Bob, I've already said that the Team Manager thing is all a bit of a con and especially now that I'm in deep trouble with John for putting my back out lifting things that he had said he would sort out. Not wheels either! I'm eating humble pie along with the paracetamol.
While we are on the thread of famous people, I was nearly on the telly once. A group of us in junior school were filmed for a production of 'The Pied Piper of Hamlyn' for Jackanory. Unfortunately the episode was never screened as it coincided with the Aberfan disaster. One of the BBC's better decisions I think. And I would never have been as famous as Jack. 'It's a Knockout" was epic. David Coleman AND Eddie Waring!
The coast of Northumberland circa 911AD, a beautiful sunny morning the sea covered in a thick mist, then, faintly through the fog the sound of oars can be heard. Soon the shape of two Viking longships glide in to view, sails shining in the morning sun, oars in perfect harmony, and along each bulwark a row of polished shields catch the light. Gently the ships slide on to the sand and from the leading boat springs an imposing figure in gleaming armour and crested helmet. On his command fifty tall Vikings leap to the shore and fall into two perfect lines. They wait!
Through the mist comes another sound, splish, splosh, splish splash, and a third longship limps slowly into sight, sail dirty and torn, a row of rusty, battered shieldst hanging from the side, before crashing haphazardly onto the shingle. A disorganised mob of unkempt, ragged figures stagger ashore and form a ragged line beside the other men.
The leader steps forward, pointing to the first crew he says; "Pillage"
To the second he says; "Looting"
At which point a despairing cry comes form the third; "Oh! No, not rape again?"
Now you may wonder why this incident from the history of our island home should appear on this forum. Well the warning for such incursions was to be given by the Bellingers, or Bellringers as they were originally known, but thanks to Lord Acklam and Sister Mary, we now understand why so many maidens were ravished and village pubs drunk dry.
The Bellingers were sleeping off the night before!
