Fordy on a Friday - Graham Ford's Blog...
April 2010
23 April 2010 - Email: fordy@hawickonline.co.uk
I have had a fun two days in panto land.
Many readers of my blog will know that one of my great passions is pantomime.
On Thursday night the Hawick Pantomime Group met in April for one of the few times in its history as we began rehearsals for what promises to be an excellent show, as the panto group links up with Hawick Summer Festival and the Hawick Welcome Hosts to do its bit to attract more visitors to the town, and provide excellent entertainment to locals. The show entitled THATS ENTERTAINMENT will be held in Hawick Town Hall on Thursday August 19th. It is a combination of songs, dances and sketches from many pantomimes over the years, but it will also bring to the Town Hall stage a number of other talented Teri performers in what promises to be a great evening of entertainment.
The first rehearsal last night was the Hawick version of TAKE ME OUT the new game show featuring Paddy McGuinness that was launched on ITV late last year. If you haven't seen it, why not type the name into a youtube search engine. You will see how much fun the show is, but I have added some genuine Hawick humour into the script and I am totally confident that the audience will be hugely entertained by this great opening to the show. Over the next few weeks I will also be setting the scene for BLIND DATE and WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONNAIRE, both of these shows are also given the 'Hawick stamp' and I can't wait to set these.
THE TERI WHO NEVER WOZ
Tonight (Friday) the pantomime group were back together, this time to review their most recent show THE TERI WHO NEVER WOZ at our DVD night. While audiences saw the show during that memorable week in December, it is a strange quirk, that anyone involved in a pantomime never actually gets to see the entire show, unless it has been filmed. While some people enjoy watching the show on the big screen. I find myself picking out parts of the show that were excellent and areas where I believe we can improve. Make no mistake however for an amateur production company, we put together amazing shows, on a limited timescale, and an intentionally low budget.
The aim of the pantomime group being to raise as much possible money for worthy local causes. Reducing our operating costs is one obvious way of maximizing profits. I am always looking at how to improve productions, and in recent weeks I have completed the writing of the Christmas 2010 pantomime that is entitled PALEMERK AND THE HAWICK BALL FACTORY, the Hawick panto version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. People who have read the script love it, the pantomime company are already very excited about rehearsing this show. While I have also been hard at work with the production team, looking at ways of improving the sound, lighting and the overall viewing experience for the thousands of pantomime lovers who support the show each year.
Hawick Boys Brigade
One group I hope that will be back to watch the panto this Christmas is the 2nd Hawick Boys Brigade. I have know their deposed Captain Rory Campbell for a number of years, and I have always found him to be an extremely conscientious person. I hope for the sake of the boys involved in this company, and the volunteers who have been led for over a decade by Campbell, that a compromise can be reached in what is turning into an increasingly ugly situation. The aim of the members of the pantomime group will no doubt me mirrored by the leaders of the 2nd Hawick Boys Brigade, to do the best for Hawick. Hopefully, that motto won't be lost, as attempts are made to bring about a swift resolution. And as with all good pantomimes there can be a happy ending.
23 April 2010 - Email: fordy@hawickonline.co.uk
WHEN the sun decided to pop out from behind the clouds in the build up to the Melrose Sevens a fortnight ago, I for one, was concerned that it may not hang around long enough to brighten up the Hawick Sevens but thankfully how wrong I was.
And almost a week after the events at Mansfield Park the excellent weather continues. While Melrose is rightly regarded as the jewel in the sevens crown, the other Borders tournaments are far from distant cousins. And one thing remains true at virtually every tournament. Without the Hawick supporters, most of these events would be a great deal worse off. At every tournament you find yourself bumping into loads of familiar faces.
Last weekend the Hawick Sevens Tournament once again provided plenty of thrills and spills and these weren't confined to the Mansfield Park turf. What a performance by the Hawick squad who showed quality and determination to fight back against Kelso in the final to win their own tournament for the third year on the trot - a feat not achieved for almost a century. The winning score from Neil Renwick was a joy to behold. Renwick another young rugby player proving that the talent conveyor belt in the town is far from slowing down. Once the final whistle had been blown on the action, the partying continued well into the night.
Teries once again showing that they really are fabulous at lending their support to local events. From the Common-Riding, Ride-outs, Sevens and now Party on the Pitch. Hawick people know how to enjoy themselves. Surely these mass social events are part of what makes Hawick such a welcoming friendly place. It is that ability to socialize that makes Teries such great traveling companions worldwide.
Over the next few weeks, the social-ometer will be moved up a few notches, starting at Milntown tomorrow (Saturday) when once again Hawick will be out in force. And then the oval ball game will find itself taking a backseat as Teries embark on our world famous party that runs for almost six incredible weeks, to the time honored celebrations in June. What I love most about the Common-Riding is that it is a 'doors open' celebration. Bring on the world, come and see what we have. Come be part of it, your welcome. I think that's what makes it special.
I am also proud to be part of the Hawick Summer Festival Committee responsible for organizing the Party on the Pitch event, an event that is going from strength to strength. Last year's Buccleuch Park musical extravaganza was the biggest event so far, and I am confident that the August 21st concert this year will be bigger than ever.
One major concern I do have however, is the change in the licensing laws, preventing people from taking their own alcohol into Sevens Tournaments, and now into POTP. While I understand the thinking behind the move, I believe you will never stop people drinking alcohol, if that is what people are hell bent on doing. And it could lead to people binge drinking in houses before attending such events, and making people worse for wear quicker than they planned. I hope like my predictions about the sunshine I am wrong, and I hope nothing stops Teries from getting out and enjoying themselves.
16 April 2010 - Email: fordy@hawickonline.co.uk
MANY people are already sick to the back teeth of the General Election campaign. But with 22 days still to go before the polling booths finally close, there is still a long way to go.
But I for one am enjoying the campaign at the moment, and I am finding the various debates informative in helping me make up my mind who I will be voting for come May 6.
With the MP expenses scandal still lingering, my trust in elected officials is at an all time low. While it would be easy for me to turn my back on politics and decide not to vote, I feel it is my duty to cast a vote, and it also shows respects to thousands of people around the world who are denied this fundamental right. I also fear by not voting, it opens the door to extremist parties to perhaps sneak a political foothold.
I have watched the various political interviews so far, and confess to being a regular follower of Question Time on the BBC on a Thursday night, closely followed by This Week. I also watched the 'Big Three' debate policies live on ITV last night. I feel it isn't too much of a chore, as I want to feel informed when I cast my vote.
I also feel it is wrong for people to moan about petrol prices, education, health issues etc and then decide not to vote. You may not feel that our singular vote will make that much of a difference, but however loud your voice is, it is still worth being heard.
One thing I do feel strongly about is that voting should be compulsory and that everyone who is entitled to vote should be required to do so. I hate the fact that a Government can be returned to power on a turnout of less than 50% that is surely wrong. I often see news footage of elections around the world of people queuing for hours to cast their vote while in the UK you can do the same in a matter of seconds. It isn't too much to ask. People are also represented at so many different levels these days, and somehow I can't work out if it is for the better. In Hawick we are represented at Community Council level, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Parliament level, UK Government level and of course European Parliament level. Too much bureaucracy, and for my money, a massive gravy train for all the spongers and fiddlers within the various parties. But I can't complain about these things if I don't make my vote count. And with a further two 'Big Three' debates still to come, I am looking forward to learning more about who I am voting for, and crossing my fingers that the elected officials come May 7 remain true to their word.
9 April 2010 - Email: fordy@hawickonline.co.uk
THE countdown is now on towards the 2012 Olympics. Sportsmen and women from all disciplines will now have their sights firmly focussed on the London event that is now creeping up on the horizon.
Sadly however Scottish Borders Council have just made a decision which has huge implications for any youngsters hoping to make their mark in the Special Olympics. In an effort to save money from the education budget, officials have decided to axe the post of disability sport development officer, which is currently held by multi-award-winning Jed Renilson. Anyone who has ever met Jed can’t help but be moved by his dedication and his sheer enthusiasm for his profession. Quite clearly a number of Teri athletes will owe a great deal to this man. But come the end of June this year that support mechanism will be lost. I can’t believe the shortsighted decision, which won’t just affect disabled athletes in a sporting context.
While people accept that tough financial decisions need to be made, this is a decision that is really unpalatable. It is already harder for disabled athletes to become actively involved in sporting activities and to take away this vital support is wrong. Disabled people face barriers in all aspects of their life that able-bodied people don’t always appreciate, often requiring the goodwill of others to allow their dreams even to get off the ground. Over the years I have enjoyed reading about Hawick athletes doing well and helping put their town on the map, just last year I was thrilled to learn about the success of Libby Clegg who is excelling in her sport. People would rightly be jumping up and down if they heard about sports development officers being axed, so what is the difference with disability sport. At a time when the Scottish Government is making huge noises about childhood obesity, making any negative moves regarding sporting opportunities has to be wrong. I also tend to wonder if all the money being channelled towards the building of the London Olympics and indeed the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, could be to the detriment of the sports themselves. What is the point of having world-class facilities if we don’t look to nurture world-class athletes?
SBC have indicated that the work of disability sport development will now be spread through collaboration with key partners. But what I read from that is that existing staff members are about to find their workload increased. Will they have the vital time to dedicate themselves as passionately as Mr Renilson has done for a number of years? He has not only raised the profile of disability sports but also of the Scottish Borders region. The 10k wheelchair road race a prime example. Here’s hoping that this crazy decision can be reversed and that Scottish Borders disabled athletes won’t find their medal chances damaged.
2 April 2010 - Email: fordy@hawickonline.co.uk
GLASGOW Rangers may be just a few games away from winning the Scottish Premier League, while Celtic are favourites to lift the Scottish Cup, but it seems that there is a wind of change sweeping through Scottish football.
Season 2009-10 has shown that the gulf between the ‘big two’ and the others seems to be closing and the Glasgow giants can no longer be considered as the only two teams who can compete.
Celtic have lost numerous games this season, while Rangers have actually drawn a great deal more league matches than normal. Last week saw the unusual sight of both Glasgow sides losing in midweek matches. Rangers were bundled out of the Scottish Cup at the hands of Dundee United while St. Mirren thumped Celtic. The result costing manager Tony Mowbray his job. This week however it was the Ibrox side that were on the wrong end of a demolition job as St. Johnstone slammed in four goals.
So is it that other teams are getting better or is it the case that the ‘big two’ no longer have the spending power they once enjoyed and can no longer cherry pick the best players.
It is clear something is seriously wrong with the financial state of the Scottish game when you see players migrate to sides in the lower echelons of the English divisions, where the financial packages are more attractive.
It also seems that several of the fringe Scottish sides are beginning to gain confidence, Hibernian, Hearts, Dundee United and Aberdeen all waking from their collective slumber and ‘having a go’ at the Glasgow giants. It seems one team securing a result filters confidence through to the other sides and everyone now feels they are capable of causing an upset.
Noises are now being made with regards to the stale nature of the Scottish game, with sides regularly playing each other four or five times a season. It seems the favoured option is to enlarge the Premier League; this could work, but ultimately also work against clubs. Despite Rangers and Celtic not performing as well as normal, they still hold by far the largest number of travelling supporters. And reducing the number of visits to the likes of St. Johnstone or St. Mirren means that these sides will lose vital revenue. Which may result in the gulf beginning to widen again. The next season or so may tell a great deal about the future of the round ball game in Scotland and whether the two giants will continue to be the dominant force in the game.