My soul is in live entertainment and art but I am limited in what I can now experience directly because of two factors. My age and chosen way of life and the way I have allocated my finances. The age issue existed before the decision to rise before six and swim in that I have attended orchestral concerts and stage events and struggled to keep awake during evening performances however interesting the work. I have had the same challenge going to afternoon performances both before and since the swim regime, but have been able to manage better recently. I do not dare try and work out the cost of white and coloured A4 cards, the display albums, box files, transparent pockets, the boxes, the photographic paper the glitter pens, the in cartridges and the glue, the printers, computers, cameras and recording devices, display units, lockable filing cabinets, subscriptions and other materials used to create the art work project where recently I finally achieved the half way mark with 10000 completed sets and with other work in progress around 250000 cards and paper sheets now that I have been forced to change down through lack of space as well as cost. The cost of live everything has anyway outstripped my ongoing means at the level I would have wished had I not been so committed to the project.
This week is going to a test of my ability to change my daily life cycle as I decided not to resist the opportunities for new experiences while continuing my present level of involvement with additional or different experience. I use additional experience or different to describe experience which is similar to that of before such going to watch Durham play championship cricket at the Emirates riverside against Somerset. If I was going to a game at Taunton then I would describe this as new or original experience because I have never watched cricket at Taunton although I have travelled through the two while driving to other places in Devon or on to Cornwall.
On Sunday evening May 8th 2011, I stayed up until after 11 pm and turned off the mobile phone alarm notification for 5.30 and although I awoke and made myself comfortable around 5 am I return to bed, turned my face away from the window and the daylight beyond and manage to sleep again rising around 7 to put the rubbish wheelie bin out and then returning and getting up finally around 8.30. The reason for this change of regime was a visit to the Cineworld Bolden for a film in 3D of Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra play two major works at the concert theatre in Singapore.
“The film starts directly with the first beats of Mahler's first symphony, thus without the usual pictures of the conductor and the applauding audience. Through location shots you slowly get closer to what is happening. From above, through the port and Singapore's skyline you step into one of the most important concert halls of the world: the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore. On the one hand it is Singapore's emblem and symbol; on the other hand this Concert Hall has showcased some of the best Asian and Western music performed by some of the world's most notable musicians and conductors.” The concert theatre in the semi round appears to hold more than the 1600 because of the number and height of the tiers and is adjacent to a stage theatre with seating for 2000 in an iconic waterfront building not as effective as the Sydney opera house but better than the Sage in Newcastle upon Tyne.
“With the beginning of the first movement's principal theme the spectator arrives at the Concert Hall next to the Berliner Philharmoniker. Mahler's first symphony, originally bynamed as "Titan", lures the audience into a great symphonic world of sounds. The orchestra is visualized as the sounding body, musical structures interwine and music becomes visible. The film stays with the musicians and Sir Simon Rattle for the following parts of the symphony. Thus it gives the spectator the possibility to adapt and to enjoy the new 3D experience.”
“The capture of space in the image complies with Mahler's aesthetic of composition, its natural sounds and the diverse levels of different musical styles. Through the new visual language of 3D it is possible to add an unknown immediacy and intensity to the concertfilm. Just as we arrive at the orchestra, we are raptured from the sound's point of origin again.”
I would describe the experience as being able to get an even more intimate view of individual performers than the conductor and of the orchestra from the perspective of the conductor. The music is not affected by any extraneous audience sounds which I cannot say for the Bolden Cineworld where the small audience of 23, 19 ladies all but two between sixty and eighty and four gentlemen including men of at least sixty years of age. One would have not therefore expected noise at admittedly one of the younger women seated in front munched the form of crisps sold in cinemas, while one of the oldest expressed her reactions to the 3D effects, presumably for the first time. This lasted a good five minutes and I contemplated moving to the lower part if the cinema as the 23 had been placed or placed themselves in close proximity in the middle to upper tiers.
Mahler composed the word between 1884 and 1888. I was struck by the size of the orchestra yet for most of the time the emphasis is on woodwind and brass and on gentle tone play.
The original programme notes which were immediate dropped described the first part as taking inspiration from spring and the awakening of nature, flowering and setting off with full sails. The second part included a funeral march and the expression of a deeply wounded heart. Although the notes were withdrawn they do convey much of my reaction to the music
There was no interval between the two pieces although there was provision for the cinema to do so. The second piece was the Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and the music is accompanied by brief scenes from around Singapore revealing the different ethnicities, cultures and religions of the people covering their movements, their faces, worship in a Hindu Temple, sights of the Western Skyline, a modern covered pedestrian walkway and Chinatown. I thought this worked well although not all the audience was impressed. The selection of images had direct relationship to the music especially the two sequences of dance movements and the ecclesiastic references as Rachmaninoff was much interested and affect by religious music and chants.
I learned from the notes on the Internet that it is “almost 100 years since the Berliner Philharmoniker became the first orchestra to record. Since 1913, it has been at the cutting edge of technological developments like broadcasting concerts, recording complete symphonies and operas on Schellack, Longplay and later Compact Discs – always using the latest techniques. What better orchestra than the Berliner Philharmoniker to be the first to bring concerts to cinemas in 3D, “Helge Gruenewald, Artistic Advisor, Berlin Philharmonic. I would certainly attend other 3D classical concerts because of having the best seat in the house and because of the price, although I suspect it could have an eventual effect on actual attendances in the theatre.
I stayed awake well and caught up with the news and then an excellent documentary with Robson Green about the Ashington Northumberland Pit Painters. The programme was excellent for several reasons. It captured the nature of mining communities before the Second World War and the extent which many miners had educational and cultural aspirations which many were able to satisfy through the Workers Education Association and the out reach work of universities and higher learning institutions. In this instance they were fortune to gain the help of a tutor from Durham University Robert Lyon who advocated that the best way to appreciate art was to paint yourself and from this several showed talent when depicting aspects of their lives at work and their homes and communities.
They were also inspired by a visit to London arranged with money from a wealthy woman who lived in Northumberland for a time and had friends among contemporary artists. She invited members of the group to her home where there were able to talk about art with established artists and critics and the built up a library of books to extend their knowledge. The group exhibited heir work in London and around the UK. They were first group of British Painters to have their work exhibited in China after the Cultural Revolution. I have seen previous TV programmes about their work from the day of black and white TV when they were still engaged in painting.
William Fever published a book about the group which led to Lee Hall creating a play which had such great success at the Live Theatre Newcastle that it was given a short run at the National Theatre in London, returning later before a UK tour. The original cast were then invited to Broadway where the show ran from September to December 2010 which was something of feat given the dialect which those outside of the region can find difficult to understand.
There is a permanent collection of the some 90 painting on display at a former colliery building set in a country Park outside of Ashington which for my sins I have not visited but will now do so at the earliest opportunity.
Yesterday morning May 10th, for the second morning in succession I did not go for my early swim but prepared for a day at cricket, the first day of Durham versus Somerset. I did not get off to an auspicious start. The previous night before going to bed I had decided on three lamb chops for the evening meal. Unfortunately I had unintentionally left out on top of the freezer a tray mall carton contained three separately wrapped pork steaks and chicken breast in bread crumbs with a cheese sauce topping. What to do?
My solution was to cook three pork steaks and eat two for my breakfast and then cut up the third into small pieces which I mixed in which my chicken and bacon ready made salad for lunch. Later in the evening I enjoyed the lamb steaks and he chicken as my main meal without accompanying vegetables.
Because of forecast conditions and a blustery cold wind on arrival at the ground I made my way to the Member‘s balcony. I then went to the reception office to deliver my prepared note about the evening showing of the film about the 1981 Ashes series which the receptionist suggested that I place a copy on the board in the Member’s Lounge which I did as well as advising several members known to me of the development. Later when on in the theatre as the film commenced I realised that I had misread about the film being in 3D!
As the sun came out and the selected wicket was some distance away from the balcony I made my way to the usual seat and enjoyed two cups of coffee and a Danish pastry. Durham has asked Somerset to bat first and this seemed to have been an excellent decision when one of the opening batsmen was dismissed for no score in the second over. The over the course of the morning and afternoon Durham tried to dislodge the brilliant Marcus Trescothick and the grandson of Denis Compton, the swashbuckling middle order batsman who played for Surrey rivals Middlesex.
They scored just under 250 runs before Trescothick was out for a magnificent 144 although not a great and innings as the day night 100 which I witnessed him scoring under floodlights about three years ago. Not that I saw hi make the innings because it became cold and cold, dark and with rain spitting at you from the hard wind I made my way to the car to eat my salad and drink the hot soup I had wisely left for such an eventuality and then decided to make my way home, listening to the radio commentary on Wear cricket. In order to keep listener entertained with Mustard and Onions in the Durham side once more we were invited to put forward the names of cricket with name of food and drink with my contribution Woodcock, Swann, Bakewell, Rolls, Roach, Meade, Root and Flower. I also mentioned the Botham film and question and answer relay. Somerset ended the day 383 for 4 with Compton not out 149 and with bowling from Onions, Thorp, Brathwaite, Benkenstein, Blackwell, Stoke, and Borthwick.
I returned home, rested, wrote, watched some TV and then made my way to the cinema for the showing of the film and discussion. Having only encountered 23 individuals the night before I wondered how many would attend the event, and if my efforts to encourage participation would have any effect. Alas there were only three pairs which included two couples and four individuals including me. However the manager responded to my efforts by expressing thanks.
The film lasts about 100 minutes and attempts to place the 1981 series in the context of political, economic and social events of the day which included Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister Not for Turning speech, race riots, high levels of unemployment and the Wedding of Prince Charles and Diana. Perhaps the aspect which interested me most with the war in the Australian dressing room between players who had joined the Packer circus and those who did not, especially between Lillie and Captain Hughes.
The film shows the main developments in all six Test matches commencing with Trent Bridge. It was a low scoring match with England 185 and 125 Alderman took 9 wickets for 130 in the match and Lillie 8 for 80. Australia made 179 and 132 6 to win by four wickets with Dilley 7 to 62, Captain Ian Botham was out twice for no score, putting his future in question given the defeats and personal failures on the tour to the West Indies.
The second test was at Lords with England 311 and Australia 345. England was 265 to 8 declared and Australia 90 for 4 before the rain effected game ended in a draw, The highlight of the match was a face saving 82 by bowler Peter Dilly and that Botham was out first ball and walked back to a silent Pavilion with MCC members not looking at him in the eye. The consequence was the Botham resigned he captaincy although shortly after Chairman of selectors, Alec Bedser of the Surrey Bedser twins comments that he would have sacked Botham had he not resigned.
The third match was at Headingley where I attended started badly in that Australia made 401 for 9. It could have been worse but Botham bowled well with 6 for 95 and then he scored 50 in a disappointing England innings which only made 174 and had to follow on. The second innings followed on from the first with a quick fall of wickets but hen Botham came to the wicket with Dilley and they just decided to enjoy themselves with Botham getting 149 an Dilley 56 they reached the Australian total and then went ahead by 129 runs. The match was still Australia’s and at one pint the scoreboard announced that one well known bookmaker was offering odds of 500 to 1 for an England win. Two members of the Australian team put on £5 as did the England Wicket keeper and one or two other folk. A tired Bob Willis, who had been told before the game this, could be his last match unless he did well. took 8 wickets for 43 runs and Australia was all out for 111.
An almost replica of a game then happened at Edgbaston in another low scoring game. England could only accomplish 189 and 219 runs in their innings while Australia made 258 needing on 150 to win and cruised towards victory so that with the total reaching 100 for 5 wickets the decision was taken to give Ian Botham the ball and he then took the last 5 wickets for just one run.
By this time the whole country was taking an interest. There were observations made in Parliament and on the front pages of the newspapers. By the time the fifth game commenced at Old Trafford every seat was taken and the rest of the nation kept the eye on TV or ear to the radio. England could only make 231 in their first Innings and Australia 130. In England’s second Innings Botham scored what was until recently the quickest and most powerful Test century of all time making 100 from 86 balls and 118 from 102 with five sixes. His partner Chris Tavere made 78 from 289 minutes and Australia were set a total of 505 runs to win. They did well with Alan Border 123 not out and Graham Yallop 114. The ashes were regained.
The last test was at the oval and if I remember I was visiting my mother and was able to attend the last day of the drawn game with England who had 314 and Geoff Boycott 127 and then 261 for 7 Lillie taking 11 for 159 in the match and Australia 252 and 344 with Botham 10 for 253. The series ended three matches to one for England and two drawn. At I did a successful Ashe series last day at the Oval one year.
There was a short interval before Alistair Campbell the former press secretary to the Prime Minister asked questions of Ian Botham, Peter Willey and David Gower with the maker of the film also on the platform. There were some great moments of humour as well as frank asides for about half an hour. The main objective of the evening was to raise funds for leukaemia research and help for which Ian Botham was awarded the knighthood. For best thee best aspect of the evening was getting the comments of participating players and commentators from that time looking back over the 30 years including Dickie Bird. I was home by 10.45 tired but stayed up to fast forward through the important game between Spurs and Man City a decider for the fourth Championship League position. If Man City won, which they did from a Spurs own goal they would secure the place for which they have spent around £150 alone in new players deals this season. Spurs and Liverpool fight out for the other Euro competition. The result means that whatever happens in Saturday‘s cup final Stoke also have a European place because the other team in the final Man City is now in the Champions League although they will have to win a knock out game before entering the league section of the competition.
With the cricket going from bad to worse and after two late nights I will close the writing having decided not go to the Newcastle Playhouse House, to go and try and see Thor tomorrow afternoon but leave open the third night of the plays on Friday. Saturday is cup final day, Sunday Newcastle lunchtime game with Chelsea is on Sky and on Monday the first Olympic Games tickets are allocated with the money taken from the credit cards.
This week is going to a test of my ability to change my daily life cycle as I decided not to resist the opportunities for new experiences while continuing my present level of involvement with additional or different experience. I use additional experience or different to describe experience which is similar to that of before such going to watch Durham play championship cricket at the Emirates riverside against Somerset. If I was going to a game at Taunton then I would describe this as new or original experience because I have never watched cricket at Taunton although I have travelled through the two while driving to other places in Devon or on to Cornwall.
On Sunday evening May 8th 2011, I stayed up until after 11 pm and turned off the mobile phone alarm notification for 5.30 and although I awoke and made myself comfortable around 5 am I return to bed, turned my face away from the window and the daylight beyond and manage to sleep again rising around 7 to put the rubbish wheelie bin out and then returning and getting up finally around 8.30. The reason for this change of regime was a visit to the Cineworld Bolden for a film in 3D of Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra play two major works at the concert theatre in Singapore.
“The film starts directly with the first beats of Mahler's first symphony, thus without the usual pictures of the conductor and the applauding audience. Through location shots you slowly get closer to what is happening. From above, through the port and Singapore's skyline you step into one of the most important concert halls of the world: the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore. On the one hand it is Singapore's emblem and symbol; on the other hand this Concert Hall has showcased some of the best Asian and Western music performed by some of the world's most notable musicians and conductors.” The concert theatre in the semi round appears to hold more than the 1600 because of the number and height of the tiers and is adjacent to a stage theatre with seating for 2000 in an iconic waterfront building not as effective as the Sydney opera house but better than the Sage in Newcastle upon Tyne.
“With the beginning of the first movement's principal theme the spectator arrives at the Concert Hall next to the Berliner Philharmoniker. Mahler's first symphony, originally bynamed as "Titan", lures the audience into a great symphonic world of sounds. The orchestra is visualized as the sounding body, musical structures interwine and music becomes visible. The film stays with the musicians and Sir Simon Rattle for the following parts of the symphony. Thus it gives the spectator the possibility to adapt and to enjoy the new 3D experience.”
“The capture of space in the image complies with Mahler's aesthetic of composition, its natural sounds and the diverse levels of different musical styles. Through the new visual language of 3D it is possible to add an unknown immediacy and intensity to the concertfilm. Just as we arrive at the orchestra, we are raptured from the sound's point of origin again.”
I would describe the experience as being able to get an even more intimate view of individual performers than the conductor and of the orchestra from the perspective of the conductor. The music is not affected by any extraneous audience sounds which I cannot say for the Bolden Cineworld where the small audience of 23, 19 ladies all but two between sixty and eighty and four gentlemen including men of at least sixty years of age. One would have not therefore expected noise at admittedly one of the younger women seated in front munched the form of crisps sold in cinemas, while one of the oldest expressed her reactions to the 3D effects, presumably for the first time. This lasted a good five minutes and I contemplated moving to the lower part if the cinema as the 23 had been placed or placed themselves in close proximity in the middle to upper tiers.
Mahler composed the word between 1884 and 1888. I was struck by the size of the orchestra yet for most of the time the emphasis is on woodwind and brass and on gentle tone play.
The original programme notes which were immediate dropped described the first part as taking inspiration from spring and the awakening of nature, flowering and setting off with full sails. The second part included a funeral march and the expression of a deeply wounded heart. Although the notes were withdrawn they do convey much of my reaction to the music
There was no interval between the two pieces although there was provision for the cinema to do so. The second piece was the Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and the music is accompanied by brief scenes from around Singapore revealing the different ethnicities, cultures and religions of the people covering their movements, their faces, worship in a Hindu Temple, sights of the Western Skyline, a modern covered pedestrian walkway and Chinatown. I thought this worked well although not all the audience was impressed. The selection of images had direct relationship to the music especially the two sequences of dance movements and the ecclesiastic references as Rachmaninoff was much interested and affect by religious music and chants.
I learned from the notes on the Internet that it is “almost 100 years since the Berliner Philharmoniker became the first orchestra to record. Since 1913, it has been at the cutting edge of technological developments like broadcasting concerts, recording complete symphonies and operas on Schellack, Longplay and later Compact Discs – always using the latest techniques. What better orchestra than the Berliner Philharmoniker to be the first to bring concerts to cinemas in 3D, “Helge Gruenewald, Artistic Advisor, Berlin Philharmonic. I would certainly attend other 3D classical concerts because of having the best seat in the house and because of the price, although I suspect it could have an eventual effect on actual attendances in the theatre.
I stayed awake well and caught up with the news and then an excellent documentary with Robson Green about the Ashington Northumberland Pit Painters. The programme was excellent for several reasons. It captured the nature of mining communities before the Second World War and the extent which many miners had educational and cultural aspirations which many were able to satisfy through the Workers Education Association and the out reach work of universities and higher learning institutions. In this instance they were fortune to gain the help of a tutor from Durham University Robert Lyon who advocated that the best way to appreciate art was to paint yourself and from this several showed talent when depicting aspects of their lives at work and their homes and communities.
They were also inspired by a visit to London arranged with money from a wealthy woman who lived in Northumberland for a time and had friends among contemporary artists. She invited members of the group to her home where there were able to talk about art with established artists and critics and the built up a library of books to extend their knowledge. The group exhibited heir work in London and around the UK. They were first group of British Painters to have their work exhibited in China after the Cultural Revolution. I have seen previous TV programmes about their work from the day of black and white TV when they were still engaged in painting.
William Fever published a book about the group which led to Lee Hall creating a play which had such great success at the Live Theatre Newcastle that it was given a short run at the National Theatre in London, returning later before a UK tour. The original cast were then invited to Broadway where the show ran from September to December 2010 which was something of feat given the dialect which those outside of the region can find difficult to understand.
There is a permanent collection of the some 90 painting on display at a former colliery building set in a country Park outside of Ashington which for my sins I have not visited but will now do so at the earliest opportunity.
Yesterday morning May 10th, for the second morning in succession I did not go for my early swim but prepared for a day at cricket, the first day of Durham versus Somerset. I did not get off to an auspicious start. The previous night before going to bed I had decided on three lamb chops for the evening meal. Unfortunately I had unintentionally left out on top of the freezer a tray mall carton contained three separately wrapped pork steaks and chicken breast in bread crumbs with a cheese sauce topping. What to do?
My solution was to cook three pork steaks and eat two for my breakfast and then cut up the third into small pieces which I mixed in which my chicken and bacon ready made salad for lunch. Later in the evening I enjoyed the lamb steaks and he chicken as my main meal without accompanying vegetables.
Because of forecast conditions and a blustery cold wind on arrival at the ground I made my way to the Member‘s balcony. I then went to the reception office to deliver my prepared note about the evening showing of the film about the 1981 Ashes series which the receptionist suggested that I place a copy on the board in the Member’s Lounge which I did as well as advising several members known to me of the development. Later when on in the theatre as the film commenced I realised that I had misread about the film being in 3D!
As the sun came out and the selected wicket was some distance away from the balcony I made my way to the usual seat and enjoyed two cups of coffee and a Danish pastry. Durham has asked Somerset to bat first and this seemed to have been an excellent decision when one of the opening batsmen was dismissed for no score in the second over. The over the course of the morning and afternoon Durham tried to dislodge the brilliant Marcus Trescothick and the grandson of Denis Compton, the swashbuckling middle order batsman who played for Surrey rivals Middlesex.
They scored just under 250 runs before Trescothick was out for a magnificent 144 although not a great and innings as the day night 100 which I witnessed him scoring under floodlights about three years ago. Not that I saw hi make the innings because it became cold and cold, dark and with rain spitting at you from the hard wind I made my way to the car to eat my salad and drink the hot soup I had wisely left for such an eventuality and then decided to make my way home, listening to the radio commentary on Wear cricket. In order to keep listener entertained with Mustard and Onions in the Durham side once more we were invited to put forward the names of cricket with name of food and drink with my contribution Woodcock, Swann, Bakewell, Rolls, Roach, Meade, Root and Flower. I also mentioned the Botham film and question and answer relay. Somerset ended the day 383 for 4 with Compton not out 149 and with bowling from Onions, Thorp, Brathwaite, Benkenstein, Blackwell, Stoke, and Borthwick.
I returned home, rested, wrote, watched some TV and then made my way to the cinema for the showing of the film and discussion. Having only encountered 23 individuals the night before I wondered how many would attend the event, and if my efforts to encourage participation would have any effect. Alas there were only three pairs which included two couples and four individuals including me. However the manager responded to my efforts by expressing thanks.
The film lasts about 100 minutes and attempts to place the 1981 series in the context of political, economic and social events of the day which included Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister Not for Turning speech, race riots, high levels of unemployment and the Wedding of Prince Charles and Diana. Perhaps the aspect which interested me most with the war in the Australian dressing room between players who had joined the Packer circus and those who did not, especially between Lillie and Captain Hughes.
The film shows the main developments in all six Test matches commencing with Trent Bridge. It was a low scoring match with England 185 and 125 Alderman took 9 wickets for 130 in the match and Lillie 8 for 80. Australia made 179 and 132 6 to win by four wickets with Dilley 7 to 62, Captain Ian Botham was out twice for no score, putting his future in question given the defeats and personal failures on the tour to the West Indies.
The second test was at Lords with England 311 and Australia 345. England was 265 to 8 declared and Australia 90 for 4 before the rain effected game ended in a draw, The highlight of the match was a face saving 82 by bowler Peter Dilly and that Botham was out first ball and walked back to a silent Pavilion with MCC members not looking at him in the eye. The consequence was the Botham resigned he captaincy although shortly after Chairman of selectors, Alec Bedser of the Surrey Bedser twins comments that he would have sacked Botham had he not resigned.
The third match was at Headingley where I attended started badly in that Australia made 401 for 9. It could have been worse but Botham bowled well with 6 for 95 and then he scored 50 in a disappointing England innings which only made 174 and had to follow on. The second innings followed on from the first with a quick fall of wickets but hen Botham came to the wicket with Dilley and they just decided to enjoy themselves with Botham getting 149 an Dilley 56 they reached the Australian total and then went ahead by 129 runs. The match was still Australia’s and at one pint the scoreboard announced that one well known bookmaker was offering odds of 500 to 1 for an England win. Two members of the Australian team put on £5 as did the England Wicket keeper and one or two other folk. A tired Bob Willis, who had been told before the game this, could be his last match unless he did well. took 8 wickets for 43 runs and Australia was all out for 111.
An almost replica of a game then happened at Edgbaston in another low scoring game. England could only accomplish 189 and 219 runs in their innings while Australia made 258 needing on 150 to win and cruised towards victory so that with the total reaching 100 for 5 wickets the decision was taken to give Ian Botham the ball and he then took the last 5 wickets for just one run.
By this time the whole country was taking an interest. There were observations made in Parliament and on the front pages of the newspapers. By the time the fifth game commenced at Old Trafford every seat was taken and the rest of the nation kept the eye on TV or ear to the radio. England could only make 231 in their first Innings and Australia 130. In England’s second Innings Botham scored what was until recently the quickest and most powerful Test century of all time making 100 from 86 balls and 118 from 102 with five sixes. His partner Chris Tavere made 78 from 289 minutes and Australia were set a total of 505 runs to win. They did well with Alan Border 123 not out and Graham Yallop 114. The ashes were regained.
The last test was at the oval and if I remember I was visiting my mother and was able to attend the last day of the drawn game with England who had 314 and Geoff Boycott 127 and then 261 for 7 Lillie taking 11 for 159 in the match and Australia 252 and 344 with Botham 10 for 253. The series ended three matches to one for England and two drawn. At I did a successful Ashe series last day at the Oval one year.
There was a short interval before Alistair Campbell the former press secretary to the Prime Minister asked questions of Ian Botham, Peter Willey and David Gower with the maker of the film also on the platform. There were some great moments of humour as well as frank asides for about half an hour. The main objective of the evening was to raise funds for leukaemia research and help for which Ian Botham was awarded the knighthood. For best thee best aspect of the evening was getting the comments of participating players and commentators from that time looking back over the 30 years including Dickie Bird. I was home by 10.45 tired but stayed up to fast forward through the important game between Spurs and Man City a decider for the fourth Championship League position. If Man City won, which they did from a Spurs own goal they would secure the place for which they have spent around £150 alone in new players deals this season. Spurs and Liverpool fight out for the other Euro competition. The result means that whatever happens in Saturday‘s cup final Stoke also have a European place because the other team in the final Man City is now in the Champions League although they will have to win a knock out game before entering the league section of the competition.
With the cricket going from bad to worse and after two late nights I will close the writing having decided not go to the Newcastle Playhouse House, to go and try and see Thor tomorrow afternoon but leave open the third night of the plays on Friday. Saturday is cup final day, Sunday Newcastle lunchtime game with Chelsea is on Sky and on Monday the first Olympic Games tickets are allocated with the money taken from the credit cards.
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