Worthing mixture 2013

It has been a glorious summer‘s day in late September yet I found it difficult to concentrate on the cricket with my attention divided between the horror in Kenya with its implications for all of us of the Muslim based terrorism., while this afternoon I listened on digital radio to Ed Miliband’s speech to the annual conference of the Labour Party at Brighton. I really ought to have checked the position earlier and applied for a day pass or two although had Durham needed to win the present game for the championship I would have found myself torn between the two events. Perhaps next year prior to the general election? Blackpool?

I watched the morning BBC 1 news and features programme on the wall mounted TV in the room before departing around 8.30 24^th September 2013 on what looked a great sun drenching day until hit dense sea fret reaching Lancing and the river Adur. Fortunately the fog cleared as I reached the Lighthouse Lifeboat station car park. I crossed the main road with difficulty because of the rapidly advancing traffic in both directions but did not have to wait long before the arrival of the 700 coastliner bus. My bus pass was not recognised and the driver issued me a ticket only to work out as I sat down the embarrassment that I had entered the bus before the 9.30 time when the pass became valid. I apologised as I left at the stop close to the southern region HQ building of the GMB union.

I had purchased my first day ticket in advance and arrived sufficiently early for a good explore of the developments at the ground since my last visit. There is now a tall stand to the left of the entrance with on the read underside a large club store and reception ticket/membership office. There is also a general coffee shop/restaurant with outside tables attempting to open 7 days a week 52 weeks if the year but its location is hopeless away from the long Brighton to beyond Hove shopping and restaurant street, with a popular pub at the gate and the facilities within the club Pavilion as well as the bar/snackery at the far end of the ground. I ordered a coffee to accompany reading the Times purchased at an all house local store only for the coffee to be lukewarm. Not good enough. I have not been back.

Apart from emphasising the callous brutality of these monster beings with the picture of a young couple, she in the latter stages of pregnancy and the story of a mother screaming because of the body of her child aside her, the interest has switched to the growing belief that a white woman involved in the attack is the British born and raised lay dead beside her. My sympathy is again with the Kenyan president who promised the perpetrators prolonged pain and with the relatives and everyone who fears the kind of world which will be created if these fanatics are not checked. I am tempted to join the clamour of the Dalek’s “Exterminate Them,” adding of course, according to due process of the country in which they are apprehended.

Returning to the Sussex cricket ground in addition to the new stand, a batch of at least 96 seats has been added to the roof of the media centre where it was possible to sit on fixed seats on my previous visit with an excellent view over the wicket. These seats are now restricted to those willing to offer up front £1000 and then purchase the premium membership services at £250 each year. The other significant change is a new posh entrance to the top part of the Pavilion which is side on to the wicket and where for an additional £80 to standard membership one can claim the same seat throughout the championship year.

As I had left my hat and cap in the car I went out of the sun in the shade at the top of the new stand where i chatted with some established Sussex members and also watched the arrival of at least 100 Durham supporters, many with the official supporters coach and one couple and their dog in a motor home which was allowed to park within the ground along with the team coach and the players coach. The Durham team are staying at Arundel because of the Labour Party annual conference and the Durham supporters at Eastbourne.

The other news event dominating the news programmes until this morning, Thursday September 26^th has been Ed Miliband’s speech to the Labour conference resulting in some proposals being condemned by New Labour Guru Peter Mandelson and now crossbencher business adviser Toby Jones with horror and scorn from the Tory press and a field day anticipated at next week’s Tory Party conference. I want to place on record that I thought his speech Prime Ministerial next General Election winning, probably with an coalition alliance with the Lib Dems and other parties including surprisingly as it may seem the Unionists. The speech marked a clear divide which should stem the tide of old labour to UKIP and place more pressure on Cameron to move to the right thus creating more difficulties for himself with increasing Tory moves of members and voters to UKIP.

The first measure which Ed proposed whose significance is yet to be fully understood is his firm declaration as a Unionist and opposition to an independent Scotland, thus sounding a call to arms of the traditional Labour voters, especially in Scotland and where he matched the SNP’s decision to give a referendum vote to 16 year olds by also proposing to reduce the voting age in General and Local elections to 16 years. This was only structural reform of substance I drew from the speech.

It could be argued that by also insisting on trying to carry through the proposal to disentangle the block voting Trade Union members turning a substantial proportion into active Labour party members is also a structural move but in my eyes is no more that help to separate the traditional Labour tactics and behaviour of local members from the proposed democratic socialist party of the future. This to my mind is the most adventurous of his proposals given the tenacity and resistance of the old power men to change. Reminds of the Young Socialist coup which enabled me to become an executive member of the Beddington and Wallington Labour Party when I was 21.

One major theme of his speech was standing up to the powerful whereas he rightly claimed Cameron only stood up to the weak, backing off reform of the House Lords, the banks their lending and their bonuses, the energy firms who raise but never lower charges irrespective of market conditions, Murdoch, the press and the Leveson recommendations although in fairness the Home Secretary has stood up to the Association of Chief Police Officers.

The class division between the have not’s and the very rich was also emphasised is a series of measure to try and make some impact on the widening imbalances. One proposal is to force property developers to use the land in their possession or become taxed and eventually the compulsory purchase. Which amounts to encouragement by threat with the Labour Government wanting to increase the number of new homes by 200000. Labour would also introduce several wealth taxes, one of the corporation tax for large business empires going to small business development with environment protection and alternative energy at the core. It was the big six energy companies who have become the focus of media attention with the announcement of a 20 month freeze during which time the government would attempt to reorganise the market and strengthen the regulator. This led to threats of close downs, and slow downs which the new Red Ed dismissed. He also attacked the lack of progress in male female issues from equal pay and a further move to increasing the number of female Members of parliament from 30% to 50%. There was no major socialist structuring in the rhetoric but the direction and mood was in the right one for bringing the trade unions and the lower paid back away from UKIP and sending a positive message to the beleaguered middle classes that they were significantly below the rich now in the sights of a future Labour Government. The decision not to support military intervention in Syria had played well his supporters and the electorate in general.

The new head of the Unsolved Crimes Team in New Tricks on Tuesday evening is none other than Tamzin Outhwaite who is married to an Assistant Chief Couple who jerry in particular thought must have pulled strings to get her the job. I gather next week she finds hubby in bed with another. The case of interest was an unsolved murder where the murder weapon turns up as part of an allotment clearance when a World War II unexploded bomb is discovered although there do not immediately know from which of the cleared sites the weapon had come from. I cannot remember much about the crime and its solution as the interest throughout was on Tamzin and how she was able to cope with the three men members and with Jerry( Denis Waterman) the only one of the originals remaining. I like the role of Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney from only Fools and Horses) who in time will make it but I am not sure about the other character with the loss of Brian almost impossible to get back from.

I have also not mentioned the very good afternoon play on Radio Four which attempted to show a young woman in a wheel chair of being a whole woman and a capable actress for more that wheel chair roles about the problems of disability. Of course being radio the unanswered question was the actress a disabled wheel chair dependent or not.

Wednesday proved a very different morning after the burning sun of Tuesday when on returning to the Travel Lodge the room was stifling despite the fan being left on by the. I had made a salad with a carton of grapes for lunch, continuing with cereal and milk mornings. At the end of the game on Tuesday and returning to the car I had driven to Tesco for milk, some chicken wings for the evening meal, lettuce, tomatoes and a small quiche. Although there was mist here when I set off taking the quiche with salad, it was brighter and still warm when I parked the car at the lighthouse car park. However it was still misty on arrival at Hove and ensuring I was OK for the 9,30 use of the bus pass I was still able to find myself a deckchair seat at the back of the area close to behind the wicket and with a perfect view of the play. I had remembered my Durham hat although it was not needed for most of the morning.

I enjoyed coffee from the kiosk type service at the back of the ground and after lunch I had another coffee with a packet of crisps. It was just after lunch that the fog came in and there was a break of play. This break lasted only five minutes when there was also a commotion in the main stand as spectators started to all move having been told to do so because an alarm had sounded below. Thus was a false alarm and they quickly returned and I wondered if this was anything to do with the four hour protest strike of the fire service over the decision that new entrants would not retire until they reach the age of 60.

The fog then came in and stayed so eventually I made my way back and invested £2 for parking an early return to the room where the fog continued for the rest of the day. I enjoyed soup a la cuppa and a hot pot noodles in the evening.

For the second week in succession there was an excellent Who Do you Think You are with John Snow whose great grand mother left her husband with three of her four children went to live with USA cowboy showman Bill Coady who then became a key figure in the development of flight for the UK, including working for the Army before World War I. At the age of four when his parent‘s divorced John chose to be brought up by his father and this led him to have little contact with his mother’s family and background. His point that one should not lose contact with kith and kin was well made,

The cricket going the way it had I was in two minds whether to go the Sussex ground this Thursday morning or go walking. There was mist out to sea and given the events of the previous day and that is was only 9,15 when i arrived at the Lighthouse, I decided to continue walking towards Southwick which also has similarities with the Southwick Sunderland alongside a river based seaport with public housing flats and an attractive air given the rest of the south coast ruritania. Across the road from Southwick Marina is Emmaus crafts and coffee shop which was tempting especially as the Pebbles on the Beach and the Schooner Inn were not yet open. It was then the Schooner Inn across the road with the adjacent bus stop where I missed a bus just before arriving to find it had been three minutes early although another was on its way. I had noted a succession of 700 coastliners going on to Chichester, Arundel, Portsmouth and Southsea as well as those going only as far as Worthing before turning around and a possible agenda for Friday commenced to emerge although earlier I had thought of Brighton Marina for a first showing of the new Woody Allen with Kate Blanchette at the Cineworld and then lunch. A 700 arrived after nine minutes but it would have been quicker to have walked because of some road works creating a single lane obstruction. I got off at the commencement of the promenade from Hove to Brighton Pier with its hundreds of small colourful painted beach huts which were covered with Daddylonglegs. There were a few joggers and one young mother with a child but with the atmosphere grey and a blustery cold wind there were few about me,

I listen to the second part of a P G Woodhouse play which involved the abduction of prize pigs, the threat of exposure via published reminisces and thwarted love affairs involving two couples. It all ended well but was not funny, barely amusing and said little about human nature or the human condition. It did pass the time of day while walked and walked and around 11 I switched over to the cricket and was depressed to learn of another early Durham collapse.

I would give the cricket a miss and headed for the Wetherspoons and an early consoling plate of sausage and mash. When I got there I did not want to be associated with the other men there. The vibes were not good. It was way too early for the 2.30 Traditional Jazz band at one Inn. The Tesco only had a Costa Coffee so I reconsidered the Wetherpoons but again rejected. I was then tempted by a two course fixed menu offer at an Italian where the Whitebait or was it sardines and the fish main course appealed, especially as I was carrying the next Montalbano to read, The Wings of the Sphinx. After finishing August Heat.

This reminds that I had invested in books by the Bedser Twins Denis Compton and Bill Edrich. John Arlot on Fred Truman and two by Bryan Johnston from the club book market for £10 to add to the never ending reading list.

I had been walking for the better part of three hours when I decided enough was enough and took the bus back to Worthing leaving my car at the Lighthouse. Derbyshire had been relegated with Notts and Somerset safe. A young man just 18 years had scored the youngest 100 for Surrey and was still batting. Durham were 44 behind with six wickets down after Ben Stokes had hit a 20 20 style 40 off runs. It was all over bar the shouting.

At Worthing I got off at M and S and purchased milk, forgetting I also needed cereal and for £6 a carton of black and green olives with Feta cheese cubes, smoked mackerel and spicy chicken wings saving around £3/ I invested £1.50 for a bottle of Pepsi only for the machine to give men £3 20 in change, amazing. It was time for a snooze and when I came too great things were happening for Durham and Friday took a different turn. The Surrey young man had hit over 200 and was still going at the close of play

Around 6 it was time to go for the car but beforehand I bought the cereal and also fancied a platter of salami cheese and cured ham. A bus was approaching the stop so I set off apace but it remained stationery only to find the driver was killing time before going off duty at the next stop. On return I had my second feast of the day in celebration with another bottle of Pepsi (no change given) and then watched the England female football team win 8.0. There are now three levels in world female football, teams from the USA, Canada and Germany with full time professional leagues, England which is in between and the rest who are poor in terms of skill and fitness. It was a very good day and I was in bed by 10 and asleep soon after

Arriving Worthing Sept 2013

As I sit here at my Travel Lodge desk directly overlooking the esplanade, pebble beach, sands and seaweed before a gentle tide at Worthing I am torn between wanting to go out and further explore, despite the greyness of the weather and the wish to write up the great sporting events of the past week in which I witnessed Durham winning the County Championship and Nottingham the 40 over competition at Lords, my vehicle failing to start when commencing the journey from the Travel Lodge at Croydon to here and was then quickly sorted by roadside assistance after which I enjoyed an Indian meal in Brighton yesterday lunchtime after passing a man walking a dog with the sign No Nukes just outside the entrance to the annual conference of the Labour Party.

I have stayed at this Travel Lodge once before, over a weekend, when a traditional jazz band played in a small square outside a small shopping precinct a short distance away from here and I have previously written of my experience visiting the Museum and Art Gallery, having come by bus from a subsequent stay at Brighton. I will take the same bus to Hove cricket ground tomorrow for the start of Durham now irrelevant game against Sussex in terms of the county championship although it would be good for the standing of the county if they were to win the game and become the first to win the championship with 11 wins out of the 16 games played since either the inauguration of the 4 day game when there was just one division or since the creation of the two division competition.

Yesterday I woke after a good night, packed and prepared to motor the short distance from the Travel Lodge to the M23 and on to Brighton when the engine refused to turn. I waited for five minutes and then turned again and it failed so I contacted roadside assistance provided by the LV car and household insurance and Rescue 247 came within half an hour having said the wait could be as long as one hour. Although I was told that the problem was a simple flooding of the carburettor the action he took suggested an air lock although I know nothing about the workings of car engines, unable to grasp the basics of how any engine works.

Once started I was anxious about stopping but I did at a garage just before the motorway in order to purchase a bottle of milk for this morning‘s cereal breakfast and a cold drink which at 1.18 for a can of Pepsi was exorbitant. I also wanted to advise others that all was well after all.

After the initial shock of potentially having the vehicle out of action for a few days I quickly realised that with a little repacking I would take case, shoulder bag and Sleep Apnoea Treatment machine, selecting a hat and a coat and take the one station stop at South Croydon back into East Croydon station as I had done the previous morning and the take a fast train to Brighton and Worthing, and then a taxi from the station down to the sea front. I would then return to Croydon to collect the car when it was ready from a local garage

On the journey I remembered how close Gatwick airport is to Croydon reminding that it in effect replaced Croydon the former principal London airport once it was appreciated after the war that the site could not be expanded to cope with the transatlantic and transworld jets and their volume of flights.

Apart from a reduced speed delay for some improvements/or repair works for those travelling in the opposite direction I soon reached the outskirts of Brighton and the short stretch along the dual carriageway A 27 for the turning for Shoreham Harbour where I parked the car by the automatic lighthouse at Port Shoreham and the Lifeboat station which I shortly visited being taken round the large rescue boat with capacity to rescue a large number of people in all conditions as well being shown the inshore boats which are most used and where shortly a proud mum and two envious younger brothers watched the eldest in what appeared to be a training assessment exercise. Nearby an elder had been bathing in the harbour waters from the short pebble beach.

For lunch I went to the Chilli Pink Canteen Indian restaurant in Brighton which served authentic recipes where I added to a pork based curry upgrade with a selection of small sample dishes, savouries and a sweet called King Khali, a photo of which was posted on face book without my appreciating it was being done at the time! I had some water and also one of their fruit concoctions which was refreshing.

On my last visit to the Worthing Travel Lodge I had failed to appreciate that I had signed up for a single room, a compact bedroom overlooking the rear of the hotel whereas on this visit my room looks directly on the promenade with its single row of white lantern lights before the flat stretch of pebble beach and then a sharp incline down to the sea which is slowly drifting in and where at the waters edge a woman is walking her dog in the distance. Shortly before this a couple of Asian looking ladies were painstakingly gathering something from the pebble beach.

Although I arrived at 5pm I was able to park across the road from the Travel Lodge as on Sunday ( 22.09.2013) there are no parking fees although on other days of the week time the rate is 20p for 12 p or £1 an hour from 9am until 6 pm.

Apart from this morning when I have been down and paid for two hours with the car parked directly by the hotel I shall get myself organised well before 9 and take the car to the lifeboat parking station and then the bus to the Hove ground which is a short walk from the bus stop ( I think). Later this afternoon after lunch which I plan to have in Shoreham I will time the journey to the ground for with the 10.30 start I will aim to arrive around 9.15 to 9.30 on the first day to ensure a good seat taking account of the weather. I obtained entry on the first day for £10 online and for subsequent days I will purchase at the box office subject to weather conditions and the state of the game after the first day. There is a £2 fee for tickets bought at the box office or collected from it. I have not checked if the fourth day is free having purchased tickets for the first three days as was the position on my last visit to the ground before the County was relegated having won the championship three times in four or possibly five years.

Last evening in a dyslexic comprehension moment rather than an elderly one I went in search of a car park with a weekly season ticket rather than having to pay the £11 required for an 24 hour stay, not grasping that unless one wanted the security of a covered car park the only need in the town was to cover the period 9 until 6 and in reality there is no where free as from my two hour walk noting the car parks there is zone parked to ensure the residents do find they or their visitors cannot park in front of their houses.

My walk took me to part of the residential area behind the hotel to where there is Amelia and Victoria Parks with one merging into the other. I then found my way to the civic centre where at a local inn had a lively atmosphere with people packed inside for some live performance and outside at tables. I continued passing the Morrisons local crossing the busy East West vice versa main road to where the is a huge deserted car park at this time of night in an unpleasant almost derelict site area but did nto continue to the railway station, my original plan having opted for the slower bus which with my national pass would be free. I did note the main Morrison’s supermarket across the busy road to the right of the main junction. If necessary I am more likely to visit the two supermarkets in the Shoreham area which I know from previous visits. However at the present time I am only in need for some small waste bags which I forgot to bring and later in the week something to add to my daily salads forsaking bread until my weight get back to 6 stone and below.

Thus was my mood and inclination when just before 11 am I set off in the car having deposited £2 of small change to keep the car for two hours where it had been parked overnight.

I was going to Shoreham for lunch although at that point I was uncertain whether I would have another celebratory meal or something al fresco. Parking became the first objective and on my first entry into the town I missed the car park at the station, I missed the station in fact although I had walked through the crossing several times over the Christmas where I was last in the town. I also missed the shoppers car park and went passed the lighthouse and lifeboat station to the traffic lights and then turned left but instead of going up to the traffic lights and turning left go to the huge Tesco and M and S complex or across and then down to where I stayed at Christmas I took the first left and along a road which I assumed was parallel to the coast road. I was broadly right although it did move inland further than anticipated so that when I did turn toward the town centre I parked the car at the far end of road which brought me back to the level crossing by the railway station. By the time I had walked through the town centre debating whether to have a proper meal noting the various offers from two seafood course offer for £10.95 to a one course £8, 2 courses £11 and 3 for £15 set menu at the place where I had a meal on the last visited and noted that half a pint of Shell on prawns were available as a starter!

The sun was shining brightly and it had become warm and local residents were out everywhere sitting at pavement tables drinking coffee. I purchased a copy of the Times at W H Smiths and sat on a bench overlooking the river. The main interest as it had been over the previous 36 hours was the horrific killings by grenades and automatic weapons at the shopping mall in the capital city of Kenya within the deaths of children and a range of others who could not immediately prove they were Muslims. The president who lost relatives promised painful retaliation on those responsible, an understandable reaction in the circumstances. At least four British citizens are known to have been killed todate.

The domestic story concerns Scum Macbride who as the scum doctor for the obsessed with power Gordon Brown engaged in foul tactics which Ed Miliband states he condemned at the time and since. There are those who cannot believe that Brown and Ed Balls were not just unaware of his activities but at a minimum took no action to discourage or stop his activities. In fairness scum MacBride has not as yet condemned his former employers with his disclosures egged on and no doubt paid for by Tory mischief makers. Just as the UKIP conference has been derailed by the joking of a an MEP at a fringe meeting scum Macbride seems determined to do likewise for the Labour Party.

In Sport the big news is the sacking of Paolo Di Canio by Sunderland after they agreed to send packing a dozen players during the summer and bought another dozen with the consequence that the club has one point from the opening games with four major games coming up with little likelihood of getting a point let alone a win from any of them. Surrey tried to do the same and were relegated at the end of last week as Durham celebrated, The other football news was that Man City thrashed Manchester United 4.1 but Chelsea who had lost badly at home in their European Cup game did win while Liverpool lost and with Arsenal, Spurs and Everton winning they are all now doing better than Man U in 8^th. Newcastle also lost to Hull at home and slipped from their promising start to mid table.

There was also speculation about the Ashes Squad which was announced at midday with Ben Stokes of Durham included and is clearly favoured along with Root, Bairstow and Balance of Yorkshire, but not Onions. Durham’s Wood has joined the Development Squad although he will not travel over Winter asked to work on a special programme to build up his strength and Fitness.

After the read and a sit I went to the Coop store where I purchased some King prawns in shell for £3.50, a heated sausage roll £1 and a carton of grapes £2 £6,50 for the three courses which I enjoyed in the sun drenched churchyard where a number of others doing likewise. I needed the loo and coffee and made my way to the McDonalds situated between the Tesco and MS north of Shoreham which I enjoyed after the comfort break. I now have a free coffee having completed the card.

It was then time to park at the lighthouse where I caught the 700 almost immediately but forgot the building which to alight and in fact the bus turned towards the ground and then along the parallel to coast shopping street although I was only to find this out on the return. The consequence was a good 20 minute walk in the hot sun although I did have the radio afternoon play for company. The walk also reminded that the walk from the station would also be longer than remembered.

Not only was the ground open but the coffee tea restaurant was open with a sign encouraging passers by to come in. The great disappointment is that the park bench and deckchair area had gone and there are no seats above the media centre from which to view the cricket above the wicket. There is a good size stand now to the left at the entrance providing about the same view as the middle tier or lower upper tier at Durham but this will only be effective for wickets at the middle or to one side. The cafe restaurant is located to the rear of the new stand. I am yet to explore if the rest of the ground including the Members Pavilion is as before and hope to do so when I arrive tomorrow. Not seeing a 700 bus when I reach the shopping road again I continued to sea front and had to walk some distance to the first bus stop and it was here that I realised the bus would shorten the walking journey considerably by the route which it takes,

Arriving back at the car parking the journey through Lancing to the promenade across from the Travel Lodge was slow arriving just before four so I used up more cash for the two hours before free time.

Later after an evening meal of cuppa soup, cuppa noodles, and smoked salmon salad I went out to M and S with the aim of buying some already cooked spicy chicken for lunch tomorrow. However it closes early part of the week at six so I continued to the pier and on the picture house which was open as is the other small cinema off the high street. I will have to decide whether to go to MS in the morning when it opens at eight, make a salad up from one of the two tins of crab meat, or take pot luck when I get there. I will decide in the morning.

On return I appreciated the value of the fan which after having turned off for a brew the room is heating up and the traffic noise outside would only become worse if I am able to open the window a little. I have already been to the basement cafe of a Pepsi Cola with ice) small for £1,40 and had I the change with me I would have done better with buying from the Foyer machine at £1.50. I watched channel four on the Labour Party conference and the re-election of the party of the German Prime Minister but who will need to form a coalition which last time took 67 days. This will not affect the policies of the austerity Queen something which Ed Balls was said to have also emphasised Labour will continue if elected. On this note I end and go back tomorrow the great win of Durham and my day at Lords for 40 overs Final last Saturday.

at the Days Inn Derby part 2

The outcome of a game of cricket is always unpredictable, especially when the weather can play such a major part. The decision to commence the cricket season early in April when once it commenced in May and then to extend the season until towards the end of September when the latest would be the return of children school at the commencement of September is causing havoc for the County Championship. The decision to extend the playing season is not just the issue of squeezing in more one day games which bring in the revenue to the participating clubs but the hope that even if the weather is not good early on it will be better later and vice versa. There is also the argument that all matches are likely to be affected by the weather so that individual clubs will not gain advantage or be disadvantaged by climate conditions.

After the washout after lunch on Wednesday I took a peek outside the window at the Days Inn around 7 am on Thursday 12^th September to see work going on at the Derby Cricket ground across the way. The square was uncovered and the mopping water machine was at work on the outfield. The atmosphere was brighter but still cloudy.

I have thought more about the interview between the Chairman of the Derby Club and the Derby radio commentator yesterday and appreciate much more how difficult it must be to develop a ground or for the ECB to invest funds where the land is not owned by the club. Given the practical problems about the location of the site in terms of attracting larger audiences particularly while work on the Deddesden Road is ongoing leading to major traffic hold-ups especially at peak hours the idea of a new ground similar to what has happened in relation to Durham and Hampshire appeals. What was of interest yesterday is that the prospect of a move was clearly major news to the long term members and I concluded that rather than using the radio interview as a ploy to push the city council into being more cooperative, it was a way of letting members of the club know what was in the wind, and perhaps something even more concrete. Yesterday evening all the local news was about progress being made to the £27 million velodrome and 5000 or so concert centre being built as part of the Olympic games legacy. Clearly the City had the ability to invest so did they have a question mark about the future of the club located as it on the former Racecourse ground and with a park to the immediate west that was also once part of the race course.

Having only been able to purchase milk, margarine and a loaf of bread at the corner shop yesterday lunch time I used the car to go to Lidl’s at Deddesden at lunch time noting the significant traffic including buses going in the opposite direction into central Nottingham. While the amount suggested that the A52 overpass route might be blocked for some reason and fearing the length of the delay joining in I continued through Deddesden until reaching the join A52 roundabout and yes the route was closed off by a fast police car and a motorcyclist but with no indication why this was being done. Later on the local news I noted there had been a major operation throughout the day arresting drug traffickers in the city.

I therefore joined the queue which fortunately proved more fast moving than original appreciated and although late back for the afternoon session the venture was an overall success purchasing some tomatoes and cheese for fresh sandwiches today and tomorrow and some hard boiled traditional lemon and fruit drops in tins (2 200 gram tins for £2). I resisted cakes, chocolates and such like but forgot some fresh fruit!

The milk purchased the previous day was still Ok for breakfast and using the greater part of the single pint over the two days means little waste and I shall go for a second pint shortly as well as posting the questionnaire response at the post box on the other side of the road by a temporary bus stop. For lunch I used the pate with olives leaving part of a sandwich for tea and the evening meal comprised a tin of baked bean and a tin of rice. Today there will be bread and cheese with tomatoes although I may well go for a meal at the ground.

I watched a programme about a London station catering for an event at Henley and what happens when at the weekend the station closes on Saturday to enable line working. At least individuals are allowed to sleep in at the station on the few benches on the cold floors. I then watched the eviction of two of the celebrities from Britain’s Got Talent, a bunch of characters with limited or no appeal although having watched their arrival it was interesting to see who had departed and who survived for the final show at the weekend.

Now for the cricket where given the promise of a full day’s play there were many more in the ground including a good contingent supporting Durham who were spread around the ground. There was even sun during the afternoon which proved warm to hot.

On the first day I claimed a seat used by regulars on the Members Balcony and enjoyed the chat with Derby supporters who were apprehensive about the outcome of the game. Yesterday I moved to the large temporary, semi permanent stand over the wicket and also enjoyed a similar level of chat from Derby supporters which I prefer which add to the experience and also reminds what a special breed the county championship regular remain, different for the Test and one day Brigades.

The weather forecast continues to change with if anything the weather forecast for Saturday now promising to be a clear day brought forward to tea time this afternoon. Sunday by all accounts will be horrendous and depending on progress today and forecasts I may well pack up and be ready to leave tomorrow after the game ends or the likely draw appears more definite. In fact apart from Taunton where Surrey and Somerset are playing the two most likely relegation candidates along with Derby, drawn games appear the most likely outcome in all games. At Taunton the game looked evens Stephens when at one point Surrey who had managed just under 200 runs after an early collapse had 8 Somerset wickets for almost the same number but then a rally has seen Somerset take a first innings 65 lead. Bad light prevented the Surrey innings going beyond 13 without loss. Notts also batted well to create a draw most likely scenario.

Here the decision to put Derby in on a deceptive looking green wicket with an overcast sky this continued to appear wrong choice until after lunch yesterday when Rushworth 5 for 46 proved the best of the Durham Bowlers with Onions taking 4 for 60 something. Arshad showed inconsistency but took the important wicket of Chanderpaul when he was 53 and total 202 for 2 and which opened the gateway after he and Borrington 75, a young man brought into the team, had an impressive stand of over 100. Derby’s Innings closed at 298, two short of what would have been an invaluable third bonus point with bowler Palladino holding up Durham with 22 in a stand of 50. 50 was also the number of extras with 10 no balls providing 20 and then 10 each from wides, byes and leg byes as Durham struggled find the edge of the bats.

For Durham Stonman started well but as is his want was out after appearing to establish himself scoring on one run more than his County average. Jennings also went leaving Borthwick who looks in fine form scoring 21 with Smith, no (longer Scratcher Smith) 3 so the team had reached 82 for 2 at the close. My view is that unless Durham experiences a collapse they will continue to try and score between four and five and over, first to get the maximum batting points and if this achieved to then open a margin of at least 200 and have a chance of bowling Derby out on Saturday after lunch. The weather as I anticipated from the outset will play the major factor but 11 points the maximum from a draw will see Durham, hold their lead over Yorkshire at the top as long as Yorkshire do not manage to snatch a victory themselves

It is now approaching half past seven on Friday evening and the decision has been taken to return home tomorrow morning after breakfast. It has proved an all round disappointing day. I did not sleep well of but was sufficiently alert to go out for a second pint milk and to post a questionnaire sent by the local Tory Member of the European Parliament. However having reached the post box by the bus stop passing the private Lace Club I found the box was closed because of the ongoing road works. On the way back I found a second corner shop and bought the milk 65p nearly twice that of the local supermarket enjoyed the cereal breakfast made ready for the game going over around 10.50 but with chatting to a door steward the first over was about to commence so waited until this was over to climb the steps to the top of the 1800 seat Falcons stand where I found that one of the regulars from Durham was located. In fact I saw and spoke with two other regulars as well as the organiser of the Durham tours. There were Durham supporters located all around the ground.

From 82 for 2 over night 159 runs were added before Borthwick at 89 hit a full toss from part time bowler Chanderpaul after lunch as it commenced to look that Durham were on their way to getting close to 400 runs within the allotted 110 overs. When Smith was then brilliantly caught short of his 100 the situation was a replica of that the previous afternoon. Perhaps appreciating the similarity Richardson with Collingwood were cautious and the runs came slowly when the predicted rain commenced just before 4 o clock after the tea interval although it was bad light that caused the umpires to lead the players off the field. The rain has continued solidly since. It is my understanding that with Yorkshire scoring more than Sussex at Hove and the home side two wickets down there is the prospect more of Yorkshire win unless Sussex put on a good performance throughout most of tomorrow.

I have been back and forth all day to my room and the car, first making cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch, then return at tea time but getting going back to the ground just before the game was called off, returning to the room but then deciding that I wanted some soup, bread and cheese for the evening meal with the second tin of rice. I am not sure that all this bread and the cheese has helped my weight although the expense has been limited. There was a party of a dozen well dressed people who arrived at the Cardamom club at lunchtime and afterwards I wondered if this was a group from the City Council meeting the Chairman and officers of the cricket club to discuss the future of the ground as part of the future of club. In theory my weigh should be Ok given the kind of options that have been available. I will see tomorrow or on Sunday although I am prepared for the worst.

On Saturday the atmosphere outside my room was still damp and looked it would remain an unpleasant day for watching cricket, The first options was to pack has planned and go to the game investing in the price of ticket at the fate and reviewing the position at lunchtime as by then the likely draw would be confirmed. I had already ruled the option of staying and taking the opportunity to visit the town centre or go and see some attraction in the county returning to stay for the booked night and then going back on Sunday morning when the weather forecast suggested winds at over 50 MPH along the coast, rain and cold. Back home I could watch England at Cardiff in the 4^th one day Cricket International and there was also Warrington at home in the Challenge Cup play offs. I had ruled out going to Sunderland for the game against Arsenal where it was a cert they would lose, or travelling south to watch Newcastle at the Villa, but I could listen to one on both games depending on how things went.

I was also anxious to watch the next Young Montalbano episode although it was on record. There was also the first appearance of Gareth Bale for Real Madrid. I could watch the X factor Judges auditions at eight and given the weather I would watch the Great North Run on BBC TV rather than walk to the finish standing the rain, wind and the cold.

There was also the possibility of a miracle win given the performance of Durham against, Surrey, Yorkshire and Sussex but this kind of miracle is rare so i decided that even if I missed experiencing it live, I did not mind and it would be embarrassing to witness the humiliation of Derby, with a loyal band of supporters where the season had promised much and then seen their hopes dashed.

So taking all these considerations into account, I enjoyed a cereal breakfast having moved the milk, cereal, tomatoes and cheese inside, packed everything and loaded the car in one visit, sighed and set off, travelling through Deddesden. Having resisted the temptation to stop at Toby Inn by the Travel Lodge for their £3.99 want as much you want breakfast. The M1 was busy most of the way and although I had set off around 9 it was 1 before I needed to stop at the service area before Durham and then made myself a single cheese and tomato sandwich. The service area was packed with Sunderland and Arsenal supporters, including three coach loads. The traffic was very slow from their until the South Shields turn off with both lanes towards Newcastle via the Angel of the North At a crawl. There had been one similar experience which given the two ambulances at the road side plus a motorcycle and car being taken away suggested there had been fatalities.

I called in a Tesco for more milk also purchasing some grapes and some half price porridge oat packs and on arrival checked he post noting the replacement Tesco card and a bank statement, took the car into the lane for find the phone and watered the plants at the same time and then unpacked. I located the charger for the touch screen mobile phone but not the wireless mouse charged the phones and the radio and for the evening meal enjoyed a barely warm ham and pineapple pizza. I will record my experience of the second Young Montalbano separately and enjoyed some of the acts on the X factor. Charlotte the Geordie self proclaimed slag for Geordie shore won celebrity Big Brother before an hysterical crowd of the moronic the previous night. Andy Murray has won a single and the doubles in the Davis Cup round against Croatia for us to take a 2.1 for today’s two singles after Dan Evans had lost his tie.

Sunderland managed to equalise against Arsenal despite being overwhelmed for most of the game and the 2,1 loss leaves then at the bottom of the table. Newcastle despite their inability to score goals early on go from strength to strength and technically are equal second with seven points but in 8^th position with Man City leading the group followed Man United, Chelsea and Stoke. At the moment Arsenal and Spurs from North London head the table on 9 points but Liverpool presently third also have 9 from their three games and will take a good lead if they win their game away to Swansea on Monday evening. Warrington also took a good stride in the Challenge Cup with a 40 to 20 win at home against Leeds to reach he Semi Final.

I listened to cricket along the journey home as England after putting Australia in to bat in Cardiff had Finch out at I and Watson 11 and then March and Clark followed when the total was only 51 and 57. England had keep pressure on the openers through Finn and Rankin and after Durham’s Ben Stokes was hit for two fours and a total of 10 runs in his first over he had Watson caught by Butler and then bowled several overs for a few runs. However Australia were not beaten into a low score as Bailey after taking care commenced to score freely targeted Treadwell and Bopara hitting 3 sixes and 5 fours in his 87. However when there was talk of the total getting as high as 250 and more Wade, Faulkner, Johnson, and then Bailey ere dismissed with Treadwell getting revenge with three wickets ending 3 for 53. The innings ended at 227 and a very gettable target despite balls rising unexpectedly.

There would have been a shock in the good crowd at Sophia Park when Petersen was out followed by Trott and Root in successive balls and England were 9 for 3 Oh No. It was Carberry, nervous at first who kept steady with captain Morgan and the two reach their 50 but then Morgan went 53 and Carberry for 63. Josh Butler has promised some big hitting before but this time played the brilliant innings of contest hitting 65 not out and closing the game with a massive six. From onoy 48 balls. He was joined by Ben Stokes ho also looked as if was to close the game not out having made 25 from 29 when he was bowled showing a lack of concentration or perhaps the excitement of the occasion after taking his first International wicket at the top level. The England win levelled the series 1 all with two games with the result all now hanging on the final game on Monday at Hampshire.

So what was happening in the County championship. Surrey who I had hoped would rally against Somerset always looked second best especially after only making 197nin their second innings setting Somerset just over 130 runs to win which they achieved for the loss of three wickets. This leaves Surrey rooted at the bottom of the table although they still have two games to play against the remaining games of Derby and Somerset. Middlesex were able to draw against Notts thus removing the pressure on Notts who play Durham at the Emirates Riverside next week before going down to London on the Friday for the 40 over Final against Glamorgan at Lords on the Saturday.

There was a questionable attempted end tot eh game at Hove where Yorkshire enabled Sussex to reach a massive 333 for under 50 overs with Nash not out 167 and Hamilton Brown 126 leaving Yorkshire to get 300 in something like 57 overs, Presumably they knew the weather forecast was bad and wanted to entertainment for those who had at the gate.

There was at least one stop for rain before bad light and then rain ended play with Yorks only 81 for the loss of two wickets and with the total points for batting, bowling and the draw, the total points and with Durham all out bowled out for 326 in their second Innings Derbyshire progressing to something like 20 for 1 at the luncheon break as I was pulling into the service area outside of Durham City on the AIM a similar draw would see the position of the two teams at the top of table remain as they had been before the matches started.

Then the magic dust was spread over the Durham supporters present at the ground as Onions reminded the selectors what he had to offer adding another five wickets for 23 runs to the four of his first innings as Derby collapsed losing nine wickets before the scheduled tea interval to be all out for meagre 63 so that Durham had only 27 runs to gain for a remarkable victory and almost seal the County Championship for the third time in their short 21 year history, thus destroying Boycott’s hopes of another win in their 150 year and his chairmanship of the cricket Committee or it may even be the club himself.

Now for the facts and figures. It will be remembered that Durham commenced the day seeking to gain as many bonus points a possible within the 110 overs permitted. They were all out to the excellent bowling of Palladino who took 6 for 90. Onions match total was therefore 9 for 85 with Rushworth also have a great match with a total of 8 for 78. Arshad who was punished for his one wicket with 63 runs finished off Derbyshire with 2 for 2 in 2.1 overs and is at the top ten of the averages with 13 wickets fro around 10 runs.

Now to the Championship table where Durham top with 225.5 and nine wins todate the highest number of wins in any of their previous seasons including when they won the Championship. Surely Paul Collingwood will be noted at one the five top cricketers in the Whitakers Annual? Obviously if the Championship is secured possibly later this week at home against Notts or away at Hove against Sussex. It can be expected that Yorkshire with 194 points, more than one win points below Durham can be expected to win their home game against Middlesex at Headingley.

A win by Yorkshire with say 8 bonus points would see them on 216 so even if Durham lost they with say only 6 bonus points they would have 227.5 so that even if they also lost the last game and Yorkshire could onoy draw at Surrey Durham would still remain at the top and Champions. This is the measure of the position they now have. Just as crucial for the top as well as the bottom of the table visit of Surrey to Edgbaston next week.

At present Surrey are bottom with 193 points 17 points adrift of Derbyshire who have 120 but who have only one more game to play as do Somerset on 136 with Notts with two games on 132. I was banking on Surrey winning at Somerset so that they and Derbyshire went down retaining Notts and Surrey for visits next season. I had always believed that Surrey will win against Yorkshire at the Oval in their last game of the season weather permitting. If they win both games they could reach 150 points which would see them only in safety if Somerset lose away to Notts in their last game and even with a draw they could pip Somerset depending on bonus points. Notts themselves if they lose badly at Durham could find themselves below 140 points and depending a good draw to avoid the relegation fate, something which it is worth reminding every cricket commentator suggested could be Durham’s fate when they predicted at the beginning fo the season. This the relegation could prove more interesting as the season ends that the Championship. I hope so

September 201 visit to Derby to watch cricket- 1

It is my intention to complete at one of the two pieces of writing commenced before setting out on my latest trip to the midlands to watch cricket, Durham at Derby is the third last match of the 2013 season and crucial to both teams with Durham presently heading the championship table by a good margin of points and Derby one the teams likely to be relegated to the second division. Before setting off I was aware that the weather forecast for the region and indeed for the cricket playing countries involved in the battle for the championship, for relegation and promotion from Division II was not good with the most likely outcome being draws all round. This placed greater emphasis on gaining bonus point and also meant that I needed to plan for what to during rained off time.

I had one advantage on this occasion having booked accommodation at the Days Inn, within the cartilage of the Derby Cricket Ground although the Motel and the adjacent huge Virgin Active centre are on land either sold by the council or let by the Council, and the club are tenants of the local authority and as I was to learn on the first day of the cricket, the future location of the club was in question with a potentially crucial meeting to be held on Friday afternoon. Having room so close to the ground, especially with a view over the ground although the greater part of the wicket and grounds closest to me was obscured by the only covered public stand .

I commenced write the original work at 17.45 on Tuesday 10^th September 2013 while enjoying some small rolls baked before setting off with Leerdammer light cheese and drinking lemonade from the flask before watching England’s vital game in the World Cup qualifying competition although intending to switch over at half time to watch New Tricks if not fully engaged by the football.

Earlier at the regular stop Midland’s I was in no mood for chicken and bacon salad and tempted by sticky barbecue chicken I tried a new dish of a chicken breast with a mushroom and Madeira sauce and stuffed with bacon and something else plus new potatoes in skins and peas which was delicious.

I prepared well on Monday, or at least I though I had done so fitting in to the Freeman hospital for a replacement Sleep Apnoea Treatment machine face mask. However I did not check the petrol and only spotted the empty light as I was in the Tyne Road Tunnel with no petrol garage on the way except when travelling in the opposite direction of the dual carriageway and uncertain if there was a petrol station at the Sainsbury situation near the Hospital.

　

　

　

Heading for the second public car park I was confused by another visitor who pointed to the large notices warning that only staff with permits could use the park. As another visitor clarified this meant that staff could not use the visitor‘s park unless they had a permit to do so and not that the car park was restricted only to staff with permits if you what I mean.

It took less than a minute for a technician to exchange the posted mask for the correct one and before departing the building I made my way along internal corridors through the crowded standing only out patient areas to the main reception entrance for a cup of coffee £1.20 at the refreshment counter run by the WRVS.

Still anxious about the lack of petrol I was relieved to see a notice just before then entrance to Sainsbury that petrol was available and at under 140 pence a litre. I filled up £46 and having increased the credit on the Tyne Tunnel pass fixed to the inside of the windscreen within the past couple of months I sailed through noting the standard charge is now £1.40 with using the pass a reduction of at least 20 pence. I had hoped to m using the Tunnel again in the evening to watch a relay of the Carmen Opera from the Sydney Harbour Bridge but the Odeon Silverlink was not listed or any other Odeon within each reach. I did for get to purchase a pint of milk and this would provide a challenge later.

Over the past two days I have organised a visit for the boiler service although I thought this was undertaken on the repair visit for the water system and ordered a replacement Tesco card and the transfer of the available points. I have also restocked on tins and some frozen foods and including some fried onions which I forgot to try on Sunday saving the second helping for Monday. Had a barbecue ribs dish with jacket potatoes and some veg from Saturday which proved too much so I left and binned rather than over do which I thought good although I hate wasting food.

The main activity has been registering completed sets commencing events which took some time after I made mistakes with the numbering. I then needed to reorganise the content of creative sets before registering and then list the titles of Blogs and printing out the list as well printing out the list of sets in sequential order of completion. I still have to update from the data loss the Record Record and confidential sets as well as completing to more Development sets which I hope to register on my return although with the Notts game and then the visit to Sussex getting back up to date may have to await my return although then the priority becomes the great work about which confidence grows.

Another activity completed yesterday was to create a diary of arranged and possible activities for the rest of September through to December where apart from my trip to Croydon and Sussex towards the end of the month I have no further away trips until Christmas when I back in the midlands. There are plenty of good football matches coming up on Sky and for those on BT and those not on Sky which interest and held during the day I may go out to Newcastle and Sunderland if I cannot find somewhere in Shields. There are several live relay cinema showings of interest with the Habit of Art and Tosca the most look forward too.

There is an excellent programme of public lectures and concert at Newcastle University but so far no repeat has been announced of the Sunderland series which I missed for various reason last year. I did see news of the BBC 3 Thinking weekend series of programmes at the Sage with tickets becoming available with the final programme later this month. There is also great progress in the riverside park site in South Shields but no announcement about the opening of the new sea front leisure centre. But as I say my priority for October onward is writing and the associated research.

Having visited the cricket ground last month the only aspect which concern was the way into Days Inn site and this proved no problem as it next to the Virgin Activity centre. There were plenty of parking spaces and I was able to use one close to the Reception entrance. I did note that a square of spaces had been closed off with cones and these are presumably for the Cardamom Club which is on the car park side of the hotel but an integral part of the building. The club boast fine and gourmet food and appears to have 100 tiered seats for when there is entertainment and a champagne and Cocktail bar suggesting £100 a person standard nights out.

My room is compact but excellently furnished with a quality finish from matching bedspread and curtains, two contemporary wall print blocks, telephone, armchair as well as desk chair, good changing, clothing and baggage storage and the a bathroom with style with an interesting bath shower unit. There is a large fan and a hair dryer, The location of the hotel on a busy main road means there is traffic noise even overlooking the cricket ground when the window is open.

In the evening I part watched the England game away to Ukraine which ended a 0.0 draw and a good result which means we should head the table by winning the last two games. Instead of watching the second half I turned to New Tricks which proved another excellent episode covering the political victory of New Labour in 1997 and the death of a researcher who was running away to a new life with the young wife, a Bosnian horror refugee, who businessman husband was genuinely supportive of the girl he had met at a gentleman’s club with membership £10000 annually providing young partners from Eastern countries whose organiser ensured the young women continued to pay for their rescue. The killer proved to be the politicians senior aide and now Labour party big wig, manslaughter covered up and the girl produced an adolescent boy to the mother of the murdered man, her grandson.

The weather forecast suggests outbreaks of rain but in the afternoon with the temperature better depending on the level of cold wind. I shall rise at least by eight and investigate if I can secure a seat in the member’s pavilion from 9 and also the meal plan for the day .

It is just before 7 on the 12^th anniversary of 9/11 and my Sleep Apnoea use was just 8 hours and I am back to 8.1 hours for the month after reaching a low of 8.0 yesterday. It is 9/11 and I reflect on two recent documentaries seen on Channel 4. One involved 14 individuals including a black woman where two firemen remained in the building knowing they needed to get out and back to their families but who stayed to help her down as she became slower and where she pleaded them to leaver when she needed to rest but they stayed and lived to tell the tale when others who continued to exit were crushed. In another instanced mentioned in the documentary a senior officer went back into the building when he realised one of his men had not exited with all others who were still there and he ordered them to remain and get away while he went back inside but they refused and followed and all also survived when the building collapsed as floors came down with the increasing domino effect but somehow they survive in the central stairwell and moreover when hours later the dust commenced to clear they could see a shaft of sun light which presumable also them to get out a mayday signal. The story was also told through the eyes of two women one a girl friend who had been warned to get away from the area and who went to his fire station for news, anticipating the work and then learning of his survival. Of course there were after effects, briefly referred to. The interviews were shot in the comparatively small flat of one of the survivors who persuaded all the others to return and tell their story, a story they had been unwilling to share until now.

The second story was a correction to the Hollywood film World Trade Centre which I saw in theatre and which tells the story of the mystery man who with subsequent help was responsible for finding two other firemen alive who were buried in the rubble after the collapse of the second tower The films follows the lives of the two firemen as they commenced their day and left their families.

Ten years later a man who had moved away from the area with his family saw the film and realised it was his story. He had not spoken to anyone about his role that day and the reason for coming forward after seeing the film is that unlike the film he was black and also a US marine who gone to help out if could after learning that the US had been attacked. The documentary shows him meeting up with the two men and their families after the revelation and mentions the apology from the film director for not disclosing information which they had known to be accurate.

It is 3pm in September 11th and I am back in my hotel room with no play since just after the luncheon interval and little prospect of play over the next hour at least and possibly longer. Durham won the toss on what looked a greenish wicket in overcast condition and captain Collingwood no doubt hoped for early success. Apart from one opener bowled by Rushworth the Derbyshire batsmen appeared little troubled by Durham who in general were not bowling at their best after discovering they were getting little help from the wicket. The home side were 99 for1 when the rain came.

After breakfast in the car comprising cereal with milk purchased last night I contemplated going into Chaddesden for rolls and margarine just after 8 am but the traffic around the roundabout especially back from Chaddesden was such that I returned to my place in the Days Inn car park. I reconsidered a trip ay lunch time but by then Durham supporters who had driven up early for the cricket had filled the car park so again I decided against moving the car and took the short work to the local store where I purchased the margarine and a loaf of bread for just under £3. And will make up salami sandwiches with olives for this evening and pate bread spreads to morrow. I will review what I do for Friday. I had a late lunch to day if sausage, chips and beans for £4.25 around 2pm after the main lunchtime rush had cleared in the ground tea rooms as they are called.

Over lunch I listened to part of the interview between Radio Derby and the Derbyshire Cricket club chairman who discussed the ground development proposals and the possibility of moving the club to elsewhere in the County unless the City Council became more supportive over development proposals with a meeting with city officials this coming Friday. He dismissed talk of a proposal for the early season championship game to be played in France because of better weather conditions and presumably to also encourage the development of the game across the channel. The issue has not been discussed with the Chairman of clubs.

I had positioned myself on the member’s balcony just by one of the entrances and had conversations with Derby members on both sides who after their performance at the Emirates feared the worst, especially as they had been put in. As I commented at the lunch break they could enjoy the period having survived the morning and likely the first day, the weather given what it was likely to be. On return to the room I had further problems with the key card until I worked out the green light only came on and the door released when by inserting and immediately removing. Silly me, Just as well as I needed to leave the room to go tot eh car for the bread and margarine to make salami sandwiches and to return the margarine and boxes to the vehicle as well as later go for an iced Pepsi the salty salami having created a great thirst after droning the rest of the lemonade last night and this morning and not venturing far because of the continuous and unpleasant rain. I am thirsty still and tempted to venture

down stairs again for some plain iced water<

At present I am unaware of what has happened the other important county championship games as there was no reference on 5 live and 5 live extra stopped broadcasting after the third England and Australia gamed needed after the England innings of 15 overs at 55 or so for 3 with the rain and the game was abandoned. I did manage it to briefly get the internet on line to check the email but then cut out.

The highlight of the evening was Do you think you know who you are South Shields Sarah Milligan who forged a nationally recognised career for herself after her marriage broke up and wanted to know if her family had always lived in the north east and she discovered two to great great ancestors. The first born Whitstable on the South East Coast is shown to have been a diver and this leader her finding that he was one the first divers anywhere in world which commenced at Whitstable and led him to join an expedition to Holly Island where there had been a major sinking and loss of life off Holy Island involving a passenger steamer from Hull. Sarah was initially concerned that her ancestors had profited from raising belonging of those who died at the going rate of 40% but a notice in the Shields Gazette reveals that he brought up belongings free so they could be sold to provide for children orphaned in the tragedy.

The man had stayed in The North gaining secure and respected employment on River Tyne locating wrecks and other underwater threats to shipping. He had married and had five children but there was no money as thought at one time within the family.

The second relative was born in the Orkney islands and had then accepted a five year contract as a labourer with the Hudson Bay Fur company in Canada but because if competition had been sent across country in winter 350 miles to an outpost at Albany but because local fishing failed to provided enough food the ancestor and been sent back only for the man to found almost dead and with severe frostbite by an indigenous local. However it was necessary to sever both feet to save his life. He had eventually returned to Britain where he married and had children. Both men had triumphed over great adversity and both men were shown to have had good hearts, married and raised children, with good messages for Sarah to be proud of.

I have noticed a new direction in the most recent editions of this excellent series where the basic information about a family tree is found out in advance by a professional genealogist rather than showing or encouraging individuals to undertake this aspect themselves and thus reducing business for this growing profession as a consequence of the programme although as from my experience the professional genealogist can make mistakes, especially if they are acting for someone at a distance.

The programme is now concentrating on individuals within family trees who offer the prospect of recorded occupational or other information such as travel information of interest which is of interest to the subject and will make good programme viewing. In the instance of an Asian Indian whose family had been an Kenyan Asian the subject about whom I missed the introduction and therefore knew nothing of his celebrity nature. The programme went first to Kenya to learn why his grandparent had come to England and also to India to learn something why the move was originally made to Kenya. The majority of those of Indian nationality came to Kenya when recruited by the British to build a railway and where the work was such that an very high percentage were killed or severely injured and only a small proportion elected to stay when their contract ended. His grandparent had become an early general shop keeper in on the new towns that had sprung up along the railway line. When the country gained independence the Indian population were given the opportunity to stay and become full citizens of the new state, giving up their British passport or losing their ability to own property and occupational status, Many chose to come to the UK and many if not the majority opened the local all hours corner store as well as the Indian food restaurant and Indian food supply provisions that play such an important role in our community today, although many of their generation have progressed into all aspects of the employment society. Back in India he went to the village of his roots bringing him a better sense of identity and understanding of the courage and effort of his ancestors. In the instance of his mother/grandmother he learned that her mother had been a child bride at the age of six to a boy of ten and that although she borne many children only 2 survived, unusual even for India likely because of the very young age when she was likely to have commenced giving birth.

It is now Thursday September 12 and we shall see if it is to be a cricket day let alone a good cricket day from the Durham viewpoint.