He Tore A Hamstring Dot Mee Dot UK

Strolling Down Memory Lane

There are few paths that are as oft trodden as the sidewalk of Memory Lane. Of course, it has different connotations for all of us, and in most cases is a long road with curves aplenty, and the ability to haunt and inspire in equal dosage.

I have found myself walking down that proverbial lane in recent days, to a part still lucidly clear although not visited for some time. I could scarcely believe that it is eighteen years ago that my best mate and I walked casually, albeit nervously, into the school corridor to pick up our A-Level results.

I can still picture the imposingly beautiful ‘Big School’ Corridor at Solihull School, with the slightly ominous faces of past luminaries and headmasters staring down at you from all directions on paintings to both sides.

I can also remember that the usually polished and sparkling wood was somewhat dustier than usual, emanating a slightly musty odour, an inevitable result of the summer holiday period.

The throng of faces betrayed the full spectrum of emotions, encompassing anticipation and despair, delight and fear. I actually remember being very relaxed that morning as I was quite sure that I had done reasonably well – a much more tranquil frame of mind than that I would experience some years later opening the envelope with the results of my degree.

I could never pretend that I over exerted myself in my academic pursuits, for my passion even then was sports. I was simply fortunate enough to be a ‘little bright’, and also to be attending a school in which a diverse and brilliant, if often eccentric, group of staff had us prepared better than I could ever have known. Truth be told, it was more difficult to fail than it was to pass.

I recall taking a leisurely stroll down to, and for the first time, into the staff room, mainly to thank those who had been such an important part of my life in those formative years, and also to prolong the agony for my every suffering mum, who was at this point still absolute in her conviction that I had managed to make a pear of the most perfect shape!

Yesterday saw the release of this year’s A-Level results, with yet more records being broken, although the more cynical would say that this is a recurring theme.

It is not my place to debate whether exams are easier than they were in ‘my day’, all I would say is that the only option available is to take the exam in front of you to the best of your ability. If that results in 8% of students gaining the highest results available, congratulations and good luck to all. In my parlance, a Test Match hundred is a Test Match hundred, whether it is scored against Australia or Bangladesh.

There are fears this year that many will miss out on their preferred choice of University because of the high grades, and high volumes of application. My response again would be to embrace whichever alternative opportunity eventuates. Either way, cherish your time at University, for these years will often form the friendships and relationships that will carry you through the remainder of your lives. Finally, be prepared to do some work when necessary!

Spending time in Solihull today brought back so many wonderful memories, moments that I can still visualise. I stood in Mell Square with one of my best mates … and yes, 18 years on, we were still having a sneaky cigarette! I also found myself in the courtyard outside Touchwood, looking over to Solihull Central Library – surely our parents knew that the days of the school holidays were not spent revising in there!!

I can say with a laugh and a smile that I met my first proper girlfriend, Gail, on one of those such ‘revision days’ in the library. The only problem was that I spent so long building up the courage to ask her out and for her number (Four Hot Chocolates with Marshmallows to be precise), a hastily purchased Engelbert CD bought me little in terms of immediate mercy for being late for mum’s birthday dinner!

Memory Lane is a precious place indeed, one where we learn, we smile and we cry equally. The newer extensions to my Memory Lane will illustrate 3 years that I would equate to Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.

I joined Reed at a time when I needed a lift in my life, and during those 3 years, there have been some wonderful times. The unavoidable shadow of losing my fiancée last year is the main catalyst for my seeking a new challenge at this time.

I am, however, extremely thankful to the organisation for a special time in my life and career, and most importantly for the wonderful friendships that I have developed during this time.

I note mentally that there are further extensions planned for Memory Lane, but I am hoping to diarise and enjoy them in the present, before they are consigned to memory. The current is a time for reflection, recollection and fond memory, but also a time to look forward to exciting times ahead. It is, however and most importantly, a time to make the most of every moment and presnt gift.