Yesterday the weather looked perfect. It was sunny with blue skies and relatively warm. But no these conditions are just about the worst possible. How can that be I hear you ask? Well the problem was the sun. In the winter months its very low in the sky and today from one end you couldn't see a thing. Occasionally I saw a round object coming my way and, quick as a flash, cottoned onto the fact that it might just be a tennis ball. Hitting it back was a different matter, however.
So when it comes to tennis give me a grey cloudy day every time.
A few days ago there was a letter in the local newspaper complaining about the amount of money being spent on providing tennis facilities in the Norwich area - facilities, the writer pointed out, which are underused.
Now this is nonsense. I play at Eaton Park in Norwich and there are seven courts. It is becoming more and more difficult to book a court. Most are booked well in advance and at a subscription of £35 a year it is tremendous value for money.
The courts are extremely well used and anything that encourages people of all ages to take part in exercise and sport has to be worthwhile. When it comes to sport and exercise some people have closed minds - either supporting only their favoured sports or claiming what a waste of money leisure facilities are. These people usually don't subject themselves to exercise of any kind.
Many years ago, I was very proud to launch a sports association for Hethersett and the Meltons. It's still in existence although it hasn't met for many months for obvious reasons.
The sports association was set-up to support all sports and I think we've done a pretty good job in giving out small grants and supporting member clubs.
I have been involved in sport for virtually my entire life and am proud of being able to make a small contribution both professionally and from a hobby point of view. Without sport my life would have been much the poorer. I will continue to be a noisy advocate of improved and new sports, leisure and fitness facilities which have benefits for both individuals and communities - not to mention the medical profession.
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I think we should have a new Government role - Minister of False hyperbole.
Whilst writing this blog I was half listening to an online carol service for the Alzheimer's Society hosted by actress Carrie Mulligan. It featured a host of so called stars with readings, carols and Christmas music. The problem for me was we were continually being told that x was remarkable, amazing and incredible and y was unbelievable and fantastic. The only word not used was my least favourite and probably the most overused word in the language (other than Like) - awesome.
Well that's enough of my ramblings for today.