Thank you George love Mum
Posted by: Jenifer | May 31, 2009 at 11:53 AM
HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN
Granny received such a lovely thank you note from John that she asked me to put it here.
Comment
Thank you George love Mum
Posted by: Jenifer | May 31, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Thank you George love Mum
Posted by: Jenifer | May 31, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Keelings 121, Sedlescombe 173 :-(
The real game started at about 2.30pm. The Keeling team was skippered by Paul. It was the first time in history that only Keelings were playing on the Keeling team. They were, in genealogical order, Trevor the lame, Ted, Simon, Tom (substituted by Arthur), Paul (skip), Fred, Jasper, Zak, John, Felix and Luke. The Keelings fielded first, the tension was palpable.
Terminology:
Catch out – catch a ball hit by a batsman before it hits the ground. Batsman is out.
Cow swipe – sort of over the shoulder and back shot to the left.
LBW – Leg Before Wicket. Batsman gets out by this. Thanks Poppy!
Batsman – somebody who is having balls hurled at him.
Fielding – standing around on a field trying not to look bored.
Run – if a batsman hits a ball far enough, he can 'run' to the other end of the pitch. Runs are added up to make the total score.
Over – There are six balls in an over. After each over everybody shuffles around a bit.
Out – a batsman is out by being bowled, caught, LBW or run out.
Over and out – this is not a cricketing term. It is used when talking on a 2 way radio.
Click Read more for more photos and comments
support a young designer
As everyone knows times are tough and even tougher for newly graduated Graphic Designers like me. For the past few months I have been looking for work and doing internships with various design companies, unfortunately because of the shear amount of budding young designers it is completely acceptable to not pay us a salary. Once again I have found myself in this situation and as of next week will be working 3 days a week at a very exciting company call Young Creative Network (YCN www.ycnoline.com) and then the Design Museum in July. As of a salary it’s a really just enough to pay for a travel card. However this gives me the rest of the week to work for hard cash, and as I am a jack of almost all trades I am offering my services to anyone who may need it, here’s what I can do:
I am free Monday, Tuesdays, evenings and weekends, my number is 07961 44 55 20.
Comments
I know what its like to work on commision and be contracted out... Gets your heart rate up doesn't it sometimes. Hang in there and good luck!!!
Posted by: Auto glass chandler az | April 11, 2009 at 04:52 AM
I eat humble pie for correcting spelling. Yuk yuk, Granny
Posted by: Jenifer | April 10, 2009 at 10:44 AM
shear as in shearing sheep
sheer as in very steep.
But i can't take photographs,reception,bar work,waitress. All love you know who.
Posted by: Jenifer | April 09, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Lizzie, good luck. Internship is ****. xx David
Posted by: david | April 09, 2009 at 11:00 AM
- Take some beautiful photographs for special occasions
- General Office/ reception work
- Graphic Design work
- Baby sit children
- Bar work, waitress
- Cook
- Clean
- And any other help needed.
I am free Monday, Tuesdays, evenings and weekends, my number is 07961 44 55 20.
Comments
I know what its like to work on commision and be contracted out... Gets your heart rate up doesn't it sometimes. Hang in there and good luck!!!
Posted by: Auto glass chandler az | April 11, 2009 at 04:52 AM
I eat humble pie for correcting spelling. Yuk yuk, Granny
Posted by: Jenifer | April 10, 2009 at 10:44 AM
shear as in shearing sheep
sheer as in very steep.
But i can't take photographs,reception,bar work,waitress. All love you know who.
Posted by: Jenifer | April 09, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Lizzie, good luck. Internship is ****. xx David
Posted by: david | April 09, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Sunday 24th May '09 Keelings V's Sedlescombe (Away)
I have now heard from all but Howard (Sir ParagonicLeap), who has now been pronounced missing in action, presumably lost in the harsh winter campaign of 08/09. If anyone hears from him it would be lovely to get some news.
You will no doubt be relieved to hear that the call to arms has not gone unheeded. Your champions have picked up the proffered gauntlet and stand proud in the defence of fine family traditions (not quite sure what they are??!). We have squad of 15 and the selectors (me) have cogitated, ruminated and deliberated. The main team (11 men good and true) is chosen and there will be 3 ‘12th’ men to act as rolling substitutes for the bent and withered old crones amongst our number.
Simon
Tom the elder
John
Bill
Paul
Archie
Felix
Fred
Ted
Jasper
Arthur
Zak
Yours, Skip.
You will no doubt be relieved to hear that the call to arms has not gone unheeded. Your champions have picked up the proffered gauntlet and stand proud in the defence of fine family traditions (not quite sure what they are??!). We have squad of 15 and the selectors (me) have cogitated, ruminated and deliberated. The main team (11 men good and true) is chosen and there will be 3 ‘12th’ men to act as rolling substitutes for the bent and withered old crones amongst our number.
The team is as follows:
Dr TrevSimon
Tom the elder
John
Bill
Paul
Archie
Felix
Fred
Ted
Jasper
The 12th men are:
LukeArthur
Zak
Yours, Skip.
24th May 2009 - Call to Arms (ii)
Well that was good! The only rapid responses I got were from Mum, Camilla & George – and none of those were regarding playing or not!
Anyway I do now have a few responses and a squad is beginning to form. I am looking to get a squad of 14/16 players. If I can get theses from family then great, but if I have to look for ringers then I will. We need a large squad as there a number of people who have said that they will play, but would like to stand down if possible. I am looking primarily for family members, then registered bowlers, preferably over the age of 14, but will bend this last one if required. So far, the team is shaping as follows:
Paul
Fred
Jasper
Felix
Bill
John
Tom (the elder)
Arthur
Luke
Jim
Joshua
Harry
Archie
Howard
Dr Trevor
Perhaps I have omitted someone who has not so far put themselves forward? This is open to all, so don’t be shy
Get back to me and let me know – I need input!
The Skip.
Anyway I do now have a few responses and a squad is beginning to form. I am looking to get a squad of 14/16 players. If I can get theses from family then great, but if I have to look for ringers then I will. We need a large squad as there a number of people who have said that they will play, but would like to stand down if possible. I am looking primarily for family members, then registered bowlers, preferably over the age of 14, but will bend this last one if required. So far, the team is shaping as follows:
Fully operational battle stations
SimonPaul
Fred
Jasper
Felix
Bill
John
Tom (the elder)
Arthur
Luke
Definitely out of service
JackJim
Joshua
No confirmed sightings (possibly extinct?)
TedHarry
Archie
Howard
Dr Trevor
Perhaps I have omitted someone who has not so far put themselves forward? This is open to all, so don’t be shy
Get back to me and let me know – I need input!
The Skip.
A Call to Arms - 24th May 2009
We go to liberate a lost trophy not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in the village. We are entering Sedlescombe to free our family from the shame of last year’s loss and the only flag which will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them. There are some who are alive at this moment who will not last long at the crease. Those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the others I expect you to rock their world. Go after them aggressively if that is what you choose. But if you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory.
Sedlescombe is steeped in history. It is the site of the Queen’s Head, of the Brickwall Hotel and the birthplace of Brabazon. Tread lightly there. You will see things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the villagers. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they may have lost. Don't treat them as refugees for they are in their own village. Their children will be shocked at our victory, but in years to come they will know that the light of liberation in their lives was brought by you.
If there are casualties of the game then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to get out that way. Allow them dignity in the fall of their wicket. Clap them properly to the pavilion and mark their scores in a fair and honest fashion.
It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out to a victorious post match celebration, but there may be people among us who will not be able to stay and see the end of this match. We will put them in their cars and send them back. There will be no time for a beer.
The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction. Show them no pity.
It is a big step to take another’s wicket. It is not to be done lightly. I know of men who have given their wickets away needlessly in other matches, I can assure you they live with the Mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders their wicket to you then remember they have that right under international cricket law and ensure that they return to the pavilion unharmed.
The ones who wish to play, well, we aim to please.
If you harm the family or its history by over-enthusiasm in taking wickets or in laziness in the field, know it is your family who will suffer. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our team, nor our family.
As for ourselves, let's bring the trophy home and leave Sedlescombe a better place for us having been there.
Our business now is just to the south of the village green.
Your Captain and Keeper of the Fixtures & Fittings
Comment
Wow. I am definitely coming. That is a real call to arms
Posted by: Ruth | March 12, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Sedlescombe is steeped in history. It is the site of the Queen’s Head, of the Brickwall Hotel and the birthplace of Brabazon. Tread lightly there. You will see things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the villagers. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they may have lost. Don't treat them as refugees for they are in their own village. Their children will be shocked at our victory, but in years to come they will know that the light of liberation in their lives was brought by you.
If there are casualties of the game then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to get out that way. Allow them dignity in the fall of their wicket. Clap them properly to the pavilion and mark their scores in a fair and honest fashion.
It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out to a victorious post match celebration, but there may be people among us who will not be able to stay and see the end of this match. We will put them in their cars and send them back. There will be no time for a beer.
The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction. Show them no pity.
It is a big step to take another’s wicket. It is not to be done lightly. I know of men who have given their wickets away needlessly in other matches, I can assure you they live with the Mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders their wicket to you then remember they have that right under international cricket law and ensure that they return to the pavilion unharmed.
The ones who wish to play, well, we aim to please.
If you harm the family or its history by over-enthusiasm in taking wickets or in laziness in the field, know it is your family who will suffer. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our team, nor our family.
As for ourselves, let's bring the trophy home and leave Sedlescombe a better place for us having been there.
Our business now is just to the south of the village green.
Your Captain and Keeper of the Fixtures & Fittings
Comment
Wow. I am definitely coming. That is a real call to arms
Posted by: Ruth | March 12, 2009 at 03:38 PM
80th Birthday Photos
Just in case you can't wait for the photos from Lizzie, here are a few of them. If you click on a photo you should get a full size image, then you can save it on your own computer and print it or something ...
As a matter of record the Eton team beat the Keeling team 25-5. But apparently this wasn't too shameful. Sometimes the visiting team is being so slaughtered that the game has to be suspended. This didn't happen to the Keelings. Hurrah.
There are more photos on Lizzie's facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104674&id=672780041. You have to have a facebook id to see them.
As a matter of record the Eton team beat the Keeling team 25-5. But apparently this wasn't too shameful. Sometimes the visiting team is being so slaughtered that the game has to be suspended. This didn't happen to the Keelings. Hurrah.
There are more photos on Lizzie's facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104674&id=672780041. You have to have a facebook id to see them.
Old snow news
What a great weekend for Mum's birthday with an epic contest at the field game. Thanks to Archie for organising the game and to Dad and Mum for laying on such a good party at lunch time.
A week before Mum's party we had our fair share of snow in Somerset with the result that we were actually snowed in on 6th Feb with six inches of snow outside our front door and big branches lying across our drive from the cedar and other trees. The younger children could not be taken to school and poor Arthur was stuck at school because he had been boarding for the night on Thursday. We got him home on Saturday and he was able to join in the tobogganing.
But while we were under the white out we took some good photos which hopefully are attached to this post.
Tom
Archie's field game Valentine's day 2009
Archie, all hail to you. On behalf of all the family can I thank you for organising such a marvellous event for some 80 of us. I can think of no better way to salute Granny on the run-up to her 80th. What a huge effort you have put in. This morning I was so over-excited at the prospect of the match and I can only imagine the fever pitch of your own excitement as you tried to juggle the pitch arrangements to ensure that the game was not sabotaged by the authorities.
Your own game was a joy to watch. With a couple more of you playing it would have have turned into a Valentine's day massacre. For the Keelings. Up the Keelings.
Archie... thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lossa love - Trev (Dr)
Your own game was a joy to watch. With a couple more of you playing it would have have turned into a Valentine's day massacre. For the Keelings. Up the Keelings.
Archie... thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lossa love - Trev (Dr)
The Last Field Game Post + maps
This is an urget last minute post to the players....
For several reasons we have decided to postpone our on-field meeting till 10.00am,just one hour before kick off. I am sorry this is such late notice and I hae been frantically trying to try and get in contact with the players but I am having trouble contacting George, Trev, Paul, and Fred.
I am so so looking forward to the game and its very interesting to see how each team has panned out. It looks as if we will be very equally matched.
But we have the advantage! because as Ghandi said in 1920 - "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." And therein lies our strength. what else could be the reason for George's phenomenal fitness work?
Game on.
George writes: Archie provided this schematic of where the game is.
For several reasons we have decided to postpone our on-field meeting till 10.00am,just one hour before kick off. I am sorry this is such late notice and I hae been frantically trying to try and get in contact with the players but I am having trouble contacting George, Trev, Paul, and Fred.
I am so so looking forward to the game and its very interesting to see how each team has panned out. It looks as if we will be very equally matched.
But we have the advantage! because as Ghandi said in 1920 - "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." And therein lies our strength. what else could be the reason for George's phenomenal fitness work?
Game on.
George writes: Archie provided this schematic of where the game is.
ZILCH
Trevor, Ruth and I had a very close game of zilch on the evening before the match. Trevor started off by getting 5 zilches in a row and descending to -1,500 and then went on to win.
To make it even more exciting, we were all in the 9,000's by the end of the game. Ruth got 10,550 as you can see, then Trevor pipped her at the post with 10,750. I zilched in a desperate attempt to overtake.
Trevor was possibly cheating by only drinking water. He claimed that this was in preparation for the match. He also got 2 x 1,000 with straights in two throws.
There is a footnote and another story, if only.
11 days to go
Phew! Just got back from my daily run. I'm trying to get a little bit fit for the Field Game. But I still hope I can stay on the sidelines. I will be a disgrace to the family name if I am called onto the pitch, Archie. I started last Tuesday with a modest run of about 860m. I had to stop on Pohlstrasse at about 600m and have a rest. The next day I didn't have to stop and today I extended my range to just over 1,000m. I wonder if I can get as far as the river in 11 days?
Monday 9/2/09: I did get to the river today! 1,200m and no heart attack yet.
PS Has anybody seen Valkyrie yet? I did and it's pretty good. Just beyond the river is Stauffenbergstrasse, which is named after the hero. He was shot in a building on that road. You can walk in the courtyard where it happened. Spooky.
Comments
Much looking forward to seeing all these fit keeling brothers competing in the wall game and thankyou for including me in the lunch afterwards.
Alex Palmer
Posted by: Alex Crockatt | February 08, 2009 at 06:04 PM
George - well done and I am sure you can make it to the river, but for goodness sake don't have a heart attack in training. The father of a friend of ours was involved in the Valkyrie plot (and was duly knocked off afterwards) - so we are looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: Jim | February 04, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Monday 9/2/09: I did get to the river today! 1,200m and no heart attack yet.
PS Has anybody seen Valkyrie yet? I did and it's pretty good. Just beyond the river is Stauffenbergstrasse, which is named after the hero. He was shot in a building on that road. You can walk in the courtyard where it happened. Spooky.
Comments
Much looking forward to seeing all these fit keeling brothers competing in the wall game and thankyou for including me in the lunch afterwards.
Alex Palmer
Posted by: Alex Crockatt | February 08, 2009 at 06:04 PM
George - well done and I am sure you can make it to the river, but for goodness sake don't have a heart attack in training. The father of a friend of ours was involved in the Valkyrie plot (and was duly knocked off afterwards) - so we are looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: Jim | February 04, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Local sporting news from Somerset
Imogen, aged 9, competed in her school's long distance race for her year and the year above her. She finished sixth overall and second within her own year. She was the fastest girl out of both the years. A couple of days later she took part in the Somerset Primary Schools long distance race with about 60 competiitors and finished tenth and was the first girl to cross the finishing line.
Flora, aged 7, is the youngest pupil in her year and took part in her year's cross country race at school. She finished sixth and was the second fastest girl. (The fastest girl was Harriet Fox who is a second cousin of Jim and Emma's children, I think).
This year Arthur is playing in the B team of the Somerest under 14 hockey squad.
Edward should be competing soon in his school cross country race which he has previously won, but is off games, recovering from in growing toenail operations. However 'Fur Elise' is sounding beautiful from the piano at the moment, which Edward is playing (with his fingers).
Tom
Comment
very good to know that Imo, Flora and Arthur don't get their sporting genes from me.
Posted by: rob | January 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Flora, aged 7, is the youngest pupil in her year and took part in her year's cross country race at school. She finished sixth and was the second fastest girl. (The fastest girl was Harriet Fox who is a second cousin of Jim and Emma's children, I think).
This year Arthur is playing in the B team of the Somerest under 14 hockey squad.
Edward should be competing soon in his school cross country race which he has previously won, but is off games, recovering from in growing toenail operations. However 'Fur Elise' is sounding beautiful from the piano at the moment, which Edward is playing (with his fingers).
Tom
Comment
very good to know that Imo, Flora and Arthur don't get their sporting genes from me.
Posted by: rob | January 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Meribel
I’m having a lovely week with Ruth, Trev, Mum and Dad at the Yeti. The first day it was sunny but the snow was a bit scrapey. It has been very cold here but it hadn’t snowed for 3 weeks. After lunch Grandpa tripped on the third stair from the bottom out of the restaurant. I was right behind him and could do nothing. He executed a beautiful 180 degree turn and landed neatly on his back laughing and demanding to be picked up. Philippe and I raised him to his feet and he was none the worse for wear. The photo shows Dad, Mum, Philippe minutes later.
The next day it snowed hard and the weather was pretty foul. I was with Trevor coming down the Saulire on that ghastly shoulder. I lost him and my hat in the blizzard conditions. My head froze and I had to stop, hold my head and nearly cry several times. Luckily Trevor didn’t see this shameful behaviour. He boarded merrily down to the bottom and came back up to meet me for our lunch rendezvous at the half way station. As usual Mum and Dad are funding excellent lunches.
Yesterday was better. There had been a good snowfall during the night and my children insisted that we get up early to get the best of the snow. We got half way up the Saulire (Saulire 2 was closed) and skied Georges Mauduit. Then we went towards Mont Vallon. At the bottom of the Mont Vallon at 11.25 we got a message from Philippe to meet us for lunch in La Soucoupe in Courchevelle at 1. We decided that we still had time to do Mont Vallon and get to La Soucoupe in time. We made it with 5 minutes to spare and had a delicious lunch. I skied with Granny and Grandpa in the afternoon – very relaxing.
Today was even better. More snow in the night and sunny weather today. And this evening it’s snowing again. Yum yum.
Click Read more for more pictures and commentd
The next day it snowed hard and the weather was pretty foul. I was with Trevor coming down the Saulire on that ghastly shoulder. I lost him and my hat in the blizzard conditions. My head froze and I had to stop, hold my head and nearly cry several times. Luckily Trevor didn’t see this shameful behaviour. He boarded merrily down to the bottom and came back up to meet me for our lunch rendezvous at the half way station. As usual Mum and Dad are funding excellent lunches.
Yesterday was better. There had been a good snowfall during the night and my children insisted that we get up early to get the best of the snow. We got half way up the Saulire (Saulire 2 was closed) and skied Georges Mauduit. Then we went towards Mont Vallon. At the bottom of the Mont Vallon at 11.25 we got a message from Philippe to meet us for lunch in La Soucoupe in Courchevelle at 1. We decided that we still had time to do Mont Vallon and get to La Soucoupe in time. We made it with 5 minutes to spare and had a delicious lunch. I skied with Granny and Grandpa in the afternoon – very relaxing.
Today was even better. More snow in the night and sunny weather today. And this evening it’s snowing again. Yum yum.
Click Read more for more pictures and commentd
Post from Jim
Archie, marvellous description of the field-game this morning on the blog. Am REALLY excited about it. Well done so far! LoL Jim
All, sadly Emma and I heard from Nico/Christa last night that Herbert died yesterday afternoon. We have told Mum and Dad, who incidentally said skiing is going very well though cold. LoL Jim/Emma xo
All, sadly Emma and I heard from Nico/Christa last night that Herbert died yesterday afternoon. We have told Mum and Dad, who incidentally said skiing is going very well though cold. LoL Jim/Emma xo
Granny’s Birthday Celebration
Hello Keelings and distant cousins and friends,
Here is probably the most informative and accurate field game update I will ever give on the 8 brothers blog. So if you have any questions to do with the great event, it is likely that I am now about to answer them.
We will play in plain white and all the players will need shin pads, long sports socks and football boots. Although I will be able to help kit people out with stuff lying around the place here at school it is obviously much easier if people can bring their own kit. There is a sports shop called ‘Eton Sports’ on the highstreet perhaps five or ten minutes walk from the playing fields, and the heart of Eton, where all these things can be bought.
There will be changing rooms and showers at the pavilion nearby where everyone can base camp. Or alternatively my housemaster has kindly said that we may use his house to pitch camp and prepare for the game. It is just before half term and many boys will have already gone home, so the place will be reasonably free for this sort of thing.
But I would like to insist that the players pay no attention to this 11am kick off time and instead arrive as early as 9am. I am sure that as you are reading this you cannot help thinking how ridiculous this sounds but this timing is really absolutely essential. Because we will need ALL 15 PLAYERS for at the very least an hour and a half so that our extremely talented but, alas, inexperienced field game team can learn how to play this game. It will require all 15 players to be present and if the entire team can get all kitted out and everything in half an hour I will be very impressed.
Players absolutely must pretend that they have to get there for a 9am kick off. If we do not prepare properly for only a short while for the game, the whole match will be a bit of a shambles, less fun, and will also slightly embarrass the keeling name, which, of course cannot happen.
Also, I should say that for people who want to take the train, there are two options for you. You can get a train to Slough and from there get a five minute taxi into Eton.
Alternatively, you can get a train to Windsor & Eton Riverside and from there you can cross the bridge that the station is just adjacent to and then take a very pleasant walk for about 20 minutes up the high street to Agars playing fields.
After the game, Granny and Grandpa have completely booked the restaurant The House on the Bridge (on the bridge I mentioned just earlier) and the food is amazing and it’s going to be the best lunch ever ever. Incidentally, Granny and Grandpa are staying at the hotel The Christopher Wren which is about 20 yards from this bridge I keep going on about.
The field game is played with a size 4 football. (In the premier league they play with size 5.) It is played at your feet, similarly to football, and no player in the team is allowed to use his hands to control the ball during play.
The object of the game is to score the most points. This can be done either by scoring a goal (three points) and the other is scoring a rouge (five points plus conversion). Scoring a goal is done by putting the ball between the posts. A rouge is, when compared to football, winning a corner. It is done by getting the ball off the opposition’s field of play, via an opposition player. And there are a number of methods of doing this, mainly going along the line. This means that you go along the line. You get the ball up the opposition’s end of the pitch and the attacker shuffles along the line trying to win a rouge (or a corner) off the defender who comes to meet him.
The team consists of 11 players. There are 2 shorts and a long. These players are defenders who are good at long, accurate kicking. Then there is a fly around whom the attacking game is essentially centred around. The fly is usually a quick, strong player who is good at dribbling. Then there are 7 bully players. These are the workers of the team, they should be strong, good at lots of jogging and, if possible good at dribbling.
The shorts and long are the only players on the pitch who are allowed to pass the ball to other players. The shorts and long will usually boot the ball up far into the opposition’s half which the bully players are then required to follow (or occasionally the shorts will play a neat, clever pass just into the path of the bully). What will often happen in field game is that the shorts and long of each team will be continually firing the ball into the other’s half in an attempt to gain the upper hand and build momentum. While, as often does happen, this passing back and forth between the shorts and long occurs the bully players of each team, meanwhile, have to run up and down the pitch, in a very tight group, chasing the ball, seemingly pointlessly, but actually abiding by some fairly complicated offside rules. These offside rules are the ‘main rules’ I mentioned in the first paragraph of this rules section. If, as an inexperienced player, you can grasp the offside rules, there is a very good chance you can play the game successfully and really enjoy it.
The TWO offside rules are known as sneaking and cornering. Sneaking is essentially the same as the offside rule in football (which you can look up if you do not know it thank you very much) but instead of being behind the last man when the ball is played to you, instead you must be behind the last man when the ball goes over your head as the ball is played over. Cornering is an offside rule that works perpendicular to sneaking. You are cornering when you play the ball and you are either too far to the left or the right of the bully. This rule is more vague and basically as a bully player you must just make sure that you stay in tight, narrow group. Except when you are dribbling, of course.
If this makes no sense, maybe try reading this again. Because it’s not a bad summary of the rules. But if you have gained just one solitary scrap of knowledge from this epic summary of the rules and feel thoroughly unenlightenend, don't panic, I would not expect anyone to really grasp it just from reading. It's the bit of practise we will have before the game that will really count. If you have gained one solitary scrap of knowledge then you have made me a little bit happy.
I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year (it’s not too late to still be saying that, is it?) and I look forward to seeing you on February 14th.
Love Archie.
Comments
archie rules as captain love it!!!
Posted by: fred | January 18, 2009 at 07:58 PM
It sounds so extraordinary that I may as a distant cousin at least once removed and with no previous interest in any kind of football have to come along...if that's alright?
Alex Palmer
Posted by: Alex Crockatt | January 16, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Amazing captaining Archie - and the team hasn't even met on the pitch yet.
Good luck Dad.
Posted by: ruth | January 16, 2009 at 02:04 PM
oh gosh
Posted by: George | January 16, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Top stuff Arch.
Everyone please take Arch's plea for us to turn up early seriously. Every minute we get to practise before the game, the more enjoyable the game will be by far.
Florat Keeli!
Posted by: Harry | January 16, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Brilliant work Archie. Three early cheers for our captain!
Posted by: Tom | January 16, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Here is probably the most informative and accurate field game update I will ever give on the 8 brothers blog. So if you have any questions to do with the great event, it is likely that I am now about to answer them.
To the players (or if you are interested) -
Firstly I will say a word about the squad. This includes the following people: George, Simon, Jim, Paul, Trev, Tom, Colin Hely-Hutchinson, other Trev Keeling, Tom Palmer, Sam Palmer, Harry Keeling, C.Gardiner Hill, N.Hely-Hutchinson, Ted Keeling, Fred Keeling and myself.We will play in plain white and all the players will need shin pads, long sports socks and football boots. Although I will be able to help kit people out with stuff lying around the place here at school it is obviously much easier if people can bring their own kit. There is a sports shop called ‘Eton Sports’ on the highstreet perhaps five or ten minutes walk from the playing fields, and the heart of Eton, where all these things can be bought.
There will be changing rooms and showers at the pavilion nearby where everyone can base camp. Or alternatively my housemaster has kindly said that we may use his house to pitch camp and prepare for the game. It is just before half term and many boys will have already gone home, so the place will be reasonably free for this sort of thing.
To everyone -
I am sure you all have the dates and vital details of the day tattooed into your memories but I will go over them again just in case. It is on the February 14th at 11am. It will be played on Agars playing fields where you can drive right up to the edge of the pitch. I would suggest that supporters aim to get there comfortably in time as, I assure you, it will be reasonably busy and there will be a fair bit of battling to get a decent place for your car (with supporters and players from other teams, of course.)But I would like to insist that the players pay no attention to this 11am kick off time and instead arrive as early as 9am. I am sure that as you are reading this you cannot help thinking how ridiculous this sounds but this timing is really absolutely essential. Because we will need ALL 15 PLAYERS for at the very least an hour and a half so that our extremely talented but, alas, inexperienced field game team can learn how to play this game. It will require all 15 players to be present and if the entire team can get all kitted out and everything in half an hour I will be very impressed.
Players absolutely must pretend that they have to get there for a 9am kick off. If we do not prepare properly for only a short while for the game, the whole match will be a bit of a shambles, less fun, and will also slightly embarrass the keeling name, which, of course cannot happen.
Also, I should say that for people who want to take the train, there are two options for you. You can get a train to Slough and from there get a five minute taxi into Eton.
Alternatively, you can get a train to Windsor & Eton Riverside and from there you can cross the bridge that the station is just adjacent to and then take a very pleasant walk for about 20 minutes up the high street to Agars playing fields.
After the game, Granny and Grandpa have completely booked the restaurant The House on the Bridge (on the bridge I mentioned just earlier) and the food is amazing and it’s going to be the best lunch ever ever. Incidentally, Granny and Grandpa are staying at the hotel The Christopher Wren which is about 20 yards from this bridge I keep going on about.
The rules –
The Field Game is often branded over complicated and confusing and while this is slightly true, in my opinion, only a basic understanding of the main rules are really required to be able to play it to a reasonably enjoyable and successful level.The field game is played with a size 4 football. (In the premier league they play with size 5.) It is played at your feet, similarly to football, and no player in the team is allowed to use his hands to control the ball during play.
The object of the game is to score the most points. This can be done either by scoring a goal (three points) and the other is scoring a rouge (five points plus conversion). Scoring a goal is done by putting the ball between the posts. A rouge is, when compared to football, winning a corner. It is done by getting the ball off the opposition’s field of play, via an opposition player. And there are a number of methods of doing this, mainly going along the line. This means that you go along the line. You get the ball up the opposition’s end of the pitch and the attacker shuffles along the line trying to win a rouge (or a corner) off the defender who comes to meet him.
The team consists of 11 players. There are 2 shorts and a long. These players are defenders who are good at long, accurate kicking. Then there is a fly around whom the attacking game is essentially centred around. The fly is usually a quick, strong player who is good at dribbling. Then there are 7 bully players. These are the workers of the team, they should be strong, good at lots of jogging and, if possible good at dribbling.
The shorts and long are the only players on the pitch who are allowed to pass the ball to other players. The shorts and long will usually boot the ball up far into the opposition’s half which the bully players are then required to follow (or occasionally the shorts will play a neat, clever pass just into the path of the bully). What will often happen in field game is that the shorts and long of each team will be continually firing the ball into the other’s half in an attempt to gain the upper hand and build momentum. While, as often does happen, this passing back and forth between the shorts and long occurs the bully players of each team, meanwhile, have to run up and down the pitch, in a very tight group, chasing the ball, seemingly pointlessly, but actually abiding by some fairly complicated offside rules. These offside rules are the ‘main rules’ I mentioned in the first paragraph of this rules section. If, as an inexperienced player, you can grasp the offside rules, there is a very good chance you can play the game successfully and really enjoy it.
The TWO offside rules are known as sneaking and cornering. Sneaking is essentially the same as the offside rule in football (which you can look up if you do not know it thank you very much) but instead of being behind the last man when the ball is played to you, instead you must be behind the last man when the ball goes over your head as the ball is played over. Cornering is an offside rule that works perpendicular to sneaking. You are cornering when you play the ball and you are either too far to the left or the right of the bully. This rule is more vague and basically as a bully player you must just make sure that you stay in tight, narrow group. Except when you are dribbling, of course.
If this makes no sense, maybe try reading this again. Because it’s not a bad summary of the rules. But if you have gained just one solitary scrap of knowledge from this epic summary of the rules and feel thoroughly unenlightenend, don't panic, I would not expect anyone to really grasp it just from reading. It's the bit of practise we will have before the game that will really count. If you have gained one solitary scrap of knowledge then you have made me a little bit happy.
And finally…
Although I know how useful the internet and the keeling blog and email and everything are at getting these kinds of messages across, I know that there are also bound to be members of the Keeling empire whose ears (or eyes) this message will not reach. And so, please make this event your gossip until its all over because I hate the idea of leaving people out, or worse people forgetting all about it. But don’t worry I have told Granny and Grandpa. I am almost certain they will turn up.I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year (it’s not too late to still be saying that, is it?) and I look forward to seeing you on February 14th.
Love Archie.
Comments
archie rules as captain love it!!!
Posted by: fred | January 18, 2009 at 07:58 PM
It sounds so extraordinary that I may as a distant cousin at least once removed and with no previous interest in any kind of football have to come along...if that's alright?
Alex Palmer
Posted by: Alex Crockatt | January 16, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Amazing captaining Archie - and the team hasn't even met on the pitch yet.
Good luck Dad.
Posted by: ruth | January 16, 2009 at 02:04 PM
oh gosh
Posted by: George | January 16, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Top stuff Arch.
Everyone please take Arch's plea for us to turn up early seriously. Every minute we get to practise before the game, the more enjoyable the game will be by far.
Florat Keeli!
Posted by: Harry | January 16, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Brilliant work Archie. Three early cheers for our captain!
Posted by: Tom | January 16, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Germans and Germany
Recently Edward asked me what Germany was like. I wrote him my answer and asked him if he thought it was worthy of 8brothersing. He agreed, so here it is ...
Dear Edward
Thank you for your letter. In it you asked me if I was in Germany and, if so, what it was like. I do live in Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany. I can tell you what that’s like and it will give you some idea about the rest of Germany. But, rather like London is unlike the rest of Britain, Berlin is unlike the rest of Germany. So what I say about Berlin is not always applicable to Germany.
The first thing is that I only intended to stay in Berlin for one year. It is now almost two years since I arrived, I find the place and the people very congenial and I see no reason to make a permanent return
to London or England yet. The streets and pavements are wide. The traffic is usually fairly light. The public transport system is efficient and reliable. For example, underground trains run all night at weekends at 20 minute intervals. On New Year’s eve they were running at three minute intervals because of the excitement. On that night every Berliner seems to put on their own fireworks display. I was lucky enough to be at a party in a 24th floor flat with a large balcony. The whole horizon was lit with fireworks. There were people letting off fireworks in the street below us and they were exploding in front of our eyes. I found some fireworks in the flat and a German man showed me how to hand launch them from a champagne bottle, which we did. (Do not try this at home!) Can you imagine more fun?
It is very cold at the moment, -10c. Berlin is prettily covered with 5cm of dusty snow. It’s usually like that for about a month every winter. In the summer it’s usually hotter than England and they have lots of huge lakes around Berlin where people go to swim, play, boat and sunbathe. Berlin is flat. With the
wide roads and massive bike lanes, it’s great for bicycling. There are also parks and playgrounds on about every corner. So there are children running about and playing very safely everywhere. It’s a startling contrast to England, especially London, where the poor children seem to be locked away all the time. It’s not so bad for you, Edward, because you live in the country and your Mum and Dad are confident people. But it is for a lot of children in England.
The best thing about Berlin is the people. Even though I don’t yet speak German very well, I find them friendly and tolerant. One of the best things about them is their directness. When you make an arrangement with one of them, they stick to it. If they don’t want to talk to you, they tell you. They don’t waste your time or their own time. Their tolerance extends up to the highest political levels. I recently heard a German politician say that it was important that they go on being tolerant and spread their tolerant message to the rest of the world.
Obviously the Germans and Germany are not perfect. Nowhere is. They still have some racism, some prejudice, their food is pretty dull (apart from the very good sausages) and there are other bad things. They struggle against the racism and prejudice - but they’re not too bothered about the food.
I think that, nowadays, they’re doing better than most and have lot’s that the Brits, and the rest of of the world, could learn from.
Love George
Dear Edward
Thank you for your letter. In it you asked me if I was in Germany and, if so, what it was like. I do live in Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany. I can tell you what that’s like and it will give you some idea about the rest of Germany. But, rather like London is unlike the rest of Britain, Berlin is unlike the rest of Germany. So what I say about Berlin is not always applicable to Germany.
The first thing is that I only intended to stay in Berlin for one year. It is now almost two years since I arrived, I find the place and the people very congenial and I see no reason to make a permanent return
 |
| Berlin New Year |
It is very cold at the moment, -10c. Berlin is prettily covered with 5cm of dusty snow. It’s usually like that for about a month every winter. In the summer it’s usually hotter than England and they have lots of huge lakes around Berlin where people go to swim, play, boat and sunbathe. Berlin is flat. With the
 |
| Wannsee Beach, Berlin |
The best thing about Berlin is the people. Even though I don’t yet speak German very well, I find them friendly and tolerant. One of the best things about them is their directness. When you make an arrangement with one of them, they stick to it. If they don’t want to talk to you, they tell you. They don’t waste your time or their own time. Their tolerance extends up to the highest political levels. I recently heard a German politician say that it was important that they go on being tolerant and spread their tolerant message to the rest of the world.
Obviously the Germans and Germany are not perfect. Nowhere is. They still have some racism, some prejudice, their food is pretty dull (apart from the very good sausages) and there are other bad things. They struggle against the racism and prejudice - but they’re not too bothered about the food.
I think that, nowadays, they’re doing better than most and have lot’s that the Brits, and the rest of of the world, could learn from.
Love George
GOT STUFF YOU DONT NEED?
In addition, if any of you want to rent a room or two in my lovely London flat, or know somebody nice who wants to, there would be a place. For family I would do a cheaper rate, otherwise £700 per month.
After that, on Friday evening, Ruth, Trevor and I take the Eurostar to Moutières en route pour Meribel. Wooo hoooo!
Happy Birthday Carrie
Happy birthday dear Carrie,
Happy birthday dear Carrie,
Happy birthday to you
Comments
Happy Birthday! xD
Posted by: David | October 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM! xx
Posted by: ruth | October 16, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Many thanks. Glad to see there weren't 54 candles. They must be those magic ones because I can't blow them out. Cx
Posted by: Carrie | October 16, 2008 at 01:09 PM
happy hunting grounds
She came to live with us when she was 2 months old - Poppy was nearly 7. Pedigree name was "Our Bonnie Lass"...hastily shortened.
One of her first memories was weeing under Grandpa's chair at breakfast when she was only ten weeks old - the kitchen swing door had buffeted her back as she scrabbled on the shiny floor.
At two she went on a horse drawn caravan holiday in Ireland and spent a lot of time trying very hard to get kicked by Bess the Big Bummed Horse eulogised by Poppy in a memorable sonnet.
Once upon a time she walked with David from Barnsbury Road to Jacobs over a weekend. Late on the first day they were still a couple of miles from the friends at Ightem Mote with whom they were to stay when a bus passed them. Bonnie decided she had had quite enough and tried very hard to get on it.
She went on many exciting holidays.....Ireland with Ruth and Trev meant the pleasure of a 12 hour boat trip = spent in a tiny box on deck where she sat and licked the salt spray in delight. Scotland was one of her favourite places though she thought camping overrated and really much preferred B&Bs (excess breakfasts always eagerly awaited to be eaten in the bedroom). Yurt dwelling was also acceptable as a form of excursion though her deep snores meant being constantly thumped with a pillow which quite spoiled the experience. Walking weekends with Trev and Jaqui and Paul and Van were an enormous pleasure.
The South Downs way was great fun - parcels sent ahead to each B&B had the added frisson of excitement....if they failed to turn up ...... instead of beastly tinned food out of the evening post she would be treated to supper under the table in a pub...heaven!
One of her best holidays was with Poppy and a group of her friends after their GCSEs in a friend's house on Dartmoor. She sat by the lake and surveyed the land for hours when she wasn't swimming with the ducks. Swimming was her delight - really lovely wild green swimming (though she occasionally 'fell' into the pool when she got really hot at Jacobs). She loved to swim in the sea but always thought the taste a little peculiar - wave jumping until she shivered with cold at Camber Sands is a clear memory; head just lifting out of the water for long enough for a little boy on the beach to shout "a seal! look! it's a seal"
But the best swimming of all was in Cambridge at Barton Road where she loved to sit by the lake and just commune for hours with passing dragonflies if she wasn't in the water - but any murky puddle would do - the smellier the better - and her long distance swimming was impressive.
She loved children, and took a particular pleasure in trying to make friends with anyone who really didn't like dogs. (Not just Mike!)
Commment
Molly will be delighted and will welcome her with open paws. xV
Posted by: Vanessa | October 11, 2008 at 09:48 AM
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