My Friends keep telling me I support too many football teams, hoping one will lift a trophy!
When you see who I take an Interest in you will see where I get my patience from!
Nottingham Forest, Leicester City,Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley FC and Liverpool.
I just have good taste!
All of them have a connection with me and they remain strong.
I would make an appeal to Wanderers though.
Its time to get some points. Just put the ball in the net....No, theres!
Oh well, theres always next week.
I have had the pleasure of speaking to audiences all over Europe. I make it clear that I do not speak for a living, that I dont believe in the Idea of "Experts" but I celebrate and share experience.
Humour is an Important part of speaking, done appropriately to get a reaction and hold attention.
This photo saw me in front of a large audience from the Aerospace Sector.
These are bright people to be admired.
I am holding a Glider and about to pull a few legs.
I recall BAE entering into the spirit of things to make it a memorable exchange.
From Boeing to Airbus I have been privileged to work with exceptional people.
Like all Industries they are facing new challenges but what has been achieved by talented people is remarkable and we should celebrate that achievement.
Dont you just Love old Photos?
This is my Mum from Chesterfield and Dad from Manchester, whose Family were from beautiful Galway.
They Died within nine months of each other, my Dad looking utterly lost without Mum.
Cherish those closest to you as they become your Soulmate, Right arm and Confidant.
No matter how old you get...Parents are always missed.
My Brother and I played many a trick on Mum and Her laughter made us feel secure.
Dads years in the RAF through the War gave Him a strong bond with those He served with but never came home.
He had the emotional scars that come from the horrors of the times.
The past is always a lesson but with each year that passes we tend to forget.
Family is Important. Treasure the time.
If you are guessing, I am second row on the end (Left) The joker in the pack!
An amusing story of meeting the Chief Constable was when He noticed my Moustache. (Mexican Bandit Style)
With a glint in His eye He made it clear that He had noticed it and said" Not a great choice for the job you have chosen".
Great days, great people and brilliant training for life.
And no...In my own time with the years passing I had to grow up and the Moustache went.....making me look much younger of course.
Its just good DNA!
As the end of 2011 comes rushing forward I can see much to reflect on this Year.
Its been unusual at best and thrown up some challenges to test resillience.
People are more anxious than I have ever seen them and I detect as a consequence an Increase in "Me First".
For many, December will be a time to remember that the gap between the "Haves" and"Have Nots" has widened ever further.
Whilst many will feel protected at the top end, the uncertainties in the air trouble them more than ever.
I often read about poverty around the World, feeling sad that my fellow Man inflicts brutality against the weak and vulnerable.
In truth,often rejected by many, there is poverty on our own doorstep.
100% of people say they care but the reality is that 10% actually do something, however small, to show a quality that is commendable.
I am a realist. I now that equality for all is often spoken of by those seeking power over others, with little progress on the ground. I would suggest that History is proof of little progress and its worth taking a moment to be honest about it.
My heart goes out to Families who find themselves in dire straights and who have little confidence of being noticed.
When and how we can, lets put a little more kindness back into our community.
Seeing beyond ourselves may not be easy but seeing the outcome for others is Inspiring.
Its time the 90% realised that when we all care together, even in small ways, we share the responsibility of our communities who are stronger for it.
It takes courage to admit that we could and should be helping others more than we do.
It begins with ourselves and sets the lead for others.
Begin locally and work outward....
I have been fortunate to travel throughout Europe on Business.
On more than one occasion I used Tivoli Hotels in Portugal for our annual conference with my distributors.
Portimao became a favourite setting for everyone, being in a lovely marina.
Its been some years since I organised this now, but Claudia Pinto at Tivoli has written often to see how life is.
Sometimes in business you meet people who become friends and this is an added bonus.
Thank you Claudia for staying in touch.
Special people are hard to find and the memories of time in Portimao burn brightly.
Its sad that so often the most dignified behaviour comes from real despair.
For anyone who has had to watch a Loved one challenged by Cancer struggle or lose their battle, the empty feeling cannot be explained.
An observer feels helpless whilst the sufferer feels so much is left to say and do.
Its frustrating on all sides.
Staying positive is vital for everyone.
A photograph taken at a Hospital Bed during Cancer treatment with one holding the others hand and declaring "This is all I can do" is a poignant expression of feelings.
It is also a symbol of Love and Care and what else can any of us give.
Its reassurance is Immense.
Its a shame that real Dignity is often revealed through the most trying times.
Never take life for granted and fill it with as much Love as you can for those special people in your life.
