You can't be serious!

[Guest]

It's that time again - I just received two Centre Court tickets today. I've never been there, and won't be going this year either. But it's one of the sports the BBC still has, so I'll be watching to see who's sitting in my seats.

I must say I enjoyed the game more, listening on the radio to the likes of Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver, and even up to the time of John McEnroe.
Power corrupts:) Or you get older.:(

Ah, the good old days.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13575083

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lavery

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I stopped watching professional tennis as a result of the ill-mannered Jimmy Connors, who no doubt influenced the younger John McEnroe. That said, I think if I were offered Centre Court tickets, I'd want to go.

[french frank]

And the gentlemanly days of Dan Maskell ("Ooh, I say!" - which could be a rather frustrating comment if you were listening on the radio, though...)

[PatrickOD]

My last game of tennis was at a school sports day in June 1965. The back kicked up and I was carried off the court. So, ff, no tennis for you for a while.:(

Still, it's amazing to me how, having played the game ever so badly, I appreciate all the fantastic moves and shots executed by the great players of today. I suppose you could say the same thing about having played, ever so badly, a musical instrument. No experience is wasted entirely.

[scottycelt]

And the gentlemanly days of Dan Maskell ("Ooh, I say!" - which could be a rather frustrating comment if you were listening on the radio, though...)

Ah, those were the days!

However, the gentlemanly days of sports' commentating have not disappeared entirely ...

Footie fans who used to have to endure Andy Gray (formerly of Sky Sports) continually bellowing out 'I TOLD YOU SO !', when a goal was scored, are now treated to the equally as ubiquitous but considerably more gentle and rather more modest 'My word ... ', from Mr Raymond Colin Wilkins.

[Mr Pee]

It's that time again - I just received two Centre Court tickets today. I've never been there, and won't be going this year either. But it's one of the sports the BBC still has, so I'll be watching to see who's sitting in my seats.

I must say I enjoyed the game more, listening on the radio to the likes of Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver, and even up to the time of John McEnroe.
Power corrupts:) Or you get older.:(

Sorry...run that by me once more.....

You've got tickets for the Centre Court- again- and you've never been? Don't you think you should atleast give it a try? Who knows, you might even enjoy the experience.

If not, send them on to me. I'll make good use of them.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

However, the gentlemanly days of sports' commentating have not disappeared entirely ...

Don't forget Henry Blofeld.

[french frank]

Don't forget Henry Blofeld.

Thanks for that link, Alps. I'm intrigued that Blowers' (I always mentally spelled it Blo-ers) first class career statistics include: Balls bowled - 18. Unusual for a wicket-keeper?

[Paul Sherratt]

POD ! Use them tickets, it's worth it as a social observation exercise as well the tennis. I've got a couple of seats for the second Monday on Court 1 and should be able to attend ...

[PatrickOD]

'Fraid not Paul. I'm not sure whether it's a fork or a spoon for the strawberries and I would hate to make an eejit of myself at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Croquet? Crikey!

[Paul Sherratt]

POD,

If it's only that which is holding you back ! Gate security search all visitors to ensure that they have brought their own special strawberry fork.
It's all you need for a memorable day out.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_p76WmepNc/SkuphCoCdVI/AAAAAAAAASg/hBfo1G-Oyq0/s400/str3+copy.jpg

[scottycelt]

'Fraid not Paul. I'm not sure whether it's a fork or a spoon for the strawberries and I would hate to make an eejit of myself at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Croquet? Crikey!

It can't be that posh, Patrick ... they let Sir Alex Ferguson into the Centre Court every year ...

[teamsaint]

It can't be that posh, Patrick ... they let Sir Alex Ferguson into the Centre Court every year ...

don't think POD needs to worry about the eejit thing... should be in good company in the debentures !!
(no offence to the real tennis fans, obviously !!)

[PatrickOD]

don't think POD needs to worry about the eejit thing... should be in good company in the debentures !!

That's reassuring teamsaint.... I think! :)

Be kind to Sir Alex, scotty, he needs sympathy at this time.

[Ferretfancy]

When attending any society event during the season, I always take my own set of sterling silver trifle clamps. This avoids the attendant awkwardness of balancing a plate in one hand while holding the champagne flute in the other, particularly if standing on the grass at Henley.