skeins of embroidery threads to create a basket of wonderful colours.
I was pleased to find a pair of M&S trousers for me - exactly right size, with long leg, for £1.
And I bought a number of Cherry Ames - Nurse books, with their dust wrappers.
I never read these as a girl, but I know that Ashley has had some which he sold on EBay.
A little research has told me that the author is American and they are set in the USA.
This is not one that I found this morning - but the picture of the dust wrapper shows the appeal of this series of books, I think.
Cherry Ames seems to have nursed in almost every situation imaginable.
That's a bit like a soap opera......it doesn't matter what condition one of the Ramsey Street people might suffer from in Neighbours, their hospital doctor is always Karl. He knows all there is to know about everything!
Which brings me to one of the companions for the rest of the day.
Guess who! That's it, Gerry was one of the timekeepers.
We were at the track for the Sussex Under 13's championships.
It was a lovely meeting.
I was the chief timekeeper, which I enjoyed. Gerry is a good timekeeper and I was glad to have him working with me - as well as Derek.
What I really enjoy is reading the race. This involves deciding quickly where runners finish very close together and about how many tenths of a second there might be between runners.
So, before I record all the times taken I mark my recording sheet with a sort of code for where the gaps were very close and where runners finish further apart.
I got Bill to take a picture of the team.
I wonder if there is something wrong with Gerry (no - don't answer that!).
Whilst some slapped on sun screen, Gerry kept his fleece on all day.
It was a happy day for all.
Tired now, though.
Bill is aching a lot. He is suffering from a surfeit of physical work.
He is being tempted by the osteopath at the moment.
Shame I missed Rafa winning Wimbledon - but I didn't doubt that he would win.
We were at the Pease Pottage boot sale at 7 o'clock - never the best one for us to buy at.
I bought a large amount of skeins of embroidery threads to create a basket of wonderful colours.
I was pleased to find a pair of M&S trousers for me - exactly right size, with long leg, for £1.
And I bought a number of Cherry Ames - Nurse books, with their dust wrappers.
I never read these as a girl, but I know that Ashley has had some which he sold on EBay.
A little research has told me that the author is American and they are set in the USA.
This is not one that I found this morning - but the picture of the dust wrapper shows the appeal of this series of books, I think.
Cherry Ames seems to have nursed in almost every situation imaginable.
That's a bit like a soap opera......it doesn't matter what condition one of the Ramsey Street people might suffer from in Neighbours, their hospital doctor is always Karl. He knows all there is to know about everything!
Which brings me to one of the companions for the rest of the day.
Guess who! That's it, Gerry was one of the timekeepers.
We were at the track for the Sussex Under 13's championships.
It was a lovely meeting.
I was the chief timekeeper, which I enjoyed. Gerry is a good timekeeper and I was glad to have him working with me - as well as Derek.
What I really enjoy is reading the race. This involves deciding quickly where runners finish very close together and about how many tenths of a second there might be between runners.
So, before I record all the times taken I mark my recording sheet with a sort of code for where the gaps were very close and where runners finish further apart.
I got Bill to take a picture of the team.
I wonder if there is something wrong with Gerry (no - don't answer that!).
Whilst some slapped on sun screen, Gerry kept his fleece on all day.
It was a happy day for all.
Tired now, though.
Bill is aching a lot. He is suffering from a surfeit of physical work.
He is being tempted by the osteopath at the moment.
Shame I missed Rafa winning Wimbledon - but I didn't doubt that he would win.
Labels: athletics, shop and stock
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Working, yet relaxing.
The sun has shone and the day has been relaxing.
Tomorrow is predicted to be even hotter.
I got up early and went to the Faygate boot sale and just like last Saturday I bought mostly clothes.
Lots of good quality T shirts/polo shirts, mainly for Ashley at 50p a time.
Bill and I banter about what is and what is not a T shirt. He says it is only a T shirt if it has a round neck and no collar.
There were some bits for me and Bill too, but not much.
I bought chutney, apricots and strawberries.
I bought just 2 things for selling on.
We were at the track by just gone half past twelve.
I was chief timekeeper at a Southern Women's League match.
And what a lovely team of timekeepers I had.
There was Bill of course and two men from Exeter, one from Brighton and one from Blackheath.
There should be timekeepers from the 8 competing clubs, but that rarely happens and today we had enough.
My men were fit and healthy - though older than I had assumed.
Perhaps that is just a sign of me getting older.
John from Exeter was surely no older than Bill - but it turns out he is 82 and has had triple by pass surgery.
The other timekeeper from Exeter was tall and slim with flowing locks - very hippy! Turned out he is 58.
The programme for this match is very laid back, so there was time for fetching drinks and chatting.
And Crawley won - which is really as it should be at a home fixture. It is so much easier to get young women out for a Saturday afternoon - providing they still have their Saturday evenings free.
They were not all young - but all over 17.
Jamie might be able to spot Ann Tulip (as was - now Bucket) in the photo.
Older than you Jamie!
She is standing next to the coloured girl.
I liked the way they all worked together and painted colours and the word Crawley on their legs. Some wore black and yellow ribbons in their hair.
Well done Crawley!
Well done Raffa too - my favourite tennis player had a hard match.
Well done Ghana - so far! It would be good to have an African nation proceeding in the world cup.
But for now it is time for supper - water melon and sorbet for me.
Tomorrow is predicted to be even hotter.
I got up early and went to the Faygate boot sale and just like last Saturday I bought mostly clothes.
Lots of good quality T shirts/polo shirts, mainly for Ashley at 50p a time.
Bill and I banter about what is and what is not a T shirt. He says it is only a T shirt if it has a round neck and no collar.
There were some bits for me and Bill too, but not much.
I bought chutney, apricots and strawberries.
I bought just 2 things for selling on.
We were at the track by just gone half past twelve.
I was chief timekeeper at a Southern Women's League match.
And what a lovely team of timekeepers I had.
There was Bill of course and two men from Exeter, one from Brighton and one from Blackheath.
There should be timekeepers from the 8 competing clubs, but that rarely happens and today we had enough.
My men were fit and healthy - though older than I had assumed.
Perhaps that is just a sign of me getting older.
John from Exeter was surely no older than Bill - but it turns out he is 82 and has had triple by pass surgery.
The other timekeeper from Exeter was tall and slim with flowing locks - very hippy! Turned out he is 58.
The programme for this match is very laid back, so there was time for fetching drinks and chatting.
And Crawley won - which is really as it should be at a home fixture. It is so much easier to get young women out for a Saturday afternoon - providing they still have their Saturday evenings free.
They were not all young - but all over 17.
Jamie might be able to spot Ann Tulip (as was - now Bucket) in the photo.
Older than you Jamie!
She is standing next to the coloured girl.
I liked the way they all worked together and painted colours and the word Crawley on their legs. Some wore black and yellow ribbons in their hair.
Well done Crawley!
Well done Raffa too - my favourite tennis player had a hard match.
Well done Ghana - so far! It would be good to have an African nation proceeding in the world cup.
But for now it is time for supper - water melon and sorbet for me.
Labels: athletics
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Athletics
Your country needs you! Oh and I mean England, not Thailand.
Sorry - I forgot....John has a brain, so probably that rules him out of the England squad!
I started the day with a trip to Faygate for the small car boot sale - Bill decided not to bother.
I came home loaded with things for Ashley and Ecky - clothes mainly.
There were also clothes for us.
Bill gets bored with hunting for clothes, but today I felt a little freer for searching.
I also got some things to sell. I am really delighted with 2 cloth bags for MacDougall's self raising flour. I am not sure when the cloth bags stopped being used. I'll photograph them tomorrow and maybe somebody can comment on a possible date.
Whilst at the boot sale a fleet of police cars, fire engines etc sped along the road and the air ambulance came in too. Somebody along the road was in a bad way. I never like knowing of these things.
The dual carriage way road to Horsham was completely closed.
It remained like that for some hours - certainly at the time we wanted to drive to Horsham.
We took the country road, through Colgate - absolutely full of traffic that had been diverted.
Our destination was the Broadbridge Heath track.
About 10 minutes before the meeting was due to start, I realised that my 7 timekeepers was in fact only 6.
So some instant jiggling with the duty sheet was required.
The others stepped in gallantly to take on extra duties.
The racing was good - the only disappointment was that Sussex came 4th.
But we are a small county (in terms of population) compared with Surrey, Kent or Hampshire.
After the meeting we popped into Tescos by the track and (oh excitement!) bought a new back door mat. We also bought a mop for keeping the new floor clean - one designed for wooden floors, not one that spreads masses of soapy water over the floor.
That's it - I feel tired. I have been over indulging in bread lately, including today - sandwiches were the provided lunch.
I think I had better ease off - it gives me tummy ache badly after too much. This gives me a head ache and makes me feel generally fragile.
I can get away with a little bread sometimes - but then I want more.
Weather forecast is good (ish) for tomorrow and I look forward to more hunting.
If only the north east wind would die down. I wore a hat at the track today, just to keep the hair out of my face.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A sporting summer
Sport rules OK.......but England football does not!
And whoever thought that England would dominate? Not me.
I concede that they just could have won this evening, but for our goal keeper's fumbling, but it was a pathetic performance played out by a bunch of brainless men with over inflated egos.
Actually - I didn't watch all that much of it, but pottered at the computer with radio 5 Live Commentary on.
I will pop through to the TV in a moment to see what Gareth has to say - he is in S Africa for ITV.
New readers - Gareth is Gareth Southgate who was in one of my athletics teams when he was a teenager and later went on to play football for England.
Gareth for England manager say I! He has brains and manners.
But we were involved in a different sport all day and it was a very good meeting.
People who know me well will be surprised to learn that I worked with Gerry all day - and enjoyed it!
Maybe he has mellowed or I have learned how to tame him.
It was warm enough - though once the sun was behind the stand some felt really chilly and I put my jacket on.
I love this event - a chance for young people to show that they are good people and prepared to give their all.
There were some hard fought races and athletes in many events got qualifying standards for the All England Schools Championships.
I, of course, took my camera. I will take any opportunity to have fun with it.
I began by turning the camera around so that I could have a picture with me in it - a bit distorted really, it is true.
Apart from making sure each runner has an accurate finishing time, we are responsible for informing them (in longer races) of the time on a running watch at the end of each lap.
Bill is on his feet ready to go and call out times to athletes after one lap of the 800 metres, which the girls are lining up for at the start.
I do like to capture characters with my camera.
One of the long jump pits is just below the timekeepers' stand and I attempted some photographs from up there - not the best spot.
We were honoured with a brief visit from an ex timekeeper, Dave O.
Another character - Reg Hook.
And here is the team.
And whoever thought that England would dominate? Not me.
I concede that they just could have won this evening, but for our goal keeper's fumbling, but it was a pathetic performance played out by a bunch of brainless men with over inflated egos.
Actually - I didn't watch all that much of it, but pottered at the computer with radio 5 Live Commentary on.
I will pop through to the TV in a moment to see what Gareth has to say - he is in S Africa for ITV.
New readers - Gareth is Gareth Southgate who was in one of my athletics teams when he was a teenager and later went on to play football for England.
Gareth for England manager say I! He has brains and manners.
But we were involved in a different sport all day and it was a very good meeting.
People who know me well will be surprised to learn that I worked with Gerry all day - and enjoyed it!
Maybe he has mellowed or I have learned how to tame him.
It was warm enough - though once the sun was behind the stand some felt really chilly and I put my jacket on.
I love this event - a chance for young people to show that they are good people and prepared to give their all.
There were some hard fought races and athletes in many events got qualifying standards for the All England Schools Championships.
I, of course, took my camera. I will take any opportunity to have fun with it.
I began by turning the camera around so that I could have a picture with me in it - a bit distorted really, it is true.
Apart from making sure each runner has an accurate finishing time, we are responsible for informing them (in longer races) of the time on a running watch at the end of each lap.
Bill is on his feet ready to go and call out times to athletes after one lap of the 800 metres, which the girls are lining up for at the start.
I do like to capture characters with my camera.
David is a character. He is not a fit man now - not sure of his age, but quite a bit older than I am.
He decided he needed more protection from the morning sun and I thought his use of his handkerchief added to the interest.
On the right, Bill is calling times.
One of the long jump pits is just below the timekeepers' stand and I attempted some photographs from up there - not the best spot.
It is hard to judge it right - some of the pictures showed the athletes as they landed.
But this one was quite good - both me and the jumper.
Katie achieved a new championship best performance - one that had stood since 1982, which must have been about our 1st Sussex Schools Champs.
There were several new records today.
Some records may never be beaten...... Steve Ovett holds the Intermediate Boys 800 metres - when he won in 1970!
Ten years later he was Olympic Gold medallist.
Who can say - there might be potential gold medalists we have seen today.
We were honoured with a brief visit from an ex timekeeper, Dave O.
Unfortunately (for him) we were all far too busy to pay him much attention.
Here he chats with Tony, one of the starters.
Another character - Reg Hook.
How old is he? I would have placed him as being close to elderly when we first started almost 30 years ago - but that was no doubt my mis conception, a failing of the young, seeing others as old.
He supplies photos to the Brighton evening paper and is a great stalwart in the world of Sussex athletics.
And here is the team.
You will note that I take a cushion with me. Gerry is looking jolly.
Bill is right at the back - almost obscured.
Next week we will be timekeeping once again - and next week, Bill and I will act together as the chief. It is an Inter Counties Match for today's winners.
We will get up early and go to a car boot sale tomorrow morning.
And tomorrow I will return to some Welsh memories and pictures.
Labels: athletics
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Sports Hall Athletics - Then and Now.
Sunday evening!
Bill can't claim that this is out of focus because of his great speed!
Ashley hands the baton on to Gareth Southgate - though only we know that, because only his waiting hand is in the photo.
This is 1984.
I am so tired!
It is ever so on Sunday evenings it seems. There is the weekly struggle to stay awake for my favourite TV programmes - I failed this week.
We were out early again to see what treasures awaited us at the Dorking car boot sale - not many this week.
The highlight of the day has a been a lively and enjoyable athletics meeting - which took me on a long journey down memory lane to encounter the images of so many people who shared life with me over 25 years ago.
Where are they all now?
Some I know about - my own family.
Others I know a little about because they went to achieve fame and in one case, fortune.
Nick Buckfield who is the British record holder for pole vault competed for me.
Gareth Southgate was alo a team regular for me. He went on to play football for England - should have been captain (perhaps he was once or twice). He certainly captained, Crystal Palace, Aston villa and Middlesbrough and went on to be manager of Middlesbrough - until this year, when he was sacked. Poor Middlesbrough! They are floundering without him.
The event is for youngsters - under 15 years old. In my day the sports hall competition included seniors as well.
The athletics clubs of Sussex compete 4 times during the winter for a shield and for honour.
The running races are not run on a circular track but in the sportshall - back and forth from one end to the other, turning each end on a "bounce board". The start and finish is in the middle of the hall.
There are also field events - standing long jump, vertical high jump and shot putt, with a shot of the right weight and size.
The first event of its kind was in 1981 and I was persuaded to put a team together to represent Crawley.
I loved doing it. They were very happy times.
I actually watched the present Crawley team manager today and a sort of jealousy crept in - she had taken over my role! Though of course there have been other managers between her and me.
The races today were fun and well fought. Support from team mates and parents was huge and added to the atmosphere.
The outcome today was much as it was in my heyday - a win for Crawley!
Though I never actually got a girls' team onto the winner's rostrum.
The boy's team then consisted of Jamie and Ashley and many of the people who were part of their lives. As I said, we also had senior men in the team - and I found it hard to persuade seniors that this new type of competition was worthwhile.
One regular was James - a Welsh international, who was a magnificent hurdler. Seeing him flying over 3 foot 6 inch hurdles was an awe inspiring joy.
When we look back, like I have today, people might feel like they have been in touch with the ghosts of younger days.
Memories of James are indeed like that. He got leukaemia and died at The Royal Marsden at just about the same time that I had my very first dose of chemotherapy. He had got married just a few weeks before.
There are no hurdles races now.
Other seniors had to be cajoled from the ranks of willing parents to make up the numbers. You will see a photo of one speedy father in a moment!
Here we see the Under 13 boys relay team.
Here we see the Under 13 boys relay team.
Jamie takes the baton from Dominic, while Wayne and Lee (the twins) watch and hope that Jamie brings the baton home for maximum points. Of course he did - they were a very speedy team.
Bill can't claim that this is out of focus because of his great speed!
You can see one of the bounce boards which the runner puts one foot on and turns back. The board is connected to a pillar with lights which count down the laps to the finish.
Ashley hands the baton on to Gareth Southgate - though only we know that, because only his waiting hand is in the photo.
Having won the shield, I, as manager, had to look after it and so both Jamie and Ashley were photographed with it at home.
These photos sum up a special time in my life.
Just think - I could still be doing it.
John Linfield organised the first event and is still the meeting organiser today.
This was the winning team in 1983.
This was the winning team in 1983.
James, the one who died, is holding the shield - the one on the left.
Jamie is in the back row - already much taller than the rest, including the seniors - well, perhaps Richard Edwards is the same height; I saw his father recently in Lidls.
Ashley is in the front - second from the right - next to Gareth.
Tim Kimber, in the front row is still a regular runner for the club.
This is 1984.
I am quite stylish aren't I?
I have been promised a photo from Karen Miller - who used to be in the girl's team way back then and is now one of the enthusiastic parents. It is a photo of the victorious team today - both girls and boys.
Well done Crawley Athletics Club. I was so happy to see such strength and enthusiasm. The club looks like it still has what we all enjoyed over 25 years ago and it bodes well for the future.
Labels: athletics
