Ray King: Wimbledon
Another year, another Wimbledon, and yet again there is not one British success to celebrate. Andy Murray, like Tim Henman, reaches a certain level but unless he changes his strategy and controls his temperament he will never win Wimbledon.
There can be no doubt that he possesses real talent but that in itself will never win a Grand Slam tournament. Innate talent must be combined with sheer guts and determination as was portrayed by the winners of both the men’s and the ladies’ championships. Laura Robson, at 17 years old, did show some glimpses of her talent, but unless she moves around the court with more enthusiasm instead of remaining static most of the time she will never win anything. The commentators kept mentioning – well, she’s only seventeen! – both Boris Becker and Maria Sharapova were only 17 when they won Wimbledon! Seventeen is an age when a competitor is ready to take on the world – fear never enters the equation and the arrogance of youth will get you through just about any obstacle.
Ambler editor, Anna Williams, informs me that there is a new Skatepark being constructed at the Welfare Park. This park was always associated with football, cricket, tennis and bowls. As far as I know football is still played there but what of the other three? I am particularly concerned about cricket which disappeared from the local scene almost two decades ago. An absolute disgrace considering the population of the town must be in the region of 7,000. My batting record of 143 has stood since 1952 – records are meant to be broken!
Further to my acknowledgement of those friends I mentioned in my last article I know that there are so many more that I have left out and I apologize for that. Notably the staff at Cromie, the Chemist, where Norma and I were always greeted with such a warm welcome by Julie and Valerie and other ladies whose names I never knew.
George Waters was always available whenever my car needed attention. Car salesmen aren’t renowned for their honesty but at the Albert St. Garage, I was always treated fairly and courteously – a rare combination – by Eddy and his son Simon. Joanne Davie has been my dentist for many years and I can honestly say that her expertise is second to none. I shall certainly miss her.
You may have read in the local press or heard on the radio of the strange phenomena that I have been experiencing of late. Black patches appear in front of my eyes as I lie fully awake in the early mornings. Within these I see faces of both men and women, none of whom I recognize. I hear snoring from someone apparently lying beside me in bed and the rustle of the bedclothes as the mysterious being moves around. Just another tiny episode in my life.
Best wishes, Ray King
DEAR RAY,
I AM YOUR LEFT WINGER FROM “HOMEFIELD SCHOOL DAYS” BACK IN THE LATE 60,S. ALONG WITH TONY BROWNE AND JOHNATHON THURSTON WE WERE YOUR STRIKERS AND NEVER LOST A GAME FROM MEMORY?
jUST A KIND WORD TO LET YOU KNOW I STILL REMEMBER YOU LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY AND WHAT AN INFLUENCE YOU HAD ON ME AS NOT ONLY A SPORTSMAN BUT YOUR CALM DEMENOR AS A PERSON. YOUR ONE IN A MILLION RAY. I ENJOYED FOOTBALL IN NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA WHERE IVE RESIDED SINCE I WAS 18. IVE BRAGGED ABOUT YOU THRU MY LIFE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
AFTER 40 YEARS TONY AND I CAUGHT UP WITH EACHOTHER LAST MONTH AND HE TOLD ME HE KEPT IN CONTACT WITH YOU AFTER SCHOOL, ALSO THAT YOUD SCRIPTED A BOOK. I AM ENDEVORING TO FIND IT AS YOUD BE AN INTERESTING READ.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR HAVING THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU RAY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF
PETER
Dear Peter,
It was wonderful the hear from you after all these years. I do remember you very well. Those were indeed halcyon days – in fact my 6 or 7 years at Homefield School was the happiest period of my life. Now at the tender age of 87 my physical attributes rapidly in decline I am grateful for the fact that my menal faculties are still sharp. I continue to write the article in each issue of the Ambler and I am a regular contributor to the Bankok Post. I now live in Bangkok, Thailand with my son Gary. I am delighted to hear that you are doing well and enjoying your life in Australia.
Thank you so much for your kind comments – they are very much appreciated – memories are so precious.
My best wishes to you and yours,
Ray King.