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It's been a good sporting year for you guys, Juliussss. Is it worth having a euro or two on Spain for the Olympics?!!

Mark, Olympics is a different matter altogether. I hope they do well but I would probably keep my Euros for vinyl records or even Naim equpment

What's funny is that, although we ve traditionaly had quite qood national representation at sports, we ve never had the kind of winning breed we are having now. I mean, Nadal is a bloody tennis machine, although less naturally talented than Federer, the kid is so focussed he seems to win the game out of faith.

Thought I would report back on my first trip to Wimbledon.

Travelled from Newcastle on 6.00 am train, then tube to Southfields. Met at station by people organising shared taxi trips and directing people to the nearest bus. The wife wanted to walk anyway as it was nice.

On the way to the ground we were met by very smartly suited and hatted stewards asking if we needed directions or ticket information.

Left luggage was a few hundred yards from the main entrance that we used, £1 for the whole day, with that money going to charity.

Pleasant and efficient security check of bags. Although they were asking people to check sharp objects into the left luggage area, they were happy to let us in with metal cutlery for our picnic. Unlike concert venues, you are allowed to bring in a bottle of wine/champagne each as well as your food.

Seated at a table on Henman Hill and opening first bottle by 10.45 am.

The buildings and the grounds are beautifully laid out and presented. Toilet facilities are first class. There are plenty of retail opportunities for those that want them, but prices are steep. Pimms is £6 a go, wine about £3 a glass. We did not price the food having stocked up the cold bag at M&S in Kings Cross.

Sat in the sun, having an extended lunch and soaking up the atmosphere, which was very convivial and relaxed. Watched a couple of outlying matches on the big screen before heading to Centre Court for the Williams sisters final.

My impression of the court was it was very intimate, and you were never far from the action, even if you were in the back row. You were allowed access and egress between breaks in play. No problems having drinks in your seats (Treat people like adults and they behave like them).

The Williams were very athletic and there was no doubting their power, but they seemed to have no great rapport with the crowd. Even so it was an impressive match, though most of it was from the baseline.

We managed to get some returns for number 1 court (£5 each, again the money goes to charity) and so went in to see the final games of Laura Robson's match. Clearly a star in the making. Great atmosphere.

Later back on Centre Court we also saw the second half of the Men's doubles final and concluded with the ladies doubles final and left at 9.15 pm.

All in all a great day out, well organised and very slickly run. It must impress the hell out of visitors, it certainly impressed me.

I would definitely go again, although I would love to have seen more of the men's singles matches, and had the opportunity to see some games on the outlying courts from earlier rounds.

Thoroughly recommended, if you have not been before.

Cheers

Nic
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nice report! very informative

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Originally posted by Jim Lawson:

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Originally posted by ianmacd:

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Originally posted by Jim Lawson:
Which sister do you think will win, Mark?

Does anyone really give a shit, Jim?

Two walking female attitudes with muscles looking so unhappy as they play each point you wonder why they came in the first place - oh, hang on - it's probably the wad of winners cash that the commentators always say "means nothing compared to winning the championship."

It's the dullest ladies final since the last time either of these two beauties were playing.

At least with F1, we get the hilarity of listening to DC blaming brake pressure in morning practice for his awful qualifying position in the afternoon. Now that's entertainment.

Ian

I enjoyed it; some great rallies. I guess we see what we want to see.

Well put. And agreed.

Michael.

Thanks for posting, Nic. Photo even!

Jim,

A few more pics for you. The Williams girls followed by Laura Robson.

Regards

Nic






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Sorry,

I always forget how to do this, got there eventually more or less.

Nic