The passage of time in Wellington and elsewhere
I read an article of the stories of why people have become British citizens in 2021. I found this paragraph in the introduction pertinent:
The most rewarding part of the citizenship process is not only gaining British nationality. It’s all about the courage to leave your country of origin, the initial struggle, the hard work and resilience. It’s about the cultural exchange and appreciation of a new way of living. It’s all about the journey.
A Wednesday evening trip to the stadium against one of the best teams around.
A 0-1 loss was, in the end, not surprising. Considering the recent form of City it could gave been an avalanche. Some fine players on display but at the same time plenty of modern footballer antics with feigning injury and complaining to the referee to make one mad.
After the game, in the pub, the lads were pragmatic.
A suite of activities with chats EQ and JQ who is of course in Wellington.
The activities included watching London Scottish play in Richmond with IQ and Anthony. It is good to see ‘real rugby’ or maybe old-fashioned. The players are not all uniformly the size of houses and subtlety seems to play a bit more of a role.
Next it was a trip to Kew Gardens to see the light show. A team of three this time with Shaz and IQ.
Next after that fun ti was off to the pub to watch Brentford play BHA. Not a good performance and not a good result.
A few pictures to show the day, which, as well as the fine feast, included Mass at St. Peter and St. Paul, Northfields, video chats with EQ who was and remains marooned in Glasgow because of Covid.
Along with the food and alcohol there was the annual viewing of ‘Love Actually’ plus the 1971 Morecambe and Wise classic Christmas special.
A very seasonal trip to the Old Vic to see a version of the very famous story.
A great performance by Stephen Mangan.
I loved the whole thing
Late to the piece but last Friday IQ went with me to the Barbican for the annual trip.
Shaz was indisposed awaiting the result of a PCR which was reported as negative just as the show was about commence.
It was a smaller scale affair with only 26 in the choir and the music played by a sinfonia rather than full orchestra. Despite this the acoustics of the venue helped project the sound thought the variation in tones was not evident as it can be with a larger choir.
The audience was reduced- fear regarding infection I suppose.
From the Barbican website:
‘Handel’s glorious Messiah holds a special place in many people’s hearts over the Christmas period, but perhaps it will be even more significant in 2021
After a year without the triumphant ‘Hallelujah’ chorus ringing out in churches and concert halls, Britten Sinfonia will give an intimate but impassioned performance. A star-studded line up of soloists joins conductor David Watkin and the Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge.’
Friday night football at ‘ new Griffin Park’. Not a great performance but periods of proper football and pressure. A win in the end with two late goals.
Against another potential relegation team the wind may turn out to be very important.
Finally back on display after being in a box for so long. It has not worked for about 10 years. We tried to have it repaired in New Zealand without success and I think with it nearly not returning from a trip to Christchurch. A slow process to have it fixed here too.
It makes a nice sound.