Sporting drama got my knickers in a twist
In what’s proving a great summer for sport (well, it was until the Sunday before last) Marion recalls some football and tennis excitement of years past.
DURING our lockdowns I have been extremely lucky in the help I have received, especially from my neighbour’s son who has been helping not just me but many other Bluebell residents.
He usually accompanies me to our local shop twice a week and Friday July 2nd was no exception. It was a lovely day, and as I walked over the pedestrian crossing it was so nice to hear people laughing … until suddenly a helpful lady touched and whispered “you have got your skirt tucked into your panties.”
It was me they were laughing at! Luckily, they were my big girls’ knickers! I expect my embarrassment was caused by my inattention as, for the last fortnight, like many others, my mind has been on Wimbledon and, of course, football, and I have many memories of both.
We were always a sport-obsessed family. When I met George, he was a fervent supporter of Bristol City, and remained so all of his life. In fact in 1991 I entered a competition in the Post for the best City supporter, and won two stand seats.
This was by recounting truthfully that not only was our wedding day arranged by George for May 19th 1951 - so that he did not miss the local Derby - but that our celebratory holiday for our 40th wedding anniversary was also arranged by George for the same reason.
Both my children, Chris, and Julie, became just as obsessed and when my Grandson Daniel was born in 1985, he was duly registered and became the youngest supporter.
In 1966 when England were in the World Cup final we were on holiday in Great Yarmouth. Chris was seven, and Julie was five years of age. As young as they were they knew what was at stake.
At half time Mum nipped out to get some hot sugared doughnut rings (a great favourite in those days from all fairgrounds) I could smell them cooking just round the corner but somehow after buying two bags I turned he wrong corner! After about 10 frantic minutes a very nice policeman rescued me and took me back, and do you know my family were so engrossed they hadn’t even missed me! Well,
as you know (if you didn’t know before you will certainly know now if you watch TV or buy a newspaper with everyone recounting their
memories of 1966) we won the World Cup!
As for Wimbledon only my lovely daughter, Julie, right from a very young age joined me in my enthusiasm for watching Wimbledon, especially the finals.
When she reached a suitable age for drinking, and in return from all the hot dogs cooked by me for many years to welcome my family back from home matches, my dear husband, George began a prece
dent which lasted right up to my daughter having her first son, of providing us ladies with champagne and strawberries.
We were both sun lovers, as well as tennis supporters, and memo
rably on one occasion, dear George even took our portable TV into the garden and put it into the shade so that we could enjoy both match and the sunshine with our treats.
The best and most exciting match ever for me, and Julie, had to be the final in 1980 between Bjorn Borg and (you cannot be serious!) John McEnroe.
I finally achieved my ambition to go to Wimbledon in 1998, with the
package arranged by the Post, purchasing two tickets for me and Julie, who unfortunately couldn’t come, so my best friend accompanied me and we did the whole Wimbledon experience - Pimm’s,
fish and chips, strawberries and cream and wonderful tennis.
However maybe because it has been two years since the last Wimbledon this year, I think has been one of the best Wimbledons ever.
Take care, lots of love Marion xx Email: webbm373@gmail.com