Every Friday when I was a child there was a lawyer who took questions on a radio show and though too young to understand many of the subjects that were discussed I appreciated the humour and turn of phrase that he used to use. The most memorable was a listener enquiring whether she should consider sueing her childs school for an injury incurred whilst playing conkers in the playground. Conkers, for those not familiar, was a popular game where horse chestnuts were drilled, put on strings and each player would hit the others conker in turn until one broke. Totals were added up and you claimed the total of the conker you broke for yourself. Some baked theirs in the oven, soaked them in vinegar and there were playground rumours of outer shells carefully split and used to cast inners of concrete. Such were the tales of nine year old boys.
I remember the lawyers response. “If we’re not careful, all this litigation for minor injuries is going to kill education. Perhaps the chair will be outlawed incase someone falls off it. Paper cuts mean the end of books. Pencils can be sharp and cause injury. Do we want the situation where we send our children to school and all they get as education is to sit on the floor whilst someone tells them sad stories of how the king died?” He continued pontificating and advised – as he often did – that it was one of those things that should be put down to “Life’s rich tapestry.”
I thought about this driving home from the airport this morning before dawn having taken two armwrestling referees there after the weekends events. On Saturday we had hosted the Warzone season final where a belt was awarded to a young man resembling the Batman villain Bane who gained more points than anyone else. Chopper, who I have mentioned before was in the running along with another giant chap – they ultimately did not manage to overcome Bane but the battles were great and the progression of those involved in the season was heartening.
Sunday was less successful. A trial event excluding the usual competitors was hosted and whilst the suggestion was that it would be popular to give some chance to the newer less experienced, the reality was just six entrants. I put on the best tournament I could for them – the medallists had to gain 15 wins which resulted in 120 matches over both arms. From a resource and logistics point of view, it cannot be seen as a success. It’s a non profit making association, so it is possible to try out new ideas and see if they are popular or unworkable. I was pleased for the two winners – their wins added to previous performances qualified them for promotion. One man lost all but two of his matches – but those two wins were everything. Something came together and he took advantage of his best attributes against more able opponents who were getting jaded. So there were positives to cling to. I can’t say it was successful – but as the radio lawyer reminded often, it can be put down to life’s rich tapestry.
See you down the road.
