It was Wimbledon time … and the Beeb had re-winds for
the fortnight … it’s easier to watch the tournament – as one can watch bits and
bobs …
 |
| Wimbledon from the air |
… whereas re-winds are always interesting with some
excellent tennis – some of which occurred when I was in South Africa for those
14/15 years, the years my mother was ill, and the Canada year …
 |
I’ve been distracted! Seafront stretching eastwards - viewed through perspex canopy ...
 |
| Hollyhock |
… so some pics … of flowers … and some
pics – what more can I say … lock-down – or semi in my case as I do carefully get out and
about a bit …
 |
| Double hollyhock |
Also I’ve never been on a ‘big wheel’ … there’s one on the seafront …which I can now tick off my list … no queues, small payment and easy peasy up I go …
 |
| The Big Wheel company ... |
Our big wheel came down from Manchester (280 miles =
450 km) – the truck is driven by female operator, saying she loves it …
... four trips with the bits, the guys I guess put it all together … (35 metres high = 115 feet) …
 |
| Roof of Bistrot Pierre, where I had my birthday lunch back in January; the Redoubt - a 200 year old defensive emplacement |
... four trips with the bits, the guys I guess put it all together … (35 metres high = 115 feet) …
 |
| Seafront plantings |
… and last but not least I wandered past Camilla’s the bookshop that some pyromaniac idiot set on fire … it’s open again …
 |
… and managed to grab a quick photo of Archie – better go back at some stage and get one that’s in focus!!
 |
| Illustration by Keulemans, 1891 |
I will now attempt to catch up with your blogs and reading etc … better late than never … actually it’s the Beeb’s re-winding of the Olympics this week!
 |
| Olympic Park, Munich |
Again an interest – I worked for the British Olympic Association for the Munich Olympics in 1972 and was privileged enough to be flown out for it …
 |
| Hydrangea with bee |
Better stop before this week disappears … I will see
you all soon … thanks in advance for stopping by … and stay safe all of you …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
40 comments:
How wonderful that Camilla's bookshop is open again.
I always enjoy your bibs and bobs but that was the standout item for my book (and parrot) loving self today.
Seeing the Munich Olympics in the flesh would have been incredible too - though the tragedy would have tainted your memories I expect.
Take care.
Spouse and I lived in London in 1972, waiting for our first baby to be born. I always loved Olympic Games and wanted very much to go to Munich, but the airlines weren't keen to take women over 30 weeks pregnant.
As it turned out, we stayed safely in our London flat while our Israeli comrades were being slaughtered in Munich. What a nightmare.
Glad the bookshop is open again.
I've never been on a big wheel, and I never will. We had one on Plymouth Hoe a few years ago. I was tempted because the view is incredible (I've seen it from a much lower building), but I just couldn't pluck up the courage :-(
@ EC – yes and Camilla’s had customers in yesterday … including two youngsters buying comics … makes sense to me today – with all the changes going on … gaming, comics – which I’m beginning to appreciate.
Going to Munich was special – I was lucky … even though I arrived on the morning of the shootings (could have been the evening before).
@ Hels – I’m sorry you couldn’t get over to see the Games … but can understand … lots of walking to do. I’m sure your first child was appreciative of being looked after in London.
I know the terrorist shootings were appalling … and I’d arrived that morning, or the day before I can’t remember … we were certainly all very shocked and anxious. I was selfishly grateful the Games went on …
@ Annalisa – yes it’s good to see Camilla’s open again. The big wheel experience at 35 metres is tame … though I’d hate to say that to you … give it a go … if can you can!
Thanks to the three of you … I just thought I’d answer a couple of points … stay safe and take care - Hilary
Before another word is typed, Hilary, thank you for including the Keulemans picture of the parrot. He was one of the great bird illustrators of all time. It is so encouraging for book lovers the world over to know that Camilla's has reopened. I hope that everyone local considers it a part of their civic duty to go and spend a little money there to give them the startup boost they need. I wish them great success. I have been on a big wheel, or ferris wheel as they are called on this side of the Atlantic, and as far as I recall found it quite enjoyable. The memory is not vivid, however, so it was clearly not a momentous experience - unlike my first flight. When I was young I enjoyed playing sports but have never been a big fan of watching them, and being jammed into a stadium with fifty or sixty thousand others is not my idea of pleasure. And, believe it or not, I suspect that all the Olympic events I have ever seen, seen together one after the other, would not total much more than a day's viewing. The last event I remember watching was the final in women's ice hockey in Salt Lake City, whenever it was that those games took place, but certainly many years ago. I remember Munich for the carnage, not for the sports.
I love this wandering with you - so many fun bits, including up and around the Big Wheel. I love Ferris Wheels and the one at our State Fair is grand.
Very glad the bookstore is open. I would stop by to support it if I could.
And I think a chance to help/work/be at an Olympics would be amazing - the energy has to be exciting. Of course, that was a while ago - when life wasn't so crazy. But Munich did have it's sorrows.
Glad you are out a bit - safely. Good to stretch the legs and mind. Take care
Talking of Wimbledon, today, three years ago, Federer beat Cilic to win his record his eighth Wimbledon title.
I have been too watching replays of the grand slam. Some great matches, actually.
Munich in 1972 ... Those must have been extremely stressful days.
Glad to see the Camilla's is open again.
Hari OM
Lovely rambling with you, Hilary! Sorry brief response... trying times here... But the blogs keep me sane! YAM xx
So glad the bookshop is open again, I would love a bookshop near here that was something other than French!
I have been on a big wheel when I was a teenager, it was nothing very special to me then I must admit. A friend and I used to go for the octopus, I cannot imagine why, the thought terrifies me now!!
I know the feeling time just flies and keeping up with everything is almost impossible!
Keep well and safe, Diane
I managed to get my wife onto a big wheel at the Munich Oktoberfest. She doesn't do well with heights, but the views were spectacular.
California has decided to close down again but small business owners are really struggling. This could be devastating. We've also had floods of bad data about testing etc which is discouraging people from the efficacy of these efforts. Sigh. Someday, it will be the shared memory we all talk about.
@ David – pleasure to include Keulemans … I see he lived most of his life in England … and is as you mention he was and is still considered one of the best 19th century bird illustrators.
Certainly Camilla’s has a reputable reputation around town and I’m sure in England. There were a few customers in the shop … so I agree let’s hope.
They’re called Ferris wheels here too – I think … but I agree it wasn’t a momentous experience … but I’m glad I’ve ticked that box! I used to glide – taking off over the Cornish cliffs – so that was definitely a more brilliant experience.
I don’t often go to sports events or any events for that matter – where the masses are – not my favourite … but I wasn’t going to turn down going to the Olympics – was I? Salt Lake City was 2002 … and the 1972 carnage was largely hidden from me … as I was there and just followed the requirements.
@ Joanne – very wandery I’m afraid … so glad you enjoyed it. Oh yes – the bookstore is great to have open again … I’ve bought quite a lot there over the years. Also I’m happy to be able to get outside and walk around.
I tried to be involved in the 2012 Olympics – but my Ma was still alive and I really didn’t want to leave her … as it happened, she died before they started. Reading up more about the 1972 sorrows – came later in my life.
@ Pradeep – they showed a clip of that match in the re-wind series! I’m not sure if you’re watching the Beeb series – but I enjoy seeing good tennis: glad you do too. Camilla’s bookstore is great to have nearby …
Munich must have been terrible for the Olympic Associations and the Germans to deal with the horror … and the competitors to cope with too.
@ Yam – I understand … I feel for you – but was so grateful my blog was going when my mother was terminally ill for those last few years.
@ Diane – I know – having Camilla’s down the road is really good news – and as you say most of the books are not French, German or Spanish …
I agree it wasn’t that special – so being able to do it cheaply, easily without queuing made it worthwhile to be able to tick a ‘have done box’. When we went to the big London circus as kids … my younger brother happily embraced those sorts of rides – not me … I hung on to Mum’s coat tails!!
I’m just slow and not terribly motivated to get on with things … I’m ticking through slowly … not like you with all your veg etc …
@ Ian – I can understand Ali’s challenge in that situation … I’d be wary too … while the Munich Octoberfest wouldn’t be my first choice either! I’m glad the views made the excursion worth it though …
@ Jacqui – oh dear … we’re not doing that well here – but by the sound of it the USA is in a much worse situation … I do hope it eases. Yes … it is worrying for each and everyone of us – and no doubt in due time … it’ll be history – soon, soon, I hope!!
Thanks to you all … I’m now enjoying the Olympics – not so much being shown … but enough! Take care and stay safe and all the best - Hilary
That's amazing you worked for the Olympics committee. Glad you got to go on a big wheel. They have one at Myrtle Beach, SC and it was a delight to ride.
Lovely post as always. I adore hollyhocks. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of success with them. Sigh.
Stay safe. Be healthy.
Another cool post! Hooray for riding the big wheel! Imagine it was fun and you got a good view of the area. Over here, we call it the Ferris Wheel. It was invented by an American civil engineer, George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., for the 1893 Chicago World’s Colombian Exposition. Made me think of the Ike and Tina Turner hit song Proud Mary about a Mississippi riverboat. “Big wheel keeps on turnin’ …Rollin’ on a river… lol.
So glad your bookstore has been cleaned up, repaired and reopened. You must have been happy to be able to visit. Hope you got some interesting books.
Cool you worked for the Munich Olympics in 1972. Disappointing the Tokyo Olympics had to be postponed. Mostly, I like the track and field events. I’ve been watching reruns of lots of sports on tv and on YouTube.
Love all the pics you included in this post. Brings stuff to life.
Be safe.
Love and sanitized hugs.
Wonderful that the book store is open again and that you go to go on the Big Wheel. Fascinating about the Olympics. I always enjoy your post, so interesting and informative. Take care and stay safe.
I've never been on a Ferris Wheel either, but I don't want to as I have an aversion to heights. That's right, the Olympics would have been just about here. What a strange year we're having.
Hilary, You make a good point. Pros and cons watching Wimbledon in real life or not. “Semi” lockdown seems a mentally and physically healthy option, if we have this option. I am not at all good on the ‘big wheel.’ A long story and I will never go on one again. I distinctly recall your amazing birthday lunch. It seems forever ago, now. I was not too familiar about the Munich Olympics. I Googled and read the comments. I learned a great deal just now. An interesting post, Hilary. You stay safe, too.
@ Diane – it was the British Olympic Organisation as the Clothing Administrator … a minor role … but lots of work and fun. This big wheel is ‘a tame Ferris Wheel’ … but I enjoyed seeing the views …
@ Sandra – thank you … Hollyhocks remind me of our first family home … they don’t like cultivation – this double one just appeared apparently … seed on the wing, via the birds – they just appear.
@ Lenny – delighted to see you here … and it was interesting up there. I didn’t know who invented them or what for … interesting … as too your reference to the song Proud Mary …
Camilla’s bookshop is a second hand one – so I do go down quite often … but at the moment I must read what I’ve got here – I’d bought some things before lock-down came. They were certainly in working mode with customers around …
Yes the Munich Olympics was an interesting job to have … I will have to dig into my memory bank and check what sort of things I remember or are jogged back into some sort of thought processes … I’m enjoying the overview of I think the three latest Olympics … 2008 so far. I’m glad you’re enjoying your sport watching … as I know you enjoy it.
Thanks re the photos – yes I like to give an extra prompt to bring the post to life …
@ Mason – yes thank goodness re Camilla’s opening up again. The ‘big wheel’ was fun … but the memory bank for the Olympics is being stretched – but I did find the stuff I’d kept.
@ Liz – this was easy … not too high and I’m glad I’ve done it. Yes – the Olympics was due to start next week and run into August – but a good thing it’s been deferred. Yes – the year is certainly strange …
@ Erica – sometimes the re-runs are great … the busy working day has been done and then one can enjoy the day’s play. It’s been interesting to be able to watch re-runs though. Living in a ‘quiet town’, I’ve been careful and haven’t needed to stay put – so at least I can have my walk … and stay within the parameters.
Sorry about your big wheel unfortunate experience – obviously sensible to say ‘no’. My two birthday lunches – the Bistrot one was with some friends on the day – both really enjoyable. Oh thanks for looking up the Munich Olympics … I’ll probably write up a few posts later on.
Thanks for being here and lovely to have your engaging comments … take care and stay safe … all the best - Hilary
I so missed Wimbledon this year, it's the only sport I'm really interested in. But even more so, I missed attending the Eastbourne tennis tournament at Devonshire Park in June. The big (or should that be 'medium') wheel sounds fun but it won't rival the London Eye!
Hi Hilary
Great you got up on the big wheel - I've never had the courage lol but I bet the views were spectacular. And so pleased the bookshop is open again.
Wonderful that Camilla's is open again. Like David, I hope they get lots of patrons to help boost their start up. You certainly were bitting and bobbing this week. Never thought of Wimbledon being cancelled, what a shame, it was always such a wonderful time of summer along with the Derby which, I guess, is also cancelled.
Lucky you being flown out to Munich to help with the games. I was once flown to Northern Ireland to help with the opening of the new Du Pont facility there.
Hi Hilary, Putting in an appearance in Blogsville although I am on Instagram much more these days. I blog occasionally still.
Yes the BBC is busy with it's rewinds, I liked the Andy Murray feature.
Interesting to read of your involvement with the Olympics.
Trust you are well and staying safe. :)
So, what did you think of the Ferris Wheel ride??
I'm pretty sure there's a special circle of hell just for people who torch bookstores...
We’ve been on the Edinburgh big wheel at Christmas a few times. I feel safe! I used to love watching Wimbledon, but I’ve watched it less in the last few years so I’m not really missing it and haven’t watched the reruns. I think since Andy and Roger have been less prominent I’ve lost interest. Usually, as my idols waned I’ve had new ones coming up but no player, male or female, has sparked my interest recently.
Excuses arre around by many for many things by many people including me of course and of course I d o eveerything slowly because my body is letting mr down.
Good to hear that the book shop reopened. The low cost and easy access to the wheel is probably one of the few advantages of the partial lockdown. I'd prefer to have it crowded (and no need for the lockdown). Stay safe.
Happy the bookshop is open and how wonderful you had a ride in the big wheel Sounds like fun. I have never been in one when I was young as they are always on the Dutch fair who comes to town once a year.
Cool you worked for the Olympic Association. You had an interesting life Take care
How wonderful the bookshop is open again. I hope things are going smoothly for them after the fire. I have had rides on a lot of Ferris Wheels in my life- though there are some that are enormous that I have only seen in pictures. Sounds like you had a nice ride. :)
Getting to see some of the events of the Olympics live must have been a treat. Wow!
Thanks for all your bits and bobs. :) Have a lovely week and stay safe!
~Jess
I'm so happy the bookshop is open again. I remember that fire. Did you really go up in that thing? I would never do it, just too scared of heights.
I find it difficult to 'get into' most of the sports re-runs that are now being shown. Tennis, soccer and cricket are all there in abundance. I am enjoying some boxing classics though.
I must say that you seem to be managing Lockdown pretty well!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s technically tremulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
I'm so happy you're keeping so busy Hilary, out and about and sharing your tales of life. And lovely to hear the bookshop is back! <3
No excuses necessary, Hilary. I always love what you have to say -- so interestig and thought-provoking!
Wimbledon has always been the highlight of the year for me - mmmm I could’ve looked out for replays. Glad to hear your bookshop is up and running again Hilary - keep safe and well, susan
@ Keith … I know – I feel deprived of tennis here and at Wimbledon … still there’s been a few re-winds. No it won’t rival the London Eye … but it did cost a lot less, no queues … one day perhaps I’ll do the London Eye …
@ Fil – it was very tame, I hate to say … but it was fun to see from the top – though of course we have the Downs nearby that are much higher! Yes – the bookshop so pleased it’s open again …
@ Jo – I know I’m so pleased they were able to relatively easily clean up and open up again – it looked as though they were easing forward. I’ve never been to the Derby or to a major horse race … but I know they’re loved by many.
I know the Munich trip was very lucky … I would think the DuPont opening was very interesting …
@ Eddie – well done and good to see you … I just don’t do Instagram – but know lots of people do – glad you’re enjoying it. I’ve enjoyed the bits of re-winds I’ve seen. The Olympic job for that short time was great to have done …
@ Jz – it was very tame!! But I enjoyed the opportunity to give one a go –not something I’ll replace. I would hope the pyromaniac has some form of guilt hanging over him …
@ Anabel – I’m sure I’d be safe on a larger wheel – but going to Edinburgh and having a ride … sounds fun at Christmas time.
Yes – we go with the flow of tennis and our favourites … I’m ‘fond’ of Rafael … but enjoy seeing the newbies coming through … just enjoy tennis I suspect.
@ Jo-Anne – I know people are on the ‘go slow’ mode … and I do feel for all those struggling with their health.
@ Rhonda – I know excellent re the bookshop isn’t it. Yes – the advantages were why I took the opportunity. Yes I agree – I’d rather be back to normal, unlikely though for a while …
@ Marja – it’s wonderful they’re back in business and allowing people to browse around. The ‘big’ wheel was tame, I’m afraid. The Olympics was a wonderful opportunity … and yes I’ve done some interesting things in life …
@ Jess – they looked busy and occupied with lots of people going in and out. Yes … I’ve never ridden an enormous wheel – I don’t think I fancy the hassle of queuing! It was fun being up there.
I was lucky to get to the Munich Olympics and to see various sports … I’m happy you enjoyed the bits and bobs … thank you.
@ Inger – yes the bookshop is a good attraction to have nearby – the fire was very sad – just glad it wasn’t too serious.
@ Bazza – I’ve watched some of the Beeb’s programmes – and appreciate watching something I enjoy. I used to enjoy the boxing … I seem to remember going to the Albert Hall to watch some, when I worked for the BOA.
Yes – I’m fine with being locked down and will happily keep going for a while yet – but would like to be unlocked, though can’t see it happening soon.
@ Debby – yes lots to keep me occupied if I’m on go slow. I’m not doing much – but am coping … which is the main thing. I know – good news re the bookshop …
@ Donna – thank you … it’s a bit up and down, as is life at the moment …
@ Susan – yes Wimbledon is definitely a highlight of my tv sporting year. I’m pleased Camilla’s is working well again – they’re a really good resource. All well thanks – but hope you are too …
Thanks for being here … just stay safe and take care – this ‘thing’ is really quite dangerous … I feel very fortunate to be here on the south coast. All the very best - Hilary
I've always -- 1960 on -- been an Olympics fan. I love to swim and swimming events are my favorites. Of course as I watch, I end up watching every event, including the javelin throw.
Hilary, wonderful that Camilla's is open again. Glad you got that ride on the big wheel. So interesting that you worked at the Munich Olympics. Great memories. Thanks for sharing your bibs and bobs. Hope all goes well in partial lockdown.
@ Buttercup - good to see you and thanks re your comment - I too am so impressed at the athletes' achievements ... I've always loved sports ... in fact I remember I went to the early Swimming events at the Olympics in 1972. Looking forward to seeing you again ...
@ Denise - I know it's great news Camilla's is open ... piled high with books - but they are book lovers and so knowledgeable. The big wheel episode was a tame event - but I'm glad I've done it.
I was lucky to work for the British Olympic Association for the Munich Olympics ... and friends, family and I are all coping with the lock-down ... thankfully ...
Stay safe both of you - Hilary
Happy to hear the bookshop is open again!
Love the thought of that wheel travelling -- where's it off to next?
Hi Deniz - it's great they were able to sort the fire damage out reasonably easily - with help from friends.
The wheel would suit your kids - pretty tame for us! But there are apparently four of these size wheels ... which go places, they're based in Manchester - and I know the next one will be west of here ... in Worthing ...
Post a Comment