Author Archives: Roads

96. Jude Law and the Dirty Deed

Posted on 3 August, 2005 | Leave a comment

It must have been just after 1 am on Sunday when Jude Law called. Of all the people to phone at that time, he seemed the very least likely, but it wasn’t really me that he wanted to speak to.

jude-law-sienna-miller-and-river-wey.jpg

He was having some trouble with his childcare arrangements (allegedly) and although I might well have offered a view, it was our houseguest he wanted to reach for advice.

And it only took a glance at the next morning’s papers to conclude that, for all of my experience in sorting out problems with nannies, even I couldn’t have helped Jude much on this occasion.

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Posted in 2005, summer, Surrey and Sussex

95. Going underground – the 7/7 attacks on London

Posted on 7 July, 2005 | 1 comment

july-7-attacks-london.jpgWe talk and we talk
Until my head explodes
I turn on the news
And my body froze

I’m going underground, going underground
So let the boys all sing
And the boys all shout for tomorrow
The Jam – March 1980

Hi Rick
Many thanks for your note earlier, as well as for your concern. It’s been a terrible day.

Fortunately, I wasn’t up in town this morning. Although I have been unaffected directly by today’s events, that is not to say that I have been unmoved. It has been quite simply the most remarkable and poignant week in London that I can ever remember.

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Posted in 2005, A1 - the best of roads of stone, history, London, music

94. London Olympics 2012

Posted on 6 July, 2005 | 1 comment

Yes !

london-olympics-2012.jpg

Related articles:
64. Olympic laurels – Athens 2004
40. Running with Roger Black
116. London is Olympic – The London Marathon
95. Going underground – the 7/7 attacks on London
54. Four minute mile

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Posted in 2005, history, London

93. On-on ! My life as a Hash Hare

Posted on 6 July, 2005 | Leave a comment

Patent Hash Run Recipe:
Take 56 assorted geologists and geophysicists, and send them outside in the worst rainstorm of the summer. Convolve with a devious trail of flour, and confuse liberally for 4 miles across the green fields and by-ways of West Sussex. Add water or a little beer.

Leave to stand for 15 minutes, and then stretch out for a further mile before serving at the Plough Inn. Add several pints of Harvey’s ale, and a well-seasoned chili. Allow to simmer sociably for at least two hours, ensuring that the innocent and the guilty are castigated in equal measure.

Result:
A pleasant evening’s exercise, best served dry, but also highly enjoyable damp. Follow-up with taxi transport home, and wash down with water and two paracetamol in the morning. Perfection !

hash-run-ifield-west-sussex-2005.jpg

Related articles:
61. Summer Hash
76. A year of running, rainily
52. The Edge – from Sicily to Surrey
70. Livin’ on milk and alcohol

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Posted in 2005, summer

92. Live from London – Live8

Posted on 2 July, 2005 | Leave a comment

And what did I do ? Same as I did that summer’s day, 20 years ago. I ran 10 km, and I watched a concert.

It’s not going to change the world. Or is it ?

live8-hyde-park-london-2005.jpg
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Posted in 2005, life and times, London, music, politics

91. Madrid me mata

Posted on 21 June, 2005 | Leave a comment

“Madrid is killing me – but it’s a great way to die”.

If ever one phrase could sum up a city, then this is it. To be honest, it’s just how I’ve always experienced Madrid. Exhilaration, culture shock, and something of fear, all in one.

madrid-plaza-mayor-and-latin-quarter.jpg
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Posted in 2005, Spain