London ILXors: FAGOT? (a tennis thread...)

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Fancy A Game Of Tennis, anyone?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

You see, near my house there's these really nice tennis courts. I quite like playing tennis, and figured that with the nicer weather arriving, I should start doing at least some form of outdoor physical exercise. Anyone care to join me?

I'm thinking of a semi-regular time on Saturday or Sunday, late morning. I would have to book a court, but it's pretty cheap - only a few quid. I'm by no means a pro - my skills are 'average' at best.

The courts are in Highbury Fields - N5. Pretty easy to get to from Highbury & Islington tube (Victoria line), or even easier from 4 or 19 bus routes...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:11 (twenty-one years ago)

what a nice civilised suggestion! if i weren't 900 miles away i'd join you.

― Robbie Lumsden (Wallace Stevens HQ), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, I don't have any balls...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Don't be so harsh on yourself

― Dadaismus (Dada), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:14 (twenty-one years ago)

I am up for this - my new office is right near the Parliament Hill courts. I suspect Michael Jones might be, also. We could have an ILx Wimbledon!

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Jerry, that's the best idea anyone's had in a very long time.

I will not be playing, obviously.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, if there's enough interest we could book a couple of courts, and then switch into doubles-mode mentalism...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:19 (twenty-one years ago)

count me in please - i have always had a tennis racquet but never friends to play with - and my postcode is N7, and my wee white skirt is cute.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Barry will never tolerate you using the name Wimbledon in conjunction with anything taking place north of the river

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:19 (twenty-one years ago)

barry: YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!!!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:20 (twenty-one years ago)

OK. If you folks are serious, tell me your preferred day. I'm thinking around 11am, but I'd have to check with the courts tonight. Hell, I'll play Saturday AND Sunday morning if there's enough interest. I could use the exercise...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I think Sat. morning pre-Football Focus might be best for me.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd like to play, but am poor at best.

― chris (chris), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:26 (twenty-one years ago)

That's OK, you can be the ball-boy.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

hrumph

― chris (chris), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:31 (twenty-one years ago)

I wouldn't mind playing, but would much prefer to play against a GURL, like :)

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:39 (twenty-one years ago)

i kind of prefer sunday before church but saturday will be ok also (although i'm a lot more likely to be hungover on saturday mornings)

i would also like to play against a girl plese

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:41 (twenty-one years ago)

i play LIKE a girl if that's any use

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:47 (twenty-one years ago)

What time would "before church" be, Ken?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd be interested in playing this weekend. Although I am really really crap (the crappiest) at tennis, I think I am fun to play with. Unless you start hitting the ball at me really hard, and then I will get upset.

― marianna, Monday, 19 April 2004 10:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Now I think about it, Emjay Jones is in the U of SA this weekend, and will be sorry to miss this, I'm sure. Can we do May 1?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Is May 1st the weekend after next? If so, I'll be in London, and I'd love to play...

― Gregory Henry (Gregory Henry), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:06 (twenty-one years ago)

That date is better for me, too. I third this "May" idea.

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:12 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I will definitely book 2 courts for some May 1st madness. And if Marianna is cool with May 1, then we have 2 gurls...

However I may book one court this Saturday since I'm really keen to get out there. First response gets booked (Ken? Jerry? Marianna?).

I'll have to confirm times tomorrow...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:43 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll go on Saturday if you just want me to help you practice or something. I won't be able to give you any competition!

― marianna, Monday, 19 April 2004 11:50 (twenty-one years ago)

I love all this "I'm rubbish, honest!" stuff... they're hustling you, Bolton.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:53 (twenty-one years ago)

If they pretend to get really drunk as well, then I will definitely think something's up.

OK Marianna, you're on. As this is my first game of the year (and my 2nd game in about, oh, 8 years, then I'm sure we'll be fine...)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 11:59 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, it'll be my 6th game ever! i've got a tennis racket but no balls. :(

― marianna, Monday, 19 April 2004 12:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I guess the time has come for me to get some balls. (OK, I'll stop)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 19 April 2004 12:31 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm definitely up for 1st or 2nd may - i can probably make it this weekend too if someone else is up for it (then we can have 2 courts/doubles/whatever?)

i am really really crap though.. i've played about 5 times in my life. but i'm a quick learner and i ~~can~~used to be able to run quite fast..

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 19 April 2004 12:32 (twenty-one years ago)

This is like football for me: I was good in my day, but my day was the '70s, when I was school champion. I've played I think twice since leaving school. I could play for five minutes then collapse in a corner, if that's any use to anyone.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 19 April 2004 18:08 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm probably up for it; I live in Highbury so rude not to. I knock about a bit on those courts @ weekends a bit anyway , but all my friends are waaaaaay better than I. I am crap. If anyone else is crap and wants to play a crap girrl, I am your woman.

Not this Sat though as I have to go up North
to visit boyfriend's ancient grannie.

P.S; I have balls. The courts are c. £8 a hour.

P.P.S> They do lessons. Anyone fancy learning what they are doing? You can do a six week course after work. I think it starts soon, if it hasn't already, and runs throughout summer.

― badger Kitten (badger Kitten), Monday, 19 April 2004 18:14 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll come along to the next one - I'm still away on the 1st but I'm excited about playing again. p.s. am also crappety crap.

― Markelby (Mark C), Monday, 19 April 2004 21:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Christ can any of you people actually NOT crap? I think Matt is right - there's a hussle here...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:15 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I've booked a court for this Saturday - 12 noon (11 was full). So that's me, Marianna, and possibly Ken in his cute skirt. If someone else wants to join feel free. Yeah, it's £7.60 - not too bad.

They only do bookings up to a week in advance, so when we're there I'll try to book 2 courts for May 1st around 11.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:16 (twenty-one years ago)

is there going to be after-tennis drinks when you guys are done? i guess it's a little early for that, but just thinking it's so close to my house that i could wander over to say hello, but NOT PLAY.

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 14:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Bring strawberries and Pimms and lemonade in stuff (in April? Yeah right)

Colette I've mailed you btw.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 14:51 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm well up for tennis at 12 and after tennis drinks from 1pm! but colette what is this not playing malarky?!?!?

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 14:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Ahem, that was very cheeky of me to announce that I will just turn up and join in with you people whom I don't even know. However, you may have met me by then because dave B is going to intro me at a FAP and therefore vouch for my allegedly ilx-friendly credentials, although not my tennis ( lack of ) ability). Lordy, long sentence. Anyway, hello. Perhaps I will peep at you from the sidelines as it seems a bit rude to wade into a Pimms party uninvited.

― badger Kitten (badger Kitten), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 15:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd like to watch but I'm in sunny Spain on May 1st. Not to worry, I'm sure it will become a regular sludgefest.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 15:15 (twenty-one years ago)

I was going to ignore this as I can only take interest in tennis as a football substitute, but talk of pimms and strawberries have won me over. However, I shall be away from the teeming metropolis that weekend :-)

I might even play. I really am shit. I have played tennis about 4 times in my life.

― Dave B (daveb), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 15:21 (twenty-one years ago)

If it's only booked for a fairly short time, I guess it would be okay for me to only play for a short time, so I might try to make this, I think.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 16:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Oi, Badger, come to the FAP on Friday.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 17:00 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't believe no-one has taken a shot at my horrendous typo:

Christ can any of you people actually NOT crap?
Wow. Somehow mixing up being able to play vs. not being crap became a rather curious question...

OK, May 1st Highbury tennis madness then.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 23:03 (twenty-one years ago)

But still on for one court this Saturday...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 23:05 (twenty-one years ago)

And I guess it's time I found myself a tennis racket...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 07:11 (twenty-one years ago)

12 sounds good. I can pick up some picknicking type things Saturday morning to bring along if people would like that.

― marianna, Wednesday, 21 April 2004 07:31 (twenty-one years ago)

I have no tennis racket any more, so will rely on a temporary loan, if I manage to show at all. The picnic idea sounds fun, depending on weather of course (been very erratic lately) - I'll try to bring something too, if I can make it (I have been intermittently very depressed of late, and it's possible I won't be able to get myself out of the house at all)(also there is a FAP the previous night, so I might be too tired).

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 08:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I won't be there and I suspect neither will a few others what with a FAP the previous night but if we want to make An Event out of this then 1 May seems like a good call, especially as it should be sunnier by then.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 08:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Cooee, I'll have to find a tennis racket from somewhere as well - can we hire them (this may have been covered upthread but I am very very lazy).

― Sarah (starry), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 08:48 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't believe no-one has taken a shot at my horrendous typo:
Christ can any of you people actually NOT crap?

haha actually rob check the "ilx quoted out of context" thread. ;-)

xpost FAP the night before prevents FAP/FAGOT the next day!!?! wotz the world comin to? :)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 08:48 (twenty-one years ago)

the madness about not playing is that i've never played before, i'm terribly uncoordinated, and i really don't have much depth perception.

i'd quote the line from 'clueless' about not wanting balls flying at my face, but i'm too hungover to remember it properly.

so, for clarification, the day for spectators and pimms and such will be may 1, rather than this saturday?

― colette (a2lette), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I think this kind of all depends on whether there will be room for spectators. Anyone know?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:15 (twenty-one years ago)

We can do a small one this Saturday and another next week, by the sound of it. Who is coming who can bring rackets?

I have no objection to balls flying in my face. I may hit them with a tennis racket, of course. Well, on Saturday anyway.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:16 (twenty-one years ago)

it's just in the middle of the park. so there's plenty of room somewhat nearby to where they're playing, although i don't know if there's bleachers or anything.

― colette (a2lette), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Okay I will come to the fri FAP (early doors as my sis is having a party later so I have to show up at that at 8ish.) Ta for invite. And I will turn up with racquet and balls on May 1st.

Re .can you watch, there is a small park bench on each court so 2 spectators can sit on that, or you can sit on the grass and look through the fence at the players, or if you book courts 1 and 2 or 3 or 4 you can sit in the Oasis in the park cafe and drink tea and eat bacon sandwiches whilst watching the playas.

The Highbury Barn pub is nearby and does ace pizza for hungover spectators, about 6 mins from the courts on Highbury Grove

― badger Kitten (badger Kitten), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, no bleachers but you're free to hang around the court and cheer us on! And if you want to have some REAL fun you can crouch by the net and, er... grab our balls if they go astray.

So yeah, a few people coming this Saturday at noon, but a proper gang on May 1st. Highbury Fields is lovely, so if the weather is nice there's plenty of room for a post-tennis picnic, pimms, etc. I won't know the court times for May 1 until after this Saturday...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Is there an Arsenal match on this Saturday or May 1st? If so then Highbury Barn will be full of football fans. Yuck.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:41 (twenty-one years ago)

we're safe! arsenal match is on sunday (and is at totNAM anyway)

may 1st, however. the arse are at home vs brumgum.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:43 (twenty-one years ago)

is it possibly a good idea to reschedule to 2nd?

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Unless you bring your own booze I would reschedule as the pubs will indeed be full of full of Gooners

check the fixtures http://www.arsenal.com/sportsappcontroller.jsp?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=mdlfixtures

― badger Kitten (badger Kitten), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:46 (twenty-one years ago)

It's a Bank Holiday weekend! We can do whenever!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:49 (twenty-one years ago)

I say we stick with the Saturday. If the weather is nice enough to play tennis then why would we want to be in a stinky pub anyway? Let's bring our own bouze! Outdoor picnic! It's cheaper! We can throw things at the Gooners as they walk through the field!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:54 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah!!! we can fill the tennisballs with gunpowder! i'm all for gooner hunting

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 09:57 (twenty-one years ago)

So Marianna, if you are going to Borough Market beforehand... I don't suppose you would be willing to pick me up a small one of those wicked-awesome Melton Mowbray pies? A small one. I'd love you forever (well, a few days anyway). Unless the concept of carrying a meat-pie around with you is disgusting. I'm big on the rare game one, but hey - surprise me.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 22 April 2004 12:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, I am aware of the lunacy in eating a meaty pie after playing tennis.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 22 April 2004 13:00 (twenty-one years ago)

I will pick you up a Melton Mowbray pie, but you have to give me some more detailed instructions. I don't think I've ever been to their stall in the market.

― marianna, Thursday, 22 April 2004 14:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Cool! OK, it's a guy with a small stand on a cross-laneway in the half of the market that has the organic veggie places, seafood place, venison stand, chicken wrap people, spanish foods, etc. He even has a sign with an arrow before going into the market.

But don't worry if you can't find it - I already feel a bit cheeky asking you to pick me up a pie!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 22 April 2004 15:18 (twenty-one years ago)

I can totally bring a (slight rub) second racket, if anyone needs.

― Gregory Henry (Gregory Henry), Thursday, 22 April 2004 15:21 (twenty-one years ago)

When come back, bring tennis rackets.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 22 April 2004 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Shall do!

― Gregory Henry (Gregory Henry), Thursday, 22 April 2004 20:43 (twenty-one years ago)

I will find your pieman Rob!

― marianna, Friday, 23 April 2004 07:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh super, I'll need a tennis racket, if people are bringing spares.

― Sarah (starry), Friday, 23 April 2004 08:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, rackets are generally a good thing.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BALLS

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 April 2004 08:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Go get the balls at lunchtime Rob!

― marianna, Friday, 23 April 2004 09:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Gotcha. I hear there's some mental big place at Piccadilly Circus, where I will make a trek to...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 April 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I'm off soon and won't see the interweb, so I'll see some of you tomorrow. Looks like it will be lovely weather. Hooray! Hopefully it will be nice for the May 1 gathering as well...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 April 2004 12:43 (twenty-one years ago)

I think I shall be along, but I did feel a twinge in my left lower back, which is an area in which I've occasionally had problems over the years, so any hint of that tomorrow and I won't play. I do intend to bring some food, though. I fear our ending up with just one tennis racket.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 23 April 2004 22:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Did I misunderstand or something? I walked the length of Highbury Fields and found only one set of tennis courts. I arrived before noon and waited for about half an hour. No one showed up. I had spent time and money on bringing some picnic food and drink too. I kind of want someone to explain that I have fucked up in some way so I don't have to get mad at a bunch of people here. I've just reread the thread, and if there is a second hidden set of tennis courts also on Highbury Fields I think someone might have mentioned it. I can consume the picnic stuff myself, I guess, but that's more than two hours of my weekend that I'm not getting back, so I'm pretty pissed off right now.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 24 April 2004 11:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh Martin that is so shitty... I am baffled. We were indeed there. Marianna and I at 12, Ken came a little after that, and Colette too. I didn't know what court we were playing on beforehand - we got court. I'm pretty sure there's only the one area of tennis courts. Granted, there are a bunch of courts spread around this area, but that's it. Did you see that Oasis cafe place? We were just down the path from that, in the court nearest the road. Dammit this sucks. Maybe you didn't recognize us in our sporty attire?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 13:49 (twenty-one years ago)

That should be "we got court 1", although I doubt it makes any difference now

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 13:50 (twenty-one years ago)

I realize now that I should have arranged a meet-up place or something, since there are quite a few courts. FYI it was booked in my name, and Marianna found me by asking the guy at the park services kiosk thing beside the Oasis cafe. So sorry Martin, I should have picked an easy reference point or something....

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 13:53 (twenty-one years ago)

As for next weekend, the good news is that we have 2 courts booked for noon, and I know where they are - Courts 1 and 2, which are fenced off. We have our own little ILX area! Hopefully the weather will be nice again. Please come next week Martin!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 13:56 (twenty-one years ago)

I walked from the tube, all up through Highbury Fields, and found a group of tennis courts at the end. Since you'd said it was even easier from a bus than from the tube station, it seemed to make sense that they would be the far end from the tube. It was still labelled Highbury Fields there. I looked around on my way back too, and still saw no sign of any other courts. Where are these others? I didn't see an Oasis cafe - I forgot about that detail, which was mentioned, because I assumed there would not be more than one group of courts on what isn't the hugest park in London. I remembered someone mentioning a park bench by the courts for viewing, as well as the option of watching from the outside, which also all true of where I was. Ah well, I am glad to discover that it wasn't just that everyone decided they wouldn't bother and didn't trouble to say. I'm afraid I am very badly depressed at the moment, and I probably reacted with more anger than I should to this, so I'm sorry if that's the case. I will try to feel like coming next week, but I have reason to strongly suspect I will feel even worse than now, probably far worse, in which case there is very little chance of my being able to leave the flat at all. Hm, looked at another way, that might mean that distraction and pleasure would be exactly what I most need, in which case today is an unfortunate precedent that won't make it more easy to show. (Ah, I'm sorry to go on like this - I'm in bad shape right now, and that is NOT to do with today's mix up, so I shouldn't unload it here.)

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 24 April 2004 14:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Martin, sorry to hear you're not feeling very cheery of late. FWIW, I think you are right about distraction and pleasure, and we would love to see you next week.

I have no idea where you wound up today. If you walked up from Highbury & Islington tube on the pedestrian path that goes along the park, at the north end it goes right by the Oasis cafe and courts, which are on the right (east) side of the path. There is a big fenced in area on the left (west) where people play basketball/football, and I was just told by my flatmate that at the far end there have courts there, but not all the time. Maybe that's where you were. We were closer to the road (Highbury Grove), which is where the 4 & 19 buses go by.

Here's the spot:
http://www.streetmap.com/image.dll?ShowImage&image=TQ38NW30.gif&street=Y&arrow=y&x=135&y=124&loc2=87

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 16:03 (twenty-one years ago)

The Oasis cafe is pretty much at the end of that arrow, on a cross path.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 16:04 (twenty-one years ago)

i think the courts we were at were the ones right at the end of the path on the left, this is why it's quite missible and the fact that the courts are a little scattered as well made it that bit more tricky.

i'm sorry too you couldn't make it martin hope to see you next week though! or on tuesday if you're up for FAKA action. :)

and thanks rob for organising it today - i think I still owe you money for the court! hope the pork pie is good..

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 24 April 2004 17:15 (twenty-one years ago)

the pork pie was great! not the healthiest thing to eat after tennis, though...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 24 April 2004 17:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, I was at the set of courts at the top left - it didn't occur to me that there would be another set. I am still pissed off, but not at anybody but myself (which actually is the worst thing for me right now, but I can't do anything about that).

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 24 April 2004 18:33 (twenty-one years ago)

i think for future events of this nature mobile phone numbers are urgent & key.

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 24 April 2004 19:05 (twenty-one years ago)

>> We can throw things at the Gooners as they walk through the field!
>>
>>yeah!!! we can fill the tennisballs with gunpowder! i'm all for >>gooner hunting

Oi!

― Sean Carter (roc), Sunday, 25 April 2004 03:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Blimey, time to dust off the Donnay. I may be able to rustle up one or two spare rackets too. May 1, then.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Oo la la for the Leconte of SE19!

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:20 (twenty-one years ago)

le conte sounds like something very rude.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:25 (twenty-one years ago)

i hear wenger is a conte

― ..., Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:26 (twenty-one years ago)

you know, he has aristocratic blood or something

― ..., Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Rob, Marianna, Ken & Colette - how did it go this weekend? Are the courts OK? Was it, er...competitive? Cos, y'know, I was just thinking, back in my teenage Slazenger-swingin' days when an odd-numbered bunch of us would turn up at the courts in New Brighton*, we'd play tie-breakers to keep the spectating time of the odd one(s) out to a minimum. Of course, t-bs are, theoretically, infinite...

It'll be fun to damage a completely new set of long-retired muscles after the Primrose Hill kickabout the other week.

(* - discovered this week there's a New Brighton at the tippety-top of Staten Island. Cor!)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 25 April 2004 22:27 (twenty-one years ago)

I am looking forward to this!!

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 26 April 2004 06:51 (twenty-one years ago)

It was good fun. We didn't play any proper games - just kinda bashed the ball around. I played against Ken and Marianna and they made me run around a lot, which was good. Colette didn't play, although I did hit her in the leg with a ball at one point...

I'm up for playing some actual games next week! The courts are pretty decent, actually. The courts we've booked (1&2) are in their own area, which is cool.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:02 (twenty-one years ago)

And let's hope the weather will be as good next week! We should definitely have a picnic in the field after the tennis madness ends...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Yay! We're all bringing Pimms and Lemonade, right?

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:05 (twenty-one years ago)

THERE MUST BE PIMMS

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 07:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, we had a lot of fun! It's too bad that Martin didn't find us though. I was the first person there, and I was very paranoid that I wouldn't find anyone! My arms are sore now.

― marianna, Monday, 26 April 2004 07:37 (twenty-one years ago)

suggestion from the observer: players should LAYER. all three of them looked really warm, since it got quite hot in the baking sun. until i gave ken half my ice cream cone, then he looked more refreshed.

i think that the area i sat down in is a good one for the supporters/observers. it's on the little path that runs from the main highbury fields road(big path) to highbury grove, between the two sets of courts. i sat on a nice grassy part that was near the door to courts 1 & 2 so that it's easy for players to join in the supporting.

and ken and marianna and i found a nice pub for after-- outside seating and decent food, if anyone is interested.

― colette (a2lette), Monday, 26 April 2004 08:11 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm always up for pubs, but if the weather is sunny and nice, i think we should go for the picnic in the field! plus bringing our own snacks and bouze=cheaper.

if it's not so nice out, then yeah - we can retire to a pub as a back-up. which one were you thinking of? i was going to suggest alwyne castle at the bottom of highbury grove - not too bar. it's been made-over recently and is quite nice, with loads of room inside and out.
http://www.fancyapint.com/thepubs/pub131.htm

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 11:44 (twenty-one years ago)

"not too far" - oops.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 11:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Ooh the boy and I should be coming along at least to spectate next weekend. If it's sunny I will deffo not be playing though, as am rubbish (although was the least rubbish in my class at school due to some hand-eye co-ordination) and burn really easily. Also tennis racquet in the attic at mum's house.

If picnicking will bake and even bring salad (possibly). State yr cake preferences here.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Monday, 26 April 2004 11:59 (twenty-one years ago)

ALL HAIL TO THE MIGHTY CHOCOLATE CAKE
http://www.themediadrome.com/Images/food/choc_cake.jpg

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 15:12 (twenty-one years ago)

What with feeling as if I won't be able to drag myself along next weekend and still not having finished eating the stuff I'd prepared this time, I probably won't be getting food ready. If I do manage to show up, I'll try to stop and buy something en route. Actually, I do have some bottles of wine, including one champagnesque one (it's nice, honest), so I could bring those, at least, if I come.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 26 April 2004 17:12 (twenty-one years ago)

rob the alwyne castle was the one that we went to!

it has an outside bit and

SERVE PIMMS!

by the jug i think for about £9. I spotted it last week just after ordering staropramen.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 26 April 2004 20:11 (twenty-one years ago)

also, since we have two courts, maybe we can have a "pro" court where we can have a mini tournament and a "practice" court for the less competitive action?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 26 April 2004 20:13 (twenty-one years ago)

i was even considering getting one of our 2 courts for 1-2pm, just in case there are late arrivals, or to play some sort of proper 'set' between the more 'advanced' players. (this is a hesitant challenge by me - any takers?)

martin, don't worry about getting stuff for this weekend since you had such crap luck last time - we've got you covered... if the weather looks nice, i'll bring some lager, a bottle of decent white wine, port(!), and if you are all VERY lucky i'll make some of my world-famous(TM) homemade guacamole dip and nachos, for those so inclined. i'll leave the pimms stuff to you british people, since it is kinda your thang...

but yeah, if weather is yuck then alwyne castle...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 April 2004 21:12 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll take! While re-iterating muh utter lack of any-actual-goodness, natch, but I 'm all for a competitive sort of shape to stuff.

― Gregory Henry (Gregory Henry), Monday, 26 April 2004 21:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Right then. I won't be passing by the courts until tomorrow night, so it may be booked, but if not I'll grab another one of our two from 1-2.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 08:58 (twenty-one years ago)

For those who will just be coming along and eating/drinking - is there a decent enough landmark so we can find you?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 08:58 (twenty-one years ago)

I have found my P.E kit!!

― Sarah (starry), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 09:06 (twenty-one years ago)

matt, i gave vague description in my post above. but i'll give more specifics here:

coming out of hi&i tube, cross the street towards the bank. walk towards the ice cream van. you're looking at highbury fields. keep walking straight along the edge of the park for a while. then there's a kind of park 'intersection' where the road turns off and the path goes straight. go straight. now you'll have park on your right as well as your left. walk some more. soon, on your left, you'll see the green 'oasis' kiosk thingy. when you get to that, take the little path that passes it (on your right) and you'll be walking between two sets of tennis courts. they will be playing on the last 2 courts on the left, just near highbury grove road. i will be sitting on the grass next to the path across from their courts.

does that make sense?

how does one bring pimms to a picnic? what with all the many ingredients and stuff...

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 09:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Have you not seen the advert?

― Ricardo (RickyT), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 09:26 (twenty-one years ago)

The Oasis cafe is actually to the right of the main path if you are walking 'up' (the tip of the arrow on the map upthread). Anyway, as long as people can find this cafe, the "ILX courts" are on the end of that path towards the road. Yay picnic!

Yeah, portable Pimms may be tricky. Fear not, Colette - these Brits are quite resourceful...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 09:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Blimey the Fiery Furnaces and Franz Ferdinand are playing the Islington Academy at 11am (!!!), and I want to see the former band quite badly. I might trot along to a pre-picnic gig, which will be a bizarre experience to say the least.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 09:53 (twenty-one years ago)

matt, that makes you so hard core. especially if you end up going to that party as well.

― colette (a2lette), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Matt is hardcore. I randomly ran into him on Saturday tearing up the dancefloor!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Rock shows before noon seems wrong to me...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Is it one of those televised-for-Japan thingummies?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:48 (twenty-one years ago)

It's some sort of mentalist 12-hour Carling-sponsored XFM-friendly marathon thing. The Von Bondies are playing at 7am somewhere. It's a very bad idea.

It was cool to see you on Saturday by the way Rob.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:53 (twenty-one years ago)

can one buy tickets for this ff/ff thing or is it competition winners only?!

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 11:05 (twenty-one years ago)

I think its competition winners only - I was hoping to try and blag. And then leave before Franz Ferdinand like the wasteful scumbag I am.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 14:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, I've just had a look at the site and it looks like competition winners only. Does anyone know it the Furnaces are playing any other gigs in London?

― Ricardo (RickyT), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 14:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Thursday 6th - Scala. FAFFP?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 14:42 (twenty-one years ago)

BBC site has pissing rain forecast for Saturday, by the way. Can I assume that if there is apocalyptic weather we forget the whole thing?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 08:23 (twenty-one years ago)

BBC eebsite is rarely correct that far ahead. Radio 4 was being very coy about giving a weekend outlook this morning so could go either way.

― robster (robster), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 08:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Gah! 'eebsite'

― robster (robster), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 08:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Bah, BBC got yesterday evening wrong AS IT WAS HAPPENING.

Tennis in heavy rain is great, as long as you can keep your footing. The balls become immensely heavy and the whole thing becomes a medieval slugfest.

Having said that, this cold is hanging around, so I might cry off anyway. (Also see: overweightness, upper body strength close to zero, cardiovascular fitness at all-time low).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 09:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Tennis in the rain - that is seriously hardcore. Cricket in the rain's a bit hardcore too I reckon.

― Dave B (daveb), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 09:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Crap. Oh well, sitting in the pub then gatecrashing le party in Bethnal Green, I suppose. I may still bring cake though.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 09:29 (twenty-one years ago)

I've played in snow too, Dave - I figured if the pros were back after the Xmas break in NZ and Aus, then Harrison Park was good enough for me and my sixth-form mates. I did wear gloves though, as if I was a Spanish clay-courter adjusting to life in the English top-flight.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 09:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Playing in the near-dark is also good. Need nice new very fluourescent balls though.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 09:33 (twenty-one years ago)

I heard the weather was going to be good this weekend! Hmmmm. We'll just have to see.

If it is pissing down rain then obviously scrap the tennis&picnic. If it is just overcast or very slight drizzle, then I'm still happy to play, but then we can go to the pub instead of the picnic in the park...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:02 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, i think that if the weather is crap, spectators and people that don't want to play in the rain should meet in the alwyne castle, mentioned above...

― colette (a2lette), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:16 (twenty-one years ago)

can always play table tennis instead (or any other forms of tennis that people can think of to be played indoors, i guess)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 15:05 (twenty-one years ago)

In honour of Frank Maloney, London must FAGOT in other non-Camden Boroughs.

― Dave B (daveb), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 15:15 (twenty-one years ago)

i have more of those cute wee skirts if any boys wanna borrow

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

If any of you are looking for a racket - Lillywhites in Piccadilly Circus has some crazy bargains on right now.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 08:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I admit I was a total sucker and fell for the retail sale logic of "but it's normally sooo expensive" and bought a high-end Wilson for 60 quid (but it's normally £150!!). There is a £180 Prince racket on sale for 60 quid as well.

I'm so stupid - there are plenty of totally decent rackets there for 20-30 quid (many marked down significantly as well). I better play a lot of tennis this year!!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 08:22 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, i think that if the weather is crap, spectators and people that don't want to play in the rain should meet in the alwyne castle, mentioned above...

Nice pub.

Also, if you go there, you can then just hop on the 277 bus across the road when you're ready to hit my hood (so to speak), since it handily takes you down to Old Ford Road, itself a five-minute walk from my house.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 29 April 2004 08:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Cor! I've had my Donnay since 1988 - reduced from 60 to 35 quid in Jack Sharp's in Liverpool! Pam's mid-90s alumin(i)um-framed thing is much easier to use though, so I might bring that. Rob, is your Wilson one of those with the unusually deep frames - called 'Hammer' or something? They're very nice. Or a Pro Staff?

I've never liked Prince or Dunlop; Wilson, Donnay or Head for me.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 29 April 2004 09:01 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't like Prince rackets either. Too large. And the deep frame on was just too thick for my liking.

I was tempted by the Slazenger, but I didn't dig on the "fanned string" thing. They also had a wicked Head racket on sale - regular £150 for £60. But I went with the Wilson since I've used them before. Mine's not the Hammer - it's the "Triad 3". Felt quite nice.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 10:03 (twenty-one years ago)

I think we established that Arsenal are at home on Saturday, so is there not a good chance that all of the pubs will be jammed on Saturday, especially if it's poor weather? I think when I am at home tonight I will distribute my mobile number to those likely to come to this, as we might end up needing to coordinate stuff.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 29 April 2004 10:55 (twenty-one years ago)

Alwyne Castle is semi-fancy and doesn't show the games, so there will likely be a very low gooner-quotient there...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 11:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Do they serve fruit-based drinks to ladies?

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 29 April 2004 11:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Sure! Just bat your eyelashes a few times...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 11:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Ooh that is fancy.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 29 April 2004 11:15 (twenty-one years ago)

that's semi-fancy to you, missy.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 29 April 2004 11:21 (twenty-one years ago)

right. so hands up who thinks the weather is going to suck tomorrow?

if it does, i'm probably going to want to sleep in a bit later, since the whole 'we've got the courts reserved at 12' thing doesn't really matter...

― colette (a2lette), Friday, 30 April 2004 08:57 (twenty-one years ago)

The BBC's weather department's collective hand is up. Sunday/Monday supposed to be nice though - it's a pity the reservations are for Saturday.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 30 April 2004 09:01 (twenty-one years ago)

So what's the deal, people? If raining I think just going to the pub (Alwyne sounds just the ticket) at some point in the afternoon would be good, to meet up with mentalists who will have been playing tennis in the rain. I will bring cake.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 30 April 2004 10:13 (twenty-one years ago)

mmmm. if there is cake, i will come.

what time should we meet if we wake up and its raining? (assuming that without tennis and picnic and stuff it might be a little dangerous to just spend ALL DAY in a pub before going to another pub and then a party)

2:00 at the alwyne castle, unless the sun is shining in which case 12 at the tennis courts?

― colette (a2lette), Friday, 30 April 2004 10:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Agreed by me, certainly.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 30 April 2004 10:28 (twenty-one years ago)

If there are big puddles, which will make tennis not terribly feasible, I would like to watch Arsenal-Birmingham on TV (kickoff 12.30), and you say this pub does not show it - so I may find some other nearby pub then shift after the game, say 2.30. Anyone else fancy that? Any suggestions for a pub?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 30 April 2004 12:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Anywhere near Highbury with a TV should do it! Sorry, don't know nice ones.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Friday, 30 April 2004 12:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm going to be out ruining myself tonight and therefore will probably be even later than 2.00, but I'll give Rob or Colette a bell to find out where you are. Also I didn't get out of bed until 3pm today and sleep pattern therefore shot to buggery.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 30 April 2004 14:21 (twenty-one years ago)

If rain I will poss come along later in the afternoon to the pub. If not, I will be at the tennis courts at 12, yay (I think).

― sarah not logged in, Friday, 30 April 2004 14:27 (twenty-one years ago)

The forecast is very discouraging - if wet I'll make other plans, but if bright at 11-ish, I'll make my way to the courts.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 30 April 2004 15:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, let's just hope for good weather. By the looks of it, the best we're going to get is overcast, so hopefully we can still play tennis, but I suspect a picnic in the park is pretty much out.

If it's pissing down, then I guess that's that...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 30 April 2004 15:52 (twenty-one years ago)

email me off-thread if you want to exchange mobile numbers just in case...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 30 April 2004 16:04 (twenty-one years ago)

i've just given verdict on a rather distressing rape case and so anything that involves alcohol would be fine by me

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 30 April 2004 16:06 (twenty-one years ago)

OK - as long as it's not raining I hope to see some people actually wanting to PLAY tennis at noon! i didn't get any other courts booked, so we've got 2 from 12-1. see you then!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 30 April 2004 19:51 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll play for a bit, if it's playable and someone can loan me a racket. But I am old and unfit, so probably not for too long.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 30 April 2004 20:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll say hello on my way to watching arsenal.

― Sean Carter (roc), Saturday, 1 May 2004 03:37 (twenty-one years ago)

i'll bring the gunpowder

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 1 May 2004 07:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Based on Tottenham, it looks as if tennis will be playable if we don't have more rain, but a picnic or sitting on the grass is unlikely to be appealing.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 1 May 2004 07:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, this is fairly lame of me, but between my still-lingering cough and the glowering skies I think I'm going to opt out this time. I even got as far as loading up Pam's old Linthicum-Ferndale little league bag with two tubes of balls and a change of clothes. I'm even wearing shorts!

Sorry, guys. Next time, I promise.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 1 May 2004 09:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, I had a really good time. There was actually a little bit of a doubles match going on with Martin, Me, Rob and Ken. Let me know if next weekend is on - I'll book courts or something.

― marianna, Sunday, 2 May 2004 14:24 (twenty-one years ago)

haha bastard weather is nice now it's post-tennis. i'm up for next week i think if you guys are! my backhand is getting good.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 2 May 2004 15:51 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, the doubles game was good! a pretty good match-up, actually, and martin definitely has 'the touch'...

i'm up for next weekend again. the guy wasn't in the little booth when we left so i didn't book courts - i'll try on my way home from work to get the same place for noon. i'll let y'all know...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 10:30 (twenty-one years ago)

I have about 10% of any touch I used to have. I enjoyed myself since I did feel I had some of the feel on the forehand, and stood up better than I expected to the best part of an hour of play - but my backhand was rubbish, my volleying little better, and my eyes are a real problem. I now have perfect short vision in my left eye, but things are out of focus beyond a few feet; and my right eye is very blurry. This made reading distance and length very difficult, and I misjudged some very badly.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 11:38 (twenty-one years ago)

ooh there's a brighton FAP thing this saturday... if it's convenient with you guys any chance we can change to sunday? no biggie if not though i'll just come next time!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 11:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Good thought, Ken - I fancy the Brighton trip too.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 11:55 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll try and play next weekend. If there are any ringers amongst us they can be handicapped by being allocated the heavy-as-heck wooden late-70s Dunlop Maxply I found in the wardrobe (a charity shop find, I think).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 12:11 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm guessing that Steady Mike is likely to be a class above the rest of us.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 14:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Guess again, "Todd" Martin. I was never very good, just keen. And now I'm a out-of-practice lardy couch potato with muscles turning to cheese.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 14:30 (twenty-one years ago)

I smell a hustle here...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 15:47 (twenty-one years ago)

If I say any more I'll just be protesting too much. Let next weekend's off-frame backhands and ballooned second serves be testament to my ineptitude.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 15:50 (twenty-one years ago)

I think useful hustling generally demands that there is some financial stake involved.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 15:55 (twenty-one years ago)

so anyone up for this sunday?

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 20:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Noon, Saturday or noon, Sunday - I'm easy. Probably can't really hang around after playing though. Rob?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 4 May 2004 20:22 (twenty-one years ago)

No court booked yet - given the Brighton trip, maybe I should try for Sunday...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 5 May 2004 09:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Are there football matches on TV on Sunday? Though with the title and relegation slots settled, I'm not sure that I'd insist on missing tennis to watch anyway.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 5 May 2004 11:04 (twenty-one years ago)

So thanks to my many post-work plans this week, I havnen't been by the courts when they were open, so I haven't booked anything. Is anyone still interested in playing tomorrow if I get a court?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 08:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I've heard about lots of crap weather, though...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 08:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I can check the courts later and will post what times are available.

I can't play Sunday, btw.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 08:56 (twenty-one years ago)

An immense range and variety of domestic duties are already scurrying into my weekend plans, *but* I think I can play Saturday before 1pm or after 6pm. Sunday is now out.

But, yes, weather forecast once again is rubbish.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 7 May 2004 09:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Righty-o then. I'll check on times. I saw your email so I'll text you with the scoop.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 09:56 (twenty-one years ago)

It's just about possible that I will feel up to it tomorrow, but please don't count on me.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 7 May 2004 12:48 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I booked one court (court 1 - same as last week). Let's see what the weather is like tomorrow...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Let's use our "mobile telephones" tomorrow AM and make our yay/nay decisions then...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 7 May 2004 18:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I've sent Mike my number, and you already have it, right Rob? I'm still not absolutely sure about a) going to Brighton, b) playing tennis, or c) staying home alone.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 7 May 2004 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Okay, I've abandoned Brighton plans and will come to this if weather looks okay - please give me a call if either of you aren't going to be there at 12, Mike and Rob.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 7 May 2004 23:21 (twenty-one years ago)

I've just texted you, Martin. It's 10:45am, my plumber is an hour and a half late, we're knee deep in the rococo excess of our domestic sortage and it's about as wet outside as it can be without actually raining. Mebbe next week, eh?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 8 May 2004 08:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah - not looking very nice out, so I've phoned to cancel the court for today, which is OK by me. Playing on a soaked court wasn't excactly ideal last time...

We'll try again next week!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Saturday, 8 May 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

The whole of this weekend looks good - more cloud than sun perhaps but dry and 18-20C.

However, I'm helping Timmy Pipkins move into his palatial Peckham penthouse pad on Saturday morning so the usual court time is out for me. Unless I've wrecked my back lugging crates of reggae vinyl up six flights of stairs, I'd be up for Sunday though.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 13 May 2004 10:36 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm up for sat/sun. if it's on sat it can turn into a tennis-carsmile/eurovision extravaganza!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 13 May 2004 10:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Bahhh, I'm not free this weekend at all as I will be playing tour-guide to a Canadian guest. No courts are booked so Ken/Michael if you want to play you'd have to book it.

Martin is in Barcelona so he's out too. I'm aiming for a May 22 super-duper tennis extravaganza!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 13 May 2004 11:59 (twenty-one years ago)

ack well.. maybe save it for next week then? i doubt i'll be very good competition for mike!!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 13 May 2004 12:05 (twenty-one years ago)

As one of the few people on this thread to have not yet swung a racket in anger in Highbury Fields I seem to have acquired a reputation by inactivity. Maybe if I just sit out the rest of the summer, I could be talked into the GB Davis Cup team for '05.

Ken - if we could get another couple for doubles it could be good, yeah? Jerry? Marianna?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 13 May 2004 12:31 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, anyone else up for it? actually, i'd still like to go as long as you don't mind me underarm serving and missing simple shots! (and hitting the ball up high and over when i do make connection)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 13 May 2004 12:55 (twenty-one years ago)

Ken, Mike, decide what time you want to play on Saturday or Sunday and Alasdair and I will come along.

― marianna, Friday, 14 May 2004 11:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Noon on Sunday is good for me. Someone nearer N5 than me may have to book - perhaps tonight. Marianna & Alasdair - I have yr mobile details; Ken - wanna mail me yours?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 14 May 2004 12:13 (twenty-one years ago)

You guys can call to book courts - here's the info:

"Bookings: 020 7226 2334
There is someone from Glendales on site 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after each hour, so you can pay and play."

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 14 May 2004 12:42 (twenty-one years ago)

With the nice weather there might not be many free courts, though...

If you DO wind up playing.. when you're done can you book 2 courts for the following Saturday at noon? Then we can plan some proper Highbury tennis/picnic mentalism.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 14 May 2004 12:44 (twenty-one years ago)

ok i've booked sunday court 2 for 1 o'clock! i'll email you in a bit mike with my number

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 14 May 2004 13:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Sunday 1 o'clock court number 2 it is!

― marianna, Friday, 14 May 2004 14:13 (twenty-one years ago)

oooh before i forget btw colette is there any chance i can come round and get the racket before sunday? and feed your fish?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 14 May 2004 15:38 (twenty-one years ago)

FWIW, Ken, I can bring three rackets (one of which will be the aforementioned 1970s Dunlop monster), so that may save you the trouble.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 14 May 2004 15:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Remember the following Saturday is Cup Final day - I know a noon-1 game won't interfere with that. I'm sure Mike, if no one else besides me, will want to see it.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 14 May 2004 16:51 (twenty-one years ago)

sounds great mike if i can borrow one of your rackets that'd be great! oh yeah and next sat i'm going for an all day cup final party so won't make it :(

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 14 May 2004 18:13 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I've printed out Colette's directions from upthread and am all set. One concern: the Arsenal victory parade. Is H&I tube station going to be closed?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:22 (twenty-one years ago)

hang on i'll find out!

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

i just phoned my flatmate he's there now and he reckons it's closed but he'll find out for sure just now... if closed the best bet maybe is to go for holloway road station and get the 43 or 271 down? (or walk as i prolly would be doing)

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:30 (twenty-one years ago)

(also do you have tennis balls? otherwise i'll get a few on my way down!)

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:33 (twenty-one years ago)

ok news just in H&I seems to be open again (think parade is over).. but it's currently a little crowded.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:35 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, things will be clearer when I get to Brixton - Viccy to H&I or Piccy to Holloway Rd. Will text en route if things get sticky.

I have eight tennis balls in varying conditions.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:35 (twenty-one years ago)

great, see you at 1!

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 May 2004 09:37 (twenty-one years ago)

That was fun. We've booked court #1 for noon next Saturday - it's in my name though I'm not sure I can spare the time next week.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 16 May 2004 13:48 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm up for it this Saturday, I'm 99% sure.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 18 May 2004 21:45 (twenty-one years ago)

can't make it i'm fraid have FAcup viewing party from early morning til late evening on sat. next week though.. my serves are getting better!

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 08:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Look like it's going to be nice weather this weekend! I'm up for this for sure. What time did you book the court, Mike - noon again? Maybe more of you want to come out for this and have a picnic in the park afterwards?

(If a bunch more of you want to play I can try to book another court)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 08:53 (twenty-one years ago)

And if a whole pile of you want to have a picnic/tennis day on Sunday instead, I can look into this as well. I'm quite happy to play both days...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 08:54 (twenty-one years ago)

i'd def turn up for sun if it's also on.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 09:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd like to play one day, please. I might have to buy a racquet first, though.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 09:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Aye, I have no racquet either...

― Sarah (starry), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Then get thyselves to Lillywhite's PRONTO! They have sales!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 11:04 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah dudes you guys work within walking distances from sports shops.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 11:18 (twenty-one years ago)

I won't be up for hanging around after the game on Saturday, since it's the cup final - maybe a bunch of us can go somewhere to watch it? I'd say my place, but it's a bit far to go, I guess.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 12:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I got a racquet (plus free balls) at Argos for £19.99 this past Sunday. I think there were some that were even cheaper.

― marianna, Wednesday, 19 May 2004 12:26 (twenty-one years ago)

I got a racquet (plus free balls) at Argos for £19.99 this past Sunday.

Rather a smart silver Head model too, if I remember correctly. Did you ever get the zip-pull back on the cover?

I've been indulging in a bit of racket p0rn since playing on Sunday - it's not like I need a new one, but the Donnay is 16 years old, the Dunlop is maybe a decade older than that and Pam's Slazenger is, well, Pam's. The Dunlop i-Zone6 I flirted with in John Lewis was so light and so damped it felt like that indoor spongeball game which was always great until something got broken; but 50 quid for a Wilson Triad 3 like Rob's - wowser, JL don't have discounts like that.

Still not sure I can spare three hours (with the travelling) out of my Saturday this weekend but I'll try to make it.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 13:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Does this give you a, um... 'woody', Michael?

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AQ9QE.01-ASIXP6X5XLGQ6._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 14:02 (twenty-one years ago)

More of a graphite-and-fibreglassy, Rob.

Do they still have a place you can try rackets out in Lillywhites? I remember playing on this big trainer thing there when I was a sixth-former on a school trip to London - a large canvas with tramlines marked on it, hoisted at an angle and pulled taut, like an inverted tent, with a strip of wood at the base to give a decent bounce as it rolled off the 'court' back to you. "Too wristy," muttered the salesyouth as he watched me flail away with a Prince model worth half a student grant. Later we went to Kensington Market and I developed my enduring fear of patchouli.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 15:43 (twenty-one years ago)

hmmm, i didn't see any area to test out the rackets. although i admit that i wasn't looking around much - i saw the super-saver deal and i jumped on that shit right away

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 19 May 2004 15:46 (twenty-one years ago)

The mad bargains in Lillywhites, it appears, are due to the closure of the fifth floor for a refurb and the transfer of as much racket stock as they can fit three levels down.

Disappointingly, there were a lot of high-end tour rackets with 30-40% off (but still too expensive) and a lot of supermarket-grade stuff* going for as little as a tenner and not too much in the middle. Actually, there was one Wilson and one Head for around £40 but they didn't seem to be particularly marked down. A lot of the cosmetics put me off and I ignored the entire Slazenger range because of the Henmang connection. No Dunlops at all. I can't buy a new racket now without one of those vibration damping grommets - bigger head, lighter frame, vibration damping. My three steps of rationalisation on a purchase I don't need to make.

(* - that's a bit unkind, actually. The blue-framed Rusedski-endorsed Donnay looked perfectly good.)

Is Decathlon still open in Surrey Quays?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 20 May 2004 10:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Right then. Looks like nice weather tomorrow. I know Martin is coming. Anyone else? You booked it for noon, right?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 21 May 2004 12:40 (twenty-one years ago)

I won't be doing any post-tennis FA Cup viewing, btw. I will probably go home and rest my weary bones...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 21 May 2004 12:41 (twenty-one years ago)

rob is full of innuendos in this thread

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 21 May 2004 12:59 (twenty-one years ago)

I am feeling rather ill today - horribly sore throat, shivery, all that - so I'm not sure whether I'll make it, and I would expect that if I do I won't want to play for too long.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 21 May 2004 13:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Noon, yes. I will try to come. I'll bring the three rackets again in case someone needs one.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 21 May 2004 14:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Can I come? And can I borrow a racquet? I am ready for my annual humiliation at the backhands of MJ.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Friday, 21 May 2004 14:07 (twenty-one years ago)

You and Ken can toss for my Donnay. The loser gets the Dunlop pasta-strainer (only 40g heavier but its sweet spot is sugar-free).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 21 May 2004 14:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Of course you can come! I didn't know MJ had a great-backhand - I mean, he does a mean moonwalk and all that. Does he wear the sequined glove when playing?

Watch out for my volleys. They are a thing of legend (or not).

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 21 May 2004 14:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Billie Jean King is not his lover.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Friday, 21 May 2004 14:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Touché, JTN.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 21 May 2004 15:59 (twenty-one years ago)

tossing for tennis racquet sounds terribly like some public school ritual.

i don't think i can make it tomorrow i'm fraid :( i'll try though. i might be able to get my racquet back also.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 21 May 2004 18:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry, I'm not up to this either physically or mentally today. Apologies.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 22 May 2004 09:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Just the three of us this week but we were all running into form by the end - Ken's backhand and Rob's forehand were coming on apace. I had a big ziploc bag of ice on my throbbing forearm all through the Cup final but I'm going to ache tomorrow; not sure what I did wrong except fail to warm up, but I've been failing to warm up for years and it's never done me any bleedin' harm.

We didn't book for next week (I think I'm down for the count with in-law duties) but I think Rob is keen. Perhaps something south of the river one weekend soon too?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 22 May 2004 15:26 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll probably return next week, but if it's a much longer way away, possibly not.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 22 May 2004 22:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry about not coming, but we were both sick with the cold that has been going round - next weekend would be good though.

― marianna, Monday, 24 May 2004 08:57 (twenty-one years ago)

i'd like to come next weekend too pls.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 May 2004 08:59 (twenty-one years ago)

I am v sorry for not being there on Saturday, also. Getting to Highbury for noon seems to be beyond me.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 24 May 2004 09:06 (twenty-one years ago)

it is a pretty inaccessible part of london to be fair.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 May 2004 09:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Highbury inaccessible!!?

― Ricardo (RickyT), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:09 (twenty-one years ago)

It's only just outside zone 1, it's on seven bus routes, one and a half train lines and the fastest tube! It's hardly Ulan Bator dude!

― Ricardo (RickyT), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:20 (twenty-one years ago)

(This is all true and the fact that one hour of tennis in N5 = three and a half hours out of my day is to do with the fact that I live somewhere 'inaccessible'; I'm lobbying for a south London FAGOT in the quietest way possible in case I scare everyone off)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:24 (twenty-one years ago)

(Yes, yes - South London FAGOT. Hilly Fields? Are there courts in SE19?)

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:26 (twenty-one years ago)

exactly ricardo..

xxpost

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:31 (twenty-one years ago)

btw maybe there should be one day a north vs south london DAVIS CUP!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:34 (twenty-one years ago)

(There are courts in Norwood Recreation Ground - not in immaculate condition but I've never* had to pay; I think there are better courts in both Norwood and Crystal Palace Parks. Hilly Fields sounds good. Greenwich Park obviously has great courts.

* - I've played there twice, mind.)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 24 May 2004 10:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I didn't need any ice, but I did pull a muscle somewhere in my lower back. Must have been on one of those dives attempting to return the crushing serve of of MJ...

I won't be around for this weekend. I must have had a mental block when I said I would be, as I am in Barcelona for the weekend...

Have fun, though! And I'm always up for a South London FAGOT. Are there courts in Brockwell park?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:41 (twenty-one years ago)

i would like to play this sat if it's on!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Are there courts in Brockwell park?

Oh, yes - with a little shelter to change in too. Probably where Mark Kozelek wrote that song. About four stops south on the 2 or 432 from the tube station and then five minutes up the hill inside the park itself. Pam & I played there a couple of times in the golden fortnight between contracts in Sept '98.

I'm now able to lock my right arm straight again, which is a sure sign of progress. I think the injury stemmed from Friday night - slamming my forearm into the top shelf in Safeway while trying to retrieve the last bag of a particular low-fat snack from the very back. Hurt at the time but not the following morning but has now bruised up a beaut after multiple crosscourt forehands.

This weekend (29-31/5): in-laws are in town so tennis opportunities are severely limited. Next weekend (4-5/6): both sets of parents are in town so tennis opportunities are nonexistent.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, yeah - and there is the small matter of goofing off parental duties for the Palace-Hammers playoff final. I can't do that and play tennis. Probably for the best. Where that's tube of Deep Heat?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:31 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll be up for it this Saturday assuming the post-flu coughing has diminished substantially, but am in no state to take responsibility for booking courts.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 10:58 (twenty-one years ago)

i think i'm gonna call tomorrow.. just the one court will suffice i guess? saturday for 12:00 again?

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 12:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Sounds good to me.

― marianna, Wednesday, 26 May 2004 13:25 (twenty-one years ago)

grebt shall telefone tomorrow!

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 13:28 (twenty-one years ago)

OOOOOH WE HAVE A NEW COURT!

it's the all new and exciting court no. 4 ok actually i think it's just right next to court 2 but still the EXCITEMENT.

that's tomorrow (sat) at 12:00. see yous there!

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 28 May 2004 07:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks for booking Ken. We'll see you there at 12:00. I think we are going crazy and going to Borough market at 9:00.

― marianna, Friday, 28 May 2004 07:36 (twenty-one years ago)

I hope there will be some rackets - I still don't have one. I'm not sure I will be able to play much - I'm still coughing a lot from the lingering lovely effects of the flu, and it hurts in my lower rib area on the right side of my back when I do, so playing tennis might not be great. I'll give it a go. Anyone fancy a pub after to watch the 1st division playoff final, or should I plan to go home for that?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 28 May 2004 11:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Go get one from Argos Holloway Road for £15! They are cheap!

― marianna, Friday, 28 May 2004 11:24 (twenty-one years ago)

that's across the road from my house (or turn left then across the road)! if you want one from argos martin let me know the catalog number and i'll pick it up tomorrow before leaving!

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 28 May 2004 12:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Given that I have played once in about the last 15 years, I feel this would be premature. I may not be fit enough tomorrow to need one - and if I do, I won't be playing for long, I'm sure.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 28 May 2004 16:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I think we booked Court 3 for 12:00 this Saturday.

― marianna, Tuesday, 1 June 2004 11:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, that's it. I expect I'll be there again.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 11:42 (twenty-one years ago)

i won't be here for this week or next i'm afriad due to being in nude york! have fun though. if anyone like to have my racket for the week then email me offlist to maybe arrange to collect it!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 12:06 (twenty-one years ago)

but last satuday was a lot of fun - i haven't run around that much for months!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 12:07 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't make it this weekend for the reasons stated above. I will re-emerge from my self-imposed exile mid-month, possibly with a new racket in tow.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 14:32 (twenty-one years ago)

i am now back from barcelona and i will be there next saturday. yee-ha!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 16:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Welcome back, Rob! See you Saturday.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 1 June 2004 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, so court 3 at noon tomorrow then... Does everyone have a racket? I could bring my flatmate's along if that helps...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 4 June 2004 10:51 (twenty-one years ago)

And my balls aren't looking too good. Does anyone have fresh ones?

(It's just so hard to type that without thinking of potential smutty comebacks)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 4 June 2004 10:52 (twenty-one years ago)

weather looks sorta OK for tomorrow too...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 4 June 2004 10:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I will try to pick up more balls from Argos on the way down.

― marianna, Friday, 4 June 2004 11:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Please do bring the spare racket, Rob - I've failed to get around to buying one again, but will be there tomorrow.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 4 June 2004 12:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Copy that. Gotta go soon, so I'll see y'all there tomorrow...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 4 June 2004 12:51 (twenty-one years ago)

So, how was it last weekend and was a court booked for this coming weekend?

I'm free to play though I'm still dithering over a new racket - I planned to hit Decathlon today but didn't make it; after the slightly intimidating experience of Wigmores (if you can't reach it, you can't afford it; racks upon racks of the things, stringing machines, hitting zones, all very club-pro and swish) I now have a new-found love for Yonex.

Again, if anyone is up for south London FAGOTing, let me know.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 17:20 (twenty-one years ago)

I FAGOT in Slondon, but can't make it until the weekend after next... Are you free the morning of Sat 19th?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 17:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I see nothing in the diary for that day, Jerry, aside from psyching myself up for Latvia-Germany at 5pm. I'll mail you tomorrow and we'll sort it aht.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 17:34 (twenty-one years ago)

It was pretty good this weekend gone, Mike, and we have a court booked for noon. I intend to show up, unless the heat is too much for me. I think Rob, Marianna and Alistair are all expected too, though Ken will still be in NYC.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 18:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Yup. Tomorrow at noon - court 3. Last week was great! We managed to have some good rallies and we played a complete set. Us colonists (Marianna and I) just barely edged out the Brits, 7-5.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 11 June 2004 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll bring the Spare racket again, Martin, in case you need it.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 11 June 2004 10:07 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll be there tomorrow; I'll bring the Donnay and the Slazenger as per usual in case I need to play with both arms.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 11 June 2004 10:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry all - I woke up this morning with a headache, sore throat and swollen glands below the angle of the jaw, so I'm going nowhere except back to bed today.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 12 June 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

we played tennis, glasgow:

ally c 6 1
cozen 3 5

― cozen (Cozen), Saturday, 12 June 2004 12:08 (twenty-one years ago)

we were kinda awful and we are calling it 'one set each'. there was only really one 'point' during the whole game. no-one said it was so difficult.

― cozen (Cozen), Saturday, 12 June 2004 12:26 (twenty-one years ago)

the whole match?

― RJG (RJG), Saturday, 12 June 2004 12:33 (twenty-one years ago)

during the game when there was a point, there was only one.

during the match, we took part in that game.

― cozen (Cozen), Saturday, 12 June 2004 12:35 (twenty-one years ago)

nice try.

― RJG (RJG), Saturday, 12 June 2004 12:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, we ran into someone with real racket skills today in the shape of MK (drummer in noted North London groop) - in a different class to the rest of us; it was fun just working out how to deal with his topspin.

MK/Rob 6-0 Alasdair/me
MK/Alasdair 7-6 (7/1) Rob/me

We didn't book a court for next week cos we're thinking of having a FAGOT south of the river.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 12 June 2004 17:27 (twenty-one years ago)

jerry the nipper?

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 13 June 2004 00:09 (twenty-one years ago)

We've provisionally plumped for Hilly Fields, SE4 for the SL-FAGOT. Lewisham Borough website is pretty unforthcoming in terms of booking info for their municipal sports facilities, but JtN reckons the courts are in good nick and probably free to use (danger of being full when we arrive, of course).

Entering "Hilly Fields" into www.streetmap.co.uk will give you an idea of location. More detailed info to follow.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 14 June 2004 11:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Anything that is classified by a map system as "hilly fields" sounds good to me. I'm up for this. I need to be down in Brixton sometime next weekend anyway (I have rare 'herbs' to acquire for Glastonbury.. heehee..)

And clearly Alistair was wrong when he said something about handicapping his team-mate, that dubious honour belongs to you MJ! (only kidding of course - it was the noted skillz of MK that were hard to match). At least I had one good serve - hooray!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 14 June 2004 13:09 (twenty-one years ago)

the scottish banter above confused me.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 14 June 2004 13:17 (twenty-one years ago)

would have loved to come but i gave my own hand friction burn from carrying overweight luggages yesterday, and also will prolly be in brighton this sat.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 14 June 2004 13:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Hey...shall I post the set scores from a few weeks back when it was me, Alasdair, Marianna and Ken? Hmm? HMM? But, yeah, you might be right. We may never know as an MK/me partnership was not permitted.

It was kinda chastening to be on the same court as the guy, actually. Generally, out of any random bunch of punters who fancy a knockabout in the park, I'm the guy who can play a bit - not through any talent but through some basic technique honed by playing obsessively as a teenager. But MK had real, casual, effortless skill. I cling to the memory of my fading forehand volley off Al's return at 4-4 in our second set - the one time MK was scrambling, unable to retrieve the ball.

(Of course, I hear that Martin's touch at the net is silky smooth).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 14 June 2004 13:34 (twenty-one years ago)

i gave my own hand friction burn

snurk, fnarr, ppfffffft...

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Monday, 14 June 2004 14:20 (twenty-one years ago)

I think a lot of us have heard about "Martin's touch"...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 14 June 2004 14:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Martin's touch, when it comes to tennis, is not what it used to be. I'm not as good as Rob, by a reasonably substantial margin.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 14 June 2004 16:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Ok - from 11am at Hilly Fields this Saturday? Here is a map of Hilly Fields showing the location of the courts..

Best bet to get there via Brockley or Ladywell train stations - trains leave London Bridge every 5-10 mins on Saturday morning, and the journey takes about 8-10 mins.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:03 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, Stevie & I are thinking (cos it's free and not bookable and getting close to the fortnightly compulsory tennis season in these isles) that we should play from 11am on Saturday at Hilly Fields. Stevie will be along shortly with directions and stuff.

If it's chucking it down at 10am (and the forecast isn't that great) then perhaps we shouldn't bother. Anyone whose mobile number I don't have and would like to be kept in the loop Saturday morning, please email me with your contact details.

xpost!

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:07 (twenty-one years ago)

How long will you be playing for? I'd like it but need to be at Rotherhithe by one...

― Sarah (starry), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

It's easy to get to Rotherhithe from HF, Sarah - bus to New Cross and then East London line it up. You could do it in 20-30 mins easy. I would have thought we would be play for at least an hour and a half?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:13 (twenty-one years ago)

This is just round the corner from me - alright if I come along and watch?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Sure! You can be the umpire and we can swear at you.

Can you SW guys give me a tip on how to get to Brixton from there? Trains look tricky...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, I can hang about until 1pm in case of stragglers, showers, big scary Lewisham lads on our court until noon, etc.

SW? SW?? Brixton is spiritually SE, y'know. The P4 bus goes from Ladywell Station to Brixton (Gresham Road, by the police station) - takes about 40min though.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:22 (twenty-one years ago)

oops - meant to call you guys SE (since thats where the courts are), but MY brixton is SW all the way, baby (SW2)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:25 (twenty-one years ago)

40 minutes?? b-b-but it's so close on the map!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/pdf/brixton.pdf doesn't fully explain why it takes so long but those single deckers sure are frisky around the backroads.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:32 (twenty-one years ago)

It might work out quicker to get the train back up to London Bridge and then Northern and Victorian Line it? (According to the tfl journey planner it is.)

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Jerry may be right. But do look at the Spider maps if you can - they're lovely.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:42 (twenty-one years ago)

thanks!

oooh, on my tube/train map it looks like i can get a train from ladywell that goes to the clapham high st station (thats close enough to where i'm going). or would i have to go from crofton park?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:43 (twenty-one years ago)

If there are people not heading down to S.London (ken?) and would like to play in Highbury this weekend, I'd be up for it.

― marianna, Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Both involve a change (from Ladywell - at London Bridge; from Crofton Park - at Denmark Hill). In both cases journey time is about the same as that P4 bus.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Why is it so fucking difficult to get from SE to SW London? This has always bugged me. You can get from Lewisham to Highgate in less time.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:58 (twenty-one years ago)

hmmm, baffling. from this - http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/content/tubemap/images/london_connnections.gif
it looks like a straight run from crofton park, with denmark hill only being a stop, not an interchange. and from ladywell, could i not change at lewisham to get on the line over to clapham?

ok i promise i won't post anymore about trains after this...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:58 (twenty-one years ago)

it's because south london sux matt ;)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:00 (twenty-one years ago)

marianna, there are no courts booked for saturday in highbury, but go for it! you can call to book one (the number/info is upthread somewhere)

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:01 (twenty-one years ago)

marianna i'm out on saturday but will be up for Sunday FAGOT action if you're up for it!!

earlyish? (there may be FAKA action at 2pm)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:02 (twenty-one years ago)

My suspicion is that about the only train that stops at Clapham High Street is the Victoria-London Bridge inner loop service, hence the necessity to change. I guess services from the 'burbs skip the inner stations (I've never stopped at Wandsworth Road in my life, for example).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Gotcha. Well, maybe I'll try this P4 bus and just enjoy a leisurely ride through SE London. I'm sure there will be lots of sights/points of interest along the way, no?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:13 (twenty-one years ago)

It's a lovely ride, actually - Horniman Museum, Dulwich Village, Red Post Hill, Herne Hill Road.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry, I have made a dental appointment for noon, since the regular game was cancelled, so can't make this. I might consider a reasonable Sunday slot, perhaps.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 17 June 2004 17:29 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm going to call h fields for sunday noon in a bit, unless you want it earlier/later! (faka not til 3pm)

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 18 June 2004 06:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll see if I can come to this then! TFL says my best travel option is to bus it to Lewisham and then hop on a train at St Johns to get to Ladywell station, does that sound kosher to foax who know the area better than me?

(Er I haf no tennis racket though!)

― Sarah (starry), Friday, 18 June 2004 07:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Sounds a bit roundabout to me, Starry - once in Lewisham picking up the 484 to the top of Hilly Fields might be better.

Who else doesn't have a racket? I can bring three, one of which will be the old wooden monster, but I'd rather not if I don't have to.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 18 June 2004 07:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Well um ER. It's possible that I could go a roundabout route involving DECATHLON SPORTS OUTLOUT at Canada Water to pick up a racket, er.

Mike - do trains go to Ladywell from New Cross/Gate?

― Sarah (starry), Friday, 18 June 2004 07:54 (twenty-one years ago)

New Cross-Ladywell: yes, but only every half hour on Saturdays.
New Cross Gate-Ladywell: no.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 18 June 2004 08:02 (twenty-one years ago)

(I wasn't suggesting you buy a racket, Starry, just that other racketless unfortunates should make themselves known now or I'll leave the Dunlop Antique at home).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 18 June 2004 08:08 (twenty-one years ago)

I might get a pair of Green Flash for this, special like.

― Sarah (starry), Friday, 18 June 2004 08:08 (twenty-one years ago)

hi NORTH london fagots i haven't been able to phone highbury fields - i'll try tomorrow morning hopefully they'll still have courts free for sunday around noon!

I'll keep you posted!

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 18 June 2004 14:17 (twenty-one years ago)

so 11 a.m. tomorow then. i'm having a qni tonight, so i should be there, ready to go...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 18 June 2004 15:06 (twenty-one years ago)

no fagot action on sunday i'm afraid :( there's some kind of tournament going on at highbury fields on sunday!

unless we wanna try and indoors court like islington tennis centre or something!

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 19 June 2004 08:56 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd be every bit as happy with an indoor court, if the price is similar. Happier really - no worries about sunburn or rain.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 19 June 2004 13:12 (twenty-one years ago)

i guess it's too late for today now. but i'll check out the indoor stuff for future ref.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 20 June 2004 09:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Hilly Fields worked out well despite the potential lottery of non-bookability: one couple finished their singles just as I arrived so I moved in with the authority that comes with carrying more than one racket. Jerry and I played a set, then Rob arrived and we played a round robin of tie-breakers until 1pm. Nice two-tone courts and heavy carto-neolithic vibes from the triangulation point-cum-burial chamber.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 20 June 2004 14:18 (twenty-one years ago)

cum burial chamber??

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 20 June 2004 17:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Somehow I knew ken would post that...

Yeah, great south London FAGOTing. The weather was nice and we got in many fine rounds. MJ's serve just kept getting better until it got to the point where decent returns were quite a challenge. Hooray for unforced errors - the source of almost all my points!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 21 June 2004 06:51 (twenty-one years ago)

this Saturday anyone?

my back still hurts from doing an overhead kick at the last FAKA (aggrevated by glasto luggage carriage) but i think some tennis physiotherapy will help!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 29 June 2004 16:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, probably.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 29 June 2004 17:49 (twenty-one years ago)

haha, the enthusiasm there was staggering!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 29 June 2004 18:04 (twenty-one years ago)

I think this weekend is out for me, I'm afraid. 10/7 looks good tho'.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 29 June 2004 18:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, I've not been terribly well; and don't like being out in the sun too much, as I burn absurdly easily and badly (sunstroke twice, once hospitalised for it), so I'm not absolutely sure. If I'm feeling reasonably okay and the sun isn't too horrific I'm on.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 29 June 2004 18:36 (twenty-one years ago)

should tomorrow be on? anyone up for a game?

i woke up with a cramp in my leg today to add to the post-glasto injuries, but i'll still play

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 1 July 2004 14:39 (twenty-one years ago)

i mean saturday

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 1 July 2004 14:39 (twenty-one years ago)

two weeks pass...

Anything on for tomorrow? I know Rob is injured, but Ken? Anyone?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 16 July 2004 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

sorry couldn't make it today.. howsabouts tomorrow though?

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 17 July 2004 10:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Well there is a FAP tomorrow lunchtime, so I'm not keen on playing before it, going home to clean up then going into town, all by lunchtime. Also, with Rob injured and Steady Mike not coming, there are no spare rackets - I must get around to buying one. Anywhere cheap near my work, halfway up Tottenham Court Road? No point a player like me buying anything but the cheapest.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 17 July 2004 11:41 (twenty-one years ago)

ooh i'm not sure of the sporting facilities on TCR it seems to be a geeky road with electrinic schidts... oxford street would prolly have one though (whatabout that lillywhites way upthread is that still there?)

guess footie isn't happening this sunday howsabout a FAGOT? i dunno who's on but i'm up for a game if anyone wants one.

my serves are devastating.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 23 July 2004 11:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Wigmore's (on, reasonably enough, Wigmore Street) is probably the nearest racket shop, but it doesn't do cheap, I'm afraid. Lillywhites at Piccadilly Circus, if their post-refurb excess stock is still knocking around, is your best bet.

I'm not up for tennis because I really need to see a doctor about my knee and being Bus Pass Charlie, I'm not really up for too many Saturday morning excursions to Norf London any more. Maybe later in the summer (once I'm fitted with some sort of Todd Martin leg-brace). I quite fancy Burgess Park (I pass it every day on the bus and the courts seem to be in good nick, popular and possibly free).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 23 July 2004 12:48 (twenty-one years ago)

howdy! ken i'm definitely up for a sunday FAGOT. my toronto friend leaves in the morning so i'll be free to crush you with my infamous and wildly unpredictable serves...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 July 2004 13:01 (twenty-one years ago)

yay rob! do you wanna book it or shall i?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 23 July 2004 13:03 (twenty-one years ago)

if you could that would be wicked - i've gotta get down to some 'real' work now. i'll check the thread later... YAY! more tennis!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 July 2004 13:14 (twenty-one years ago)

w00t! the keeper's only there 10 mins either side of the hour so i'll call around 4.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 23 July 2004 13:17 (twenty-one years ago)

sunday, noon, court 4, bring your clock for cleaning purposes.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 23 July 2004 14:09 (twenty-one years ago)

HAHA my clock will stay nice and dirty young man. yours will be OH SO SHINY

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 23 July 2004 15:29 (twenty-one years ago)

I've been training.

who'll bring it?

― cºzen (Cozen), Friday, 23 July 2004 15:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Training, eh? Bring your dirty clock and get ready for the ONSLAUGHT!
Poor Ken C and his new serving technique did not survive.
Set 1: 6-0
Set 2: 6-1
Although the tide was turning towards the end there - maybe we would have taken it to five sets if there was more time!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 26 July 2004 14:43 (twenty-one years ago)

hahaha.. yeah, i think the games got closer when i started raising my first serve percentage from 0%.. oops!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 26 July 2004 14:48 (twenty-one years ago)

two weeks pass...

wow the recent FAGOTs have been good. anyone fancy it this saturday? before drinking and bowling fun in the evening... or sunday for hungover fagot fun...

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 09:23 (twenty-one years ago)

i am of course up for this. provided we don't have any more of those super-long games that make me want to pass out. what was that - 10 deuces? maybe more? that shit would have made the sports highlight reel for sure.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 09:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Cor, the epics you've been having since I reluctantly opted out of the Highbury Fields gang. The saga of my dicky knee continues but if Jerry is up for some racket-swangin' in southeastern parts this Saturday I might risk it.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 10:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry - as I said on the bowling thread, I am very committed elsewhere this weekend. I will rejoin soon.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 11:26 (twenty-one years ago)

shall i phoneahead rob?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 12 August 2004 08:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Mike - I can do Saturday, as long as it's early doors. Anyone for ten-ish?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 12 August 2004 08:49 (twenty-one years ago)

ken - we could venture south and join our skilled bretheren down there? although 10am is pretty early...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 12 August 2004 08:51 (twenty-one years ago)

10 was merely my attempt to find something new under the pun. Before midday would be best for me, though.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 12 August 2004 08:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Bu Jerry, there is nothing new under the pun innit. Try sports futility vehicles more.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 12 August 2004 10:47 (twenty-one years ago)

dude i dunno.. i'm on a bus pass and there's swimmer fun at 3pm! and finsbury park at 5! everything seems so close to home to make the journey south appear insane!

how does one get to this tennis place down south from hollway by bus?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 12 August 2004 11:15 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah - it's a long trek down. given the festivities planned we can do that another time. so ken - wanna try for 11 or noon in highbury?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 12 August 2004 14:50 (twenty-one years ago)

sure.. i'll call tomorrow! (besides this gives you more time at home with your ps2!)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 12 August 2004 14:53 (twenty-one years ago)

wow last week was really good... and also table tennis too! i had my clocks cleaned on both events. i blame it on the alcohol residue.

again this weekend?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 23 August 2004 23:46 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, i'm up for another round this weekend for sure.
we need to get some fresh balls, i think...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 07:15 (twenty-one years ago)

I should be on again. I'd like to play more table tennis too - I enjoyed that one session, though adjusting from the different ways you play what are slightly similar sports did prove difficult - I was using too much arm and shoulder and not nearly enough wrist in the table tennis.

I thought you were pretty good, Ken - bear in mind I was really VERY good at table tennis, and had played more recently than you as well. Your main weakness is that you don't seem to read and adjust for spin very well.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:37 (twenty-one years ago)

hello kids! wassup.. i might be playing with my flatmate this saturday at noon - but a friend might now be visiting and so that might be off.

In either case I'll be well up for Sunday FAGOTs! Anyone facy it?

Also.. as winter draws closer.. shall we start to investigate indoor venues around islington as the weather will only get more and more rain-prone?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 2 September 2004 12:00 (twenty-one years ago)

I have promised that we will come to a tennis thing this weekend - Sunday would probably be better because we anticipate spending all day Saturday looking for a new flat! Just TXT me when you decide on a time Ken.

― marianna, Thursday, 2 September 2004 12:45 (twenty-one years ago)

cool marianna will do!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 2 September 2004 13:00 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm up for sunday FAGOTing

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 2 September 2004 13:13 (twenty-one years ago)

woot!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 2 September 2004 13:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Aargh - I meant to revive this as I have a new racket (a cheapish Dunlop made virtually free in Lillywhites' never-ending clearance sale). Sunday is out for me but I can do Saturday. Anyone? Jerry?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 2 September 2004 14:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm up for Sunday, I expect.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 2 September 2004 16:11 (twenty-one years ago)

okay - highbury fields booked for sunday at noon, court 6! see yous there!

(do we have enough rackets?)

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 3 September 2004 12:09 (twenty-one years ago)

p.s. i still have trouble running at the moment from the fall.. but hopefully will recover in time (playing tomrorow with my flatmate too! so will find out then!! might be time to buy a can of those magic spray that they have for injured football players)

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 3 September 2004 12:11 (twenty-one years ago)

my balls aren't very fresh these days...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Friday, 3 September 2004 13:11 (twenty-one years ago)

i think my f/m might be getting some balls so i'll bring 'em if we have em.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 3 September 2004 13:17 (twenty-one years ago)

those cheapo £1 for 5 tennis balls from the crappy camden shops aren't worth it are they??

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 3 September 2004 13:17 (twenty-one years ago)

So, no one can do Saturday? There's something in it for you, Jerry...

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 3 September 2004 13:20 (twenty-one years ago)

He's a North Londoner now, remember!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 3 September 2004 16:37 (twenty-one years ago)

BTW Ken, and anyone else who is interested, I'd be keen on table tennis after the tennis, if you'd fancy that. If you'd like to book a table for 1.40 or 2 say, I'll commit to joining you, short of an injury or something.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 3 September 2004 21:23 (twenty-one years ago)

right! back from glasgow and my arm - now isn't occupied with lifting pints of tennents - is itching for smacking furry balls again! Anyone up for it this w/e?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 September 2004 10:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't on Saturday, as one of my best and oldest friends is getting married that day, so I won't have the time. If it happens on Sunday, I might well be on, but don't move it for me.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:48 (twenty-one years ago)

i don't mind whatever day.. my social schedule is thinner than posh spice. any thoughts from the others?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I can only really play on Sunday after about 1pm

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:58 (twenty-one years ago)

you mean you've been faking it all these times?!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 September 2004 16:02 (twenty-one years ago)

oh yeah baby - you should see the WRATH i can deliver after 1pm on sundays...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 13 September 2004 16:12 (twenty-one years ago)

haha

ok shall i book one maybe for 1pm sunday?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 September 2004 18:55 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, I should be up for that.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 13 September 2004 19:01 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't know if me or Alasdair will be able to make that because we are moving house on Saturday and will be sore. But hey, if you want to help us move on Saturday I am buying lots of belgian beers and ordering pizza for everyone who helps.

― marianna, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 08:58 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd be happy to help if I didn't have a wedding to go to, Marianna. (I'm really looking forward to it - I love this man as much as anyone in my life, and he was maybe the best friend to me in the difficult time after my marriage ended, and I really like his intended too, so it will be a very happy day for me. Even though I have to wear a suit on a weekend for the first time in more years than I can remember.)

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Damn. I'm busy Saturday otherwise I'd love to help you guys move - no guff! I kinda enjoy helping other people move but despise doing it myself.

Ken did you phone ahead yet? If that time is cool for us we should book it.

Anyone else? JtN?

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:07 (twenty-one years ago)

There is a very good chance I can make this, for once.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Hmmm - I really thought I might have tempted someone with the belgian beer & pizza offer.

― marianna, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:26 (twenty-one years ago)

i'll come help you marianna! i am free on saturday as far as i know - let me know what time you're moving and where i should be!

and yay tennis i'll call at noon when someone will answer the phone then!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Hooray Ken! If you can be available mid-afternoon Saturday for at least a few hours that would rock! I'll text you our house addresses and stuff.

― marianna, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:31 (twenty-one years ago)

that sounds great - and i can finally put my lifting and handling training from work to use!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:38 (twenty-one years ago)

alright fagots - court 2, 1pm sunday booked. keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 10:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll come if there's light at the end of the B***** S******** tunnel by then, but I seriously doubt it. Me and Pam played the other evening - I tried a few Federer forehands and nearly broke my wrist.

I'm gagging to play but spare time doesn't seem to exist at the mo'.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 17:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Weather forecast is good for tomorrow and me and the missus have just delivered 189/322nds of the remainder of this bastard project to U******l, so I'm counting myself in. This is Highbury Fields, we're talking about, isn't it? Will plan the bus route tonight. I may even get the bus tonight, it could be a long haul.

I shall bring two or three rackets and a vast pouch of bright, new balls. I'm banking on a Nipper appearance.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 18 September 2004 15:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry all: I was woken up by a cramp in my right calf this morning, and it still hurts and is really tight.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 19 September 2004 09:55 (twenty-one years ago)

yup highbury fields court 2! see yous there!

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 19 September 2004 10:07 (twenty-one years ago)

That was pretty good, wasn't it? I'm still not convinced buying this new Dunlop has done anything for me other than to make my bad shots fly even further out and I couldn't hit a first serve to save my life, but fun anyway.

Court 2 (and court 1 for that matter) suffers from its shadiness in that it was still damp from yesterday's rain and slick from (presumably) accumulated leaf mulch. Maybe one of the higher-numbered courts next time? Or (radical suggestion) - Burgess Park. It may be completely out of the question for you Northerners (which is now every other ILX Londoner who plays tennis) but the courts look good and I think it's free. (Or I just buy decent tennis shoes.)

What about that guy teaching the kids opposite? Jesus, he was 6'4" or something and had a 120mph flat serve. I don't know whether his pupils were meant to be impressed, inspired or just frightened.

I may ask a question about string tension later. Unless I'm too tense.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Sunday, 19 September 2004 15:28 (twenty-one years ago)

was it easy to get home mike? (was it the 19 bus that you wanted? i had a quick glance at the bus stop)

that 120mph serve is still fresh in my memory.. i'm going to dream about it tonight i think

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 19 September 2004 15:56 (twenty-one years ago)

fancy what can well be the last outdoor tennis session for a while (with the rainy season and all), this saturday?

i'm looking into indoor places.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:24 (twenty-one years ago)

What about... FAGOB - Fancy a game of badminton - for the winter months?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:27 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm up for badminton fersure. the sobell centre is two minutes walk from my house

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:29 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm up for badminton (in principle). It may mean another trip to Lillywhites though because I can't believe the racket I last used in 1988 can possibly have survived seven changes of address (if it ever left the parental home in the first place). I'll have a look though.

I fear crisscrossing London to go to a leisure centre might prove a pretty uneconomic use of my precious spare time though. (In response to Ken's question above - yeah, I caught the 19 but it got stuck in traffic on Upper Street and, via a 59 and a 468, I finally got home in 2.5 hours!)

The weather in the last week (when the rain hasn't been falling) has been ideal for tennis though - low 60s, overcast. But those nights are drawing in...

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:42 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah me and my flatmate played on saturday - it was great weather for it (and the rain JUST held out). it was so good i even got to almost winning at 5-3 with him (before we got booted out).

i'd like to keep up the tennis though, my serves are just getting ok now.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:45 (twenty-one years ago)

I think we should play tennis indoors, but I'd be up for badminton too. And, I hope, more table tennis, if we're at the Sobell anyway.

But not this Saturday, as I have my eye op on Friday, and after general anaesthetic I am not going to be fit for much activity the next day.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:45 (twenty-one years ago)

One of the appealing aspects of outdoor play is the possibility that you won't have to pay. All public tennis courts in the borough of Southwark, for instance (with the exception of Dulwich Park) are free.

Perhaps I'll just have to start hanging about in parks with my rackets. I'll take a packed lunch and some fizzy pop.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 09:59 (twenty-one years ago)

three weeks pass...

since the weather is now getting into wetness central.. before someone (I?) finally look further into the indoor options. shall we try and do the FAGOT on a on the day basis?

i don't know if i have all your numbers but like say if it's sunny on a saturday or sunday shall i just call you guys and then try and book a court on the day (this is not a revolutionary idea as we did this a few times already) rob only has a few more weekends before jetsetting his way around the world on his grandslam tour

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 20 October 2004 14:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, fair enough, but I think we do need to look into indoor options now really - it doesn't look likely to be dry enough. Even if it's been dry for say 24 hours, the shaded areas will probably still be dangerously slippery.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 20 October 2004 16:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I think I flew in over Wimbledon the other day.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 20 October 2004 16:25 (twenty-one years ago)

four months pass...

REVIVE.

the sun's been out last weekend throughout. maybe the outlooks will be good this weekend too. anyone fancy some FAGOT?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:13 (twenty years ago)

i went to the islington tennis centre the other day - pretty good, although it was like £17.50 an hour or something expensive.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:14 (twenty years ago)

YES! But not for 17.50. Also I am a bit shit.

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:16 (twenty years ago)

well outdoors place is only like £7.50 (for the court for an hour).. pretty cheap. i don't think many of us are like amazingly good. except michael jones.

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:32 (twenty years ago)

I'd like to play one day, if I may.

― Markelby (Mark C), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:34 (twenty years ago)

I'm always up for tennis but not at £17/hr and probably not north of the river, sorry.

(Er, I'm not that good! Were you there when Mark K showed me up as a barely-coordinated hacker? He plays the way I think I can play in my head, but actually can't.)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:34 (twenty years ago)

When I say that I am a bit shit, I mean that I have never hit a technically good serve in my life, and am the only person I know to have committed four straight double faults in one game several times.

There are some nice courts in Wimbledon Park where I play occasionally for a fiver an hour, but I'm guessing that's out of most people's way...

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:41 (twenty years ago)

p.s. the £17/hr place wasn't a suggestion btw! just reporting back on my findings (since i said i would upthread).

i sense that more people want to play south of the river just now.. i wouldn't mind coming down one day if the bus route is easy! (i have no idea how one gets to wimbledon..)

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:44 (twenty years ago)

aside from "practice" of course :D

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:45 (twenty years ago)

as far as I know there are no tennis courts in Bow :(

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:47 (twenty years ago)

like alex, when i say i'm a bit rusty there is no false modesty involved. also, i can no longer even look intimidating as i'm too fat to fit into any of my lacoste tennis skirts. i'd still like to participate if possible, though.

― lauren (laurenp), Monday, 7 March 2005 14:51 (twenty years ago)

let's do this.

who is free to play this weekend? what are the court preferences?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 7 March 2005 15:09 (twenty years ago)

I'd once again like to big up Burgess Park in Camberwell. Though I've never played there, it looks pretty good from the bus.

I can get to SW London easy enough, I'm just a bit less keen on the slog to NE London than I was. But really, if someone organises something, I'll probably show up with multiple rackets and a big bag of balls whereever you are. I'm that desperate.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 7 March 2005 15:12 (twenty years ago)

No court preferences, really. I play better on faster surfaces ('better') but then they also mean that I can't return proper serves ever.

I'm not sure what my weekend plans are at all. This is by far the cheapest option so is on the inside track. Saturday afternoon probably best though if I don't go out on Saturday night then Sunday might be good too.

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 7 March 2005 15:19 (twenty years ago)

There are some hard courts in Lincoln's Inn Fields, apparently.

http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Recreation/Lincolns_Inn_Fields_Tennis_Courts/ea6c/

Does anyone fancy having a reccy?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 7 March 2005 15:22 (twenty years ago)

I've seen those courts, Jerry - very nice and I think it's where Mark K sharpens his skills at lunchtimes. No idea how much they cost.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 7 March 2005 15:57 (twenty years ago)

I would favour Highbury Fields* for my convenience, but I guess I could drag myself in to Holborn. I don't think I'm on for anywhere other than North/Central. I'm not sure I'll be on at all for outside, as I am not convinced the weather will be adequate, but if I don't think I'll freeze and it's dry I'll play. Are there indoor courts at that sports centre near you, Ken?

* VERY bad if not really dry.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 7 March 2005 19:12 (twenty years ago)

the islington tennis centre is the indoor one martin.. it's near caledonian road station. not sure about the price though

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 02:36 (twenty years ago)

Okay, it's dry so far and not horribly cold, so I'm on for tomorrow if anyone else is. I've even bought a racket! I invested an amount proportional to my abilities: £6.89. Highbury Fields Saturday afternoon, perhaps? Ken, Lex, Lauren, Mark, Jerry? Does someone have Marianna's number/email? And Liz seemed interested when we were out last night.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:21 (twenty years ago)

I don't think I can do tomorrow after all (if this changes I will post) - however it looks increasingly likely that I won't be going out Saturday night, so Sunday will probably be fine for me.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:36 (twenty years ago)

Lex, I used to play on the Wimbledon Park courts as a teenager. They're good and cheap - perhaps it could be the basis for the first ever SW London FAP which I've been hoping for for ages and ages!

― Markelby (Mark C), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:40 (twenty years ago)

That whole area is a little weird for me - I grew up there but moved away when I was nine, and now I've got a good friend who lives 5 minutes from the courts so I end up going there quite often again. They're really nice courts, yes!

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:50 (twenty years ago)

I think the Lincoln's Inn's Field's courts are strictly for the beaks. I suggested them upthread, I think. So ner, Jerry Nipper.

Mike, I suggest you extend the invitation to your department.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:54 (twenty years ago)

I could happily do Sunday. I am less keen to go all the way to Wimbledon, but I suppose it depends on the balance of locations of interested parties. (I keep forgetting where The Lex lives.)

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:55 (twenty years ago)

I live in Bow. I think it is an area of London which is bereft of tennis courts. I will have to travel anyway, so don't mind where...

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 11 March 2005 13:56 (twenty years ago)

i really don't care where we go. sunday is fine. if i have to choose i'd say highbury fields but you know. i can travel.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 11 March 2005 14:21 (twenty years ago)

Mike, I suggest you extend the invitation to your department.

I tried to get Nathalene interested the other day but she's "not very well coordinated." I think she always looks very smart. She's doing a half-marathon at some point. We used to have a Croatian here who wept when Goran won Wimbledon - her daughter is a bit of a prospect, I hear. So's mine.

Anyway, I think Sunday is out for me but Saturday is a possibility. Post details here and I might turn up. I'll try and be a bit more 'proactive' next time.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 11 March 2005 14:37 (twenty years ago)

Which one is Nathalene? They are all very well turned-out.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 11 March 2005 14:41 (twenty years ago)

probably can't do saturday now :( sunday at highbury fields?

maybe south london next weekend if there are more south london turnouts??

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 11 March 2005 17:34 (twenty years ago)

ack, turns out I'm not free on Sunday either (unless anyone is up for evening tennis on Sun, if we find courts with floodlights)

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 11 March 2005 17:35 (twenty years ago)

In March weather, I wouldn't be keen to go very far - I can imagine spending ages underground then coming out to rain in SW London and realising the journey was wasted. I'm on for Sunday at Highbury Fields if Ken is.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 11 March 2005 18:15 (twenty years ago)

So, did this happen over the weekend?

I could conceivably play this coming Saturday morning if anyone fancies it. The weather forecast is for 'spring-like temperatures'. (I'm not sure who I'm quoting there.)

Maybe I'll just book a court at Burgess Park, SE5 for 11am-12noon (£4/hour) and if no one else turns up I'll just practice serving until my arm falls off. I can understand if no one fancies it - it's a fairly insalubrious part of SE London and a good 10-12min walk from the nearest Tube (equidistant from E&C, Oval and Kennington). No fewer than 9 bus services go right there from E&C though (12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 148, 171, 176, 468).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:43 (twenty years ago)

I think I could make that, MJ - I need to give my birthday racket an airing.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:51 (twenty years ago)

RACQUET.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:51 (twenty years ago)

i'd come if the weather's looking good mike (and if i wake up earlier enough i.e. before 9am!)

i totally forgot to phone up highbury fields until very late on sunday and there was no courts available until a much later time of 3pm so i just went with my flatmate.

we played for 2 hours actually cos nobody showed up for the 4-5pm slot! my right shoulder and right palm were caning the next day.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:58 (twenty years ago)

There was a bit of 'joshing' on Radio 4 this morning. Humphrys (I think) questioned the weather girl's predictions because she says it's going to be 18 degrees and very fair-skinned people will need sunblock.

He can laugh and joke, but I reckon he made his way on to the IRA's list this morning by giving Martin McGuiness an admirably hard time.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:58 (twenty years ago)

I am tempted myself too, though I don't even have a racquet (that wasn't made in the 1980s, from lead).

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:59 (twenty years ago)

Either spelling is acceptable though the -ck- option does suggest a special anniversaire GarageBand concoction.

Ace! I'll give them a call right now.

(BBC is now downplaying the hotness of this weekend - 14C and cloudy is the latest for London. Humphrys is a dead man.)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:00 (twenty years ago)

Markelby: I have a couple of spares - the missus's Slazenger and my old late-80s Donnay (not really more than 30-40g heavier than yr modern models). I've just traded phone calls with Southwark leisure services and it turns out I need to call a different number. Hold on to yr hats.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:06 (twenty years ago)

Damn, I missed that!

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:09 (twenty years ago)

I hope you have to ring the parkie.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:10 (twenty years ago)

http://photos6.flickr.com/6552674_37cf53b111.jpg

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:11 (twenty years ago)

That is terrifying!

'An iron net has descended over Europe.'

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:15 (twenty years ago)

OK, court #3, Burgess Park, 11am. Be there or be Sue Barker.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:31 (twenty years ago)

That's Saturday 19/3 for those who can't be bothered scrolling up.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:31 (twenty years ago)

thats an amazing foto, it makes me hard w. joy.

― anthony easton (anthony), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:32 (twenty years ago)

Come along, Anthony, you can wind the net up and make sure it's tight.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 12:39 (twenty years ago)

I wish I could upload my pic of what some local scallies had written in the snow.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 13:06 (twenty years ago)

i'm going to be suffering with an intense hangover on saturday if all goes according to plan, so tennis at 11am is unlikely.

― lauren (laurenp), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 13:20 (twenty years ago)

That's a shame, Lauren. I've never been able to plan my hangovers in advance like that.

So it's me, Jerry and maybe Ken and Markelby? Men's doubles! McNamara/McNamee vs Gunthardt/Taroczy.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 14:15 (twenty years ago)

You see, as soon as we get down to the nitty-gritty, they all go quiet.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 16:08 (twenty years ago)

i'm hoping to be hangover-free and ready to play in the near future, though i've found planning sobriety to be a bit more difficult.

― lauren (laurenp), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 16:44 (twenty years ago)

I'm not making a long journey at that time of a Saturday morning in March, with the fear of coming out of the tube journey to find it's raining. I would be keen on Sunday in North London if anyone else is.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 15 March 2005 19:42 (twenty years ago)

Tennis courts at Lincoln's Inn Fields cost £6.60 per hour. I've just been to have a look. I thought it would be more expensive. But it isn't.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Thursday, 17 March 2005 15:41 (twenty years ago)

that is very cheap indeed!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 March 2005 15:51 (twenty years ago)

You can also hire netball courts (they are the same place).

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Thursday, 17 March 2005 15:56 (twenty years ago)

I can't say I'm hugely interested in playing netball, but that's a central enough location that we might be able to get a fair crowd from all areas along.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 17 March 2005 19:37 (twenty years ago)

The courts seem to made of just normal playground, I don't know if this is good enough for the hardcore.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 18 March 2005 11:51 (twenty years ago)

Is tomorrow still on? I hope to make it (i'll try and brave the 9am alarm tomorrow!)

Sunday is now a no-go cos my flatmate has bagsied my racquet so he could play (tennis) with his gf.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 18 March 2005 11:57 (twenty years ago)

Yep - tomorrow, 11am-noon, court #3, Burgess Park, SE5. Markelby is driving over from SW London, Jerry is hiring a helicopter and I'm using my private foot-tunnel. I hope the weather stays like this.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 18 March 2005 12:17 (twenty years ago)

Holy crap I have a hangover. I may end up umpiring at this rate. Or ballboying.

― Markelby (Mark C), Saturday, 19 March 2005 09:32 (twenty years ago)

it's alright mark i am too. see you there

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 19 March 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

Honestly, you people. See you in the Walworth-Camberwell hinterlands in an hour.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 19 March 2005 09:51 (twenty years ago)

Well, that was pretty good - Mark/Ken 6-3 Me/Jerry (on the 9th set-point!) and then a quick t-b triumph for me & Ken. Shame the Burgess booking system is so flaky that we were shunted from court to court but it's a good facility. Maybe Lincoln's Inn Fields next?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 19 March 2005 14:09 (twenty years ago)

Having played with you and Ken, I make some deductions there about Mark and Jerry's abilities, possibly inaccurately.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 19 March 2005 14:42 (twenty years ago)

Markelby and Ken, complete with matching his'n'hers hangovers, beat Steady Mike and Jerry the Nipper?

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Monday, 21 March 2005 09:17 (twenty years ago)

This, unfortunately, is true. Jerry did have 20min less warm-up time and I...was just a bit rubbish. I kept trying to hit the cover off every short second-serve, a bit like a midfield clogger fancying a shot a goal from every free-kick within 15 yards of the penalty area. But let's not talk about free-kicks.

If I'm gonna make feeble excuses, I think the hooj sweet-spot on my new Dunlop means that the fading undercut forehand (which is my default shot when I don't know what else to do) has a tendency is fly a bit more than I'm used to. Hence lots of free points for Chusarotto.

Mark's got a good forehand and Ken has a great ability to get the ball back in play, sometimes unconventionally (he used a passing bus at one point).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 21 March 2005 09:50 (twenty years ago)

What about my serve, Mike?

(by "serve", I mean the one first serve in the whole game that actually went in. But it was a cracker!)

― Markelby (Mark C), Monday, 21 March 2005 10:16 (twenty years ago)

I view Saturday's play as part of my pre-season warm-up.

Can we book Lincoln's Inn over the blower or do we need to show up in person?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 21 March 2005 10:29 (twenty years ago)

It was a cracker - a big, flat cannonball. Unfortunately, geometry dictates that the three of us couldn't hit serves like that and get them over the net... :(

(JtN: I'm not sure about LIF.)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 21 March 2005 10:31 (twenty years ago)

I had a brilliant time, though I can feel it in several parts of my body today. I'd be up for playing again - Burgess Park is a decent geographical compromise, and cheap as you like, but wherever is probably fine. Easter weekend FAGOT then?

(Ken and I won through no more than early-season jitters on the parts of our much more skilful opponents, to be honest)

― Markelby (Mark C), Monday, 21 March 2005 10:41 (twenty years ago)

I like to think that because I was on the winning team on both sides, that I was the key element to success. but then i try to remember how many points i actually won...

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 21 March 2005 11:45 (twenty years ago)

There is a 'wee hut' at Lincoln's Inn's Fields. Inside there is a 'wee bloke'. I don't know whether he has a telephone. I volunter Mike to pop over and ask him whether he's got a telephone or not.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Monday, 21 March 2005 12:06 (twenty years ago)

If only Matt DC were part of this...

I should be okay for the weekend, but despite having done nothing more energetic yestderday than walk around the Barbican art galleries then go to the pub, I woke up with a real pain high on the back of my left thigh (inches from being a literal pain in the arse, as opposed to the people here who are met...um, not pains in the arse at all), and have been limping all day. It's only Monday, so I should be fine for the weekend. I get two days each side of the weekend, so any of those days would suit me except early on Friday, which is already booked for recovery time from the epochal first Poptimism.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 21 March 2005 13:32 (twenty years ago)

so yeah i'm up for whereever whenever this easter weekend. highbury fields, burgess park, lincoln's inn etc. just name the time and place

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 21 March 2005 13:50 (twenty years ago)

I think the LIF idea is a good N-S compromise, personally.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 21 March 2005 18:26 (twenty years ago)

you people better watch out - i'm gonna FAGOT with you in springtime...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 01:12 (twenty years ago)

It's spring now, Rob! It was summer last week, but someone obviously noticed that the wrong button had been pressed, and we are back to spring. I suspect someone was sacked because of it.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 12:52 (twenty years ago)

Shall I walk over to Lincoln's Inn Fields at lunchtime and book a court for Saturday then? Nice'n'early?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 13:00 (twenty years ago)

i have a feeling that excessive drinking is going to be a problem for me, and this tennis thing.

― lauren (laurenp), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:20 (twenty years ago)

Lunchtime is now over...I'll do it tomorrow if anyone's interested.

Lauren: we could always play one weekday evening? Burgess Park have floodlit courts (£6/hour) and once the clocks go forward even that won't be necessary.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:21 (twenty years ago)

Lauren, me and Ken both had significant hangovers on Saturday, and still managed to beat the veterans. It's the best thing to do the morning after!

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:32 (twenty years ago)

i'm exaggerating, really. i just need to get into the habit of considering tennis when doing weekend planning.

― lauren (laurenp), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:36 (twenty years ago)

my flatmate wants to join, as well, so once she's back we're going to have a few practice sessions and then.. watch out.

― lauren (laurenp), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:39 (twenty years ago)

Are the tennis courts in Regents Park readily available for hire, does anyone know?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 14:47 (twenty years ago)

I can't belive no one texted me about last weekend. I'm up for it this weekend. Friday? I can come down to S.London I suppose. :)

― marianna, Tuesday, 22 March 2005 15:06 (twenty years ago)

mike i'll def. play if you want to book lincoln's inn (and i'm sure others will too)!

with this much interest we might need to book TWO courts at a time soon.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 15:40 (twenty years ago)

Sorry for not getting in touch, Marianna!

OK, how about I go over to LIF tomorrow and try to book a court for 11am-noon, Friday?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 15:57 (twenty years ago)

Ah, Friday is no good for me.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 16:01 (twenty years ago)

Me neither, I'm afraid. This weekend isn't looking good in general, unless it was early sunday (10am) or Monday (11am).

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 22 March 2005 17:39 (twenty years ago)

Any day is fine for me - if it's on Saturday or Sunday, Alasdair can come too. If it's on Friday or Saturday a post or pre game trip to Borough Market will be in order.

― marianna, Tuesday, 22 March 2005 18:37 (twenty years ago)

I will come with you, Mike, to book it, if you go. I won't play though. Obv.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 11:58 (twenty years ago)

OK, I'm going to walk over to LIF in about an hour and a half - I can only play the once this coming holiday weekend but it can be any day, any time with the exception of Saturday afternoon/evening.

Those who can make it to Holborn cast your votes for when we play. (The rest of you, argue amongst yourselves for alternative venues).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:15 (twenty years ago)

Are you going to eat your lunch on a bench?

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:19 (twenty years ago)

I could do. I have eaten my lunch in LIF before. It was last summer and I took some interesting pictures of leaves.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:24 (twenty years ago)

Let's do that then. It will look like a gay tryst.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:30 (twenty years ago)

You should have seen all of the boys playing tennis together last weekend.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:36 (twenty years ago)

Michael is going to toast his bagel and stick it in a bag. I just mention it in case there are any random googler pigeons reading this.

I am quite excited.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 12:58 (twenty years ago)

Right now, the vibes I'm picking up tell me to book it for 10-11am, Sunday when me, Jerry(?), Marianna, Al, Martin(?), Lauren(?) & Markelby could make it (two courts?). Alternate: 11am-noon, Monday.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 13:13 (twenty years ago)

I say yes! Bring spectators!

― marianna, Wednesday, 23 March 2005 13:36 (twenty years ago)

OK, 10-11am Sunday at LIF, two courts - that's what I'm going to book. One court, if that's all they've got. An hour later if necessary. 11am-noon, Monday, one court as last resort.

Tell me now if this is no good...

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 13:40 (twenty years ago)

sunday would be perfect

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 13:48 (twenty years ago)

i can't make it, boo-hoo. we've got a full-on easter dinner at mine on sunday, so i'll be knee-deep in roasted things and small children trying to eat raw dough.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 13:49 (twenty years ago)

Cor, that sounds smashing, Lauren. Roasted children and raw dough, mm-mm.

Ok, 10-11am, courts #2 and #3 at LIF, Sunday. £6.60/court/hr. If only three of us turn up one can take aim at the netball basket.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 14:35 (twenty years ago)

Smashing!

Haha that's quite funny actually!

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 14:37 (twenty years ago)

haha next time i pun like that is made there really should be a warning given out be-forehand

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 14:47 (twenty years ago)

That would serve as the right way to pro-seed, certainly.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 14:49 (twenty years ago)

I helped book it. There were proper cockneys, emptying the bins.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 15:27 (twenty years ago)

Bloody hell, 10am on a holiday weekend Sunday? I'm not sure I fancy my chances of making that, but I'll give it a try.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 18:17 (twenty years ago)

We kind of need to have people either committing or the opposite - tennis isn't like footie where you can just turn up and join in. Especially as it's invloving two hours of travel for one hour of racket-based fun.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 18:19 (twenty years ago)

I was trying to accommodate Markelby with the 10am start. If people really think this is a bad idea on a Sunday (or if Mark could actually make it later), let me know and I'll go over tomorrow and change it (the entire Sunday schedule was blank). It would also be good if I had an idea of how many could make it.

(xpost! If we're certainly going to have less than five people, for example, I'd change it to one court/two hours. One hour is never really enough by the time everyone's arrived and warmed up.)

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 23 March 2005 18:27 (twenty years ago)

That time I'm Sunday is fine with me, do the shops open before 12? It might be worth doing it for 2 hours or an hour later if people want to get lunch afterwards.

I'm going to do my first cycle ride into central london to see if I could manage to do it for commuting.

― marianna, Thursday, 24 March 2005 10:03 (twenty years ago)

I will be there, thirsting for vengence.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 24 March 2005 10:09 (twenty years ago)

Thanks for thinking of me, Mike, but if it really makes a difference don't worry about changing it - I can come next time. Or, book the court for two hours, and latecomers can play the second hour.

(personally, getting up reasonably early to partake in a worthy pursuit makes me feel happy and productive, but maybe others don't agree)

― Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 24 March 2005 10:45 (twenty years ago)

Marianna, isn't easter sunday almost like christmas day, in that hardly any shops open up?

I might come along and watch you all, or I may have a long lie-in. decisions decisions.

― Vicky (Vicky), Thursday, 24 March 2005 10:50 (twenty years ago)

i can totally make sunday then. i hope the gym on gower street will be open too.

i might be going drinking with my friend who gave up on alcohol for lent on saturday night (he's starting drinking big time at midnight) so i might not be in the best state but that's when i play best!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 24 March 2005 11:54 (twenty years ago)

OK, I might change it to 10am-noon, one court. Whaddya reckon? Getting five or more people at 10 sharp in Holborn seems fairly unlikely; if Mark has to leave at 11-ish and others need a rest, we can accommodate the late arrivals. I think there's a fairly good chance there'll be a court free anyway, so if there's suddenly six early-birds, you can just pay at the little hut.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 24 March 2005 12:00 (twenty years ago)

I'm not sure what my chances are of making it at all, I'm afraid. I woke up Monday morning with a really painful ache high on the back of my left thigh, and while it seemed to be getting a lot better by the end of Tuesday, it's deteriorated badly since. I've been limping badly, off and on, so unless that goes I won't be attempting tennis. If it does go, I'll do my best to get there early, but will struggle - I get zero satisfaction from getting up early ever, especially 8am on a Sunday.

Not many shops will be open, especially in Cityish areas.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 24 March 2005 13:09 (twenty years ago)

I think 10-12 makes more sense then - Martin, if you feel up to it, you can come over late morning in the knowledge that some of us will still be there.

Marianna: is Al likely to want to play at 10am?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 24 March 2005 13:17 (twenty years ago)

martin i have a can of sports pain etc. spray if that's any help.. i'll probably bring it on Sunday anyway (not that it's a good idea to numb the pain before going on exercise that risks further injury). I've been using it a lot during my week of crazy exercise regime two weeks back (it was almost a different sport/exercise every day of the week! i ached)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 24 March 2005 13:28 (twenty years ago)

OK, I've switched it to 10-12, one court, so the pressure's off those alarm clocks. Not a single soul on the courts just now - what a waste.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 24 March 2005 14:02 (twenty years ago)

i'll be there early doors sunday (actually i might end up at the afterskool club on saturday night maybe i should just stay out in holborn all night or sleep in my office........)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 24 March 2005 14:22 (twenty years ago)

OH GAWD - just realised that BST starts this weekend, so 10am is gonna feel like 9am to most of us. I quite understand if no one else turns up at the start (I wonder if our Man In The Little Hut will even be there?)...

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 24 March 2005 18:51 (twenty years ago)

Can someone tell me just where these courts are? I mean, I know where LIF is, so I guess there can't be many courts there - I just have memories of very annoying confusion on my first trip to Highbury Fields, and I only learnt afterwards that they hadn't meant THOSE tennis courts on Highbury Fields but some different ones.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 26 March 2005 20:48 (twenty years ago)

Three are only three courts in LIF and they're in one place. If you enter LIF from the Holborn corner and start walking counterclockwise around the perimeter you'll see them over to the left very soon.

Played tennis with the missus at 8:15 yesterday morning (it was going to be 7 but Ava gave us a lie-in) - a wonderful way to start the day. Finally got some feel going with the Dunlop so WATCH OUT (for multiple double faults and swearing).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Saturday, 26 March 2005 22:40 (twenty years ago)

I played for close to two hours, my first serious activity of any kind since we last played, maybe six months ago, so I expect achiness shortly.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 27 March 2005 11:33 (twenty years ago)

i felt fitter than ever after the tennis, but the gym was shut. and now i'm home.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 27 March 2005 11:37 (twenty years ago)

I had a lovely time this morning, and can't wait for the next one. I'd love to find a way of playing where I don't have an hour's travel each way, but perhaps being in SW London that's just part of the deal.

Mike, I forgot to give you the cash I owed you for today's court. Don't let me forget next time I see you.

― Markelby (Mark C), Sunday, 27 March 2005 20:29 (twenty years ago)

No problem, Mark. I'm happy to play in SW London sometime, btw - even if it's just singles.

My right knee and shoulder were starting to complain towards the end of our two-hour stint but that's what you get for not warming up on a misty, damp morning. We peaked at seven people around 10:45 but two courts for two hours would've been edging towards too expensive. The team-tag aspect worked OK, I think.

I now realise I never would've made a competitive sportsperson. Aside from the various genetic shortcomings, poor hand-eye coordination, lack of balance you might expect from the depressingly low centre-of-gravity, laziness, get headaches from too much sun, dislike tracky-bottoms, blah blah blah...I'm a big chokey chicken. What other explanation for smacking first-serve after first-serve within inches of the service line during knock-up and then double-faulting like a mentally-disturbed Russian teenager when we were actually playing? Bock bock bock!

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 28 March 2005 10:25 (twenty years ago)

I have been wondering about this event all weekend.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Monday, 28 March 2005 12:48 (twenty years ago)

I have been wondering about your event all weekend.

Basically we played doubles where everyone was a rush-goalie. One team beat the other team 7-6; I was off court during the tie-breaker so I can't be sure if 'my' team won. Then we did winner-stays-on. We stopped short of headers-and-volleys (though that would've been half-appropriate).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 28 March 2005 19:10 (twenty years ago)

I'm guessing FAKA action means FAGOT opportunities are limited this weekend? Lousy weather at the moment anyway.

As a reminder of what we're all aspiring towards here's Hewitt saving a break-point vs Federer last week in the Indian Wells final (sorry if you've not got Windows Media Player).

http://www.atptennis.com/en/mercedesbenz/download.asp?file=Lleyton_Hewitt_(24_03_2005)_ultra.wmv

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 30 March 2005 12:54 (twenty years ago)

I can't wait to play again, Mike, but visitors this weekend severely limit my attendance. Next weekend though is looking good apart from Sunday afternoon.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 30 March 2005 13:14 (twenty years ago)

Are you FAKing, by the way?

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 30 March 2005 13:14 (twenty years ago)

Is that like Faking It? No, I don't think I'll be kicking any balls around.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Wednesday, 30 March 2005 13:26 (twenty years ago)

I could do Sunday morning, preferably an hour later than last weekend.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 30 March 2005 16:17 (twenty years ago)

I don´t think my Chiles-like charms will be on display after all.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Thursday, 31 March 2005 07:22 (twenty years ago)

Sorry, wrong thread. Who cares?

Michael, I will be late in today.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Thursday, 31 March 2005 07:23 (twenty years ago)

PJM: Hey, take it easy. There's hardly anyone here yet.

Martin: Sunday 11am might be doable for me but I won't really know until tomorrow.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 31 March 2005 08:05 (twenty years ago)

if my legs are still intact by sunday i would come and play, if you guys are gonna.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 09:44 (twenty years ago)

There is a 'wee hut' at Lincoln's Inn's Fields. Inside there is a 'wee bloke'. I don't know whether he has a telephone.

the wee bloke at lincoln's inn's field is very professional about his job - he walks out of the hut to stare at you if you misbehave like play volley tennis either side of the high fence, or play on at an empty court that you hadn't paid for.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 09:51 (twenty years ago)

You should play at Maryon Park. Apparently the park keepers speculate about whether Blow-Up was a 'mucky film' or not. It is in books and ting.

I'm here now, at work.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Thursday, 31 March 2005 11:10 (twenty years ago)

all these morning tennis arrangements! given grime night in Stratford on Saturday I cannot commit to 11am shenanigans but more than happy to go for Sunday afternoon/evening if anyone else is free then.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 31 March 2005 11:17 (twenty years ago)

once again.. if my legs aren't broken on sunday afternoon/evening i'll play!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 12:12 (twenty years ago)

can you get to highbury fields okay lex? (highbury+islington station) i'll play with you on sunday afternoon if you fancy.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 12:56 (twenty years ago)

(this is as well as any lincoln's inn playing that may be happeneing)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 12:56 (twenty years ago)

highbury & islington sounds fine! what time are you up for? obviously the later the better for me.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:13 (twenty years ago)

how's 5pm?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:14 (twenty years ago)

provisionally good: will of course text if plans change (for 'plans' read 'state of head on Sunday morning')!

(nb I am not planning ruin so I should be fine.)

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:19 (twenty years ago)

i've seen the way you drink, lex.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:20 (twenty years ago)

uh, hmm, that you have. I don't think getting hammered at a grime night in Stratford would be a particularly wise move though.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:21 (twenty years ago)

I think I'm going to bail out of playing tennis this weekend - my knee hurts a bit and socially things are becoming a bit convoluted.

I may be able to play late morning, Sun 10/4.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 31 March 2005 13:33 (twenty years ago)

I'd be just as keen to play at Highbury Fields at 5, but don't fancy trying for both.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 31 March 2005 20:40 (twenty years ago)

fuck

really sorry Ken: am going to have to bail on Sunday, other stuff has emerged unbidden. I promise I will make it to one of these things at some point though.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 31 March 2005 22:17 (twenty years ago)

that's ok.

martin still wanna play?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 31 March 2005 22:39 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, whatever time suits you. Anyone else?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 1 April 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

hi martin, in light of the lex not attending i've taken the liberty to move it forward to 3pm. i've booked court 8 at highbury fields hope to see you (and maybe others) there.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 1 April 2005 13:06 (twenty years ago)

Yep, that's fine by me.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 1 April 2005 17:05 (twenty years ago)

Dammit, I'm sorry Ken: I just got a short notice invite to gather with most of my oldest and best friends on Sunday afternoon, and I'm afraid that trumps an hour of tennis. If no one else can come, and you get landed with paying for a court you don't use, I will pay you back the whole fee.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 1 April 2005 21:11 (twenty years ago)

it's fine, if i don't turn up i don't pay, so it's cool

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 1 April 2005 21:55 (twenty years ago)

The heat is on for Ken.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Sunday, 3 April 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

it's all sorted! my flatmate and his gf are going to use the courts instead!

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 3 April 2005 10:41 (twenty years ago)

Phew!

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Monday, 4 April 2005 10:03 (twenty years ago)

I rather fancy a game this weekend if anyone is on for it. I'm not sure what the odds are on the weather being sufficiently dry. I'd certainly go for Highbury Fields, almost certainly Holborn if the weather looks promising, but I don't know if I could be lured much further.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 15 April 2005 14:34 (twenty years ago)

I had a horribly traumatic tennis experience the other day - hit really really well off the ground with my opponent for half an hour, but once the match started disintegrated under the weight of a) not being able to serve and b) not being able to return serve. By 'disintegrated' I mean 9 double faults in my opening 3 service games, all of which I lost to love (in the entire first set I only won about 5 points). It was quite the horror show. Anyway, yes, I will have to be reassured that anyone I play with is genuinely crap before venturing on to a court again.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 15 April 2005 15:52 (twenty years ago)

hi, i'm shit!

when are we going to play again?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 22 April 2005 12:23 (twenty years ago)

no really when?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 22 April 2005 12:49 (twenty years ago)

Can't do this weekend - have houseguest(s). Soz an' that.

What a beautiful day today would've been to play.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 22 April 2005 12:52 (twenty years ago)

yeah. it's been fantastic today.

if FAKA isn't on next week (though it still might) maybe that's a good time for it?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 22 April 2005 12:56 (twenty years ago)

I bunked off for half an hour to Lincoln's Inn Fields yesterday and the tennis courts were mighty busy. It really felt quite summery, what with the thwack of leather on willow, etc.

The important thing is, it looks like they might be building another tennis court, unless it is a much-needed "dogs' toilet".

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 22 April 2005 13:06 (twenty years ago)

I'd be up for say a late morning game on Sunday if you fancy it, Ken? I'd be particularly up for it if it's local, but that depends who else might fancy it.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 22 April 2005 13:12 (twenty years ago)

i can probably do late morning (i'm trekking down to lewisham for 4 obv) highbury fields?

if you fancy it i'll book the court.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 22 April 2005 13:54 (twenty years ago)

Shall we wait to see if others want in? I mean, if Mark and Stevie did, for instance, we could think LIF instead. Or we could just book this and see who else fancies it (can you let Marianna and Alistair know?). Up to you.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 22 April 2005 14:09 (twenty years ago)

well we can probably afford to wait a bit to book. are mark and stevie reading this? i'll text marianna.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 22 April 2005 14:14 (twenty years ago)

I can't do this weekend, sorry.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Friday, 22 April 2005 14:17 (twenty years ago)

shit guys i forgot to call to book. marianna wants to play too.

i'll phone tomorrow to try book for 11 or noon and let you guys know by txt? martin do i have your phone number already?

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 23 April 2005 18:35 (twenty years ago)

I've emailed you, Ken. I'm glad someone else is coming, as I am still feeling rough, and have no idea what my chances are of making this or the bowling. At least this is nearer, so I think the tennis odds are better.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 23 April 2005 18:48 (twenty years ago)

the lex hopefully is coming too

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 23 April 2005 19:24 (twenty years ago)

Ah good - I have some books for him, so could bring some. I don't want to haul them there if that isn't confirmed, though.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 23 April 2005 19:48 (twenty years ago)

I will be coming if it's noon or afterwards, definitely! Am wondering whether going up to Stratford then Silverlinking it over to Highbury would be better than dealing with the Tube and King's fucking X.

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 23 April 2005 19:50 (twenty years ago)

you must bear in mind that I am REALLY shit at the moment, I apologise in advance to anyone I may end up partnering in doubles.

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 23 April 2005 19:50 (twenty years ago)

King's Cross Sunday morning = no big deal. The only time I've used that Silverlink route I ended up waiting for ages, then giving up and getting tubes instead, but obviously one try isn't that big a sample. Assuming I manage to get there (at this minute, I would say the odds aren't good) I will bring a bag of books - not a huge bag with all of them, just a batch that's reasonable to carry.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 23 April 2005 21:04 (twenty years ago)

do you guys have any balls?

tennis balls that is...

oh i'll bring some anyway, but they may be well old. maybe i shuld get fresh ones.

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 23 April 2005 22:07 (twenty years ago)

I have some, but I'm still not sure if I'll be there.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 23 April 2005 22:20 (twenty years ago)

I'm afraid I think my chances have dropped to about zero. At least there are others playing, so I'm not wrecking the game completely - but apologies anyway.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 24 April 2005 07:45 (twenty years ago)

that's alright martin there are no courts available until the evening apparently.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 24 April 2005 08:29 (twenty years ago)

another glorious weekend without tennis!! :(

we need to go again, soon.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 1 May 2005 09:34 (twenty years ago)

Absolutely - I can't do it today or tomorrow, by now, but I'd be pleased to organise something next weekend. Some big football that I don't want to miss, but otherwise I'm okay for Saturday or Sunday morning. Maybe we can get Rob in as well!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 1 May 2005 11:28 (twenty years ago)

yeah... it's too late to book this weekend anyway i'd wager - with summer beckoning we need to organise these a bit more in advance i think.

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 1 May 2005 11:51 (twenty years ago)

I'm keen for this weekend. I can do Saturday any time up to 3-4, but Sunday I would only fancy 11-12, as I don't want to get up excessively early, and want to watch the big Championship match starting at 1.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 6 May 2005 11:08 (twenty years ago)

I will be too busy revising this weekend!

― marianna, Friday, 6 May 2005 12:08 (twenty years ago)

Aw - and this might be the Return of the Rob game!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 6 May 2005 12:21 (twenty years ago)

There are some tennis courts between the Brunswick Centre and King's Cross station. I don't know the name of the street , or if they are public. But I understand many people like hanging around near King's Cross. Maybe you should check it out... KEN!

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 6 May 2005 12:37 (twenty years ago)

I'll play you martin. if we can book courts. i'll call at the next hour (you can only call 10 minutes either side of the hour) for tomorrow (i doubt there'll be many free by now) or sunday.

I'm also going to put the number here so that i don't have to google search it everytime. 0207 226 2334

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 6 May 2005 15:15 (twenty years ago)

and xpost Thanks for the tip peter! I'll be sure to go check out the tennis courts, and the people hanging around.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 6 May 2005 15:17 (twenty years ago)

Cartwright Gardens, it is called.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 6 May 2005 15:28 (twenty years ago)

Sorry about not being up for tennis in recent weeks; lots of tedious house-related stuff to sort out in the short time before we have family staying with us later in the month. Perhaps June (just in time for the mad SW19-inspired rush for public courts).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Friday, 6 May 2005 15:44 (twenty years ago)

Maybe you could get one of those tennis ball serving machines to deal with the pigeons, Michael.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Friday, 6 May 2005 16:27 (twenty years ago)

i think with summer beckoning if we want to play we really will have to decide preferably before friday from now on. all courts were booked up for sat except for the evening.

and sunday is only available 4pm.

sorry.

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 6 May 2005 17:01 (twenty years ago)

How about trying to book earlier this time? I'd favour 11-12 on Saturday, but could also do anything up to 4. On Sunday 11-12 is the only time I could really do.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 13:18 (twenty years ago)

booking early has paid some dividends - can't get 11am saturday, but we have instead lovely lazy 1pm Saturday. court 7. come one come all.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 14:09 (twenty years ago)

this is highbury fields, btw.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 14:26 (twenty years ago)

I'll be there, I'm 95% sure. Someone let Marianna know!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 14:50 (twenty years ago)

i wonder if The Lex is around too (1pm is not morning alex!)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:06 (twenty years ago)

1pm, hmm, I am going to a house party on Friday night and those normally spell returning home at dawn and subsequently total ruin. Then again this could be a good thing - doesn't exercise help clear hangover toxins? It could be a good way of refuelling for Saturday night.

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:23 (twenty years ago)

I am very tempted to say yes just because Roland Garros is upcoming and I'm getting really into the tennis results right now, and feel I should back it up somewhat.

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:24 (twenty years ago)

exercise is perfect for curing hangovers lex - that day after the lewisham party i went to the gym for 3 hours and i felt AWESOME having sweated out all the residue booze (and having showered afterwards, i hasten to add)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:28 (twenty years ago)

I am sceptical but I think I will say YES to this. Apologies in advance to anyone I may end up partnering in doubles. Is this at Highbury Fields again?

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:33 (twenty years ago)

yes highbury fields. no pressure btw! if we end up with 3 ppl then we'll just swap in and out or have some 2 v 1 games or tiebreak tourneys or something.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 11 May 2005 15:55 (twenty years ago)

that's today guys.

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 14 May 2005 06:25 (twenty years ago)

I'm still expecting to be there. I don't feel hugely fit and haven't been sleeping well, but I'll see what I can do.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 14 May 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

don't worry Martin, I haven't slept properly since Tuesday night!

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:15 (twenty years ago)

Yes, but you are half my age - that makes a big difference. Hey, do you want some books today, or is it not convenient?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:32 (twenty years ago)

Books should be grand, yes please!

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:35 (twenty years ago)

Okay, I'll bring along a moderate bagfull.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:36 (twenty years ago)

do you guys have any tennis balls? i have some but they may be a little on the old side...

― ken c (ken c), Saturday, 14 May 2005 09:42 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, I'll bring my few.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 14 May 2005 10:05 (twenty years ago)

that was fun. lex and martin and i were playing. lex was clearly better than he said he was. some neat touches and rachethead control were on display as we played a few games in a round robin tie-break tournament.. we all won a few games, lex did the double on martin. i managed to play 4 and win 2.. once against each players. martin came from 3-1 down in the final game to take it 7-3. exciting stuff.

p.s. i just realised you cheeky boogers hadn't paid me for the games!! That's 2.50 from each of you!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 16 May 2005 08:22 (twenty years ago)

dammit! i keep missing out. okay. next time you folks are FAGOTing, text me or something since i'm not able to scan ILX as much these days... ken i hope you have a dirty clock for the next time i appear on the court!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Monday, 16 May 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

yes, this was fun! I will give you the money next time I see you Ken. oh yes - do you have those photos from Saturday night?

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 16 May 2005 10:51 (twenty years ago)

i do alex - not on me though (actually i do have my camera with me just now but no way to transfer it until i get home l8r)

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 16 May 2005 11:22 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, I realised I'd not given you any money when I got home. Sorry. I was disappointed in how poorly I played, but I was really tired. Had a late night at a friend's party too, bed at 3, and I felt more tired on Sunday than I have in years. Still feel pretty rough today.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 16 May 2005 11:41 (twenty years ago)

I'm up for a game that finishes no later than 1 on Saturday (that means starting 11 or 12, I guess), or any time from 11 onwards on Sunday.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 17 May 2005 11:30 (twenty years ago)

i'll have to phone in and see - rob b wants one that's anytime after 12 on saturday, so that basically leaves 12noon on saturday.

this works well for me too cos i can go to the gym afterwards and then catch some FA cup action.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 17 May 2005 12:31 (twenty years ago)

sorry guys. i could only get 2pm on Saturday. not convenient if you intend to watch the footie at 3, i know and i don't expect many to turn up. i think rob bolton is coming but not confirmed.

it's court 4 highbury fields anyway if any of you guys wanna join.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 19 May 2005 12:59 (twenty years ago)

yes! tennis this saturday! sorry if you can't make it martin. anyone else? you know you WAAAAANNA

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:07 (twenty years ago)

I do WANNA but, once again, I have a weekend full of Other Stuff. I am actually playing tennis on Saturday week, but not with ILXors. Maybe June, eh?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:19 (twenty years ago)

You hoser.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:28 (twenty years ago)

Take off!

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:31 (twenty years ago)

looks like it's just me and you, rob, those clocks of yours must have been dirty from those months of travelling.

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:49 (twenty years ago)

Not a chance of me playing at that time on Cup Final day, I'm afraid.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 19 May 2005 16:10 (twenty years ago)

i'm heading straight for the baileys afterwards at 3pm

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:35 (twenty years ago)

Because it's the perfect drink to follow tennis? Is that an advert?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:28 (twenty years ago)

four months pass...

hi does anyone still play here? london tennis?

― rachel lipsitz, Wednesday, 12 October 2005 11:19 (twenty years ago)

i'm sure many people in london still play tennis. how many of those are ILXors is a variable, hovering around 3 or 4.

i guess i can no longer contribute as the initial FAGOTor, since i am now in toronto :(

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 12 October 2005 14:34 (twenty years ago)

i'm counting down the days until i'm back in action (damn back injury) because i now live down the road from the london fields tennis courts :)

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 12 October 2005 14:46 (twenty years ago)

I'm not sure I am up to it these days - since giving up smoking, my breathing, energy levels and stamina have plummetted - but if there were a few more people up for it, so that the game could go on even if I had a lay down for 59 minutes in the hour, I'd show up. I'm not sure mid-Oct is the time to be starting it, though.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 12 October 2005 16:25 (twenty years ago)

ok well i'm down whenevs so just email me you ever wanna play. i just like to have fun no games and stuff...

― rachel Lipsitz, Wednesday, 12 October 2005 21:06 (twenty years ago)

since giving up smoking, my breathing, energy levels and stamina have plummetted

??? isn't it meant to do the opposite?

i'm up for a game for sure. where are you based? gotta find a dry day though (or go indoors)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 12 October 2005 23:35 (twenty years ago)

i just realised how much i miss FAGOT

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 13 October 2005 09:03 (twenty years ago)

Yes, I had been led to believe that it would do the opposite. My GP assures me that after 5 or 6 months new non-smokers manage to adjust and regain their former health and fitness levels. I gave up five months ago, so maybe someday soon I will once again be as fit as when I smoked.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 13 October 2005 11:16 (twenty years ago)

i'm near Old St. supposedly there's some courts right behind Hoxton Sq? know about this? i'm newish to the area (and london) so i dunno tennis courts at all here. i can play tues & thurs. are there any night courts? oooh night tennis!

― rachel Lipsitz, Sunday, 16 October 2005 18:38 (twenty years ago)

I'm no use after work as I would then have to bring an extra set of clothes in, since I don't fancy playing in a suit, as well as my racket. This time of year, it's almost not worth planning outdoor sports, as tennis is horrible on a wet court, let alone when it's raining.

We've most commonly played in Highbury Fields, but also in Holborn, which is a bit more convenient for you.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Sunday, 16 October 2005 18:45 (twenty years ago)

i've never been to the hoxton sq place but would like to try! tues and thurs sound ideal.

are you any good? i'm rubbish!

― ken c (ken c), Sunday, 16 October 2005 19:17 (twenty years ago)

i'm ok, been playing forever so i'm decent but i'm not competitive at all. i just played at Clisson park! it was great! hoxton sq is closer for me so i'm up for that. maybe next tues?

― rachel Lipsitz, Tuesday, 18 October 2005 11:16 (twenty years ago)

next tues sounds good! do you know if we need to book this place? i hope i won't be too rubbish but at least if that's the case you'll get the warm glow of victory!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 18 October 2005 19:49 (twenty years ago)

i don't know, i'll try and investigate it by then!

― rachel Lipsitz, Tuesday, 18 October 2005 19:50 (twenty years ago)

cool!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 18 October 2005 20:40 (twenty years ago)

eek i might have to be up in the air about tomorrow and i haven't found the courts. eek i sux. maybe thursday? i know Clisson park at least cause i played there last week. And we got by without paying too!

― rachel Lipsitz, Monday, 24 October 2005 06:05 (nineteen years ago)

coool. thursday is okay too i think keep me posted!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 October 2005 06:52 (nineteen years ago)

where's clisson park btw? i tried to google it but it turned out with no results!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 October 2005 11:58 (nineteen years ago)

Clissold, perhaps? N16?

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 24 October 2005 12:04 (nineteen years ago)

ooooh ok that's not terribly far. i can drive down there and all cool

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 24 October 2005 12:09 (nineteen years ago)

eek sorry i havent been on top of this. maybe you should email me and we can figure out a good time cause tomorrow isnt good. maybe this weekend? (pants@littlepants.com)

― rachel Lipsitz, Wednesday, 26 October 2005 21:41 (nineteen years ago)

two weeks pass...

rachel you were rather good! every shot was right to the line and low and fast! it was tremendous fun.

anyone else still up for a game sometime? even though it's a bit cold but when it's dry and not too windy it's actually pretty good weather for tennis!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 14 November 2005 11:14 (nineteen years ago)

Sorry, Ken - my health is still too poor just now to consider this.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 14 November 2005 13:17 (nineteen years ago)

it's alright - i'm going to be away for two weeks anyway so unless any hong kong ilx0rs fancy a game i won't be there until december!

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 14 November 2005 13:22 (nineteen years ago)

three months pass...

i think, with daylight and all that, TENNIS SEASON IS BACK.

anyone fancy a game soon?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 March 2006 16:13 (nineteen years ago)

I always fancy a game but I think my weekends are taken up with decorating, floor-laying and the like well into next month. Keep me in the loop though, if you decide to play!

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Monday, 13 March 2006 16:37 (nineteen years ago)

cool - will do! i'm basically up for a game whenever just now.

anyone up for a game in a couple of weekend's time?

― ken c (ken c), Monday, 13 March 2006 17:54 (nineteen years ago)

i'm up for a game whenever, too - and my flatmate has just started playing again after many years of not picking up her racket.

if people can get to london fields that would be best for me these days - pretty good courts, also FREE.

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 13 March 2006 18:14 (nineteen years ago)

Yes, I'm up for it. I prefer Highbury Fields, but can do London Fields.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 13 March 2006 19:06 (nineteen years ago)

three months pass...

oops that died a death didn't it?? how about this sunday? highbury fields?

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 14 June 2006 15:41 (nineteen years ago)

apparently 26C and sunny, and dry (29%)! perfect weather surely.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 14 June 2006 15:42 (nineteen years ago)

I'm not around this Sunday, but hold that thought - I'd love to play.

― Daniel Giraffe (Daniel Giraffe), Thursday, 15 June 2006 11:54 (nineteen years ago)

Any South Londoners fancy Hilly Fields? (er, and can lend me a racket?) :)

― Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 15 June 2006 11:57 (nineteen years ago)

where's hilly fields?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 15 June 2006 11:59 (nineteen years ago)

(apart from south london)

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 15 June 2006 11:59 (nineteen years ago)

It's in Brockley, it's supposed to be VG according to The Nipper and the Stead-i-bot, but I've never been myself!

(PS, this Sunday probably not the best date, it is my BIRTHDAY PICNIC in Greenwich Park on Saturday which all are welcome at obv!) :))

― Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:03 (nineteen years ago)

aww wee starry all growed up. will there be FOOTBALL?

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:05 (nineteen years ago)

(p.s. i can prolly even make it to BROCKLEY for teh tennis one day if i am droyffin')

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:08 (nineteen years ago)

Blergh not by me personally but I don't mind if people bring balls along RLY :) Hurrah for Brocklee, I will consult with other parties and see if we can maybe, arrange a TIME!

PS I haven't played tennis since I was 17 or so!

― Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:28 (nineteen years ago)

i wish i could FAGOT with you people this weekend...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:31 (nineteen years ago)

http://www.british-airways.co.uk

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:33 (nineteen years ago)

I always fancy a game but I think my weekends are taken up with decorating, floor-laying and the like well into next month

Ha ha - I wrote that in March! How naive. Inevitably, I'm still doing all of the above until...well, best not say.

I will swing a racket this summer, but I'm not sure when.

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 15 June 2006 12:40 (nineteen years ago)

one year passes...

hello folks,

this week the weather has been/is being predicted as SUNNY, SUNNY, SUNNY, SUNNY, SUNNY and surely that should mean the return of FAGOT??

― ken c, Wednesday, 13 February 2008 15:28 (seventeen years ago)

That sounds good, Ken - not north London please!!!

― Mark C, Wednesday, 13 February 2008 17:10 (seventeen years ago)

Holborn?

― Stevie T, Wednesday, 13 February 2008 17:12 (seventeen years ago)

I would like to join in, but am such an amateur :(

― marianna lcl, Thursday, 14 February 2008 14:38 (seventeen years ago)

But I have the perfect tennis outfit! (I know, I know. Priorities).

― marianna lcl, Thursday, 14 February 2008 14:39 (seventeen years ago)

First game of the year, we're all amateurs. Odds of my holding my tennis racquet the right way round are about evens. Come, Marianna!

― Mark C, Thursday, 14 February 2008 15:30 (seventeen years ago)

does holborn require booking, and also, when? can we do sunday?

― ken c, Thursday, 14 February 2008 20:11 (seventeen years ago)

I am busy Sunday lunchtime fwiw.

― Mark C, Thursday, 14 February 2008 22:13 (seventeen years ago)

discussed this with stevie T last sunday after an impromptu meetup at herne hill - saturday/sun 1st/2nd march anybody (i.e weekend after next)? at lincoln inns field in holborn?

― ken c, Monday, 18 February 2008 13:40 (seventeen years ago)

I wish I had the time for this. I haven't picked up a racket (except to move it in a why-is-all-this-crap-in-the-closet-no-wonder-I-can't-find-anything kinda of way) in nearly three years.

I will consult my diary tonight and see if I can put my back out in good company in the next few weeks.

― Michael Jones, Monday, 18 February 2008 13:54 (seventeen years ago)

i would be keen but that would involve actually meeting ilxors in real life

= scarry

also, have not yet recovered my serve from when i stopped playing regularly at 16, which means competitive games are frustrating as fuck for all concerned

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 18 February 2008 13:55 (seventeen years ago)

I would like to join in, if it's this weekend.

― czn, Monday, 18 February 2008 13:56 (seventeen years ago)

you're in london czn?

upt0eleven this tennis is unlikely to be very competitive! i think my fastest ever serve was 10 mph.

― ken c, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:12 (seventeen years ago)

I have been for the past 6 months.

― czn, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:13 (seventeen years ago)

o rly

i had no idea!

― ken c, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:15 (seventeen years ago)

Actually I could do next weekend if it was a Saturday - the following weekend I think I'm going to be en route back from holiday.

― Stevie T, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:15 (seventeen years ago)

i can also do this saturday (23rd).. where do you live cozen?

― ken c, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:20 (seventeen years ago)

Wimbledon.

― czn, Monday, 18 February 2008 14:36 (seventeen years ago)

hmm, i think i might like to come and have a knock if nuffin else. i can serve fairly hard and fairly well, just incredibly inconsistently.

― Upt0eleven, Monday, 18 February 2008 16:15 (seventeen years ago)

six months pass...

THIS WEEKEND?

― G00blar, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 13:10 (seventeen years ago)

lols. maybe. where you live gooblar?

and whats weather like?

― ken c, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 14:39 (seventeen years ago)

I live close to Old St. tube; forecast at the moment says light rain saturday, no rain sunday. But who really knows?

― G00blar, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 17:14 (seventeen years ago)

one year passes...

just saying, like.

― show me your buccina (ken c), Saturday, 24 April 2010 05:08 (fifteen years ago)

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