Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Day 13
"It's a bit hilly round here isn’t?” was the cry from Sam as he walked up hill and down dale through Oxfordshire on Day 13 of his long yet very successful trudge from Newcastle to London.
With a great deal of luck the weather held again and Sam walked all day in the dry (which was quite a novelty for the burly front row). After finding the canal side Sam walked along the tow path which proved to be a much less hilly route than following the road side, and he made great time to arrive in the beautiful city of Oxford mid-afternoon.
Once in Oxford, famed for its outstanding architecture and university rugby and boat race teams, Sam meandered on through the city streets steeped in history and soaked up the atmos of one of England’s greatest seats of learning, that and dodging more American tourists than he had ever seen. As Sam’s day drew to an end he was keen to rest his aching feet and to take a moment to sit and watch the world go by. However, he soon discovered that finding an empty seat in Oxford was about as difficult as finding a dry day in North Yorkshire. Every bench seemed to come complete with a full compliment of tourists all tucking into their ice-creams. As Sam staggered by with his pack on his back, the tourists (sitting there, all comfortable like, on their fancy seats, resting and relaxing) all gave him very funny looks, but no one gave the poor fellow a seat! Undeterred, our gallant Sam made haste to the nearest confectionary store, and purchased another Kit Kat Chunky, all was again well.
Tim Miall (Southgate RFC First XV 2nd row and press officer) had ventured up to Oxford to meet Sam and secure him accommodation in the university halls for the night. With Sam’s Middlesex University shirt on, the pair ventured into Oxford to partake in that other great British Tradition, The Pub Quiz, taking on some of the brightest sparks the country has to offer, Sam and Tim competed hard, and after a stunning sports round (naming all the tennis players), they came in a very respectable 3rd overall.
Day 14 will take Sam from Oxford to Henley on his route back to London from the west, and ever nearer to home.
With a great deal of luck the weather held again and Sam walked all day in the dry (which was quite a novelty for the burly front row). After finding the canal side Sam walked along the tow path which proved to be a much less hilly route than following the road side, and he made great time to arrive in the beautiful city of Oxford mid-afternoon.
Once in Oxford, famed for its outstanding architecture and university rugby and boat race teams, Sam meandered on through the city streets steeped in history and soaked up the atmos of one of England’s greatest seats of learning, that and dodging more American tourists than he had ever seen. As Sam’s day drew to an end he was keen to rest his aching feet and to take a moment to sit and watch the world go by. However, he soon discovered that finding an empty seat in Oxford was about as difficult as finding a dry day in North Yorkshire. Every bench seemed to come complete with a full compliment of tourists all tucking into their ice-creams. As Sam staggered by with his pack on his back, the tourists (sitting there, all comfortable like, on their fancy seats, resting and relaxing) all gave him very funny looks, but no one gave the poor fellow a seat! Undeterred, our gallant Sam made haste to the nearest confectionary store, and purchased another Kit Kat Chunky, all was again well.
Tim Miall (Southgate RFC First XV 2nd row and press officer) had ventured up to Oxford to meet Sam and secure him accommodation in the university halls for the night. With Sam’s Middlesex University shirt on, the pair ventured into Oxford to partake in that other great British Tradition, The Pub Quiz, taking on some of the brightest sparks the country has to offer, Sam and Tim competed hard, and after a stunning sports round (naming all the tennis players), they came in a very respectable 3rd overall.
Day 14 will take Sam from Oxford to Henley on his route back to London from the west, and ever nearer to home.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Sam makes it to the Newcastle Falcons web site
Sam's walk has enspired us all and he has now received offical recognition from Newcastle Falcons RFC. If you would like to see the article click here. Let hope that Leicester Tigers follow suite in the near future !
Day 12
With severe weather warnings being cast for the whole country, Sam dressed for day 12 with all his wet weather gear, ready to tackle elements again and what ever else Mother Nature could throw at him on his way from the beautiful town of Warwick to Banbury.
However, after a slightly damp start, Sam seemed to have found the only place in the country where it wasn’t raining (shame), and walked in cloudy but dry conditions. The same could not be said for Sam’s lower half, as he was still concerned that the clear weather would end he carried on his fully dressed in his oilskins until the discomfort of his damp legs became too much and he was soon forced to remove the wets due to his very sweaty legs.
As the day passed with little adventure Sam’s thoughts took him back to his half way party at the weekend, where a group of loyal supporters gathered to celebrate the 250 mile mark with 1 or 2 cans of Fosters, and an evenings entertainment in the nightlife Mecca which is Nuneaton High Street. A most enjoyable evening ensued and the Midlands were introduced to an array of great Southgate RFC traditions such as bunnies, Yee-hah and 21 (oops, I said, that will be me fined!). Unfortunately there was the inevitable casualty or two (caused by something they ate, I’m sure), but on the whole a great night was had by all.
So Sam arrived in Banbury after another day placing one heavy foot in front of the other, with only one incident when a local man chased him down the street (he may have been an overzealous autograph hunter as Sam’s profile is continually raised), but not wanting to risk it Sam broke into a jog and waved.
Off to Oxford tomorrow.
However, after a slightly damp start, Sam seemed to have found the only place in the country where it wasn’t raining (shame), and walked in cloudy but dry conditions. The same could not be said for Sam’s lower half, as he was still concerned that the clear weather would end he carried on his fully dressed in his oilskins until the discomfort of his damp legs became too much and he was soon forced to remove the wets due to his very sweaty legs.
As the day passed with little adventure Sam’s thoughts took him back to his half way party at the weekend, where a group of loyal supporters gathered to celebrate the 250 mile mark with 1 or 2 cans of Fosters, and an evenings entertainment in the nightlife Mecca which is Nuneaton High Street. A most enjoyable evening ensued and the Midlands were introduced to an array of great Southgate RFC traditions such as bunnies, Yee-hah and 21 (oops, I said, that will be me fined!). Unfortunately there was the inevitable casualty or two (caused by something they ate, I’m sure), but on the whole a great night was had by all.
So Sam arrived in Banbury after another day placing one heavy foot in front of the other, with only one incident when a local man chased him down the street (he may have been an overzealous autograph hunter as Sam’s profile is continually raised), but not wanting to risk it Sam broke into a jog and waved.
Off to Oxford tomorrow.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Day 11
Today took Sam from Nuneaton to Warwick, having had such a good day the day before with the Leicester Tigers it was a bit of a shame that the rain returned and Sam had to trudge through Warwickshire in the wet.
Undeterred Sam plodded onwards with his pockets full of Kit-Kat Chunkies, and a longing for the weekend and two days off. The days walking proved to be fairly uneventful as Sam clocked up his 250th mile.
As the day wore on and the rain continued to fall relentlessly, Sam found himself needing to answer a call of nature, and turned away from the road to relieve himself in the hedge. Unfortunately Sam hadn’t noticed the rather large puddle in the road right next to where he stood, and as he relaxed and enjoyed the sensation, three passing lorries happened to drive straight into the puddle, and one after the other they all showered him in a curtain of muddy water, leaving Sam thinking that he might have been better off if he had just gone in his trousers, as he would have at least been warm and wet, rather than just wet.
After signalling his thanks to the three lorry drivers, Sam continued on his way marvelling at the sight of Warwick Cathedral and looking forward to the half way party that was to be had in Nuneaton.
Next week Sam is back on the road and getting ever closer to home.
Undeterred Sam plodded onwards with his pockets full of Kit-Kat Chunkies, and a longing for the weekend and two days off. The days walking proved to be fairly uneventful as Sam clocked up his 250th mile.
As the day wore on and the rain continued to fall relentlessly, Sam found himself needing to answer a call of nature, and turned away from the road to relieve himself in the hedge. Unfortunately Sam hadn’t noticed the rather large puddle in the road right next to where he stood, and as he relaxed and enjoyed the sensation, three passing lorries happened to drive straight into the puddle, and one after the other they all showered him in a curtain of muddy water, leaving Sam thinking that he might have been better off if he had just gone in his trousers, as he would have at least been warm and wet, rather than just wet.
After signalling his thanks to the three lorry drivers, Sam continued on his way marvelling at the sight of Warwick Cathedral and looking forward to the half way party that was to be had in Nuneaton.
Next week Sam is back on the road and getting ever closer to home.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Day 10
Sam headed back to Wellford Road for his 9:15 appointment, where he was kindly taken to Oadby and the Tigers training ground. Leicester Tigers had been very supportive of Sam’s efforts, and were only too happy to help out where possible, including an introduction to some of the greats of the game.
Sam was introduced to Paul Burke (the new fly half signing), Richard Cockerill (Forwards Coach and ex Leicester and England hooker), and Neil Back (Technical Director, Leicester and England blindside flanker and all around god of the back row and all things unseen at the ruck). Sam chatted with some of his idols whilst watching the Leicester team being put through their paces. Impressed with the session, and keen to get involved Sam asked if he could have a quick run out and asked if anyone fancied “taking him on”, but was unfortunately told (in a Dutch accent) “you are tooo shmall for this team”.
However, Sam did get Richard Cockerill on his side regarding the rest of his route back to London, and Sam is now citing Richard in all conversations regarding his route, especially the bit about not going to Gloucester because it’s a long way and they were less than interested in helping!
Sam, and all of us involved in his walk would like to thank Leicester Tigers for their time, help and generosity, it is everything that is still great about the people who play the game of rugby.
Even though Sam wanted to sit and watch the whole training session, he needed to get on, and so thanking the Tigers and with his camera bursting with photos, he headed back to Welford Road, and began his days walk to Nuneaton (locally referred to as Sunny Nunny) in excellent spirits.
After 10 days and over 200 miles, Sam’s efforts have raised much awareness and the sponsorship keeps coming in (but not fast enough, so if you haven’t yet, then give him some money, click the links on this site to give, remember to do the gift aid so that the Government pay as well, it costs you no more).
Sam has made great time, and is currently shaping up to actually get home early, I am therefore suggesting that I will take “bids” for extra days. If you would like to see Sam spend another day on the road, then let me know (paul.scott@southgaterfc.org), and pledge an amount to one of the charities, and let’s see if we can’t keep him going!!!
Sam was introduced to Paul Burke (the new fly half signing), Richard Cockerill (Forwards Coach and ex Leicester and England hooker), and Neil Back (Technical Director, Leicester and England blindside flanker and all around god of the back row and all things unseen at the ruck). Sam chatted with some of his idols whilst watching the Leicester team being put through their paces. Impressed with the session, and keen to get involved Sam asked if he could have a quick run out and asked if anyone fancied “taking him on”, but was unfortunately told (in a Dutch accent) “you are tooo shmall for this team”.
However, Sam did get Richard Cockerill on his side regarding the rest of his route back to London, and Sam is now citing Richard in all conversations regarding his route, especially the bit about not going to Gloucester because it’s a long way and they were less than interested in helping!
Sam, and all of us involved in his walk would like to thank Leicester Tigers for their time, help and generosity, it is everything that is still great about the people who play the game of rugby.
Even though Sam wanted to sit and watch the whole training session, he needed to get on, and so thanking the Tigers and with his camera bursting with photos, he headed back to Welford Road, and began his days walk to Nuneaton (locally referred to as Sunny Nunny) in excellent spirits.
After 10 days and over 200 miles, Sam’s efforts have raised much awareness and the sponsorship keeps coming in (but not fast enough, so if you haven’t yet, then give him some money, click the links on this site to give, remember to do the gift aid so that the Government pay as well, it costs you no more).
Sam has made great time, and is currently shaping up to actually get home early, I am therefore suggesting that I will take “bids” for extra days. If you would like to see Sam spend another day on the road, then let me know (paul.scott@southgaterfc.org), and pledge an amount to one of the charities, and let’s see if we can’t keep him going!!!
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Day 9
Day 9 takes Sam from Nottingham to Leicester. Having picked the pace up yesterday and finding his grove again, Sam had to pull a long one out today to make it to Leicester, but before he could knuckle down and stride on, he needed to undertake some running repairs and tackle the large hard blister on his foot. Unlike previous blisters, this one didn’t pop when he burst it, and instead he had to work at it to cut away the blister. Repairs complete, he was able to set off on his way again.
Heading down to Leicester proved to be fairly uneventful for Sam, the weather was “perfect walking weather”, NO RAIN, the sun was out, and the wind was at his back, so much so that Sam thought that he was making excellent time, phoning to say that he was about 4 miles outside of Loughborough at 11:30! An hour and a half later Sam called back to apologies and to say that he was now 4 miles outside of Loughborough, which was still very impressive.
Taking the afternoon to amble down to Leicester, Sam passed the National Space Centre, and took some time out to view the “rocket in a bubble”, I’m sure a number of you are now wondering what Andreas was doing in Leicester, and more to the point, what he was doing with a rocket hanging out of him, but I can assure you that the particular bubble that the galactic craft was in was a large glass one.
Having admired the rocket and contemplated some of the other great achievements that mankind has made, such as space travel, putting a man on the moon and the Kit-Kat Chunky, Sam headed back to the main road, and on into Leicester, finishing his day at Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Club, and a shrine to most that play the game of rugby. Feeling humbled Sam paid homage to some of the greatest in the game, then caught the train to Sunny Nunny to get a good nights sleep before starting it all over again tomorrow.
Heading down to Leicester proved to be fairly uneventful for Sam, the weather was “perfect walking weather”, NO RAIN, the sun was out, and the wind was at his back, so much so that Sam thought that he was making excellent time, phoning to say that he was about 4 miles outside of Loughborough at 11:30! An hour and a half later Sam called back to apologies and to say that he was now 4 miles outside of Loughborough, which was still very impressive.
Taking the afternoon to amble down to Leicester, Sam passed the National Space Centre, and took some time out to view the “rocket in a bubble”, I’m sure a number of you are now wondering what Andreas was doing in Leicester, and more to the point, what he was doing with a rocket hanging out of him, but I can assure you that the particular bubble that the galactic craft was in was a large glass one.
Having admired the rocket and contemplated some of the other great achievements that mankind has made, such as space travel, putting a man on the moon and the Kit-Kat Chunky, Sam headed back to the main road, and on into Leicester, finishing his day at Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Club, and a shrine to most that play the game of rugby. Feeling humbled Sam paid homage to some of the greatest in the game, then caught the train to Sunny Nunny to get a good nights sleep before starting it all over again tomorrow.
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