England – SteveWhittythoughts1965

July 14, 2024

Football Excitement: England in Euro 2024 Final and Vinyl Records Passion

Monday 8th July

Let’s start the week off with some good news. My COVID test from yesterday was negative. My energy levels have extensively improved. The day itself was not too dramatic. I had a good day at work. I spent the evening listening to music. Though I am known for my record collection I like to stream. After all, I cannot own everything; it is a good way to discover new music. I love that I can choose whatever I wish to listen to and not be restricted to the physical music I have at home.

Tuesday 9th July

I enjoyed my day at work. It feels good to hear laughter around the place. More could be said about the trains—a serious case of delays. I seem to be repeating myself from last week’s blog. When I got home I watched the Spain v France semi-final. Spain deserved the victory. Throughout the tournament, France has been disappointing. Maybe they should have concentrated more on the football than events back home. England would be given a lot of grief on social media if they had got involved with the recent general election.

Wednesday 10th July

There is only one thing I could mention – the Euro 2024 semi-final featuring England v Netherlands. England had not been performing at their best and questions had been asked about the tactical awareness of head coach Gareth Southgate. The match itself was going the way of previous games. England, falling behind then receiving some good luck. In this case the penalty award. In my opinion, it was never a penalty. However, beggars cannot be choosers and we will happily take any gifts that come our way. One of the biggest criticisms levelled at our head is making substitutions late in the game. This time he seemed to get this right as Cole Palmer set up Ollie Watkins for the winning goal. Suddenly, all the previous poor performances were forgotten as England reached the final of Euro 2024.

Thursday 11th July

The problem with the match finishing so late last night was I went to bed feeling hyper. I could not settle down to sleep. I woke up this morning feeling tired. It was a miracle that I could force myself out of my bed. The atmosphere at work was good. Everyone, including those not bothered by football, was excited about England reaching the final. To help bring me back down I decided to listen to some vinyl records. I had not done so in the last couple of weeks due to the football. It felt good listening to records again be it the pomp rock of early Styx or the smooth sounds of Bill Withers.

Friday 12th July

It had felt like a long working week and I was glad it was Friday. Work was quiet. We are still in a period of change so I do not expect it to pick for the next few weeks. After work, I head to the local record shop. As I mentioned in last week’s post it is my favourite place. It was good to see Pete and Russ. Pete had been working through a collection of classic rock. It made a change from Jungle and drum and Bass. I love listening to different types of music. You always get that with Pete. Feeling inspired I listened to some music when I got home.

Saturday 13th July

My Saturdays tend to be busy. I spend the morning at my local Oxfam volunteering. I have been doing this for nine years. It is something I enjoy, as I feel I am giving back to society. It was funny as I thought there was only going to be a few of us there and I would be closing the shop at one. My manager had forgotten she was not coming in so the shop was full of volunteers. She still closed the shop at one. Charity shops are important to the high street. They are places where people can come to hunt for a bargain. Also, they give opportunities for people to get skills that will help them find work. As I live on my own I get to mix with people, which is good for my mental health. The afternoon is spent at the record shop. It can get busy and it can overwhelm Pete at times. Today, was no exception. There were plenty of customers. I helped customers, find replacement stock and completed online orders. I suppose I must be doing something right if people feel I am part of the fabric within the shop. Pete’s generosity knows no bounds. I took away three albums at a fraction of the cost as thanks for my help. When I got home I listened to some more records.

Sunday 14th July

There is only one thing on people’s minds today. It is the big match, the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England. The flags are out and the news is full of it. The assassination attempt on Trump just serves to point out other things are going on apart from football. I am not looking forward to watching the game. I feel that Spain will win 2-0. Also, I will feel nervous watching the game to the point where I will not enjoy it. All I can say is C’mon England and prove me wrong.

May 11, 2013May 11, 2013

FA Cup Final

This is a slightly different post than usual. It is about the FA Cup Final. One of the great sporting days in England, traditionally it was the last game of the football season thought this has changed over the last couple of years.

The FA Cup Final or Football Association Challenge Cup to give its full name is the oldest cup competition in world football. It was first played for in 1872 when Wanderers beat the Royal Engineers 1-0.

The competition begins in August when the amateur and semi-professional play qualifying rounds to make the main draw. The professional clubs from the Leagues 1and 2 tier join in the 1st round and the clubs from the Premier League and Championship join in the 3rd round. The magic of the FA Cup is that potentially clubs from the lower leagues can play clubs from the Premier League. There have been cases of giant-killing performances. This season Luton Town of the Conference beat Norwich City of the Premier League 1-0 at Norwich in the 4th Round.

Cup Final day has always been a magical day for me. Growing up it was one of the few games that was shown live on television. It was not just the match, there was the build up which lasted throughout the day until kick off. Particularly the singing of the Cup Final hymn 'Abide With Me'. A strange choice as it is normally sang at funerals. I always find it a emotional moment. I am not alone, just search You Tube for the effect it had on Elton John.

Another piece of magic about the cup is that you are never certain who would win. I have witnessed some acts of giant-killing. Here are two that I would like to mention.

1973 – Sunderland beating Leeds United 1-0. Sunderland were at that time a second division club and Leeds were the biggest club in the country. I can still hear that magic piece of commentary, “Porterfield, 1-0.”

1988 – Wimbledon beating Liverpool 1-0. “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.” Wimbledon had been a semi-professional club up until 1977. Liverpool had won the league in a convincing manner during the season.

This years final has the potential to create another piece of giant-killing. Manchester City will play Wigan Athletic. City are one of the richest clubs in the world while Wigan continually struggle to stay in the Premier League.

Personally, I feel that Manchester City will win 2-0.

As always I will place on front of the TV until the game has finished. Whatever the result it is always a great occasion which I will always enjoy.

Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

Posted with Blogsy

November 17, 2012

City of Lichfield

The city of Lichfield is situated in the county of Staffordshire and lies to the north of Birmingham. A small place given city status because of the cathedral. It is worth visiting from Birmingham to spend a city here. A historical city it is famous for being the birthplace of Dr. Samuel Johnson.

The best way to get to Lichfield is to take the London Midland train from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City station. Journeys take around 40 minutes. The most expensive adult ticket costs £7.10 for a day return. Once you arrive into the station it is a five minute walk to the city centre.

There are several attractions to visit in Lichfield and I will list a few of my favourites. Firstly, I will point you towards the cathedral. Originally to be classified as a city in England you had to have a cathedral. What makes Lichfield Cathedral unique is that it is the only medieval cathedral that has three spires.

The next place I would recommend you visit s the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Acting both as a museum and bookshop it tells the life story of Dr. Samuel Johnson perhaps Lichfield’s most famous son. Items that can be viewed in the museum include Johnson’s personal armchair and tea set. The museum is located on Breadmarket Street and has free entry.

website – http://www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk

Another attraction that you should visit is Erasmus Darwin House. Erasmus Darwin, the grandfather of Charles Darwin was a renowned doctor, inventor, poet and scientist who lived in the city for over twenty years. Included in the museum are two rooms with audio and visual exhibits. One pleasing aspect of the house is the Georgian herb garden that contains plants from the period. The museum is located on Beacon Street. Admission costs £3.00 for adults.

website – http://www.erasmusdarwin.org

A perfect place to go for a walk is Beacon Park. Originally marshland it was reclaimed in the 19th century. It is home to various sporting facilities used by the citizens of Lichfield. There are also monuments and statues. The most famous being of Edward Smith, the ill-fated captain of the R.M.S. Titanic.

If you are looking for entertainment then a visit to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre is a must. Opened in 2003, it is named after the famous 18th century actor David Garrick who was born in the city. The theatre shows plays and concerts while a local Rep company is based there.

website – http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Finally, if you are looking for somewhere to eat I would personally recommend ‘The Spark Cafe Bar’. Situated on Tamworth Street it serves excellent food at reasonable prices. The coffee is also excellent. There are plenty events that take place including live comedy and music. It is also home to a book club.

website – http://www.thesparkcafebar.co.uk

There is plenty more of Lichfield to see. It is a rewarding place to visit for the day. It has a small town feel where the pace is unrushed.

Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

October 20, 2012

Photo of the Week – Statue of Doctor Johnson, Lichfield

This week’s photo is of the statue of Doctor Samuel Johnson.

Famous for compiling ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ Dr. Johnson famously said “A man who tires of London, he tired of life.” In fact he was born in the city of Lichfield in Staffordshire. This statue was erected in 1838 outside his birthplace in Market Square.

Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve