....This annual tournament is yet another telling tribute to the late Matt Elliott, (in whose memory, you'll remember, Kelly & I were afforded our South American adventure earlier in the year).
Rugger buggers
The day celebrates Matt's memory and in turn raises money for the charities, Kids Company and Skye Mountain Rescue. It is organised and hosted by Hackney RFC, the afternoon kicked off with an all ladies curtain raiser, before a round robin tournament ended with victory for Richie's team.
Richie's post-accidental-elbow wound
An all day BBQ, drinks and raffle preceded post match drinks and buffet in the Marina Bar, tranquilly located on the edge of the canal. A hugely successful, fitting and emotional day.
...Kelly threw up the suggestion of a day trip a little while ago. Then suddenly the Bank Holiday weekend was here. And suddenly Whitstable was our choice. We got up and on a train from Victoria that got us there by 11.30am and as the sun beat down, we made our way straight to the beach front and harbour. Almost immediately we were tucking in to oysters from Wee Willy Winkles, which were superb. Fish and chips, eaten on the pebbled shore, promptly followed.
We couldn't believe the weather, so stayed where we were for a while, before getting the customary ice cream for our walk to Whitstable Castle. Recently regenerated, the grounds looked exceptional.
We then walked along to the Tankerton edge of the coast and back, finishing in Whitstable town centre, at The Cheese Box for some fantastic cheese & wine.
We finished back on the beach front, at a bar, as the sun lowered in the sky. It was a wonderful day and we really liked the town, a lot. The return train journey flew by, before meeting up with Nick for a couple of nightcaps. Very merry, but very happy.
He has worked tirelessly to collate 100 artists and designers to respond to the same brief - on a single piece of A4 graph paper, create a desirable artwork that expresses the joy of living.
The result is a breathtaking and ultimately moving body of work, where craftmanship and raw emotion have created a special exhibition, at Somerset House. Each artwork is for sale for £250, with the artist remaining anonymous until after purchase - and with the close of the show today, Max has made an astonishing £25,000 for Maggie's.
But the show must go on - so it does, online, where a couple of pieces remain for sale and ongoing initiatives will lead Max to a target of £50,000 raised. Incredible.
....Our bi-annual football match at work, where the 'suits' play the 'creatives' was competed toward the back end of last year. The 'suits', (my side), brought the overall score level by running out 3-1 victors in this fixture. (Watch out for a Messi-like goal by yours truly. And some Robert Green-like goalkeeping from the opposition!)
....Kelly and I signed up to the Cancer Research 10k some months ago. We did it as much as a challenge to ourselves, as to raise money for the cause. We were fairly disciplined in our training so felt pretty good on the day. And what a day - glorious sunshine glistened over Victoria Park, where 3743 people gathered together to run and raise money for those who have lost or overcome their battle with cancer. Only then did it hit home, the real reason for the run and what a great cause the money you have all generously helped Kelly and I raise, will go towards. The race itself was enjoyable and I surprised myself with a good time of 36m 40s, with Kelly coming home in a very good 51m.
Gemma, Nicolas, Kelly, Roy, (post race).
Our sponsorship page is still open, so click here if you'd like to make a donation. After the run we went for a well deserved roast at The Hemingway nearby, before heading home for well deserved rest.
....This was the seventh match between rival departments at work. For the second year running, the spring match was played at Brentford F.C. - a wonderful setting for us to play in and an opportunity to play out that life long fantasy of the pro footballer. For the first time in four games, the suits, (my team), beat the creatives. And convincingly at that. A great day out and one it seems everyone knew about......
Stuart Hall sets the scene.
The game. Kind of.
Ben Paxman, Suits goalkeeper, post match interview.
....Last night Kelly and I joined Ed and friends at the Lexi cinema, Queens Park, to watch Frank Capra's classic Christmas movie.
Before I talk about the film, (one that, despite it's status, neither Kelly or I had seen before), I wanted to mention the cinema itself. I had never heard of the Lexi, but in little over a year, it seems to have acquired quite a following.
It is a Social Enterprise, with 100% of the profits going to the Sustainability Institute. That in itself is a great thing, but the setting and atmosphere of the tiny cinema is a wonder too. Last night it was decked out with christmas trees, holly and more, whilst we could enjoy the perks of a bar throughout the performance. Not many films receive a round of applause nowadays, but I think it was testament as much to the quality of the surroundings as it was to the quality of the film.
So to the film. I loved it. Full stop. For a movie made in the 40s, it boasted, I think, a contemporary plot that was mastered by the superb direction of Capra. It is quite an emotional rollercoaster of a film, that sees James Stewart's character, George Bailey, looked after by a guardian angel, and ultimately being shown what life would be like if he were never born. As a result, a bright and cheery opening soon begins to turn more dark, which made me wonder where all the Christmas spirit had gone! Eventually, the film sees Bailey triumphant over his nemesis Potter and a very Hollywood, lump-in-the-throat finale ensues. Brilliant.
James Stewart, (above), delivers a fantastic performance throughout, but only with the help of an incredible supporting cast, (very much including the young George Bailey).
The film ends with Clarence's quote, that I think holds very true, 'Remember George: No man is a failure who has friends.'
EDIT: Click on the comments section below and read Carolyn's post. Then follow the link to her music - and in particular her ditty about George Bailey. She good!
....I've made it. I've finally made it. Dad left a message on my phone to tell me that as he strolled through Whitley Bay,he noticed something familiar in the window of the Age Concern charity shop.
There it was - a framed, signed(!) print of one of my Degree show photographs - in all its glory. Dad whisked inside and bought it for a bargain £4.99, (although I'm not sure it was because he wanted it or was simply saving embarrassment for the Barker family and their son's education!)
....Another joy about being back home, Whitley Bay in particular, is the large number of charity shops within walking distance. I first started shopping in them from the age of 14/15, much to the dismay of class mates at the time! They have served me well over the years and yesterday was no different.
....At work the artbuying department held an anonymous photography sale with proceeds going to Kids Company. 250 unnamed A5 images, all signed, (on the back!) and priced at £35, were on display two days in advance of the sale. Employees were then invited to pick their favourites and race to reception at 6pm last Thursday to buy them. I managed to bag a James Day portrait of Thom Yorke and a customised bicycle from Satoshi Minakawa.
....for the first of the month. December is here and so is an installation in the reception at my work. The salvaged tree with paper leaves is a collaboration between Hattie Newman and Alex Ostrowski, whilst the illustrated doors and windows are courtesy of TipToe Collective.
....On a summer day deep in October, a brilliant Sunday was had. Ben, Chris and I went to Hyde Park to watch the Brakes Half Marathon where Ed, his dad Jim, TJ and Chris were all running for charity. Ed, Jim, Harry, Billy at the finish.
Patriotic support
Ben and I then cycled on to Camden - my first visit to the market in years. Much changed, but still packed and as diverse as ever. Stables Market
Back to Brick Lane with Liam.
Indeed it's not
Alicia, Nick and I were then invited to roast dinner at Richie & Anne's.Anne's due date is now under a week! Seated
....Ed is (foolishly) running the New York Marathon. However, he is (admirably) raising money for Bowel Cancer UK at the same time. Click here to sponsor him and therefore donate to charity. Ed is even growing a 'tasche for the event, not to be shaved until November 2nd. Here's a pic from the weekend:
....Mr Blencowe has decided to ride his motorbike from London to Delhi. He's hoping all 125cc will get him there, but I'm not sure whether it's bravery or stupidity! He is updating a blog of his trip, which is sure to throw up many a story and surprise. You can also sponsor him here.
....Today some work colleagues and I helped landscape a Hackney school garden for charity. AMV regularly fundraise for the Kids Company to help under privileged kids. With the supervision of gardener proper, Charlie, we made small inroads in to what is a mammoth task for the school.
