The weeks are literally flying by. I am full on with logistics management today as my car is in getting fixed, having been reversed into a couple of weeks ago and Julia’s car is also getting a small repair after someone opened their door next to her and the wind caught it and ‘dent’. The joys. So between car pick ups and drop offs I pen this week’s blog.
First up ‘Lush Classical’ at the SSE arena in Belfast on Saturday. This is the 5thtime I have seen this show albeit this time around it was a much different set list than previous shows. Big time congratulations to Col Hamilton, Dave Seaman, the Kelly’s team and the Ulster Orchestra for knocking it out of the park once again. I reckon it was the best produced show so far. I really enjoyed it but what goes up must come down. Old friends, good times, an early start, a late finish after the after party and an 8.30 wake up Sunday morning followed by intermittent dosing throughout the day meant Snodden wasn’t feeling on top of the world like the day before. They say hangovers get no easier as you get older. I have never once agreed to that for fear of being beaten. Well, read this – I am officially beaten. It was such a cracking night but Sunday definitely ruined it for me. Next year, I’m driving! Lols.
On Friday night I had the pleasure of hosting the Bangor Business Awards at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel. Being from Bangor, it is great to catch up with so many people I know and see regularly in the town. It is no secret the retail environment is a tough place to be at the minute but in Bangor there is so much emphasis on small independent stores and eateries who are working hard to give people a reason to come into Bangor and for visitors to come back. It was great to see everyone who puts Bangor on the map recognised. Congratulations to all the winners and to the Bangor Chamber for hosting a first class event.
This week I also presented the Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards at Hillsborough Castle. I addressed the winners with a short speech on resilience, which I reckon is the biggest life skill they developed whilst completing the award. The Earl of Wessex was the guest of honour and certainly made everyone feel at home as he addressed the young people and their parents and guardians. He was full of craic.
I returned to the hockey pitch this week for the first time in over a year. Hockey has been difficult to commit too since I stopped playing for Bangor 1stXI a few seasons ago (due to age and being surplus to requirement lols). Two nights mid-week training was scraped and work took precedence on a Saturday. I do like to fit in when I can. My first game back was for our 3rdXI. We drew 2-2 with Banbridge away. It was great to be back. I really do love the game. I hope I can get to play more throughout this season.
Finally this week, it was brilliant to sit down in conversation with former Ulster and Irish rugby player Darren Cave for the Mary Peters Trust. Over the past 10 years Darren appeared regularly on the radio show. He is a top guy and someone I would regard as a friend. I asked the questions to dissect his career in front of an audience of young athletes who are supported by the Mary Peters Trust. Darren spoke honestly about the ups and downs of his career and how he is reflecting upon it since he retired at the end of last season. Positive mental attitude, inner belief and how preparation is key, where amongst of the topics we discussed. I really do love hosting events of this nature. Without doubt interviewing people really is one of the favourite parts of my job.
Thanks so much for reading this week,
Pete
#PS37
