Wimbledon With Supergramps! Not For the Faint-Hearted

[supergran]

Tuesday 2nd July: Taxi arrived to take us to Wigan to catch the Virgin Pendolino to Euston. We always look forward to the train journey as we have Senior Rail Passes which enable us to travel First Class. The train was 17 minutes late but dinner was served quite quickly. I had pre-booked a taxi to take us to the Justin James Hotel in Worple Road, Wimbledon as I didn't want supergramps getting on an escalator.:nailbiter: A very charming young driver met us at the station, took charge of our luggage and drove us to the hotel. So far, so good.:):) We walked to the front door which was locked.:confused::confused: We've never stayed in an hotel where you can't actually walk in and we were slightly puzzled. We knocked, we banged. we knocked again. I then banged on a large window through which I could see chairs and tables set for breakfast. In a few minutes the door opened and an elderly man looked at us strangely then pointed to something above head height on the wall telling us it was the bell.:oops::oops: Well, we hadn't noticed it and if we had it didn't look like a bell and I couldn't see any instructions. :shades::shades: We were shown to our room, quite small but very clean with everything we needed. Large wardrobe with lots of wooden hangers and a roomy bathroom with a big shower cubicle. We left everything and ventured out to find somewhere to eat.:big grin::big grin:

[supergran]

We strolled along Worple Road and could see ahead of a large pub called The Alexandra. Deciding that would be suitable as we hadn't changed we went in. This pub situated on Wimbledon Hill Road is quite old and quite spacious with a roof terrace and seating area outside.:yak::yak:We walked in, me leading the way when I heard a gasp from some people sitting to the left of me. I turned round and there he was....on the floor!:facepalm::facepalm: Quite a few people rushed to help. He hadn't seen the step and just tripped and went down on his knees.:sad: He assured us that he was fine and I just told everybody that he loves to make an entrance.:rolling: We found a table and sat down.

[supergran]

After our meal we took our drinks and went outside. We sat with two women from Nottingham who had been to the tennis that day. One of them had never been before and she was so excited and delighted it was lovely to listen to her.:excited::excited: She said that she had tears in her eyes as she took her seat on Centre for the Ladies matches. We chatted about tennis and Andy which was lovely.:GBsmile::GBsmile: We then found out they were staying at the Justin James Hotel where we were so we all strolled back together.:):)

[supergran]

Wednesday 3 July: Breakfast was 7-9 and we were up, showered, dressed and walking downstairs at 8 0'clock. Supergramps was wearing a blazer and tie but I had my GO Murray t-shirt on under a white jacket. It's funny when you walk into a fairly small compact dining room and everyone just stares.:rolleyes::rolleyes: I just looked around and said good morning to everyone..most of them replied. We sat down at a table for two and next to us was a couple who had almost finished breakfast. I struck up a conversation with them and they said that they had been on Centre Court the day before. We talked tennis, we talked Andy and they asked what I thought of his chances.:GBsmile::GBsmile:You know me, I was very positive and confident. The woman, on spotting my t-shirt and after listening to my opinions asked me if I was a tennis coach connected to Andy.:laugh::laugh: At the US Open I was asked if I was Andy's Mom, at the 02 if I was a relative of Andy but I've never been mistaken for a tennis coach before.:big grin::big grin: I suppose it's my athletic build and incisive tennis knowledge that gave her that impression but did wonder why she thought I was staying in a small private hotel if I had anything to do with Team Murray.:tennis::big grin:

[supergran]

They were going home to Solihull that morning and we said goodbye as I went back to our room to pack our bag for the day and supergramps went to organise a taxi for 10.30. When he came to the room he was carrying a small cup and saucer with the Wimbledon logo on the cup which was a gift for me from the couple.:wimbly::wimbly: The husband had followed SG and explained that he had bought a set and would like me to have one as I was such a big tennis fan. I thought that was really kind of him.:):cuppa: I had the bag packed with essentials for the day: rain jackets, sunglasses, my Team Murray hoodie, a cap for SG.........plus a bottle of Pinot and two cans of Boddingtons (our permitted drinks) :wino::beer: At 10.30 we were in the taxi and on our way to the All England Club for supergramp's first ever visit to the Championships.:wimbly::wimbly:

[traveller7]

Great blogs as usual thanks.

[supergran]

We went through the gate and up to security and then we were in. My first idea was to go to the Practice Courts but thought it was only fair if we strolled around first so SG could get a feel of the place. Strolling is the operative word here as no longer can he stride out or walk briskly. Steps are also a bit of a problem as he is very hesitant walking up and down.:sad::sad: We passed the Returns Queue at just after 11 and there was Hawkeye right at the front. I waved to him and he spotted me. We exchanged a greeting and then we moved on. It was lovely to see him and I hoped he would get tickets to see Andy. (He did):thumbup::cheer: We had our photo taken in the HSBC Booth which was free.:big grin: You had to adopt four poses and they were taken every three seconds. It was a laugh and the four small pictures were put in a folder...eight in all, a folder each. They were very good and my GO ANDY t-shirt and my Andy mask were in evidence. On the last photo I am kissing the mask!:big grin::love: We watched Delpo practising but it was very crowded and as it was noon we decided to have lunch.:breadstick: We walked down the steps to the Aorangi Food Court and there was nearly an incident when SG stumbled. A kind man got hold of him and helped him down. Why we didn't go in at the other entrance I have no idea.

[Hawkeye]

Fame at last!

[supergran]

We ate lunch. took a couple of photographs and I amused myself by people watching. Because SG has gradually become deaf and has to wear two hearing aids which don't seem to work very well having a conversation is becoming difficult.;) If I say something in a conversational tone he doesn't get what I'm saying and I receive some extremely amusing answers which have nothing to do with what I've said.:confused::doh: So I have to shout which in public places is not always appropriate so we've gone from a couple who talked incessantly to each other to a husband and wife who sit quietly. When we were young and we'd be sitting in a restaurant or pub and see older couples not speaking we vowed we would never be like that. I never fully realised that one of them might have been deaf until now.:sad::sad: Actually, it's not too bad as SG always has a sudoku with him and I can amuse myself on facebook and twitter. At least we are in the 21st century busying ourselves and not just:barmy::whistle: staring into space like old people ready for a Home for the Bewildered. At 12.45 we walked to Court 1 and round to our entrance where a lovely policewoman asked to search my bag.:strawberry:

[supergran]

Opening my bag she asked me if I had anything glass and I promptly told her I hadn't and even pointed out very smugly our two rather swish plastic beakers with lids that we had been given our drinks in at a theatre on Broadway.:boogie: "So what's this then?" she asked pointing to my bottle of Pinot Grigio:oops::oops:Apologising, as I didn't want her to confiscate it I said that I understood that I could bring it in. She agreed but said I couldn't open it inside. We were both crouched down and she whispered to me that if I opened it discreetly I should be ok. Well, I hadn't intended to guzzle wine while watching the match but I thanked her and we started up the one flight of steps to our seats. :wimbly::grass: Have I mentioned that SG is very unsteady going up and down steps?;) He has fallen down stairs twice, not from a great height you understand or this blog might have been different but he did damage our cloaks cupboard door which was highly inconvenient as you can imagine.;):lol: We got up the steps and luckily our seats were on the back row of the section so they were just to our left. We settled down and looked around. We had an excellent view behind the umpire and then the sun came out.:big grin::big grin:

[lynne]

:thanks:SGran....I just love your blogs.....brilliant as usual.......but Oh! the suspense........:GBflag:

[supergran]

We took some photographs of each other and then the lady next to SG took one of both of us. It was about 12.55 and people were streaming in. At one o'clock the officials were in their places and then out came Djokovic and Berdych to loud applause.:cheer::cheer: I was a little horrified to see rows of empty seats. I think it is rather important that spectators who have tickets and know they are going to be on a certain court should be in their seats before play starts. It was obvious that the empty seats belonged to groups of Corporate guests who were probably still enjoying a leisurely lunch.:yak::wino: Play started and it was thrilling to see both Nole and Tomas for the first time. For the first two games it was very quiet but then I'd had enough!!!:):) I let out one almighty shout of "Come on Tomas!" Next to me SG visibly winced but I didn't care. Within a few minutes other shouts of support for Berdych were heard and it was obvious as the set wore on that most of the crowd were probably Andy fans willing Berdych on.:clap::cheer: Djokovic won the set and at changeover a long line of people wearing accreditation filed in and took their seats. The ones near us had missed the first set.:grrr: In the second set we were getting a little excited as Berdych took the lead but it was not to be and Nole won the second also. He has some fantastic shots which are very impressive but he does make a lot of noise..grunting quite loudly with effort. The crowd became quite animated in their support of Tomas and I did wonder what Nole was thinking or was he oblivious.:rolleyes: Well, Djokovic won and the match on Centre between Ferru and Delpo also finished. So we made our way outside.

[patmoren]

Sounds as though you had a great time. I am off for my taste of Wimbledon today so will be visualising your antics!!

[supergran]

My first idea was to go to Centre Court and see if I could swap tickets. How to recognise a Polish fan among hundreds?:confused::) After a futile few minutes realised I should give up and try and get us on the Hill. We strolled towards Murray Mount (did I mention that strolling is what we do these days?) When we got there I was amazed at how full it was. We weren't allowed to go up the wide steps but were directed to walk beneath the screen to the other end.:wimbly::wimbly: There seemed to be an endless stream of people making the same trek. As we walked up the steps very slowly being passed all the time I could see stewards waving people higher. :wave: While one steward was busy talking to someone I got hold of SG's arm and slipped in at the side of the building. I think it was where the Pimms:cheers::cheers: was being sold but couldn't see for people standing on the decking area outside. Ahead of us as far as the eye could see were fans sitting, lying, crouching on rugs, jackets etc and the lucky ones sitting comfortably at the tables.:yak: Keeping hold of supergramps we made our way very carefully up to where I wanted to be....in front of the screen. I noticed a small patch of grass and decided that was:grass: where we were going to stay.:grass2::grass2:

[ljs]

Im really enjoying this SG , feel like Im there with you :)

[supergran]

Getting SG down was a bit of a problem but eventually he was on his rain jacket and I sat down next to him.:phew: Guess what? We couldn't see a thing. Couldn't see the screen, just the backs of people.:doh::facepalm: What to do?:confused::confused: I edged over to two young men who were sitting quite close and pointing to the table in front of them asked if that was a spare seat next to the lady. They told me nobody had sat next to her at all but they hadn't liked to ask her. Well I had no such qualms and crouching next to her I asked if the seat was free. Her reply was very disappointing. She told me that she had been there since 11 and she was tired of being asked to move.:sad::sad: Now these benches can seat three and on the other side sat two young men who were with her I deduced later but who never looked away from the screen where Andy and Nando were battling for the first set.:wimbly::wimbly: Very quietly and politely I told her that the benches were for people and not bags. She stared at me and I decided it was time to play the crippled husband card.;):big grin:

[pabbers]

Love it - you tell her SG!!

[supergran]

I had noticed that the woman had a walking stick and so I launched into my attack to wear her down.:angel: I said that as she probably had difficulty walking then surely she would understand that my husband had the same problems. I did exaggerate slightly making out that he was far worse than he is but needs must.....;);) With some heavy sighing she then removed her bags and put them on the ground. Result!!!:yahoo: Turning to SG I told him he had a seat and started to help him up. This was so funny as it is difficult to get someone from a sitting position on the ground. He tried, I tried....he rose....then he went down again. I was laughing and bless him so was he.:laugh::laugh: Suddenly three strapping young men got hold of him and hauled him to his feet. Everyone was laughing and I said "I'm his wife, I don't even get paid for this!" to more laughter.:laugh: Now the bench was not facing the screen so he thought the best way to get on was to straddle it. Cue for more laughter as he put one leg on either side and lowered himself into.....nothing! One of the guys I had asked about the empty seat jumped up and pushed him onto the bench before he did permanent damage to his spine.:laugh::laugh: I was in hysterics. :shamed::shamed: I then suggested to the two young men that if they moved up I could probably sit down as I was only small! This is a blatant lie!!!:whistle::whistle::big grin: They did and we were settled at last and ready to fully concentrate on the match.:thumbup:

[supergran]

Now it was time to discard my caring wife's mantle and don my full-throated, full-blooded Andy supporter garb.:yahoo::yahoo: I started to shout my support along with the others but before too long the first set was gone and everybody went quiet. The second set started and we cheered and groaned, cheered and groaned. At the end of the set there was a palpable difference in the atmosphere and I didn't like it.:grrr: So I kept up relentless vocal support interjected with a few chants of "We love you Andy". SG, the traitor, was chatting to his bench companion about me!! My wine was going down nicely and SG was enjoying a can of Boddingtons. Then I had the bright idea of getting some Pimms. Well we were at Wimbledon watching Andy on the Hill.:big grin: So I set off and made my way to the Pimms bar. Armed with two glasses I started back. Eventually I realised that I didn't recognise where I was, couldn't see SG, and I was completely lost!:oops:

[Linda]

This is hilarious, SG(f). Your description of SG(m) as a traitor reminds me of where I was on Friday - hope you'll excuse me if I tell. I was with several friends in a pub watching the tennis on the big screen. We were all supporting DelPo against Djoko. I said to my friends, when the next match starts, you will all be supporting Andy, won't you? They all said yes, and a girl on the next table who we didn't know said, Anyone who doesn't support Andy should be thrown out! We got into conversation and she said that she was an Andy fan and goes to tournaments to support him. Then in the next match when Andy dropped the first set . . . she was just laughing and joking with her friends and wasn't concerned at all! We were all shocked and said that no way is she a true fan.

[supergran]

What followed can only be described as hilarious.:dance: I was standing, rooted to the spot, looking around while trying to keep my eye on the screen and also searching for supergramps and the table. A young woman got up from her seat and asked if I was lost. She then suggested I stood on her bench to have a clearer look. This I did but still couldn't find my bearings.:confused::confused: She then told me to stand on the table, So there I was clutching two Pimms on top of a table....but still couldn't find him. :sad: She then had the bright idea that I should phone him so I had to tell her he rarely answers his phone as he doesn't hear it!:laugh: She asked me what he was wearing and what was his name. I told her and she started chanting his name. Everyone who had been watching us took up the chant and suddenly "Alan, Alan": was heard resounding round Henman Hill. :big grin::big grin: Suddenly, there he was! I was nowhere near him. I had come from the Pimms Bar the wrong side and I was too far up the hill. My sense of direction is hopeless.:laugh: I made my way down and eventually reached him. Everyone was laughing as they had heard the chants. It was the woman next to SG who asked if his name was Alan as she had spotted me on the table after hearing his name......he hadn't heard it!!!:facepalm::laugh:

[Linda]

Hilarious! You climbed on the bench and then the table still holding the two Pimm's? Didn't you trust anyone to hold them for you? :laugh:

So when we thought all the hill were chanting 'Andy, Andy' they were really chanting 'Alan, Alan'? :lol:

[traveller7]

So funny brilliant!

[supergran]

Meanwhile, while all this was going on Andy was winning the third set...so normal service was resumed as the crowd went mad. Every point won was greeted with roars of delight as we all jumped to our feet. Well, I say we all but SG didn't and neither did his new best friend.;) At one point I shouted...Andy, Andy, give us an ace.....DC regulars will know how it goes....and he did!!:yahoo: High fives all round and shouts for me to do it again. Everyone seemed intoxicated by the atmosphere, or perhaps just intoxicated but everyone was roaring him on.:cheer: To be honest I can't really recall the fourth set. It was just so mad up there. We were willing him on so intensely and when he won it you would have thought he'd won the match. High fives and hugs from anybody and everybody! We were all a little nervous in the fifth set as you can imagine but Andy did what Andy can and the Murraycoaster was over as he clinched the win. Relief and joy were mixed emotions as everyone went mad once again.:excited::excited: People were coming up to me saying that I'd really kept them going. Really, it amazes me that fans can't relax and just cheer and chant. They can't all be shy! We waited until most of the crowd had left and suddenly the young woman who had helped me appeared at my side offering us two Court One tickets. Laughing, I thanked her and said that we had two also. There are a lot of lovely people in this world.:clap:

[supergran]

Hilarious! You climbed on the bench and then the table still holding the two Pimm's? Didn't you trust anyone to hold them for you? :laugh:

So when we thought all the hill were chanting 'Andy, Andy' they were really chanting 'Alan, Alan'? :lol:Yes Linda, still holding the Pimms and yes to the chant question.:lol:

[Sallydaisy]

To be honest I can't really recall the fourth set. It was just so mad up there. We were willing him on so intensely and when he won it you would have thought he'd won the match. High fives and hugs from anybody and everybody! We were all a little nervous in the fifth set
erm, he won it in 3 sets so there wasn't a 4th or 5th ...
HOW MANY PIMMS DID YOU HAVE???
:wino:
:laugh:

[traveller7]

Isnt Supergran recalling the quarter final match where I believe there was 5 sets?!

[Sallydaisy]

Isnt Supergran recalling the quarter final match where I believe there was 5 sets?!
:shamed::facepalm:
:oops:

I've got yesterday on the brain still ... and I've not touched a drop of alcohol since the champers last night!!!
Going to bed before I put my foot in it even further ...
:getcoat:

P.S. Great blog SG!!!
:flowers:

[supergran]

erm, he won it in 3 sets so there wasn't a 4th or 5th ...
HOW MANY PIMMS DID YOU HAVE???
:wino:
:laugh:And how many have you had? This was Wednesday's match!!:lol:

[Linda]

Yes, SG is talking about the match against Verdasco!

NB why no mention so far of Nando's toned body? :shamed:

[supergran]

Isnt Supergran recalling the quarter final match where I believe there was 5 sets?!Thanks, glad someone is paying attention.:thumbup:

[pabbers]

Yes, SG is talking about the match against Verdasco!

NB why no mention so far of Nando's toned body? :shamed:

SG is much too refined for that...........:lol:

[supergran]

You're very funny pabbers!:lol: Do like Nando...he is a really handsome young man and did take a pic of him shirtless at the US Open. But this match was too tense for such shallow observations. I was too busy jumping up and down and shouting my head off to even notice his body. That and my innate refinement of course.:boogie:

[supergran]

So we left the Hill. I asked SG if he had enjoyed being there and he said that it was an experience and he had enjoyed it. I asked him if he had enjoyed the Pimms and he told me "It was like pop!" Yeah, pop at £7.50 a glass!:eek: We decided to have a leisurely stroll around. Did I tell you that we do a lot of strolling now? Suddenly we were besieged by two couples who just came up and hugged me. "You are a great supporter and we loved your enthusiasm" one of the young women said to me and then we all had photographs together. After much laughter and more hugs we went our separate ways. :swingin: We walked to the front entrance thinking we might see Andy. There were about five fans already there but I was pretty sure there would be a very long wait. We passed the time looking at and commenting on people coming out. Well, two women and I were doing that. SG would never indulge in such a shallow pastime. It's a woman thing!:whistle::big grin: Then out came Bouncy looking a bit frazzled. He kissed a young woman who came out behind him and, blow me down, the young women with me called and asked for a photo.:ill: I said fairly loudly "You don't want a photo with him." He looked up and saw us. Now whether he recognised us as he had spoken to both of us in the Barclays Lounge at the 02 I can't say but his face changed and he walked off very quickly.:halo: SG was getting a little tired and we decided to leave. As we strolled towards the gates a guy walked towards us, looked at SG, stuck out his hand and said "It's Alan, isn't it?":laugh: That was so funny. SG is famous...He's a legend on Murray Mount!:worship::worship:

[supergran]

The last bit:Taxi took us straight to the Alexandria where we enjoyed a more substantial meal than the previous evening and a few drinks in a very convivial atmosphere. It seemed like everyone had been or was going to the Tennis. Going to the bar I starting talking to two young men, both in the RAF. They were on duty on Centre Court for the two weeks. They came and sat with us and we had such a laugh.:yak: They had been doing it for nine years. They weren't paid and took part of their annual leave to do it. What a wonderful job.:thumbup::grass: At midnight we took our leave of everyone (I had also included in our conversation three young American boys on the next table):shelebrate: and were ready to stroll back to the hotel. I spotted a black cab and hailed it. We had enjoyed a pretty marvellous day.We had seen Djokovic and Berdych, had watched a long and tense battle between Andy and Nando on the hill, had met so many lovely Andy fans and best of all SG had thoroughly enjoyed his first Wimbledon experience.:thumbup: Here's to the next time!:thumbup::strawberry::GBflag:

[traveller7]

Thanks for the great blog, what an adventure! Glad you both enjoyed.

[pabbers]

Wonderful! Thanks SG.

[Jan62]

Thanks Supergran, that was hilarious! poor SG(m). Do you think you will be able to persuade him to go again next year??

[Golden Lady]

Thank you supergran, I thoroughly enjoyed reading you fabulous blog. You and supergramps, 'Murray Mount' legends! :swingin:

[lynne]

What a great blog, just hilarious, you just couldn't make it up, should be on the T.V......thanks for sharing!:wimbly:

[supergran]

Thanks for lovely comments. Must admit I was chuckling writing it.:laugh:

[Linda]

What a great time you had! But we now have a mission for you. During tennis tournaments you are to station yourself outside the BBC studios and frighten off Bouncy when he tries to enter. :lol:

[hfwardhouse]

Brilliant Mo - loved it! Hugely entertaining and laugh out loud stuff :rofl:

[Caro]

You are so good at blogs Mo! Your tennis trips are always 'adventures' and I love reading about them. Can't wait for the Croatia one!! Bound to be an epic! Glad you had such a good time on Murray Mount / Henman Hill. Wish I could have been there with you

[xenon21]

Great blog! Got to admit that my favourite part was where the whole hill got chanting Alan, Alan, Alan!

Sounds like you had an amazing time!

[JAMES4578]

Very entertaining blog Supergran,glad you both had a great time!

[pabbers]

One Foot in the Grave eat your heart out!!!

[supergran]

One Foot in the Grave eat your heart out!!!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[hfwardhouse]

One Foot in the Grave eat your heart out!!!

:rolling: :rolling: :rolling:

[Elizabeth]

Brilliant blog SG I just loved reading it and had a good laugh. Thanks again.

[Alis]

Good reading SG - glad you had fun!

[patmoren]

:wimberry:Sorry I haven't made any further comments on your blog, but after being at Wimbledon the day Andy won the title has taken some getting over. You ought to put all your blogs into a book, would sell like hot cakes!!! :grass:

[Caro]

:wimberry:Sorry I haven't made any further comments on your blog, but after being at Wimbledon the day Andy won the title has taken some getting over. You ought to put all your blogs into a book, would sell like hot cakes!!! :grass:

Here, here!!

[pabbers]

I'd be first in line, she says, elbowing the rest of you out of the way! :lol: