An old match day programme informs me that on the first of December 1951 the Rams came to St James Park for a Division 1 clash against Newcastle United. Pencil notes on the programme informed me that although the Magpies deserved their 2-1 half time lead a valiant Derby pushed them to the limits in the second half.
Newcastle: Simpson, Cowell, McMichael, Harvey, Brennan, Robledo [E], Walker, Foulkes, Milburn, Robledo [G] Mitchell
Derby County: Middleton, Mozley, Barrowcliffe, McLachlan, Neilson, Bell, Harrison, Morris, Wilkinson, Parry[J] McLaren
Attendance: about 50,000
WB
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Bigotry
There is a bit in one of the 'quality' papers this morning about some Newcastle United fans that hate southerners. If there is any substance in this it proves just how small minded some people can be. Take London - it is only 240 miles or so from Geordie country; in other words it is next door in the context of the world. Eastenders took a packet from the Luftwaffe and London has supplied employment to northerners for many centuries etc. etc. I am not going to engage with the small minded element of Newcastle fans that seem to want to slop around in their pigsty of ignorance. Let me be straight about this: I am confident that a big majority of northerners are rational and amiable people; I know they are because I have observed many of them and know quite a few of them. Furthermore I like to think I am one of those more rational northerners! Perhaps it would be a good idea if the small minority, the bigots, went to the public trough and had a cold shower; after that they could visit their local library and open their minds to reality.
WB
WB
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Media Studies
As most of you know TV took off in the 50s and many people bought a set to watch the Coronation in 1953. There are, and were, some brilliant shows on TV but many turned out to be mediocre or even dross. I truly regret that my parents bought a set in 1955. I must have been watching The Grove Family instead of doing my homework in preparation for the 11 plus. At that time many middle class parents were absolutely scared of the Tripartite System - Grammar - Technical -Secondary Modern, because they saw the danger of their offspring ending up at a Secondary Modern. As a consequence many teachers earned extra income from 11 plus coaching. No doubt there were many naturally bright youngsters destined to pass - but for many of the remainder Saturday Night At The London Palladium, The Grove Family and fascination with Oxo adverts pulled them into the local Secondary Plod. I acknowledge that the arrival of the Open University was a very a positive step and of course it used television to transform many lives.
When the Internet arrived I found my TV viewing hours greatly reduced, but of course surfing the Net does little for muscles and the cardiovascular system. Age does not help either. A few days ago I had a dream in which I had decided to take cricket up again. Then I woke up and found I was over 60. Runs would be even more difficult to get at such an age.
At last we got a flat screen TV. It opened me up to the temptations offered by multi channels. No doubt there are some very commendable Americans but their culture, as portrayed by many channels, has a soft obese look about it.
Back in 1976 two of us got lost in the Black Forest. When we found our way again we were in a world of largely obese Germans. I did not realise it at the time but that was the way it was going to go in the United Kingdom, and the way it had been in the United States for a long time. People who spend too much time on the Internet or watching TV are not usually going to be in glowing health are they? No doubt there are many that achieve a good balance but so many are storing up trouble.
My master plan is to use the Internet for only four hours per week and leave that cheerful comedy show, Eastenders, to others. The argument that such programmes as Eastenders give the general public insight into how to deal with life does not convince me.
I am going to close the door on Eastenders and much of the Internet and get some glowing health; when I achieve that I will have a pint with Brian and the lads. Mind you I will find time for Derby County v QPR on BB2. BBC4 is not bad as well. Channel 4 news with John Snow and his colleagues is brilliant and I cannot afford to miss that.
WB
When the Internet arrived I found my TV viewing hours greatly reduced, but of course surfing the Net does little for muscles and the cardiovascular system. Age does not help either. A few days ago I had a dream in which I had decided to take cricket up again. Then I woke up and found I was over 60. Runs would be even more difficult to get at such an age.
At last we got a flat screen TV. It opened me up to the temptations offered by multi channels. No doubt there are some very commendable Americans but their culture, as portrayed by many channels, has a soft obese look about it.
Back in 1976 two of us got lost in the Black Forest. When we found our way again we were in a world of largely obese Germans. I did not realise it at the time but that was the way it was going to go in the United Kingdom, and the way it had been in the United States for a long time. People who spend too much time on the Internet or watching TV are not usually going to be in glowing health are they? No doubt there are many that achieve a good balance but so many are storing up trouble.
My master plan is to use the Internet for only four hours per week and leave that cheerful comedy show, Eastenders, to others. The argument that such programmes as Eastenders give the general public insight into how to deal with life does not convince me.
I am going to close the door on Eastenders and much of the Internet and get some glowing health; when I achieve that I will have a pint with Brian and the lads. Mind you I will find time for Derby County v QPR on BB2. BBC4 is not bad as well. Channel 4 news with John Snow and his colleagues is brilliant and I cannot afford to miss that.
WB
Monday, 3 August 2009
Yes Indeed What Is Going On?
I have just been made aware of Danielle Hazell's cricket prowess. Not only has she represented England Women at cricket - she has also baffled some Durham Senior League batsmen. Yes batsmen. What a marvellous story. She attended the Durham Community Business College and they must be very proud of her. I am aware that the standard of the England Women's cricket team has improved a lot in the last decade and no doubt some of it is down to this magnificent young woman.
I also stumbled across the school's website and it is full of aspiration, not only for its pupils but also for the community. I now understand why the school has got its name. The school's [all right - college's] academic record is remarkably good, given all the factors. Modern qualifications seem to be 'funny money' to some of us old '0' level students [ I took some after leaving school] but there is nothing wrong with a bit of coursework as well as modern exams, instead of an almighty memory test!
Change sometimes produces very bad results but much of the time it is thrilling and inspiring. Alf get cooking because if Danielle can play top cricket, YOU surely can produce a sponge cake.
WB
I also stumbled across the school's website and it is full of aspiration, not only for its pupils but also for the community. I now understand why the school has got its name. The school's [all right - college's] academic record is remarkably good, given all the factors. Modern qualifications seem to be 'funny money' to some of us old '0' level students [ I took some after leaving school] but there is nothing wrong with a bit of coursework as well as modern exams, instead of an almighty memory test!
Change sometimes produces very bad results but much of the time it is thrilling and inspiring. Alf get cooking because if Danielle can play top cricket, YOU surely can produce a sponge cake.
WB
What Is Going On?
We look back at Ushaw Moor's history, live in the present, and think/plan for the future. Despite the coffee, the new football season, brilliant books and moving music the present is sometimes not enough. The present can be confusing; we know that a few people have plundered in order to feather their own nests e.g. one or two bankers, and even a few members of the House of Lords are reported by some of the press as being a bit unsavoury. What are we to think? How can we use our memories and common sense to some constructive purpose? For a start it might be useful to listen to Michael Shermer; he has produced what is called 'The Baloney Detection Kit'. I have tried to approach his contribution with an open mind and found it interesting. It is available on Google [world web easier than UK] at Richard Dawkins.Net; if you will, mouse into Michael Shermer.
I will post more conventional articles soon.
WB
I will post more conventional articles soon.
WB
Grumpy Reviews Today's Newspapers
Let's start with The Times article about eight Christians burnt to death in Pakistan after the Koran is 'defiled'. The words that come to mind are 'misconceived' and 'futile'. Just think of all that spent energy, and for some participants terror, that prevents a constructive and very different take on life.
Politician Harman is upset about men running things. Well there are good men and bad men, just as there are good women and bad women. I am all for selecting on absolute merit but there has always been a power battle between the sexes and it was much worse in the early part of the 20th century. Surely we really want a grown up, well developed society, but it is not going to happen whilst people feel insecure, greedy and cynical.
The Independent states that oil supplies are running out fast. I can use that to parade my prejudice against some of the worst kind of drivers. Have you seen them passing you at 90 when you are doing 70 in the middle lane? That is often their consistent speed, not their overtaking speed, and as far as I am concerned they are first class idiots. Where are they going that is so important?
To continue with the Independent - they point out that more Tories are to quit at the next election over expenses. The electorate must not let politicians off the hook, whatever their political persuasion. Memories of news items tend to fade as the landscapes of fast moving current affairs change. We must not forget what has happened and insist on decency and responsibility from our already overpaid MPs.
The Daily Telegraph proclaims that Edgbaston awaits a final day showdown. I have always liked the Australian test team - they are my favourites after England - it will all depend upon the amount of help given by the wicket to English bowlers. Australia are just as likely to close it down with a big score as collapse into a heap of misery. My money is on a draw.
The Telegraph continues with a proclamation that Emma Watson is related to a 16th century witch. Well it must be August and the papers have to be filled up. Hey this is an interesting story even if the concept of a witch is a human construct; it more or less brings us back to where this article began.
WB
Politician Harman is upset about men running things. Well there are good men and bad men, just as there are good women and bad women. I am all for selecting on absolute merit but there has always been a power battle between the sexes and it was much worse in the early part of the 20th century. Surely we really want a grown up, well developed society, but it is not going to happen whilst people feel insecure, greedy and cynical.
The Independent states that oil supplies are running out fast. I can use that to parade my prejudice against some of the worst kind of drivers. Have you seen them passing you at 90 when you are doing 70 in the middle lane? That is often their consistent speed, not their overtaking speed, and as far as I am concerned they are first class idiots. Where are they going that is so important?
To continue with the Independent - they point out that more Tories are to quit at the next election over expenses. The electorate must not let politicians off the hook, whatever their political persuasion. Memories of news items tend to fade as the landscapes of fast moving current affairs change. We must not forget what has happened and insist on decency and responsibility from our already overpaid MPs.
The Daily Telegraph proclaims that Edgbaston awaits a final day showdown. I have always liked the Australian test team - they are my favourites after England - it will all depend upon the amount of help given by the wicket to English bowlers. Australia are just as likely to close it down with a big score as collapse into a heap of misery. My money is on a draw.
The Telegraph continues with a proclamation that Emma Watson is related to a 16th century witch. Well it must be August and the papers have to be filled up. Hey this is an interesting story even if the concept of a witch is a human construct; it more or less brings us back to where this article began.
WB
Sunday, 2 August 2009
South Street 1958
I am aware that this article includes some points raised in an earlier post however there is enough new material to justify it. One memory is of the night before our new school’s very first game of football [58/59 season]. I was staying at 2 South Street because my mother had been hospitalized. My mum’s ill health was very distressing just at a time when I was to captain the team against Brandon Modern. On the morning of the game I found that I had a rash all over my body; it may well have been a nervous rash, caused by both the trauma that had recently been experienced by our family, owing to mum’s health, and the fact that I was skippering the school team from centre half, a new position for me. My grandmother was quick to point out that the bed I had slept in was clean [knowing her it would have been] and my rash had nothing to do with the bed sheets! As for the game we lost 2-1 at home. It was a case of two fairly evenly matched sides. Little did I know that they would end up champions and we would be very near to the bottom. Our defence was quite strong but we lacked fire power; consequently we often lost 1-0! In the return game high flying Brandon beat us 4-3, but not until we had given them an awful fright by leading 3-1. That was the only day that our forward line really clicked and the only day we conceded more than two goals – in league games anyhow!
Yes 2 South Street was usually spotless and always smelt nice. The clock ticked and tocked and the hourly chimes are still a vivid memory. It was a calm and orderly house; grandfather Dickie Hope would often be seen doing his ‘pit paperwork’. I suppose he was noting things like ‘wet money’ due to coal miners and describing the state of the underground pit for the benefit of the manager.
In the dining room was to be seen the little silver cricket cup, proudly on display to mark a triumph that occurred in 1947. Not far away was the MCC book of rules. Dickie was a stickler for the rules. A cricket ball was there to be seen. He was always searching for lost cricket balls in order to save UMCC some money.
Big brown flagons of ginger beer were to be seen on the floor by the kitchen. That ginger beer beat its modern counterparts [really?].
When in the appropriate shift grandfather was up at 3am enjoying bacon and egg – so I am told! As for Grandmother’s blackberry pie – my goodness it really was the best, and really was supreme compared to some modern dross. Yes really!
I have previously mentioned the joyous Christmas festivities of the 50s. Warmth from the fire and warmth between individuals was the order of the day. Uncle Tommy Carse was a lovely man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. Uncle Arthur was equally great – he showed an interest in all of us and was a very caring man.
WB
Yes 2 South Street was usually spotless and always smelt nice. The clock ticked and tocked and the hourly chimes are still a vivid memory. It was a calm and orderly house; grandfather Dickie Hope would often be seen doing his ‘pit paperwork’. I suppose he was noting things like ‘wet money’ due to coal miners and describing the state of the underground pit for the benefit of the manager.
In the dining room was to be seen the little silver cricket cup, proudly on display to mark a triumph that occurred in 1947. Not far away was the MCC book of rules. Dickie was a stickler for the rules. A cricket ball was there to be seen. He was always searching for lost cricket balls in order to save UMCC some money.
Big brown flagons of ginger beer were to be seen on the floor by the kitchen. That ginger beer beat its modern counterparts [really?].
When in the appropriate shift grandfather was up at 3am enjoying bacon and egg – so I am told! As for Grandmother’s blackberry pie – my goodness it really was the best, and really was supreme compared to some modern dross. Yes really!
I have previously mentioned the joyous Christmas festivities of the 50s. Warmth from the fire and warmth between individuals was the order of the day. Uncle Tommy Carse was a lovely man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. Uncle Arthur was equally great – he showed an interest in all of us and was a very caring man.
WB
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