Travelled to Aveley FC last night to watch the new look Abbey team play Bowers and Pitsea in the Isthmian League Cup first round. Manager Mark Stimson basically put out a full reserve team to have a look at players and we were thumped 5-0. Our worst ever league cup defeat. Anyways no worry as it’s FA Cup day Saturday and the prize money from that is far more important to the club should we progress. What I can’t get my head round is the new ground at Aveley. Everyone is ranting about it but it just don’t feel like a football ground to me. I don’t understand the stands behind the goals being placed apart when there is plenty of room behind the goals and the clubhouse feels like a hospital reception to me. Just not that Football ground feeling even though the structure looks impressive in itself. The seating is shallow with spectators allowed to walk behind and it’s all so open and clinical! The tea bar has no cover over it either so if it rains not sure I wanna stand there in a queue. Anyway, you may say I’m jealous of the multi million pound ground but nah. I’ll take the old fashioned places all day long thanks. It’s all about opinions end of the day. That’s us in the Blue by the way.

 1,916 total views,  8 views today

Pete´s Day
Originally Posted on July 20, 2013, I want to preserve this blog
Tuesday 16th July for me now will always be Pete´s Day. I don´t like whiskey, in fact just the smell of it makes me heave, but I´ll look at a bottle now on this day and think of my mate, our mate Pete Morris. 16th July, the day we said goodbye to a true gent and genius. In 2013 the UK was covered in wall to wall sunshine with temperatures soaring. It was more than a two day Summer. Traffic oddly was good and the journey from Essex to Leicestershire took just under 2 hours.
We were first to arrive in the quaint village of Narborough, Pete´s spiritual home. Having found the church, neatly tucked away off the High Street, tea and poached eggs on toast from the little village cafe settled the stomach. The service was at 11-00am and slowly people starting arriving. The church was splendid and one day I´ll revisit and have a proper look around. No doubt I´ll have another chat with Pete and tell him how it all went. The place reminded me of the church in the film Hot Fuzz, although it wasn’t quite as big. Being part of the Lineker family, there was a security guard hovering around, although I sincerely don’t know why. Yes Gary was there with the family but there was more than enough weight around to see off any unwanted onlookers, and to be honest, it just wasn’t like that. The church also reminded me of the magnificent one in Waltham Abbey on a smaller scale.
Sailing was playing as we entered and took our places. As services go it was as pleasant as can be, the vicar was great and Wayne Lineker produced a fantastic speech about Pete´s life that was both sad and funny but made everyone smile. It was a fitting tribute for sure. Myself, I worked hard to keep my emotions in check as I have done on many an occasion such as this. The odd thing was I was smiling most of the time as the sense of occasion for me wasn’t like any other. I tend to cringe when Vicars, Priests whatever start to preach about marching into heaven and going to a better place and stuff like that. I´m there to pay my respects of course but in all honesty I don’t wanna hear that stuff, I want my friends here! Anyway I´m probably not explaining that very well so I´ll move on. This guy today was good and so refreshing. Songs sung and prayers said, everyone filed out gracefully and that was my biggest moment. I was last to leave and they were playing Sailing again. As I turned round I saw a montage of photos on canvas of Pete. Cue the tissues. The Loros* place done good that day.
I had to drive like Hamilton to keep up with the cortege to find the crematorium, Gilroes, which was splendid in the sunshine. The committal was pretty brief, as they are. Myself and Mark Noble noticed the shelf around the outside and said it would have been a great touch if whiskey shots were placed around the outside for everyone. Sorry Pete, I still wouldn’t have drunk it! Abide with me always put a lump in the throat and this was no different. It was back to Narborough and the Dovecot Pub for the wake.
At the pub it was like a mini reunion as the solemn mood changed and the memories came flooding back. Stories of bar building, bar boozing and bar crawling came out as the Linekers lads all put their two pennies in. Everything and everywhere from Puerto Banus to Cyprus and back was discussed, even Pete´s dodgy knee! Each person had their own story to tell and the time flew by. I read reviews about the pub elsewhere as well and they were non too complimentary but everything was fine today, the Fosters was cool as you like and going down far too easy. Moose and I were starting to re enact the past and I remembered the car outside. There´s something about talking about the past and here was a great bunch of people talking about it. I paused for a moment and said “the one person who should be here with us talking about all this is not here” Everyone smiled and we raised our glasses once more for Pete.
Tuesday 16th July 2013, the day we said goodbye to Pete

*LOROS The fantastic hospice in Leicester that looked after Pete in his final days

 

Main Photo : Dean Howsam, Lee Brown, John Hughes, Paul Bowcock, Dave Hodges, Wayne Lineker, Duane Lineker, Mark Noble, John Hughes Snr, Neal Joyce
Or
Deano, Taffy, Moose, Bow, Dangerous, Links, Links, Nobby, Pappa Moose, Nelly

 2,145 total views

First Day, First Post, First Waffle
I originally posted this on March 27, 2013 on my first blog site and I thought I’d place it here for posterity!  How a blog can be born I guess.

Well it wasn’t exactly the first day I´d been on a tube but for the purpose here, and to relive the boredom, here goes. I´ll keep it short and sweet… Debden to Piccadilly at 7-10pm with the return at 11-20pm, yesterday btw. No one ever talks, well very rarely…the journey home saw a well dressed drunk city gent mumbling to himself while he dropped his rucksack, probably with his empty sandwich Tupperware box inside. The girl opposite, a white coat with furry thing round dangling and black trousers glanced over. We had both been watching the fella and she smiled. I returned the compliment and that was it. This blog was born…

 989 total views

I wanna write a book..
Originally Posted on June 29, 2013

They say we all have one in us…..everyday I think of countless things to write about and never get to write them down. Remember a few months ago? I started this blog thingy, well I only just remembered I had it and so we try again. Today is a real sad day for me. I´m seriously not the best at this emotion lark and the slightest hint and I reach for the tissues.. A close friend of mine succumbed last night to the scourge that is Cancer. Like many others I will never understand life, maybe one day we will all find out, I just know we have to enjoy what we have while it lasts. So why is it, they always take the good ones? Or at least seem to. My friend Pete was one of the kindest men I ever had the honour to be friends with. Pete was super talented, intelligent and great company. He would help anyone when he could and his artistic talents will never be recognised, much to the public’s loss. Pete could paint a scene with the best of them that’s for sure. We worked together in our field putting together bars around Europe and we had some great times, we got to meet some great people and we also had some great rows! If anyone visits a Linekers Bar around the world be sure to know that Pete Morris played a big part in this company and you will for sure, be looking at some of Pete´s designs or handiwork. Spare a thought as I will everyday when I go to work. I mentioned Pete was talented, well that’s an understatement really. He used to build his own cars when he was younger, yes build his own cars and he ended up building his own boat”Dreamaway” in his back garden. To give you some idea it has got 2 Rolls Royce engines to power it, I´m told it´s 52 long. It made county news when Pete finally finished and had to get it airlifted out of the back garden and onto the low loader to take to the docks. Pete sailed her to Spain where he lived happily from port to port with wife Margaret. In Tenerife we used to have these TV´s, the old ones on top of a bar we wheeled in and out everyday onto the terrace selling beers. Almost every night it toppled over and nearly crippled someone with the weight of the TV´s. (Now a days we have plasma so this wouldn’t happen) Pete proceeded to build a new bar. When he wheeled it out the TV´s were on the bar surface and everyone thought WTF has he done. In position, Pete plugged it in and pressed a button. Up went the TV´s on hydraulics and were firmly in place. At the end of the night, press the button and down they came. No one had a near death experience with the outside bar after that! It may sound simple but it was a stroke of genius at the time. Pete was a very very talented man, of that you can be sure.
Pete used to run the teams of builders we had in the bars when we built a new one or carried out a refurbishment, and despite his demeanor he could be quite ruthless when it came to his baby projects. I wasn’t there all the time but used to visit to give the boss progress reports and carry out admin tasks and the like. One time in Cala Dór I went out with four of the builders and I´ll admit it now but I did get Moose in a bit of state at the karaoke bar the night before. When I strolled down the bar at midday Pete let a volley of abuse come my way as his workers were not performing and Moose couldn’t lift a hammer to save his life. I protested weakly that it wasn’t my fault but I soon skulked off while I could. We all had dinner that night and Pete had his glass of Whisky that he loved. We were soon back to normal.. I told Moose to piss off until the work was all finished!
I had many a chat with Pete when and where I could, despite the distances we spoke a fair bit on the phone and we would always put the company to rights, of course we know best whats best for the family, it´s what you do isn’t it? Whenever I had a problem and felt like talking I could always rely on Pete to be there and would email him or call. I used to help Pete with his computer over the phone and it was frustrating explaining cut and paste to a man who built his own boat in his back garden! In fairness we loved a good moan up and always felt better when we came off the phone.
Peter Roger Morris R.I.P Dreamaway xxx
TBH this blog title doesn’t have much to do about writing a book but it was the only way I was going to write about Pete without water damaging my keyboard, apologies for that, but glad to give you a little insight into the great talent PRM x Thanks for reading.

 2,892 total views,  2 views today

My Century of Facts (Or Trivial Trivia)

Originally Posted on August 9, 2013, updated April 2020

 1.      I was born at an early age. Harold Macmillan was Prime Minister, Ipswich Town had won the 1st Division.

2.      I´m still alive, but had a big scare once. I’m lucky to be here.

3.      I have brown hair.

4.      I have blue eyes.

5.      I’m 6′ 2″ but getting wider by the minute.

6.      I am happy to have reached the age of 50, probably 51 now… (57 actually at the time of update)

7.      I vote Conservative in the UK.  Is there a decent alternative?

8.      I have one brother. He lives in Huddersfield, rather him than me!

9.      I have niece´s and nephew´s all over the UK.

10.  I also have cousins all over the UK.

11.  My parents live in the same town as me

12.  I love my home Town, not many do…or do they, actually I think they do!

13.  I am a unattached Mason

14.  I drive an E Class Mercedes, a Mini and a Van for fun!

15.  I have a moped in Spain. I nearly killed myself in 2019, don’t be like Dave kids..

16.  I picked the colour of my car from new, great feeling that.

17.  I think best when I’m alone, but who doesn’t?

18.  I hate being late but always push the boundaries.

19.  I cut things fine too much and I try not to panic.  After what I’ve been through most things are a doddle.

20.  I love reading when I can, and try to as much as I can but not always possible.  I’ve got stack of books, magazines and all sorts!

21.  I don’t read many novels, I prefer fact not fiction.

22.  John Grisham is a good exception however I can’t remember last time I read one of his books.

23.  I subscribe to Four Four Two, Lonely Planet and All About History

24.  When I was a kid my favourite books were Wolf Cub Island and Scouting for Boys, I have them both.

25.  I cannot play a musical instrument but I wish I could.  Tried to learn drums a couple of years back but didn’t really have space or time.

26.  When I was in Senior School I once played Prime Minister in a school drama.  Still remember that with affection, was a great lesson.

27.  My favourite musician is (2013) currently Professor Green, I´m a huge Midge Ure fan.

28.  My favourite band is Ultravox, I´m also a Duranny on the quiet…

29.  I joined a gym, something I never ever saw the point of until now.  But since I last wrote this my knee has gone and basically, I’m a disaster..See 15.

30.  I wish I had a personal motivator.

31.  I get bored too quick, well not so much bored as uninterested, I move on too quick.

32.  I love walking my dog.  Sadly she passed away 4th January 2016.  I miss her more than anything in the world. Broke my heart. 🙁

33.  I played football for Waltham Abbey United Under 13´s but we lost heavily every game that I remember and folded.

34.  I started playing again at the age of 19 for Waltham Abbey on Sundays.

35.  I support Tottenham Hotspur, thats enough to make anyone age I can tell you!

36.  I played Sundays for Waltham Abbey, Vango, Everest, Beechfield, Benson’s, Ninefields and Larsen’s

37.  I played Saturdays for Larsen’s (New Inn) and North Enfield, Enfield Res and Waltham Abbey.  Had a couple of games for a team called White Star too.  Midweek I played for Mount Pleasant Post Office.

38.  Chicken is probably my favourite food but you cant´t beat a great T Bone steak or decent rib eye..

39.  Beer is my drink of choice, Mahou is preferred in Spain, a decent Fosters in the UK.  I like the odd Morretti nowadays.  Tbf San Miguel has come on a long way and ranks up there when you get a good pint poured, especially in the new glasses.

40.  I hate cheese. But strangely enough, I can eat – Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Cheese on Pizzas, Halloumi Cheese and stuff like that.  A lump of Cheddar type and I’m heaving…

41.  I can eat Cheeseburgers.  They have that square cheese on them.

42.  I live in a house built in the 50’s.

43.  It is not my dream house, but it´s a great house.

44.  Go Gators! I love Florida.  I love the USA.  Recently went to New York and loved it. I’m going back as soon as I can.

45.  I don’t go to church, never have except Weddings and Funerals, I often think I´d like to go one day just to see what it´s like.

46.  I am not religious but even the curious have to wonder.

47.  I am not the life of the party, I just like to have life at the party!

48.  I do like to think I have a great sense of humour even if others don’t always get it.  I see the funny side too much I think

49. Lee Mack and Jimmy Carr are currently my favourite comedians.

50.  Tim Vine is king though…

51.  I watch TV, but mainly Discovery Channel or Sport.  I cannot watch reality TV or Soap shit.

52.  I don’t wear a watch. I want both arms to weigh the same. Thats not true I do wear a watch.  Well I did until I fell off my moped and broke it

53.  My favourite film is Leon, I enjoy Top Gun and Hannibal is just class.

54.  I love history and nostalgia.

55.  I love Geography even more.

56.  My favourite colour is green.

57.  I have a unique nickname amongst friends from when I was a kid.

58.  It´s Doog, after Derek Dougan the Northern Ireland and Wolves footballer

59.  I do not have a middle name

60.  At work I´m known as Dangerous Dave or Peligrosso.

61.  I have a pseudonym, Dave Daniels.

62.  I love traveling and flying.

63.  My best holiday is the next one, however Cancun takes some beating.  Barbados was a blast.

64.  I´ve been in a helicopter twice, once in Barbados and once in Dominican Republic.

65.  I would like to go up in a Huey and a Chinook.

66.  I would also like to ride in a Hawker Harrier.

67.  But to ride in a Spitfire would be a dream come true.

68.  Ive had flying lessons and go on geeky ATC sites and listen to air traffic.

69.  I have been lucky enough to go in a flight simulator that cost 26million.  Awesome experience.

70.  When I was a teenager, I had long hair, so glad I cut it all off years ago.

71.  The worst job I’ve had was in a metalwork factory, hands were just sponsored by Swarfega

72.  My best job is my current one.  Ive had plenty in my time since leaving school.

73.  I once worked on an Ice Cream van for a day but threw up so had to leave early, the smell and the stop start made me ill.

74.  I wish I could write a book, but who doesn’t want to do that? I love writing when I’m in the mood.

75.  There is nothing better than cold Mahou on a hot day. Had to mention that again.

76.  I used to hate Coffee but drink it every day now.

77.  I also hated Tomatoes for years, love them now.

78.  My favourite months are August and December

79.  My favourite holiday is Ascension Day

80.  I only took a few exams because I couldn’t be bothered to go.

81.  I’m a Leo

82.  I’m special, just like the other 6,636,639,476 people on Earth.

83.  I’m not competitive enough.

84.  I have never been married.

85.  I have no children.

86.  I have a fear of heights but I love the adrenaline buzz.

87.  I have done a bungee jump.

88.  I have no allergies.

89.  My first memories are Mrs Little next door and holidays on the Isle of Wight.

90.  I lived in Hoddesdon UK for 5 Years and Marbella Spain for 2, I still love my home town of Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK

91.  I don’t think I’m not a natural leader, but if there’s no leader in the group I usually take over.

92.  I am not in the least bit domesticated.

93.  I have never decorated a room or painted a wall.

94.  Cars are for driving and putting petrol in, I hate cleaning them…so I don’t.

95.  I love dogs, everyone should have on at least once in their lifetime.

96.  Cats are pretty well down the list, evil things with the odd exception.

97.  Football is my chosen sport, I wish I could still play.

98.  I love my friends, the ones who know who they are.

99.  I detest cigarettes.

100.       You will never see me on the dance floor in a nightclub. Not true either, it has been known.

101.   Life has never been better.  I know, thats 101.

 

 6,000 total views

It’s 3rd Place play off day and can I be bothered to watch it, of course I can. It’s England! So as the mood takes me, I’m writing but not really in the mood after having watched the match earlier today.  I went to Urban Lounge, a bar on the bay road strip of Cala De Bou, but commonly thought of as part of San Antonio in Ibiza.  Originally I was sat on my own but just before the game started, a group of lads , around 10 in all sat around me and the TV.  Usual lads on tour.  Well, nothing really to report unusual, just the usual banter, I thought they were Boreham Wood fans and it turns out they were Arsenal.  I told a fella to carry on, he said ” I take it your not then?”  No.  I? left it at that… The match was pretty nondescript for me, undone by two goals and we finished fourth in the World Cup.  Ive read so many comments saying that no one actually thought we could win it, but, you know what?  I actually did.  I can see that we are nowhere near where we need to be, but what if Kane had passed instead of trying to score himself?  In all fairness he actually should have scored!  We would have been 2-0 up and football being football, things change.  The final is tomorrow and who knows what would happen.  Southgate, the Manager, said there are fine margins in International Football.  I think he is right and the game is all about the beauty of the if’s and but’s. With a little more luck we could at least have been in the final.  No one will read this until well after and we are all back home, but will we reflect in time to come, just how close we were, or were we actually just lucky to get as far as we did.  Either way the roller coaster ride was a good one.  I did say nothing to report, the steak baguette was good, I’d recommend it..

 2,072 total views

Tags: england

So I have started to build this website and for starters I have never liked the term blog.  Right now I dont get it, blog… who made that word up?  I prefer thoughts, coupled with memories, after all that is what they are, aren’t they?  So these are my opening words in this section…

 6,725 total views,  4 views today