Before I started Bjørn warned me to expect massive highs and lows. As a Gillingham fan I am used to that! Seriously, waking in a noisy dormitory with this for a view and with rain absolutely lashing down was not a great start but by 9am Ikhlaq was on the phone to say he had a signed shirt!

What a man! Yesterday he called to say that he could not meet but today he admitted why. He had been chasing around Birmingham getting signatures on his Team United FC shirt. Sadly he had to shoot off but he did say that he has also got signatures from their women’s team as well as Richard Sneekes. He is a Dutch player who was at WBA with great success and is now coaching in non-league football. Ikhlaq was kind enough to go to his home to get it signed. Ikhlaq, you are a star! Huge thanks. The sun is now shining on my day ……if not in the black Birmingham sky!

As I write this, Jim Peacock has just sent me the photo from my meeting with Gavin Shuker from Luton. Gavin is the youngest MP in the House of Commons and just one month ago was elected to represent Luton South. He is a local boy made good who even had Esther Rantzen lose her deposit. We met at the Icon Hotel where he is pictured with the hotel’s operations’ manager James Terzeon and Jim Peacock from TheBestOfLuton. He listened to me attentively for 20 minutes, accepted a Forget Me Not badge on behalf of the project and promised to follow Bjørn and I. So now we have football stars, pop stars, presidents and MPs! Most importantly, we have YOU! You make the hard yards softer! Thanks.

The afternoon and evening were equally exciting for the project. John Simpson in the WBA Media Department did us proud and West Bromwich will now be represented in South Africa. (Ground 11 ticked off…..81 to go)

In the evening, I was a guest at Warren Cass’ excellent Business Scene meeting at the Grosvenor Casino. Warren was kind enough to give me a speaking spot which was as welcome as it was unexpected. I met some excellent contacts with Warren promising to assist and after my presentation Lyndsay Gallagher (a top lady footballer) and Geoff Hinsley from Eleven Sports introduced themselves and promised to help. THANKS.

Then, a fellow Ecademist kindly drove all across town to meet and I had a very pleasant evening with the totally charming Lorna Allenwho was kind enough to record a video. Thanks!

To top an excellent day, a friend of mine called to ask whether I knew that a mutual friend had recently moved to Birmingham and whether I’d like Graham Perry’s number. “Of course, fantastic, thanks”. Minutes later Graham is on the phone and 30 minutes later he arrives with his partner Barbara and we put the world to rights, reminisce about our last meeting in Florida and generally have a good time. Graham has a video conferencing company in the city centre and is clearly well connected. He promised to assist and to bring others in to help too. If you want to know anything about video then I can recommend Graham. TOP GUY!

Share

10 down, 82 to go!

The things one learns on a bike

Lesson One: Not everybody is fanatical about football. Strange as that may seem, it is clear that is a fact of life. The charming man in the Tourist Information had dreadful problems trying to locate Villa Park and St Andrews on a map of Birmingham. Strange as they are both Premeirship grounds where huge crowds descend every week. His directions were awful and I later found I had done double the distance I could have. I should have asked somebody with a Villa shirt on!

Lesson Two: Birmingham City’s St Andrews ground is at the top of a hill. I had never noticed that before! All previous visits to Birmingham have been in the comfort of a car or coach and so it came as a bit of a surprise to find how steep the approaches to the ground was! Never mind, it was good to get to the 10th league of the tour. Sadly, there was nobody there to welcome me but the photos below show that I made it to the summit and that (a) it rains in Birmingham and (b) I should not try to take photos without dismounting!

More good news for football fans. It looks as if a deal was done to save Crystal Palace today. Excellent. So let’s hope the action is ON the pitch next season. Always had a soft spot for Palace ….. even if their ground is at the top of a mountain!

Here you have photos of a locked up Palace training centre in Beckenham from last week, the two grounds in Birmingham and a rather snazzy Villa shop in the City Centre.

10 down, 82 to go!

Share

I guess today could almost be seen as the beginning of the real cycling part of the journey.

As I packed this afternoon, I mused that the hard miles start here. I have to get from Birmingham to Manchester this week and as well as there being a pile of clubs to visit, there are also a lot of miles to cover. Unlike the first few weeks, I have few contacts in the area and so I am hoping that BNI continue to do me proud! I have no real base from hereonin and I guess this is where the “real” adventure starts.

Apart from visiting all the 92 grounds and 34 BNI regions, I must also visit all 136 Regus Offices in the UK and they will be my only base for the next 15 weeks. I take a Regus shirt from office to office. The staff sign it as I explain the project and then I have the opportunity to hot-desk, chill and have a coffee. I have been to a dozen so far and I have been treated extremely well at all the centres. Special mention though to Milton Keynes (Midsummer Boulevard) and Holborn Gate, London where this charming young lady welcomes you.

Share

Today was a bit of a catch-up day and also a rest day for my aching legs! I started on the insurance claim but for the life of me could not remember every one of the hundreds of books that were in storage.

I also spent time thinking of all the many, many people who have helped me already. Some are very shy and some probably do not realise what their small act of kindness or their assistance to me meant. I will not forget them!

Firstly, a huge thanks to all who sent their commiserations and best wishes after the fire. It is appreciated. Please check me on Twitter and Facebook and you will see that many have been kind enough to drop me a line. Thanks all.

I also thought about BNI. They have been the bedrock of the journey so far. I have already visited 9 chapters and the support and encouragement has been immense from the smallest core groups starting in Kent to big chapters in Chiswick, St Albans and Banstead. My route takes me to 92 grounds and all 34 BNI regions where I have commited to visit at least one chapter in each region. In return the chapter offers me hospitality and sends me in the right direction for the day! Thanks all …… and ESPECIALLY to John Coupland in Bromley, Kent who has been my absolute saviour. He is a great ambassador for BNI and a true friend of the Shirt project.

Share

Today was always going to be difficult after the news I received last night. It was a night of little sleep and much thinking. I woke up very unsure what to do but one thing I was determined was not to let my host for the day down. Jim Peacock is the local franchisee for TheBestOfDotCoDotUK and he had a busy schedule. I could not disappoint him.

I have to admit that I’m feeling a bit lost for inspiration as regards writing so I am delighted he wrote this great overview for his site. Thanks, Jim. It was a GREAT day and my faith in mankind was reborn.

Luton delivers for World Record ‘TheShirt’ Attempt

A couple of weeks back thebestof Head Office suggested I might like to help out one Steve Hall, who was ungoing an amazing world record attempt for refugee awareness…

Steve is cycling around the 92 league football grounds, plus a few others including Luton Town, collecting shirts in order to stitch them together to create a record breaking giant shirt for display at the World Cup. He needs a few things from charitable local people everywhere he goes to make this possible, I decided this was the very least I could do, so I made a few calls and before you know it, we had a great day planned for Friday 4th June.

Shockingly, the night before I spoke with Steve who had just received horrendous news – before he left his current home in Spain he moved ALL his possessions into storage – the storage facility burnt to the ground – he has lost almost EVERYTHING he owns. Incredibly, Steve decided to carry on and head on to Luton.

I met Steve Friday afternoon, we headed straight to join DJ C-Tip at Diverse FM, who gave us a couple of shirts and interviewed us on Drive Time. All the staff at Diverse FM are brilliant and it’s great to meet them (I’ll be on Diverse again in three weeks time to talk about thebestofluton).

Next stop was with David Hoskins, Commercial Manager at Luton Town FC who gave us a shirt signed by the team. David was fantastic, giving us access to the ground for a photo shoot (thanks to Yvonne Barton Photography for your help).

From there we headed to the two Regus offices, Steve is visiting every Regus building in the UK on this tour, getting one shirt signed at all of them. Finally we had a breather and stopped at the Icon Hotel, who put Steve up for the weekend FOC.

Walking down Wellington Street we dropped in on Mani who has moved Klassic Clothing from the Luton Market to a great new shop there, he gave us a shirt too (picture above).

Steve is no stranger to Luton, so we went for his favourite curry at the Alankar, the owner Dilip was a great host as ever, we also met Bina and Bronwen from Plain Talking HR and Gina from Contact Consultants – all donating some great shirts.

Steve is really pleased with the people he’s met and the support he’s received here – but it’s not over. PLEASE donate your shirts – call me and I’ll collect them, then you can see your shirt on the pitch at the World Cup in just a few days time.

Share

Today I heard that a storage centre fire has destroyed absolutely everything I own. 53 years up in smoke. I’m numb. I only stored my possessions there so they would be safe whilst I was away travelling.

I was sitting in Starbucks in Richmond, Surrey when friends from Spain called to pass on the devastating news. I think I was in some sort of daze because I now realise I must have sat there for over an hour without making a call, checking my tablet or doing much other than look out the window!

Yes, I am quite numb and every few minutes I remember more things that were in the storage centre. I put literally every single thing I owned in there as I did not want to leave it in the house in case of burglary whilst I cycled my multi-marathons. Ironic, really!

So the robbers didn’t get it but the flames did! I have seen the fire on YouTube and apparently it took 3 hours for the fire officers to get it under control. Fortunately nobody died or was injured.

So it’s cleaning head day and tomorrow I will start completing the insurance claim. How the heck can you remember in just a few hours every single thing you have collected in 53 year? How many shirts/suits, how many Spanish, Swedish courses, how many books and dictionaries(100s!), how many football/rugby programmes (thousands!), how many USB cables, keyboards, towers, screens etc?

Yes, after 53 years I am starting from scratch. I looked round the contents of two panniers and realised that these were my entire worldy belongings. Scary.

Anyway, I have a busy week ahead with Birmingham, Villa, WBA, Wolves, Walsall, Stoke, Port Vale and perhaps a few more to squeeze in.

Can I visit you?

I’ll bounce back.

Talking about bouncing back, I was delighted to see that my local newspaper, Round Town News started the first of their regular features about me. They intend to follow me around for the next four months and I appreciate their support.

It’s sad that this event spoiled what had been a great day which started VERY early in S.E.London. There are always grounds you have a “feel” for and Charlton’s “The Valley” has always been special for me. I have seen some great games there and the Charlton fans have treated me well. Charlton has a real “community” feel about it and their fans are real supporters who have a reputation of getting behind their team and management. After several seasons where they punched above their weight, I am afraid that they are back in league one for at least one more season after the misery of a play-off defeat. One man who gave many years of loyal service to Charlton was Sam Bartram whose statue is to be found outside the main offices at The Valley. A great keeper, sportsman and a true Charlton Legend.

That’s 8 grounds down, 84 to go. The tempo picks up this week and I expect to visit at least another 10.

From there it was on to Richmond where I was warmly welcomed by Nick Taimitarha from thebestofrichmond who sent this professional report. I see no reason to change anything. Thanks Nick. A SUPERB day until ….

thebestofrichmond was delighted to welcome Steve Hall to Richmond borough on a bright sunny June day to help him create new connections in the local business community and support The Shirt 2010 in order to help raise awareness of the plight of the world’s 45 million refugees.

We started our journey at the Richmond Hill Hotel who very kindly provided Steve’s accommodation. Situated at the top of Richmond Hill, it was the perfect starting point as we took in the renowned ‘view’ from the hill overlooking the river – a view that’s protected by an Act of Parliament.

We then proceeded down the hill to visit the Regus Offices, before popping in to the Richmond Visitors Information Centre, where Steve was presented with a Richmond shirt and Love Richmond eco bag thanks to a call from Richmond Council’s proactive Tourism & Marketing Manager Angela Ivey.

Steve and I crossed the river to the Twickenham side of the borough, stopping off in Twickenham’s picturesque Church Street to meet with Bruce from Crusader Travel. Steve had a go at ‘street chess’ as Bruce explained about his new venture ‘Destination Richmond’ which helps visitors to the area discover new things to do. After Bruce heard about Steve’s endeavours, he offered to put up for auction a great outdoors activity break – a weekend’s Camping Skiff Hire for 3 people. Watch this space!

We then met the delightful duo Lorraine and Carina at Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop. You’ll find a great atmosphere, modern facilities, luxurious hospitality and long, fully-stocked bars there.
On our way to our last appointment, we checked out the impressive new statue at Twickenham Stadium – a gigantic bronze of five rugby players. You can just about make out Steve in the photo!

The day was rounded off in the company of independent cycle shop Moore’s Cycles, where Leon and Nicola showed us the latest electric bikes, as well as their huge selection of bicycles and accessories. Steve explained about his mission to cycle to all the 92 football league grounds in England and Wales to collect shirts for The Big Shirt. Moore’s Cycles offered to support Steve by generously kitting him out in proper cycling gear for the arduous trip.Moore’s have been serving cyclists in South West London since 1948, supplying high quality bikes for all the family – they’re one of those rare, independent shops that really go the extra mile to provide old fashioned customer service, whilst being at the cutting edge when it comes to products.

All in all, we had a fabulous day meeting some of the many business members that make up what is thebestofrichmond. Whatever your need a local business providing a solution can be found at thebestofrichmond and as each business is recommended by other locals, you can feel confident that they are truly one of the best at what they do. As Steve left Richmond, he left behind warm memories and a raft of well wishers amongst Richmond’s business community. We wish him the very best on his epic journey!

Steve Hall visited Richmond and Twickenham on 3rd June2010 which was Day 15 of his tour around England and Wales for The Shirt 2010 project. For more information visit www.theshirt2010.co.uk

Steve’s guide for the day was Nick Taimitarha of thebestofrichmond which promotes local events and recommended businesses in the borough of Richmond upon Thames. The website is www.thebestof.co.uk/richmond

Thanks to Nick for the superb day and the excellent report.
Anyway, things had been going well this week and then Mother Nature showed you just how much she is in charge. (….or was it fate/destiny/revenge?)

Share

Another early start for BNI Darwin which holds their meeting at prestigious Kent County Cricket ground. Sadly, no cricket shirts for the project but some enthused supporters of The Shirt and within minutes of the event, Mark Edwards had this report out. The picture shows me with Darwin visitor host Marie Shallcross, and Steve Evans BNI regional director and John the guide dog.

Share

The day started well ….. and got better! I awoke in the prestigious Harpenden House Hotel where BNI member Katherine Webster-Brown had organised a “deal of the century” for me. A spotless single room with bath and shower, free biscuits and coffee. Deep, deep joy! (What no bunk beds? No 16 drunken student mixed dormitories?)

If anybody is in the Harpenden, Hemel, Luton or St Albans area then this hotel is highly recommended. I say this not only because I got a great rate but more so because the level of service was second to none. When I arrived on the bike, there was no problem for the helpful receptionist. He checked the diary and locked it away in an unused conference room. I mused that he had not been to the same charm school as the “receptionist” in Waterloo who told me to put it on the roof terrace which was conveniently 4 floors up on a spiral staircase.

If the welcome exceeded any reasonable expectation then the room and its facilities were simply the icing on the cake.

Thanks Kathryn, today I feel human!

From the hotel, it was a short 45 minute cycle to the Chariots BNI breakfast in the elegant Verulam Golf Club (Home of the Ryder Cup!) The meeting was excellent and the welcome afforded to me by Kathryn, Katherine, Chris and others was equallly inspiring. It was also nice to see an old friend Garry Rogers who I had not met for at least 10 years! I’m not sure who was most surprised, Garry or Steve. Thanks all.

Professional photographer Chris Hawkes is the chapter education co-ordinator and he was ready and waiting to take some great photos. Thanks, Chris

Share

After four crazy, crazy days Monday was a bit quieter. I left World Cup Willy and cycled down to the Regus Centre to get a signature on the Regus shirt but it was closed with the bank holiday cursing the journey! So, off down the road to Watford’s Vicarage Road which again was pretty well locked-up. I remember the ground well from when I lived just down the road and it was sad to have seen the decline. In truth, it did not appear to have been touched in the last 10 years. Sad.

From there it was down the road to Hemel Hempstead Rugby League Football Club. I was Chairman at the Stags in the late 90s and was delighted to find the founder Bob Brown in the newly revamped clubhouse. Bob has almost single-handedly steered the team (and the club) for 20 years and is a TRUE sporting hero.

Share

It is always invidious to talk about good days and bad days, good meetings and bad meetings or good presentations and bad presentations but Sunday was definitely a GOOD day.

First I had lunch with a long-time friend and owner of Mr O’s Thai Restaurant in Crouch End. The steep hills were made easier in the knowledge that we would have a great meal in a convivial atmosphere. The killer climb up Muswell Hill (I pushed!) was also made easier or at least more pleasant by a number of glimpses of Arsenal’s new ground (The Emirates Stadium) in the distance. Sadly, time beat me but I will be back to add it to the other 91 clubs,

Then I was off to Barnet (Club 6). It is a small village team just outside London and a club which only escaped relegation out of the football league on the last day of the season. It’s probably 15 years since I was last there and sadly few other fans have passed through the turnstiles either as The Bees have one of the lowest average attendances in England. Anyway, they are club 6 and equally welcome as their bigger brothers to the project. (Update: some 115 days later I was delighted to be presented a Barnet shirt by the Vision BNI chapter who had made contact with the club and whose chairman, Tony Kleanthous, obliged. Thanks Mr Kleanthous and thanks Vision.)

The day was finished with a superb meal and hospitality chez Wil and Paula in Watford. Wil Corker is a man with a mission and I was delighted to hear all about it, He has committed to attend the Homeless World Cup in Brazil this autumn. You can (and should!) read more about his challenge here. It was a great evening and a shower and bed were much appreciated. Thanks and good luck.

Share