I Warner go again…

Yesterday, I went to the Warner Bros. studio in Leavesden to take a tour and see the Making Of Harry Potter. Hence the creative title of today’s post. You shouldn’t really laugh at your own jokes but it’s a clever play on words and quite witty if I do say so myself. That is why my blog was late last night (if you missed it, which you probably did, go back and read it) because I needed to absorb and reflect on my brilliant day. I know I always moan about people thinking I’m a ‘special child’ but I do give them ammunition by being a big kid when it comes to Harry Potter.

I’m not a Potter Head or whatever they call themselves because I didn’t dress up (much to my 34 year old sisters disgust) but as I’ve already made clear, I did enjoy myself immensely. Young kids dressed up as little wizards were adorable but the adults who cannot seem to distinguish between fantasy and reality are quite frankly sad. The reason I had so much fun was because the story (and that’s what it is at the end of the day) has been a huge part of my life growing up. The book was the first proper novel I read. I also recall listening to the tapes in my room, narrated by Stephen Fry. Priceless memories that flooded back.

I don’t really have an overall favourite part of the tour because, without sounding cliché, all of it was great. The first came out back in 2001 when I was 7 and I watched all eight films, the last of which came out a decade later in 2011. It may have been shortly before my 18^th Birthday but I still loved it, just as much as I did back then. So, seeing the sets from Dumbledore’s office to Diagon Alley, the Great Hall to Privet Drive was amazing yet so surreal. I stopped and read every bit of information, which may sound nerdy, but I certainly got my monies worth.

Heads up if you read, like the sound of it and decide to book up. Firstly, take your time and make sure you don’t miss anything. I don’t really see the point in taking millions of photos and filming everything because you might miss something with your eyes. However, there are a few picture opportunities that shouldn’t be missed. I have uploaded a few that I took especially for your consumption. Thinking about it, the actual highlight was leaving my business card on the door at number 3 Privet Drive and watched from a distance as a confused little boy called out to his sister “what’s this?”

If you live outside the U.K., it’s definitely worth a visit. The tour was full of tourists and I think they do buses from London. The bonus is you can come and visit me while you’re over.

Hello to any new readers who saw the link to this blog on my card and feel free to go back and read my past posts. I know we’ve just met and this is crazy but here’s a link: http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005, so vote for me please. I am in a blogging competition and my lovely readers have already got me 324 but need more as it’s closing soon. I was going to say get your wand out for me but that could be misconstrued.

Bye for now!

One Step Beyond the man…

Sorry I didn’t manage to blog yesterday but my body wasn’t used to waking up at 7.00 (I’m lazy I know) on Tuesday for Red Bull so I was still overly tired and therefore did not haul myself out of bed until 14.00. By the time I was showered and ready, my friend came to pick me up as I had booked tickets to see Suggs at the Alban Arena.

The actual show didn’t start until 19.30 but it had been arranged for us to sit in on the sound check and then meet him after. We spoke to him briefly but he seemed nervous about remembering the script, as this was only his third date on the tour.  This intrigued me as I thought a man with his experience in showbuisness would be ice-cool but obviously not. He is human after all. Of course, the first thing we done was to get a picture with him (see below) and an autograph. And in the short time we did spend in his company, he did seem very genuine, down to earth and humble (a rarity for musicians).

In-case any of my younger readers (love being patronising, boot is on the other foot) don’t know, Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson is the lead singer of Ska band Madness. The group came together and were famous in the 80’s. It was way before my time but I can’t get enough and I’ve seen the band live a couple of times. Although he was on his own last night, it was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best way to describe it is a live autobiography but with music to help tell the story. Even if you don’t like Madness, the way he talks candidly about raw parts of his life but still manages to make people cry with laughter is worth the admission fee alone. Rarely have I seen an Alban Arena audience so captivated by one man.

After that enjoyable (mostly, I’ll explain another time) evening, I had another exciting time today because I went for a tour of the Harry Potter set at Leavesden Studios. I’ve given away how good it was already but I’ll write more about it tomorrow in my special Saturday blog to make up for my lack of presence. I’ll even share a few photos, which you might like, not because of the scenery but because of me.

I’ve got a busy day of sport tomorrow with Arsenal playing and then Watford on the T.V. Sandwiched in between is the Grand National, which is sort of a family tradition. Unfortunately, there is no horse called ‘Wheelchair Boy’ but if you do want a tip linked to me, go for ‘Treacle’. It is my favourite word as I am a cockney geezer.

So, do me a Cheesy Quaver and vote for me blog on the bloomin' BBX. Aw ya 'ave ter do is click on the bleedin’ link mate. Not that ‘ard really. Cheers for ya ‘elp and do spread the word. ‘Ere goes: http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005

Bye for now!

Can’t wait…

As everyone knows, Arsenal is my life. I have a Season Ticket for home games and also go to most away matches. Whether you think I am sad or not, no one can deny that this is a fact. Growing up, my dream was to lead the team out either as the captain or a mascot but the nightmare that is disability put an end to those aspirations. Some probably heard about this next news on Twitter but I thought I better wait for more clarification until I formally announce it. Before our next home game against Norwich City, I will come as close as I’ll ever get to having my wish granted.

Last Wednesday evening, I got a message out of the blue from Alun Francis (Disability Liaison Officer) asking if I would like to be official match ball carrier on Saturday 13^th April. I accepted but thought it must be an early April fools joke. A week later and it turns out it was true. I am so excited. Basically, the players will enter the pitch and I’ll have to give the ball to the referee before kick-off.

My brother will have to push me so that I can concentrate on holding the ball. I have been pitch side before but that was with a group of people to present a cheque to G.O.S.H. following my skydive. That was 20 minutes before kick-off so the ground was still half empty. Hopefully, it will be full with a buzzing atmosphere (doubtful at the Emirates) and the chant pf ‘One Wheelchair Boy’ will reverberate around the place.

I will have to get practising handing over the ball, which sounds insane, but to someone with Ataxia, it’s not. I want my big moment to go perfectly so that it can be shown on the T.V.

It will be 2 days before the voting is stopped for the Big Blog Exchange on the 15^th April so will be one last chance to try and get more support. Once again, a huge thank you everyone who has voted for me. I cannot express how grateful I am and touched by the response (I make it sound it like a plea to find a missing person). When I ask people to vote via this link: http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005, I’m not speaking to the majority who have probably done so but instead aiming this message at any one-off or new readers. Please take a moment to vote, I’d appreciate the help.

Bye for now!

Red Bull gives you wings…

Panic over. I did get time to blog after all. As I mentioned briefly last night, I was visiting the Red Bull Formula 1 Factory in Milton Keynes this morning. The tour was over by lunch which was a shame because I was enjoying myself but it did mean I could get home and tell you all about it. Well, most of it anyway. That’s the thing. The whole place was very secretive because they don’t want to help other teams in any way. Some rooms were closed and the windows were frosted glass to prevent people looking in. It felt a bit like Charlie and the Chocolate factory when Willy Wonka tells Charlie not to enter a room and he does. I wanted to see the secrets.

But the place is as secure as MI6 with the key fobs and finger print  system to  open doors. Nothing is getting out. There were 3 large factories and it was interesting to see the hard work that goes on. Over 300 people are involved but the T.V. coverage suggests only the trackside pit crew are involved. Precision seemed to be the key to their recent success. They even have one part of the factory, which is dedicated to building a miniature replica model for testing in a wind tunnel.

I learnt a lot of fascinating facts today such as it cost £30 Million to build and run one of the cars. It is more staggering if you think the carbon shell alone costs 45, 000. Relatively cheap in comparison. Whilst I was intrigued, I came away questioning whether I am a real man. I don’t get excited by cars and my eyes don’t light up when I see an engine but I suppose it’s the same passion I feel when I go to football. But, it was definitely worth getting up for even though early starts are the worst. I feel privileged to see all the incredible work that that goes on before a race.

Thanks to Keech Hospice for organizing the trip and a massive thank you to Red Bull for allowing us to look around.  I’ll start supporting Webber and Vettel instead of just the British drivers. It was also kind of them to give us a baseball cap and a lanyard. I might make up my own Wheelchair Boy merchandise to promote the blog and hopefully get more votes. If you’re a new reader, you can vote by going to this link: http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005

I take it everyone likes the new look because I haven’t got any complaints yet. Apart from one. My mum, who struggles to read at the best of time, told me that the writing seemed smaller. I just increased the font size and the problem was gone. Alternatively, she could have zoomed in but that is seemingly too difficult.

Bye for now!

Changing...

My body is constantly changing because of Friedreich’s Ataxia and it has been for most of my life. This is just a fact that I have to live with.  My legs were the first to go as my walking gradually deteriorated until I needed a wheelchair permanently. Then, there is the voice, which has got worse over the years (as I have blogged about.). These two changes have been visibly noticeable but there have been other changes recently. My fingers and toes are curling over which is not ideal but it is not giving me any problems at the moment. My vision isn’t great, especially long distance but again, that is not hindering me yet. However, my hearing is affecting me and I may need to get it sorted.

Tonight’s post may seem random but I thought I’d share with you that I am constantly changing and just when I think I’m used to my voice, my condition strikes again. It is a bit like a physical battle but I’m not going to give because I know I will win.

My eagle-eyed readers (or anyone that has who has visited my blog before and has a brain) will have noticed another change; that the page has undergone a touch of redecoration. Over the weekend, I thought that the layout was a bit tedious, although some may say that my writing makes up for it ;). Anyway, I decided to make the relevant changes today but spent longer on it than I would have liked. There are quite a few choices but I didn’t want to overcomplicate it with psychedelic colour schemes and illegible font. So, I’ve gone for a simple black and white background with a blend of orange. I chose this not to upset any colour-blind people nor do I work for Easy Jet but my favourite colour is Orange. I hope you like what I’ve done with the place and feedback is welcome as ever.

Before I go, my usual reminder that I still need the votes on the BBX. I’ve got 315 so moved up to 6^th in Europe but want to get in the top 5.  Just give your friends this link: http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005, tell them to click the vote button, type in their E-Mail and then the important part is to follow the on-screen instructions in order to confirm. Thank you, as Tesco would say ‘Every Little Helps’.

I might not be able to post tomorrow because I am visiting the Formula One factory in Milton Keynes so I am not sure when I will be back. And my friend is coming round in the evening. But, I’ll try to fit it in. I am sure there will be loads to write about.

Bye for now!