The aftermath

In the aftermath of defeat it was nice to hear from Michael. Especially as he always greets me with 'Commander'. A word associated with a long gone role that I once had in life. As Michael explains in his communique; "Hope must always be kept alive!" We both believe that the Ghanaian Football Team and Ghana, will go on to achieve greater things. Yesterday was a Sad Day for World Football. The cheating and the images broadcast throughout the World showing the cheat as he celebrated the success of his act, should have led to the game being awarded to Ghana.

Ghana has already achieved more than winning a Football World Cup. The Ghanaian contribution to Statecraft and Security dwarfs that of lesser contributors. The sheer effort of Ghanaians to help to secure World peace is an embarrassment for those countries that make no or little effort to Peacekeeping Operations. They are already World Champions in International Politics, and Ghanaian athletes will go on to achieve greater accolades for Ghana in the sporting arena. For me these things are written, there is no if, it is simply a case of when.

Google Analytics

A quick look at Google Analytics informs me that 212 different people have visited this Blog (Africa, Ghana and all things Accra) since I began writing the Blog back in 2008. Google Analytics also informs me (amongst an awful lot of statistical data regarding these Web pages) that these 212 different visitors come from 20 different countries. It even provides a World Map that you can drill down into for more detail regarding viewers and their behaviours online when visiting this site.

Leaderboard
Country with the highest number of different visitors first

United Kingdom
United States of America
Ghana
Brazil
Canada

Amongst the other 15 countries, I have managed to attract visitors from the Ukraine, and from Russia. I only found this out tonight, which is pretty cool as I am currently reading an academic book on Statecraft and Security and Russia features quite heavily throughout the text, and the Ukraine was a key country in the chapters that I read today.

Indeed, today has been a particularly grand day. I managed a very long walk along the promenade in the glorious sunshine. Spanish Breakfast in my favourite restaurant. Coffee and a Chapter of my current book on the decking at home. 40 lengths of the swimming pool. Unfortunately that is not at home! And coffee and another Chapter of the book in Costa later in the afternoon. Oh, plus a good nosh up for dinner and a great Ghanaian themed evening watching their Quarter Final clash.

A very sad day for Football

If winning means so much that you have to cheat, then Ghana is better off not reaching the FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals.

At least all of the Ghanaian players, Ghanaian officials, and Ghanaian supporters can hold their heads up high. Unfortunately for World Football, the same cannot be said of the Uruguayan player who handled the ball and thereby stopped Ghana from scoring a certain goal. Worse still, the same player was not ushered down into the players tunnel and we instead witnessed what I can only describe as the shame of him celebrating the missed penalty. Heartbreaking yes, but I would rather be on the loosing side than win under these circumstances.

The behaviour of the Ghanaian athletes this evening is a credit to everyone throughout Africa and on many levels; some of which may not be understood by opposition teams that do not behave in the same manner. Shame on the winning team and shame of FIFA for allowing him to display his delight on World television. His Red Card should not stop him playing in the next round, but should equate to an expulsion by the authorities, that sends him homeward bound, not tomorrow, but today.

With Ambassadors as good as the Ghanaian Black Stars, it is no wonder that all of Africa united in a show of pan-Africanism for the Ghanaian Quarter Final clash with Uruguay. The team spirit and fair play on the pitch was matched by the broadcast of the team disembarking from the Team Bus in traditional song. There was not an iPod or MP3 player in sight. It was truly inspirational to see Hope Kept Alive as the 7.30 pm UK time Kickoff at Soccer City approached.

ITV back in the UK done the Ghanaians proud, by setting up a video link direct into the heart of Accra. Viewers in England and Wales were given the rare treat of a 'live' feed into the city and a chance for yours truly to show my wife some of the things that I experienced when I visited Accra and the surrounding area.

The Match was dedicated towards the fight against Racism. This led to an announcement by Officials and one player selected from each team. It was wonderful to see and to hear, as those that spoke are footballers and not public speakers.

It was the Red and Yellow of Ghana against the Blue, Black and White of Uruguay. Kingson kept goal for Ghana in brown instead of his usual resplendent blue and Lilac strip. Ghana snatched the lead with a superb long distance strike in the 2nd minute of extra time at the end of the first half just as the whistle was about to be blown. Some ten minutes into the second half and the equaliser was scored from an extremely well executed Free Kick. The game stayed at 1-1 and would have been 2-1 to Ghana in the very last seconds of the second period of Extra Time, if the handball on the line to stop the ball had not occurred. Ghana were unable to convert the resulting penalty and thereby seize what would have been a well deserved place in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Semi Final. Instead, Ghana went on to lose on Penalties, but won on values.

But to me, the shame was in seeing the player that handled the ball, celebrating when he should have been in the dressing room. My academic hero Norbert Elias taught at the University of Ghana. Amongst many subjects, he wrote about shame. I am confident that tonight's display, that appeared to lack any shame on the part of the player, would have been mentioned in some way. Societies have evolved, and as we evolve, it is interesting to note, that things that were once regarded as shameful, no longer count as such. Sometimes the burden is shared or adopted by the onlooker rather than the person who is directly involved. Tonight, I took on some of that burden, as Africa deserved better than to be cheated out of their rightful place in the Semi Final.

Well done team Ghana, well done the team coach, well done the Supporters. Your day will come, but please never lose sight of the fact, that it is better to have played and to have lost, than to have won at all costs. Sometimes, (and this occasion is one of them) coming second is winning.

I salute you one and all

Before commentators begin hailing footballers as 'Heroes' of the FIFA 2010 World Cup, as the tournament reaches its final stages; it is important for Ghanaians to reflect upon the real heroes of Pan-Africanism and Ghana’s place on the World stage as a significant contributor to peace and stability.

The insurgency in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo has recently led to yet another Ghanaian national being killed while undertaking Peacekeeping Operations.

I commented in the notes to my Thesis, on Ghanaian contribution to Peacekeeping Operations. A significant number of Ghanaians have died during Peacekeeping Operations since this important work began in 1948. Ghana is a relatively small country, but in terms of World Security and Statecraft it punches well above its weight. People, especially those in the West, often talk about charity. But true charity is not just about money. There is no greater sacrifice than laying down your life to try and preserve the security and well being of others. The ultimate sacrifice has occurred in many major conflicts and throughout the numerous peacekeeping operations involving the United Nations and the African Union. Given the number of Ghanaian fatalities, it is to the credit of Ghana and their Politicians that the country still actively participates in the security and peacekeeping element of International Politics.

The first United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission was established in 1948, when the Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, there have been in excess of 60 UN Peacekeeping Operations throughout the world.

Ghana is recognised as the fifth largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping. Ghanaians have been deployed on UN Missions in the Sinai, Egypt, and South Lebanon (where Ghana is the longest serving of the nations that make up the Peacekeeping force). Ghanaian Peacekeepers have ventured as far afield as Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Darfur, East Timor, Haiti, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, and the Sudan.

Records held by the UN that are dated 4 June 2010 indicate that since 1948 a total of 2805 Peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their life in the search for Peace. Of these 2805 deaths, thirty percent of the fatalities in the first 55 years of UN peacekeeping occurred between 1993 and 1995. UN Records dated the 30 May 2010 indicate that of the 2805 total deaths; 126 Ghanaians have died during 17 peacekeeping operations.

By reviewing the statistical data and researching to find out the full title of each operation I am able to produce the following table that is accurate to the end of May 2010. Please note that some of the Peacekeeping Operations are still active.

Mission abbreviation / Full title of the Mission / Number of Ghanaians Killed

UNAMID
African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) Current operation 1

UNAMA
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Believe this to be Current 1

ONUC
United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) 49

MONUC
United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) 5

MINUSTAH
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) Current Operation 1

UNTAET
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) 1

UNTAC
United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) 2

UNOCI
United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) Current Operation 6

UNMIS
United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) Current Operation 2

UNMIL
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Current Operation 5

UNMIK
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Current Operation 1

UNMIBH
United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) 1

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Current Operation 31

UNEF
United Nations Emergency Force I-II (UNEF I-II) 6

UNAVEM
United Nations Angola Verification Mission I-III (UNAVEM I-III) 1

UNAMSIL
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) 9

UNAMIR
United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) 4

Source:
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/fatalities/documents

Footnote
I believe that it is important to remember the fallen and to bring all of their names into one location for ease of future reference. I intend to publish a full list of the 126 names if I can track down the details. Please email me if you hold details of any of the names or can direct me to an Internet or Library source containing the Ghanaian names.

Great Jeffers Pic

What a great picture drawn or obtained by Jeffers! I love Ghana too, Go Ghana Go

Honour

Whatever importance is placed on the outcome of a football match, or the numerous heroes that emerge from each Round of a major tournament; it is not quite the same as the heroics of those who have contributed to the many UN Peacekeeping Operations involving Ghanaians. I have been researching quite long hours to try and find a Roll of Honour containing the names of those Ghanaians that have been killed during Peacekeeping Operations and then replicate or publish that list on this Blog. I know that the number killed is quite substantial, and that the sacrifice should not go unrecognised.

To truly put the efforts of the Ghanaian football team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals into perspective, we need to glance at a table containing the names of the other Quarter Finalists;

Holland v Brazil Kick off on the 2nd July at 3pm UK time
Uruguay v Ghana Kick off on the 2nd July at 7.30pm UK time
Argentina v Germany Kick off on the 3rd July at 3pm UK time
Paraguay v Spain Kick off on the 3rd July at 7.30pm UK time


It is amazing to see Ghana still in contention with the likes of Brazil, Holland, Uruguay, Argentina, Germany, and European Champions Spain. One of these 8 teams are only 3 victories away from being declared World Football Champions. For the remaining 7 nations, there is the glory of reaching the Quarter Finals, Semi Final, or being the runner up at the Final. 32 teams started at the Finals and 24 of those teams along with many more in the qualifiers have been brushed aside. Whatever the results on the 2nd and 3rd June 2010, these 8 teams can be justifiably proud of their achievements and the pride that their countrymen now display as each of the Quarter Finalists fly the national flag of their respective nation.

Ghana play better than their former Colonial masters

Ghanaians could not be criticised for having a wry smile at the demise of their formal Colonial masters at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Finals. With just over 50 years having elapsed since Ghanaian Independence, it is nice to note that Ghana were able to hold Germany to a single goal deficit while England succumbed 4-1. Forget that the ball bounced over the line, as England were beaten by the far better team and not robbed. The significance of the score line will not be lost on those who understand that past Colonial activity led to the introduction of football into Africa. Former tutor turned current master, as Ghana yet again rightfully takes its place on the World stage. From membership of the United Nations Peacekeeping force to the last 8 of the World Cup Quarter Finals, Ghana is there when it matters and when others are not. Go Ghana, Go

Go Ghana

The Star Spangled Banner of the United States of America came up against the Black Stars of Ghana in Rustenburg South Africa on the evening of 26th June 2010 in the last 16 of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals. Ghana were the only African nation left in this stage of the World Cup and after a thrilling match that included extra time, the Black Stars fought valiantly to become only the 3rd African nation to book a Quarter Final place in a FIFA World Cup Tournament. Players from the United States of America took to the field in an all-white strip that sported a black horizontal band on their socks. The American strip was low key compared to the flamboyant Red and Yellow of the Black Stars. A superb break and left foot shot by Boateng after 4 minutes and 57 seconds saw Ghana take a well deserved lead, and they dominated the First 45 minutes. 6 minutes into the match and Number 13 Clark, from the United States could have been handed a straight red, but the lenient Referee instead showed a Yellow Card. The crowd were in high spirits and the American supporters matched and sometimes outperformed their Ghanaian ‘Cheer Leading’ opponents. Onlookers must have felt sympathy for ex-American President Bill Clinton who had changed his itinerary to watch the game. The Americans pressed hard in the second half, and I wondered back in Wales if someone had given the Black Stars the wrong pep talk during half time. Donovan scored a fair penalty in the 62nd Penalty, but Ghanaian Number 3 Gyan took the Black Stars to a telling lead in the 4th minute of the first period of Extra Time. 2-1 to Ghana and a place in the Quarter Finals was booked, albeit we had to endure another 26 minutes of play and Extra, Extra Time before the result was finally declared. But throughout that period the Ghanaian's played extremely well and made maximum effort as they held onto their lead. Go Ghana, you all deserve the place in the last 8 and your place in African football history. I applaud you all, and look forward to your Quarter Final tie with Uruguay who beat South Korea 2-1 in their match.

Your fair play and sportsmanship are a credit to all, so please don't lose sight of that, as you set your hearts on the giddy heights of a Semi-Final place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. Continue to represent your Country and your Continent as you have nothing to fear other than fear itself. Keep Hope Alive Ghana; Go Ghana, Go

The Black Stars

Having beaten Serbia 1-0, drawn with Australia 1-1, and only losing to Germany 0-1, the Great Ghanaian Black Stars made it through to the last 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And in doing so, become the only African nation to make the last 16 in a competition that sees the lowest number of European teams to make it to the last 16 since the competition format changed many years ago. Well done Ghana, you deserve your last 16 match against the USA and I only wish that I was there to watch it in person! Instead, I shall have to suffer the current UK heatwave and stay indoors to watch Ghana v USA in glorious High Definition on my 50 inch Panasonic plasma screen in my 'boys' room that has two chairs. To make it even better, Ed is travelling back from South Wales with one of our daughters tomorrow so the match will be a family affair. It's a pity that the England football team were so poor that they could only manage second in an extremely weak group. Otherwise England would have earned the right to play Ghana and that would have been my all time favourite match. Instead, both Ghana and England now have to make it to the 2010 World Cup Final in order for that fixture to take place. And if the physic Octopus has his/her way then Germany are going to win the Germany v England match scheduled for this Sunday. Still, I don't mind Germany winning that game, providing the Black Stars lift the trophy or at least make it to the Final. I recently asked two friends from The Sudan; why the African football teams played a fair game unlike their European counterparts. I suggested that it was to do with Religion and Values, as I suggested in a previous Blog Post. But the Sudanese had a different view, no it was not about Religion, to them it was simply that the game was Big Business in Europe and players had forgotten fair play and the values that should be associated with a game. For me, the North Koreans handled themselves really well in this competition and like the Americans put their country in good light. The Japanese and the Chileans both showed that they are a force to be reckoned with and the Ivory Coast played like England until their last game when they at last turned on the skill and movement that I have previously admired them for. Ghana need to show their skill tomorrow, and then celebrate like Cameroon's past star, Roger Milla. I shall be in Wales cheering on the Black Stars, and all I ask is that they play fair and they play with commitment. Come on the Black Stars, and continue to make all of Africa and one Welshman proud. It's times like this, that I am glad to be a Friend of Ghana.

Ghanaian World Cup Squad 2010

The FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa - Ghana (The Black Stars) Squad
Daniel AGYEI Shirt Number 1 (G) G = Goalkeeper
Hans SARPEI 2 (D) D = Defender
Asamoah GYAN 3 (F) F = Forward
John PANTSIL 4 (D)
John MENSAH 5 (D)
Anthony ANNAN 6 (M) M = Midfield player
Samuel INKOOM 7 (D)
Jonathan MENSAH 8 (D)
Derek BOATENG 9 (M)
Stephen APPIAH 10 (M)
Sulley MUNTARI 11 (M)
Prince TAGOE 12 (F)
Andre AYEW 13 (M)
Matthew AMOAH 14 (F)
Isaac VORSAH 15 (D)
Stephen AHORLU 16 (G)
Ibrahim AYEW 17 (D)
Dominic ADIYIAH 18 (F)
Lee ADDY 19 (D)
Quincy OWUSU-ABEYIE 20 (F)
Kwadwo ASAMOAH 21 (M)
Richard KINGSON 22 (G)
Kevin Prince BOATENG 23 (F)

Coach Milovan RAJEVAC

Good teams, and Bad teams

I mentioned 'emerging African nations' in my last Blog as I am old enough to have watched and remember Zaire's 9-0 defeat at the hands of Yugoslavia in the 1974 FIFA World Cup held in West Germany and won by the hosts. Zaire were the first black African team to reach the World Cup Finals. The country is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo and has a recent FIFA ranking of 121st in the World. The 9-0 victory by Yugoslavia over Zaire remains a record score for a World Cup Final. Given the limited number of goals scored so far in the 2010 World Cup, that record is likely to remain intact for at least another four years. But we have to put defeats like this into context; however great the margin in a single game in the Finals, each participating team is one of the best in their region and has slogged it out against other opponents for a worthy place in the World Cup Finals as one of thirty two teams. It's not really a case of 'Good' or 'Bad' teams, but teams who are there on equal merit but which may not be able to perform as well as others, for a variety of reasons. These reasons can range from climate, injury to key players, team morale, political circumstance, internal strive, and sheer bad luck on the day. Unless of course you are Brazil, then these circumstances don't seem to occur all too often. In the current World Cup Finals Group Stage; Ghana are up against Serbia, Australia, and Germany. The Germans always seem to be able to field a strong and determined team. Given their current performance against Australia (where they are 2-0 up in the 55th minute), this tournament seems to be the same as the others. With a red card just issued to the Australian number 4 Tim Cahill, it is likely that the Germans will romp home in this game and probably the Group. This is the 4th red card for this tournament already and as a qualified Class B referee I can honestly say that the tackle didn't look like a 'straight red' to me. He clipped his opponent, but little more. Whereas the Germans are good at diving. And to be fair to this referee he gave one of the German players a yellow card in the first half for a deliberate dive. There's too much cheating in Club and World football, and even though Zaire lost 9-0 no one could accuse them of cheating during that tournament. Maybe, African ethics and values are higher than those of European and South American footballers. Is it the serious Church going, poor nations underpinned by strong religion? maybe African players don't see the value in being a cheat. Better to play and loose than to be a dirty cheat who cheats time and time again. Be it holding an opponent in the box, feigning a tackle and taking a dive, or encouraging the referee to give a card by gesture or word. No the African game may not yet be the 'beautiful game', but it certainly is the clean game and a credit to FIFA.

The FIFA World Cup 2010

The FIFA World Cup 2010 Round 1 Group Match between Ghana and Serbia kicked off at 1500 GMT in Pretoria, South Africa on Sunday 13th June 2010. Red and blue football strip against white. The all white Ghanaian football strip carried the Puma logo with black lettering detailing the player name and player number. The smart kit also carried the player number on the left leg of the white shorts. The Red, Yellow, Green stripes, and black Star colours of the Ghana National flag were shown on a wrist band of at least one of the payers and emanating from a football logo on the top left hand-side of the football shirt. This was a fitting bit of football kit; for an African team that played their opening game with skill and vigour. No longer slaves, but equals on the football world stage. By the 18th and the yellow card to the Serbian player Zigic, it was quite clear that England would be no match for Ghana if they can manage to overcome their poor performance against the United States and progress to the Knock Out rounds, and then meet the Ghanaian Nationals. The Ghanaian’s pressed the Serbs and in the 20th minute came close, almost “within a whisker” of opening their account. The Ghanaian football flare was matched by the yellow football boots of their left winger and others. But kit and flare to one side, everyone in ‘Team Ghana’ worked hard to carry the flag for their country. How Algeria and England could have learnt so much from their example and work-rate. By the 25th Minute it was still 0-0 but unfortunately Vorsah picked up a Yellow Card. The colour clashing with the puce coloured kit of the Ghanaian keeper, number 22 Kingson (albeit it has a blue tint shown in the photograph above). It was nice to see that the Ghanaian roving band complete with flag carrier was allowed to walk around at the base of the terrace. The Serbs demonstrated that they could take a clever free kick, but football is not just about set pieces. This is something that the England team also needs to learn. The pitch was immaculate although there is some negativity regarding the football being used in this World Cup and the way in which the ball is flying high. Maybe, just maybe the quality of the ball is the reason for the appalling Goal Keeper mistakes for England and Algeria in their opening games? Apparently, the balls are too round, but isn’t this exactly the shape that a football should be? The Ghanaian’s pressed on and in the 34th minute the scored remained 0-0. The changing advertising hording had more work to do than the almost redundant referee. Looking splendid in his Black strip, he failed to award Zigic a second yellow card in the 36th minute that would have reduced Serbia to ten men. A good save by Kingson in the 39th minute kept the Serbs at bay. There is no doubt that as the players walked to the tunnel at the end of the first half; Ghana had the better first 45 minutes. Maybe this is why they gathered in a circle and held each other’s arms before finding their way into the cool, for a well earned rest. I salute the Ghanaian football team, because whatever the outcome they had shown the World in their first 45 minutes at the 2010 World Cup finals, how to behave, how to work, and how to represent their Country. Look on England, and maybe you can use the Ghanaian example as a training video. Ghana is not constrained by the past glory of 1966, or the false expectations of those who believe that a team is better than it is. The Ghanaian striker, number 13 came close with a flying header in the 53rd minute. And Ghana broke again only one minute later, and followed that with a corner. By the 55th minute Ghana had attacked yet again. The Ghanaian team were let off in the 57th minute when a few of their players seemed to misunderstand that you cannot be offside from a throw in. The experience rattled them and Serbia came close to opening the score in the 58th minute. By the 59th minute Ghana had also come close to scoring at the other end. Zigic left the field in the 69th minute and was replaced by Lazovic. In the 72nd minute, number 10 Stephen Appiah came on for Ghana with Lukovic picking up a second yellow card in the 73rd minute, thus reducing Serbia to 10 players. The problem being that a reduction in team numbers is not always a bad thing. Teams can be spurred on by what they sometimes consider to be wrong, almost finding a second breath. Ghana would need to dig deep for the last quarter of an hour of they were to win their opening game and start their campaign to move beyond the Group Stage. A spectacular save by Kingson in the 78th minute kept Ghana in the game. No wonder the Serbian player who struck the ball held his head in despair. A deliberate hand ball by a Serbian player in the 83rd minute led to a fair penalty which was put away by the Ghanaian number 3. The stadium came to life as the Ghanaian’s danced away. The Serbian number 22 was distraught, but he could not complain about the Referee decision to award the penalty. If the ball had not been handled, then it would have probably fallen to the Ghanain striker that was moving in fast and to his right. In many ways, the Serbian team were fortunate not to have been reduced to nine players. What mattered now, was could Ghana do what South Africa could not? Could Ghana hold onto their 1-0 lead? Lee Addy came on for Ghana in the 90th minute as 3 extra minutes were added to the game by the FIFA fourth official. A Ghanaian attack in the 91st minute led to the Serbian keeper being beaten but the ball bouncing off the post. The last time, Ghana qualified strongly from the Group Stage they were only stopped by Brazil. It is so clear that the emerging African nations will come to dominate World football, but meanwhile this football team is happy to have a good time representing their country and Continent with pride. Ghana were the better side, and not just in terms of football ability. Well done FIFA for awarding the 2010 World Cup Finals to Africa. Oh, by the way, the final Score of the Ghana v Serbia game was 1-0 . The supporters placards were held high and one said “Feel it, Ghana is here!”. Feeling it, I am.

So much more

There is so much more that I could write about arbitration as our lives enter a new phase that can only be explained in detail to close friends and family. Alas, I cannot write about these matters in the public domain as the Blog could upset the fine balance of legal arguments. Putting that point to one side, the glorious weather is worthy of note. 21 degrees today and 23 degrees expected tomorrow, I am off hunting for my swimming kit and then onto enjoying my first dip in over two weeks. I have been busy looking after a family member and writing up case notes etc., So, whether you are in sunny West Wales, sunny and hot Africa or North America enjoy the weather as summer takes its grip!

Robinson Crusoe

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Well folks, those that know me, also know that I believe in fate. And that I like to try and link each post in some way to the preceding one. So there I was just finishing my 23 May 2010 post about the boat and messing about on water, and what do I find? Well you never; I have my third Blog follower. Not any old follower mind you, but, Raquel Crusoé from MC in Brazil. Great timing Ms Crusoé, I doff my cap to you. For the un-initiated, MC stands for Montes Claros. And Ms Crusoé is a native of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. And to trump the fate thing; I sold a pen on Ebay tonight to someone who was enquiring if I would post the pen to Brazil. It's a small World isn't it? Even without a boat.

Sports

As the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Africa nears, it is worth remembering that football is not the only sport. Many people enjoy messing about on the water, and for our family today was one of those days. Pauline and her best friend Mandy were invited out for the afternoon on our friends yacht AVOCET skippered by Richard Denyer. Not me, as I'm more of a cafe and coffee bloke, than water and boats. A real landlubber who prefers to watch than participate. Aberystwyth beach was packed, almost as packed as those new and upgraded stadiums in South Africa shall be in only a few weeks. I can truly say that this was the most number of people that I have seen on South Beach in our 20+ years of living on the coast. I managed Orange Juice in Costa, a snooze in the car, a walk along the beach and coffee at the hut. The sun was beating down relentlessly and I can imagine that it was quite warm out on the boat. I managed to watch them with the binoculars and take a few photo's with the Sony Xperia X10 and its 8.1 digital camera. The best photographic result is included with the Blog. Needless to mention that the gang had a great time. An excellent skipper, a great host and an opportunity for friends to chat and partake in the waters. But come June, I suspect that they all wish that they have a television on the boat so they don't miss that all important game. Mmmmm. who shall I support? England or Ghana. Well that's a no brainer isn't it?

X10

Arbitration involves communicating the outcome and the rationale behind the decision. My latest communication tool is stunning! An all white Sony Ericsson X10 which I have kitted out with a white hand lanyard from mandy61199 on Ebay along with some Sennheiser speakers and when it arrives from Hong Kong, a white windscreen holder for those long journeys. Facebook and email viewing are a doddle, and the phone comes with photo recognition and a load of other easy to use Apps. A brilliant predictive text system adds the the usability of the X10. It's a joy to mess with the phone, and easy to send an email to Jeffers over in Ghana without paying to send an International text message. All in all, well done to the people at Sony Ericsson, especially the R&D Team!

Fish

I popped into a local cafe/restaurant. This restaurant is not my usual haunt, but still a nice place with good coffee and friendly service. The thing was, I accidentally hit the evening meal time and was promptly brought the menu. A bit of a dilemma really in that I only wanted a coffee and a read of another chapter of my current book 'Soldier Five'. Still, I have never been one to pass on the opportunity of a good meal, so I opted for the Sea Bass as a main course. The least said about the starters the better, but the fish was really good. In many ways it reminded me of the fish that I had while in Accra. A large portion, eaten in a restaurant, early evening and by the sea. The main difference being the use of a knife and fork to eat the fish, and not having to suffer the crushing heat of Ghana. I chomped away, while thinking of my African friends, and a trip that is now fading into a distant memory. Time stands still for no man, and the last few months have moved forward at breakneck speed, let alone the time since my trip way back in 2008. I exchanged emails with Jeffers this week, and checked out his online family photographs. I also exchanged emails with Michael regarding the UK General Election. Michael is now living in North America, but we still discuss politics. This is probably a natural outcome of our time studying at The Department of International Politics in Aberystwyth. I followed the Ghanaian election last year and Michael has found the news coverage of our election to be just as exciting. But probably not as exciting as the fish!

Arbitration is always good

My days as an International Arbiter are long gone, but arbitration is an important part of my life. Choices are important too, and in making these choices we often have to negotiate with others and seek their counsel when things goes wrong. Those that we speak too, often tell us what we should or should not do and what we did correctly or got wrong. Although this ad-hoc arbitration is not binding, it is nevertheless a form of arbitration. My recent negotiation system is determining where to go on holiday this summer and again at Christmas, as I build up towards a once in a lifetime holiday. The decision for that holiday will rest with my boss. No not back in the Fire Service as I retired a while back, no my real boss AKA Mrs. B. There was a Mrs. G back in Ghana, but at home Mrs. B is the boss and undertakes all of the arbitration!

International Arbiter

As well as being a serious Chess Player a decade or so back, I was also a qualified International Chess Arbiter. As well as running a successful Chess Club and undertaking the duties of Arbiter in Ceredigion Schools Competitions, the Aberystwyth Festival of Chess and a Women's event in the North of England. I also organised the Newport Chess Congress on one occasion. Albeit I always enjoyed playing more than organising and controlling.

The one thing that did interest me was Chess Grading. I started in the days of the English Grade, and in my first ever Match Play standard game for grading I drew with a player with an English Grade of 175. In many ways that is equivalent to an ELO Grade of 2000, but the similarities cease with the number assignment as I truly believe that English players are far better than their suppressed grades. I'm Welsh and our grades are in ELO.

Chess Grading is all about statistics and probability. We often get hung up on our Grade and sometimes search for that elusive annual increase that often evades us. Chess players tend to think of themselves as being a better player than their grade suggests. I don't know why that is, maybe we all strive for perfection, but in the cut and thrust of a real game with an approved time control the pressures and constraints placed upon us prevent us reaching our true inner potential.

Mathematically, Jeffers is statistically certain of beating me in 1 game in 100, but alas statistics and mathematical probability never determine in which of the 100 games Jeffers will win, or if there will be a variance that allows him to win 2 or more games. I have an = score against a Welsh Olympian over three games, + = -

That should not have been the case according to the tables and the mathematics. But hey ho, I smashed him up with a piece sacrifice in Round 1 of a Weekend Tournament and bluffed my way out of trouble in the second game a few months later when I deliberately left a piece en-prise. He declined the piece believing that I had seen another piece sacrifice and instead opted for a draw by repetition. A few months later he beat me. Mathematically the + = - results should not have happened as they were contrary to the scheme of things.

This is how Chess Grades are worked out. Well it's a tad more complicated than that but the sequence involves attributing a KNOWN CHESS GRADE from the previous season, or an assigned TEMPORARY CHESS GRADE for new players. Checking a probability table against the KNOWN or TEMPORARY GRADE of one player against the KNOWN GRADE of the other player and thereby making the grading adjustment depending on the result. The adjustment is by way of a mathematical calculation. To obtain a full CHESS GRADE a player has to complete 16 games in one season when using a match play chess set and board and clocks set against approved rates of play. The grading adjustment for all players moves as the season's game results are considered. But this work is completed in hindsight as Chess Grades are calculated in arrears, i.e. the season finishes before the Grading Officer considers the grades. The Chess Grading list is then issued before or just after that start of the next season (depending on how busy the Grading Officer has been over the Summer).

The higher up you go the more complicated things become in that top players have to achieve a CHESS NORM, i.e. it's not just about the grade. The player has to hold a recognised grade in ELO points (a FIDE International Grade) at the appropirate level and also demonstrate an average standard of playing results at the grading level that they are aiming for. And demonstrate this standard on more than one occasion so that the demonstrated standard is not a fluke. As I have explained tables and probabilities are open to variances so the top player has to show that the achieved result on one occasion is not a variance. The top player with the appropriate FIDE grade would achieve a result that is equivalent to an International Master (IM) or Grandmaster (GM) and this result would be assigned as an IM or GM Norm as appropriate. When they have enough 'Norms' and have maintained their FIDE Grade at the appropriate level then they would become an International Master or Grandmaster. Alas, this is something that will not happen for me.

Mr. Tister

I asked Mr. Tister AKA 'Loverboy' AKA our Grandson for some Chess playing advice in my game against Jeffers. Well, I had to ask Justin as I was struggling against Jeffers. The only thing is, could Jeffers see the same complexities in the game as it developed, or were the Demons mine alone? He's only 19 months, Justin Bennett that is and not Jeffers. So I had to interpret his explanation as the spoken language is a tad garbled. My intrepation of the analysis undertaken by Mr. Tister is somewhat strange. "Hide your King amongst the pawns, get his King and squeeze it in your hand and Pawns taste yummy". Thanks, Mr. Tister very useful indeed. I shall endeavour to get Jeffers King and consider the pawn advice the next time I am knocking up lunch for the family.

The Library

One of the good points regarding retirement; is that I can chose to write what I want and when I want.

I have written about choices previously in the Blog. Having to make a choice is in many ways about overcoming the road signs that shape our direction of travel through life. Sometimes we need help in making these decisions. That help can be through the ever present social network that exists in the workplace. Alternatively or probably simultaneously, it is partly a reliance on those who we regard as friends. Friend and family networks often listen and dispense meaningful advice, and although such advice in often invaluable, our choices are also supported by what we have learnt.

This life long learning is gained either through exposure to events that lead to solutions being gained the hard way, or by studying material or behaviours that inform us about a particular topic, or area of interested.

I have a significant chess library which was invaluable for club and tournament play during my informative years as a teenager and on into adulthood. I have several books on the Marshall Attack, a copy of BCO and BCO2 which must be the definitive the linchpin of all chess players learning. That is, weak chess players who rely on set moves to take them from the opening into the middle game. I also have an array of Endgame books and was proud of the manner in which I could conduct an endgame. The problem was reaching that stage of the game, as all too often than not, my open play led to a piece sacrifice here or there. Although amongst all of these books there is only one publication that deserves a place in my bookcase. The book in question is a well read, old ragged copy of Nimzowitsch ‘My System’. Nimzowitsch is as informative to the chess world as Sun Tzu is to Strategic thoughts and thinkers. Unlike ‘My system’ of which I have only one copy, I have four copies of Sun Tzu’s, Art of War. Each of these copies is different, and they do not include Mao’s Treatise; whereby Sun Tzu’s words and phases were remoulded, but actually said the same thing. So in reality I have five copies of the great book in its various forms. I feel like Mel Gibson in ‘Conspiracy Theory’, you know, where he has an urge to keep buying 'The Catcher in the Rye'. Although my earnings pale into insignificance compared to those of the great Mr. Gibson. My understanding of Chess and Strategy also pale into insignificance compared to Sun Tzu and Nimzowitsch.

The down side for the ‘Art of War’ is that it is often misquoted by those who have attended a short managerial course and skimmed a few pages. They quote the book, they quote a few choice phrases but they don’t actually understand the content. The same applies to ‘My System’, like all good books it is in many ways difficult to get to grips with. It is easier to put down, than to read in depth, especially if there is a BCO on the table. But if you persevere then the awards are truly great. Possibly there is a correlation between Nimzowitsch and Sun Tzu. Maybe reading to understand both books, could pay dividends in both the boardroom and on the chess board. They would certainly help you to make the choices that we are often faced with, and maybe, just maybe, get a few of them right.

Ice Station Zebra

Ice Station Zebra

Brrrrrrr, the Ice Man cometh! Temperatures in this part of Wales plummeted to -11 degrees. Great weather for enjoying Ed’s excellent Christmas Hamper and for finding an excuse to meet family and friends for coffee, but grim in terms of staying outdoors or achieving the many DIY tasks that seem to be coming thick and fast now that I am retiring. Amongst the chaos of the ice and snow I am proud of my efforts to keep the path and driveway at our house clear of slip hazards. I even managed to maintain a pathway onto the road so that the numerous car owners at our place; could make it safely to and from their cars. The picture shows yours truly wrapped up for the winter and using a garden hoe to clear the snow and ice. Oh that and a nice stiff broom and a £7 bag of Rock Salt. The long handled hoe meant a slower clearing process, but with the added benefit of no back ache from bending.

Paradigm

It's paradoxical that I have followed the main elements expounded by Nimzowitsch, but yet with my extra space and pawn I am actually losing. To make matters worse it's still very cold in the UK, but thankfully this game is hotting up.

It's probably the hottest thing that I have been near for the last two days with freezing temperatures outside and not much warmth in our lounge at the moment. Mind you I did manage 30 lengths of the swimming pool this afternoon along with a Sauna. Oh, and coffee and meatballs with a good friend of mine in town. Not a lot of meatballs, but a lot of friend. Adam has a FIDE Chess Rating, but that didn't stop him freezing in the cold. I don't have a FIDE rating as I enjoyed the cut and thrust of open play too much. Which in simple terms meant that I really enjoyed my chess, but I lost almost as many games as I won and often against weak opposition against whom I could have slogged it out for a definite win, but at the cost of a very boring few hours. Nothing worse than a boring 6 hour game of chess.

Unlike the cold, which I don't enjoy at all. It bit into the skin, especially when we went shopping and back to the car. The cold was made worse in that my Bro sent me a £45 pair of gloves yesterday and in a made rush across town I left them in the boot. Now there's a logistical preparedness lesson if there ever was one. Well two lessons really; [1] remember your gloves, or [2] move to a warmer climate. I bet that it's quite warm in Accra at the moment, but not as warm as the position in the game between Roger from Wales and Jeffers from Ghana that began on the 6th January 2010.

Chess

RBA Bennett [Wales] Highest Past rating 2000 [Offered Rating for Interzonal in Ireland] (White) v J Adjei [Ghana] 1596 (Black)
Google Chess started 6 January 2010
Time Control: 1 move in up to 3 days
Rules: No books or Internet resources, no moving pieces other than executed moves
Kings Gambit Accepted
1. e4 e5
2. f4 exf4
3. Nf3 Nf6
4. e5 Nd5
5. Bc4 Nb6
6. Bb3 d6
7. O-O Nc6
8. exd6
To be continued
The Chess Set shown in the photograph consists of a triple weighted Match Play wooden chess set with felted bases turned in a Staunton Pattern with a King that is 9.8cm high. The pieces are stored in a velvet lined wooden box with a name plate bearing the owners name. During match play the pieces rest on a high quality Match Play wooden board consisting of 5.5cm squares. The board has a full felt underlay. This Match Play set and board only comes out on special occasions. The last time was in 1998. Playing Jeffers is special, and every time I move, I sip the red wine and raise a glass to 'absent friends'.

Serena

Serena (that's the name of the Clio involved in the accident) had 26 items damaged in all. I visited her at the repair centre only yesterday. Whereas Jodi visited the Good Samaritans the other week while traveling back to South Wales. Serena is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery by the end of this week or the beginning of the following week. Although I suspect that my eldest daughters purse will feel the effects of this carnage for many years to come; as her no claims bonus diminishes and the insurance premiums increase. But hey ho, cars are a way of modern life and when you travel significant distances then in a Western European society a car is pretty important. Although with the Internet and mobiles phones you don't always have to travel to keep in touch. I have just signed up to Google.com and am indulging a past favourite of mine; playing chess. It's great because I am now deep into two games against Jeffers in Accra. His ELO Rating on Google is 1596. I would be a little concerned playing a 1600 rated Chess player from England, as we all know that the English grades are suppressed. You can always add on a good 200 points. Especially in tournament play. But I do not know how the African grades equate. Jeffers speaks four languages so he is no dummy. I'm pretty good myself, but I only speak two languages and one of them quite badly. Then again it is not about Chess Grade or winning, it is more about social intercourse with a good friend located on the other side of the World.

The Good Samaritan

Well everyone, this should be the time for rest and relaxation and I had intended to save on blogging over the Festive Season. More so in that I have almost retired and am currently on five weeks accrued Annual Leave before I officially retire in January 2010. Nevertheless circumstances have led to me signing back in to update the Blog Followers and casual readers of events that occurred this week. As Michael and Patricia in Canada will attest, the snow in the United Kingdom is nothing compared to the Big Freeze that they frequently endure in their new home far from the sunny West Coast of Africa. For some strange reason the -2 to -7 UK freeze seems to grind everything to a halt. Our road, rail and air networks don't seem to cope with the change in weather. We are good at publishing an intention to grit the road but a tad slow in completing the act effectively when the snow arrives. As a seasoned worrier, my daughters understand the need for a Snow Kit in each of their cars. Food, water, fruit, extra clothing, hat, scarf, extra socks, gloves, torch, blanket, and a fluorescent jacket. Logistical Preparedness is one of my fortes. Expect the best but prepare for the worse.

The middle daughter went off to London for two days and the eldest drove back from Cardiff for a family Christmas. In itself these are mundane statements, certainly nothing out of the ordinary. Except the UK is in the middle of one of its Big Freezes. Both girls probably picked the worse possible time to travel. We were worried about one of them, and the other one went and pranged her car. Not any old prang mind you, but a border line write off. You know; where it becomes un-economical to repair the car. Yes, we are talking upwards of £5,000 of damage. Our Jodi has always been one of those to exceed in everything that she does. So, as not to be outdone by others, she managed a double impact. Leaving the road to hit the Crash Barrier on the left hand nearside of the car, the force of the impact and the shiny non gritted roadway allowed the car to be catapulted across both carriageways and into a wall on the other side. Not any old wall mind you, but one of the stone stack thingies that are covered in mesh to hold back the mountain and mountain debris falling onto the road. I suppose you get the scene? Young woman in lone car on wrong side of the road on a long bend, facing the wrong way, electronics failed and Jodi sat in the driving seat and shaking.

The Bible tells us what usually happens next. Several lovely people travelling in the snow in the warmth and safety of their car, skirt around the 'damsel in distress' who has the nerve to be sat in a badly broken car in their lane and in their way. The audacity of the young lady, "Go and crash elsewhere Woman, we have to get home to our turkey, begone with you." OK, in the Bible the uncaring are usually walking or trotting past on a Camel or Donkey and not in a £10-£30K car.

Of course, if you paid attention to the photograph at the start of the story, you can probably recognise where we are going? Yes, you got it, well done! To the lovely family of Derwen House, Newbridge-on-Wye in the County of Powys who, being the fourth vehicle to come along stopped and rendered aid to the injured and badly shaken Jodi. Using the snow torch they slowed the moving traffic at risk to themselves, called the Emergency Services and rendered first and humanitarian aid. Normally, at this point a story like this would end. But not with the Derwen House folks, who realised that in the snow storm and with a severely damaged un-roadworthy car, Jodi was off to hospital or a hotel. No, these good Samaritans took our lass home and fed her Baileys and Chocolates all night long until I arrived to collect her the next day. There they are folks, if you see them in the street simply ask; are you Mark from Canada? To which he will reply yes, but add "it's not me you need to thank, it's those two, they stopped and helped and brought Jodi home". Quite, all those brave male drivers skirted around Jodi. And two females stop in the driving snow and do the good Samaritan bit. But we musn't leave Mark out, as he also welcomed Jodi into their house and when he wasn't around the three ladies opened and drank his Baileys Irish Cream, and opened and eat his chocolates. What lovely people, my eternal gratitude to the three of you. Like my father and Uncle Len, you are stand up people, well done and bask in the glory that is yours.

Coincidence

Those that know me know that I am a fatalist. Everything happens for a reason, all we do is make choices. I woke up this morning to receive a series of delightful Christmas cards and all from special friends. We thought that one was from the Netherlands, I am not sure why, but that's what we thought. Nevertheless we were wrong and it was from Jeff and Tammy in Ghana. Brilliant, I was well pleased. Especially seeing that I received an email Christmas greeting from another good friend Jose Lau in Hong Kong only last night and had answered that just before today's post arrived. The second card that I opened was from a good friend of mine from my Fire and Rescue Service days. Eric of Bosnia, or again, so I thought. It turned out that the Serb Croat Bosnian writing was in fact Latin. The card was not from Firefighter and friend Eric, but Captain Eric of the Parachute Regiment. Another good friend and one that has promised me an evening at Sandhurst. The third card was from another good friend David of Cambrian Landrover. A close friend who has been extremely supportive, especially while I have been unwell this year. I was on a roll, and the fourth card came from a good friend in Newport South Wales. Karen looked after my brother-in-law John for the last seven years or so up until his death a few months back. John Connel was a lovely man, a real stand up guy like my father Sidney Bennett, and his brother 'Uncle Len'. Unfortunately they have all passed on, and I suppose it's times like Christmas that the loss of loved ones hits home the hardest. It's nice to have cards from friends, but it's also nice to have cards from family. With that in mind it was lovely to find a fifth unopened card this evening. It was from my Bro and his wife, well done folks that topped my day. Well, in many ways lots of things made today a special day. The cards from four good friends, the card from my Bro and of course the snow. The latter fell thick and fast and was great fun as you can see from the photograph. As I finished the snow man with Paul, I sent a picture text to Jeffers in Ghana. A few seconds later and my mobile rang and Jeffers was on the other end.

But not to comment on the photo, no as a fatalist it came as no surprise that as I wrote the message and sent the text to Africa, Jeffers in Ghana was dialling the UK. So the photo is uploaded to the Blog this evening, just in case that text never got through or the image didn't open. Like Jeff said, "It's hot in Accra today", so this little Snowman might help to cool them down.

Nadolig Llawen - Merry Christmas

Nadolig Llawen i bawb, o Gymru - Merry Christmas to everyone, from Wales. Photograph Credits: Justin Riley Allen Bennett, photographed by his Auntie Jodi Bennett

Is there any snow in Africa? Well, this year we can definitely report that snow is present. Albeit, in the form of snow scenes on four Christmas Cards that I have dispatched by Internationally Signed For mail to Accra in Ghana, only this week. This should have a cooling effect on Jeffers, Tam, Ruben, Cudjo and Mrs. G during what is probably yet another baking hot month in and around Accra.

We have exchanged Facebook messages and a few mobile phone texts, but it's not the same as meeting up with Michael, Patricia and Abraham who now live in Canada and Jeffery and Tamara and the others at the very time of year that you should meet with family and good friends. I am due out and about drinking and eating in Aberystwyth this Festive Season. Along with a meal on the 18th in Carmarthen with a few good friends. During all of these gatherings I shall propose a toast to my African friends and in doing so look forward to when we next week. Nadolig Llawen everyone, take care and remember what is really important at Christmas: family and good friends and not worldly possessions and excess. Greetings from Wales

Expectations

Expectations, assumptions and opinions probably drive us all. Life is all about decision making and that point is well made in Dr. Viktor Frankl's book (Man's Search for Meaning) that explains Logotherapy in part along with his experiences and those of others during the Holocaust. One thing that was held dear to the victims, was the survival and strength of bonding with family. But I suppose the downside in life along with decision making in general is that you can choose your friends i.e. make the decision to gain and keep their acquaintance, but you cannot choose your neighbours and family.

We have had bad neighbours, well that is a gross understatement, we have actually had in my opinion what I would allege as diabolically bad neighbours. What doesn't surprise me about them, is that they meet the expectations of the Elisian analysis in that you are what your parents were. So bad breeds bad and so on. There are studies that argue that things change at certain ages within your development or if certain impacts change your way of thinking. This could be a traumatic experience that gets you to re-evaluate your life. Frankl appeared to stand up for that argument as well, but understood that the meaning of life is different for each and every one of us.

I have always believed that you have to know where you came from to understand where you are going. We were fortunate that father was a stand up sort of guy, who although Bohemian before his time, also held a strong set of values that put family, King and Country and community at the fore. It would be of no surprise to Norbert Elias to find that I hold the same value set. So, just like bad breeds bad, good breeds good. Mind you, I also believe that we are all have good within ourselves, however one may manifest his/her outer persona. You may be wondering where all of this is leading? Well, it's about family. Not the one that I know but the one that I tracked down during me recent/current ancestral research.

My stand up father had an elder brother. And given that Elias's views are replicated by my behaviour and value set being similar to that of my father, it comes of no surprise to recognise that his brother was also a stand up sort of guy as well. We met his son John and daughter Helen and their respective spouses for lunch only yesterday. It was a cold day that was brightened up by the warmth of their reception and interaction with me, my grandson, wife and two of our daughters. To put it mildly, they were lovely people. Worldly wise, educated and able to engage in social intercourse over a range of diverse topics. I thoroughly enjoyed their flying stories, no not BA and Virgin, but Cessna and other single or twin engine craft with self leveling horizon or not. I have no idea what they thought of my 'fire' stories, but Pauline admitted in the car on the long journey home from Aberporth that her jaw hurt from laughing. Funny really, because the stories in themselves were no laughing matter and related to the few people that I have personally saved during my long career. Lunch was delightful and it was nice to note that they were tolerant of our eighteen month grandson in that he had no intention of sitting still for anyone. Well with a huge hotel and many rooms and several flights of stairs to explore, would you have sat still?

Uncle Len, I salute you. You certainly done a good job bringing up your family and it is delightful to gain their acquaintance, even if it is in their twilight years.

Expectations and Proportionality

I sell and buy a few things on Ebay, usually to feed my passion for making models in various scales from waste materials. The Norman Motte and Bailey in the previous post is an example of one of my larger Ebay sales. That was based on one inch hardwood ply, and constructed of polystyrene, card, sand, manufactured flocks, paint and glue (PVA).

Every once in a while someone passes by my Ebay listings who doesn’t quite get what’s going on. They think that the £46 worth of finely detailed painted lead soldiers are included with the £2.50 model or believe that Scratch Built is some new multi national manufacturer. Sorry to disappoint you folks, but the lead soldiers are staying in the tin, and 'Scratch Built' means made at home. Well in my case, in the garage, with the up and over garage door open, and usually in the dead of winter while wrapped up in a scarf and a bobble hat.

And then there are expectations. Mine are quite low, as I recognise that no one is out to scam anyone, and even with the P&P (Shipping) there are highs and lows. What you gain with one transaction, you probably loose with another. Plus of course there’s your time, the costs associated with materials, Ebay fees, Paypal fees and postage. I cannot recall ever leaving poor feedback for a seller. No one held my hand while I made the bid, it was my choice. Even when the item does not meet my expectations, I can always make improvements or add something nice and sell it on. Or simply put it in a drawer and mark it down to experience.

I suppose that’s where a sense of proportionality comes in; I normally buy and sell low cost items. I’m not buying a £250,000 house or a £75,000 car so I can afford to keep my head. So why do others loose theirs over £3.99? They need to recognise what Scratch Built is, and understand that those fabulous figures that dress the model won’t be arriving in the box, maybe just maybe their expectations will be better placed. And, even after this explanation they still don’t get what’s going on then all I ask is 'please, please, please' email me before the end of the auction so I can explain it all over again. Bidding is their choice, I’m not holding their hand and no one is forcing them to decide how much (if anything) to bid. If they make that choice and are unhappy when they receive the item, then the buyer needs to analyse the choices that were made rather than proportion blame this end. And if after all of that they still don’t get it, then please, please, please don’t be a John. Drop me an email before leaving poor feedback, as we will work something out. It may not be exactly what they want but it will be a resolution.

Maybe this is where the British went wrong when they plundered Africa and other colonies. If you have the right things to sell, then Trade routes could have been opened without aggression. All that was needed was the right level of expectations, proportionality and interaction. Instead there was greed and a lack of proportionality with high expectations on the outcome. Expectations that were wholly one sided and failed to consider both the initial and long term interests of the other party.

Castles and Defence

Castles are an important part of the British heritage. Imported into Britain by the Norman conquerors when after defeating Harold they established a series of earth and stone mounds known as a Motte with an outer barricaded courtyard known as a Bailey. The Normans were prolific Castle builders and one huge example was built in an astonishing 8 days. The Norman castle building took off after an uprising in the North of England and the subsequent punishment issued by the Normans that destroyed homes, livestock and land and which led to thousands upon thousands of deaths. The subsequent completion of over 500 Motte and Bailey castles gave way to stone castles as the Norman leadership strived to increase their hold on the United Kingdom. Wales in particular was known as a land of thieves and held in low esteem by the Normans. And that's what people do isn't it? Unfair judgements based on ad-hoc and usually low key experiences. Human beings are keen to judge and historically the British are as bad as any other nation. The Zulu wars from 1879 are a prime example of British opinionated superior ism. But as I come to the end of two books written by the Historian and Author Ian Knight, I can only conclude that the Africans were in many ways superior in culture, tactics and strategy. Theirs was a just cause, but unfortunately they lacked the technological advantages of evolving weaponry. And after Iswalanda the Africans were too keen to inflict further defeat without understanding the true value of a defensive area where a rifle could keep warriors with stabbing spears and cowhide shields easily at bay. Rorke's Drift was no castle but the defensive principles are in many ways the same as the Norman Motte and Bailey. Invaders establishing a safety perimeter and lording it over others. Britain in the 11th Century and Africa in the 19th.

Anyway it's great to be back and I send best wishes to all of those that check into the Blog from various parts of the World.

The photograph shows a Norman early wooden version Motte and Bailey model. The model was constructed for 15mm high war gaming soldiers. The water is made from PVA and the white area dried clear after the photograph was taken.

On to Spean Bridge

As you can see from the photograph, our Pauline likes Castles. This one was Dunstaffnage Castle And Chapel near to Connel and Pauline is striking a typical Blonde pose letting you know where the castle is. Well we had to get in at least one castle with so many fortifications throughout Scotland. This was quite a nice imposing Castle, but a tad too much building work going on for my liking. Plus Pauline thought that the wooden staircase was a bit scary and declined the ascent. After enjoying chocolate on the ramparts, we headed towards Spean Bridge, with a stop off at Fort William.

Distant Hills Guest House at Spean Bridge in Inverness-shire came in as a recommendation, and a good one at that! The accommodation and the owners were lovely. We were greeted with fresh coffee, tea and biscuits in the lounge. A tad up market from the last place we stayed at, as at that guest house guests did not appear to be welcome in the lounge. Strange I know, but sometimes people are unable to separate business from other activities. I have stayed in several lovely guest houses in and around Carmarthen and Kidwelly and what sets them up above the rest is that the guest feels as if he is integrated into the family. Distant Hills made the grade and Pauline and I were very pleased. Address: Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire. SatNav Postcode: PH34 4EU. Telephone: 01397 712452. Please mention the Blog if you make that call. Recommendation: It could be worth booking in advance on Laterooms.com as Distant Hills appears to be extremely popular.

But probably not as popular as Russell’s Bistro, a delightful truly up-market restaurant located just a few hundred yards along the road back towards the village. Wow, we were bowled over by the Service, cuisine and price point. This meal was astonishingly good value at only £75 for three superb courses, half a bottle of decent wine and the tip. A memorable experience enjoyed by one and all, more so as the maître d' likened me to Tom Jones. Well done matey, if only I could sing and then see the Rhondda one more time. Not one of Tom’s songs, but nevertheless a favourite Welsh ballad of yours truly. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I couldn’t sing for toffee, but I really did appreciate the compliment. Unfortunately for the other restaurants along our ‘Pauline isn’t cooking this week journey’, Russell’s was simply too good, too up-market and too cheap. Russell’s is probably my number one dining experience of all time. And you don’t get to be this size without dining out a lot. Address: Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire. SatNav Postcode: PH34 4EU. Telephone: 01397 712335. As with Distant Hills, please mention the Blog if you make that call. Recommendation: Definitely book in advance. Website: http://www.russellsrestaurant.co.uk/



I like military history almost as much as I like food and Spean Bridge was not to disappoint in that regard either. The local Hotel has quite a few images etc relating to the Commando units that trained in the area and we managed to visit the Commando Monument the very next day after popping into the Clan Cameron Museum. With one member of the Clan becoming a VC winner, visiting the Museum was also a must to do. A nice military, scenery, food, chilled out experience that was Spean Bridge. We now headed further north towards the real Highlands and probably in terms of scenery the highlights of the trip.

Easdale

The Tourist Info people suggested a trip to Easdale. This turned out to be a good choice. The stunning scenery was complimented by my first opportunity to enjoy the Scottish single track roads with passing points. This experience stood me in good stead for the long journey through the Highlands planned for later in the week. The scenery was enhanced slightly as we moved slowly over the Atlantic Bridge enroute to Easdale. Wow, we simply couldn't see beyond the bonnet of the car as we crept over the apex. Not a place for a recreational vehicle. Having driven past yet another Loch, the view of Easdale and the coast was stunning. Time for a short nap before heading into town. Now that is something that I did miss while in Ghana. It's nice to have a 15 minute break each day. It's the only way to turn off the brain and to relax the mind. Pauline and I got good at this throughout our week in Scotland. We simply pulled over and had a nap whenever we felt like it. I suppose that's the benefit of being on Holiday and moving at your own pace. A pace that suited me at this moment in my life.



Easdale was a delight. It was almost like stepping back in time. As you can see by the photograoh, Pauline had nabbed my windproof water resistant fleece and was nice and cosy for yet another boat trip. This time it was on the Seafari out of Easdale. A tad pricey, but hey ho. What the lady wants, the lady gets. The 2.5 hour trip lasted over 3 hours as the Skipper was customer rather than profit orientated. We were on our way back when another boat spotted three blue nosed dolphins so he turned around and headed back out, very kind of him. The Seafari included moving close to isolated bits of the headland. So I enjoyed watching the Brown Mountain goat high up on a rock, the pair of Scottish Sea Eagles and the four deer on a deserted cove as much as the other sea birds and our quest for the elusive Whale. The Whirlpool was fun as well, but although our boat could cruise at 25 knots and reach 40, the Whirlpool was still a bit scary and somewhere that I did not want to hang around too long. The seats of the ribbed boat were good fun as well, almost like sitting on a rocking horse. Albeit a very fast and turbulent one!

Oban

Day two at Connel meant that we had the opportunity to visit the nearest town. Oban like Accra is a coastal community. Fortunately, unlike Accra, the shore off Oban was calm. This meant that I could chance my arm with a boat trip. No mean feat for yours truly as I suffer from chronic sea sickness. We skipped the pleasure boat running from the Station Pier and instead took the more sturdy looking trawler type boat from the North Pier in Oban. That was a good choice, as the crew were friendly and a little old lady from the United States joined the trip. Lucky us, as this old dear has been visiting Oban for the last 25 years and provided an extremely informative commentary as the boat chugged across the bay. We learnt about the Watch Tower where the locals looked for signs of the Viking invaders. The lovers island where a very naughty girl got caste off in a small rowing boat on a stormy night by her husband. Mind you it was worse for her lover, as he got run through with a sword for his troubles. And we saw the monument that was erected in memory of some clever chap who made Oban what it is today.

We even managed to catch sight of the Ferry running from Oban across to the Islands. Brilliant, as this particular Ferry is the star attraction on a television programme watched religiously by our grandson. "What's the story in Balamory" is a constant theme tune in our home. Well the ferry doesn't run to the fictitious Balamory, instead it plies its trade to the Tobermory community just across the bay from Oban that is the real life setting for what is after all a great childrens programme.

Well one exciting boat trip should have been enough. I'm not one for taking risks and we should have quit while we were ahead. Nevertheless we tucked into fish and chips sat down in the port. It was quite an expensive park bench as the fish and chips came in at £13 for the two of us. £7.50 for the boss and £5.50 for me. Well I know my plaice in the pecking order.

The sun shone through and we headed to the Tourist Information Office for inspiration

Dining in Connel

We stayed at aGuest House in Connel for two nights. The first of which was spent in the pleasant company of a young couple away for the weekend. Well, that’s what young couples do isn’t it? But when you get older your stamina increases and you make the break last a week. They were a lovely couple. She a nurse and he a rich farmer, he denied the richness of course, but we all know that you rarely meet a poor farmer. Well his recent holiday across Canada says it all. We met in the restaurant at the Oyster Inn Hotel in Connel near Oban. And we followed on from the excellent meal with a drink in the Ferryman’s Bar next door. Address: The Oyster Inn, Connel, by Oban, Argyll, SatNav Postcode: PA37 1PJ. Telephone: 01631 710666

It was a lovely evening. The food and service was excellent and the view was to die for. They sat Pauline and I side by side with a joint view through the extensive glazing out onto the Loch as the sun set. A perfect setting for dining, complete with excellent food, and for only the cost of a few pennies. We began with their Haggis Tricolour consisting of Layered Haggis, Neaps and Tatties served with a Whisky Cream and then parted on the main course via Pauline’s Chargrilled Scottish Rib-eye steak served with chips, mushrooms, onion rings and tomato. While I went for the ‘catch of the day’ consisting of a fillet of Haddock in an exquisite sauce containing butter, lemon and lime. My meal was superb, simply superb. But what we didn’t know at the time; was that this meal would be trumped later in the week. This was surprising really; as I would place the Oyster Inn at Connel, amongst my all time favourite dining experiences. And one that I would recommend to anyone heading to the West Coast of Scotland. It's touch and go whether or not the fish at the Oyster Inn was as good as the fish served by Jeffers and Tamara or the one that we had on the coast that hot, hot evening back in Ghana.

Connel? No Bennett… Roger Bennett

The journey between Loch Lomond and Connel was not without incident. The weather was atrocious with apparently a mini hurricane loitering around that part of Scotland. At one point driving the Volvo S60 D5, I thought that I was James Bond… for the duration of the 007 theme music pumping in my head, ‘da da dra da dra, da da daa, da da daaaaa… the Volvo aquaplaned.

‘Slow down’ shouts Pauline, I can’t I explain, none of the wheels are touching the ground. Thankfully for us, it was a straight line on a straight road with no oncoming traffic or sheep. It had to be 200 yards if it was a foot. Wow, film making must be really exciting!

We went to Scotland looking forward to seeing the many falls. No one explained that the waterfalls would appear at the side of the road as we drove through the evening to our first overnight destination. We spotted the bridge in the distance and pulled effortlessly onto the Guest House drive. The owner flashed us a glance and greeted me as I got out of the car. ‘Mr. Bond?’ she said, ‘no’ I replied, ‘Bennett, Roger Bennett’.

The long, long road ahead

We started our 8 a.m. journey with a stop off at our local petrol station for a natter with the owner and some goodies for the long, long road ahead. Our plan was to head towards North Wales, cross over and travel the M6 motorway up through England and stop off at West Moorland Service Station and Farm Shop for lunch. West Moorland is probably the or at least one of the best Service Stations in Britain. The weather was windy but dry and given that it was a Sunday we managed to make good time. Our first stop was not at West Moorland but at a roadside seller just north of Wrexham. Although it was windy, it was good to get out of the car. We had just come across a road traffic accident involving a car and a caravan over turned on the dual carriageway. We were one of the first at the scene and therefore were static for quite a while. So the bacon and black pudding sandwich and mug of tea a mile or so further on was a welcome treat. The strange thing was, we were getting tired before West Moorland and pulled over for a lunch break that Pauline had prepared before we reached that far north. Well rested after a nap and a bit of fresh air we pressed on to Loch Lomond. Well to be exact, the village of Luss on the west side of the Loch. A location that will be familiar to anyone who has watched the television series ‘Take the high road’. We always eat at the lovely Coach House Coffee Shop. Address: Loch Lomond, Luss, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire G83 8NN. Telephone: 01436 860341. Always a lovely treat and this time it was coffee and a cream scone for me and ice cream for Pauline. Mmmm yummy, and a great start to our holiday.

Welcome Back

It has been over a month since my last post and it is probably the right time to restart the Blogging and to continue with the social and other commentary. We have just been away for a long week in Scotland. The driving was less than that which we completed on our grand tour of Europe two years back, but it was still long enough to provide some solitude and to remind us just how big the United Kingdom is. I have always thought of Scotland as a beautiful country full of lovely people. But until now my experiences have mainly been limited to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and the countryside in between. We have had lovely holidays in all three locations. Glasgow drew us as it is the home of a good friend of mine; Jim Mann. Edinburgh because of its culture and architecture, while Aberdeen was an accident. A fortunate accident, but an accident nevertheless. It was a while back and we were booked in for a weeks holiday at a caravan park on the coast near to Glasgow. We pre-paid and arrived to find that the park matched the marketing imagery. The problem was that if you turned around, then instead of the lovely scenery you were met by what looked like a power station. We probably could have managed that disappointment, but the roaming dogs and the copious amount of dog litter along with the barbed wire fencing was enough to put us off. We left the caravan park and stayed in a hotel at Glasgow Airport. Jim stepped in and we stayed for several days at his sons house on the east coast of Scotland near to Aberdeen. Followed by quite a few hotels across Scotland and a family holiday that is remembered by all as 'the best holiday ever'. Pauline and the girls referred to that trip as 'living like rock stars'. The next time that we ventured north of the English border we headed for Aviemore and toured amongst other places; Lock Ness and Inverness. I didn't spot the monster, but I did gain a good liking for the Haggis. A liking that is shared by my wife Pauline. And one that was probably enhanced by the standard of the food some three years back that we enjoyed while staying at Crubenbeg House near Newtonmore. That was a good holiday and the most recent one was also good. Therefore the next sequence of posts might just help those of you that intend to venture north of the Welsh and then the English border.