Rob in the ‘Hood: Shirley Bothma, this is your life
Shirley Bothma recently turned 90 years old.
Am I getting nesh these days? Your hot-blooded scribe is feeling the cold. Cannot believe how perishing it has been for us locals who have been mollycoddled, living in our tropical paradise. Is this climate change? The positive is that the cold doesn’t last long, any moment now we will be basking in warm sunshine again.
You Can’t Win ‘Em All
Since writing for the Herald, I have met many lovely and interesting people. You can’t win them all, especially when you spot some stranger wearing an English football shirt. The evangelical side of me wants to approach them, point out the error of their ways, and convert them particularly if they are either Manchester United or Liverpool supporters.
The banter is good natured but some fans cannot see the funny side. Maybe I ask for it but the opposition see the light. That’s when the CO steps in and warns me that someday I’ll go too far. She just doesn’t understand the brotherhood of man, especially in English football .
ALSO READ: Rob in the ‘Hood: Tales of tipotino, raspberry and brown sauce
Dress Code in Restaurants
Last week the CO and I visited one of our favourite restaurants in St. Mike’s. The restaurant was full and the vibes were great. Then I saw him, a diner wearing a Manchester United shirt. Besides lowering the tone of the upmarket eaterie, I felt it was my duty to save him from his wicked ways.
I approached him professionally, “Excuse me sir, undercover, secret service security here. I’m afraid you cannot wear Manchester United shirts in this establishment. It is a health hazard, and a threat to world peace. Only Manchester City football shirts are allowed. Dress code and all that jazz.”
He seemed to go along with it. Then there was a chorus of laughter led by Noreen Comte, a Dubliner, “Hi Rob. Still up to your old nonsense I see.” My cover was blown. As the CO is also from Dublin, I was outnumbered. “Okay sunshine you can wear the shirt, but just for this occasion,” I retreated.
What’s It All About?
The man in the United shirt explained that they were celebrating his mom’s 90th birthday. That put a different slant on it. Shirley Bothma was celebrating her 90th in style, together with sons Barry and Doug Bothma, he of the United shirt, and friends Noreen Comte and Alex Knox. Formerly of Welkom, Shirley is now a well-established resident at the Margate Retirement Village.
“My son Doug, has been United mad for over 50 years. A relative visited United’s Old Trafford ground decades ago, and bought the full kit for little Doug. He has been a United fan ever since.” I didn’t want to point out his misfortune in life on such an occasion. But I did dazzle the lad with a few facts and figures from six decades ago, just to show who’s the boss.
The First Prize in Life
This was Shirley’s big day. Still going strong and bright as a button, Shirley let it be known that she is as happy as a lark and not seeking Mr Right. “I don’t need any problems at my time of life,” she added lightheartedly. Shirley doesn’t know what she’s missing out on, waiting upon her lord and master hand and foot, sharing and watching English football on the telly 24/7. I always say that the first prize in life is to marry an Englishman, especially a Manchester City supporter.
To many more Shirley! I will be leaving town soon. I’m outnumbered by both Man-Yoo and Liverpool followers.
New Moon and An Old Serenade
Despite the cold and Covid-19, you cannot keep the lid on social life altogether. Moondeckers held its monthly gathering at the Ramsgate Conservancy last weekend. The full moon appeared right on the dot and treated everyone to a spectacular sight. This is one of the best social couple of hours of the month. Everyone is welcome.
The Ramsgate Lions quiz night was last Friday. Is it me or are the questions getting harder? The end result was being runners up and strained relationships. I keep telling myself it’s just a quiz, such fun!
See you around, weather permitting.
Rob.
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