Elvin Blogs

My world in words and images

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KENNY SANSOM'S POISONED CHALICE

During the pre-season of 1974-75, I played in the same Crystal Palace Youth team as Kenny Sansom. He was a great bloke, so talented, so charming, so brilliant. He went onto to be one of the best defenders in the world. He played for England 86 times, enjoyed an idyllic lifestyle in a beautiful mansion he shared with his loving wife and family. It's fair to say he was very successful. I thought he was so lucky.

During 2015 Kenny was reported to be a homeless alcoholic and in the summer of this year he nearly lost he life after being involved in what was described as a drunken brawl. Just this week it has been reported Kenny has been diagnosed with Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome; a condition that is similar to dementia and is caused by drinking too much alcohol. Apparently if he receives the correct medical attention and care, he will make a good recovery.I realize now it was me; not Kenny, who was so lucky.The fame and wealth Kenny enjoyed from his natural footballing talent proved to be the source of mental health problems that would plague him throughout his adult life; a poisoned chalice in fact.Let us hope Kenny gets as lucky as me and makes that recovery. I bet he is still a great bloke.

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Why I kept my cancer diagnosis a secret

My sister who was not informed of the diagnosis was dumbfounded: ‘You had cancer and you didn’t think to tell me?’

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Story-Telling: revealing the soul behind the numbers to make UK construction healthier and safer

My Blog that tells "My Story"; have you a story to share?

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The sad demise of Didcot Power Station

My sincere thanks to Mark Coleman for his kind message on Twitter today. Mark empathises with the varied, complex and powerful emotions that construction and demolition arouse.  A fine example is Didcot Power Station, Oxfordshire in England.

The structure inspired the ecclesiastical painting 'Menorah', by Roger Wagner; it depicts Christ's crucifixion set against the cooling towers of Didcot Power Station - the chimney and towers representing the seven-branched ceremonial Jewish candlestick, the menorah.

The very chimney and towers that Mark's firm, the Coleman Group, will demolish between 0300 - 0500hrs Sunday, 27th July, 2014.

Although many people will be overjoyed that the Power Station will be removed from the Oxfordshire landscape, countless people like me will be saddened. 

The iconic image of the Power Station is something we have grown up with and anchors with it wonderful and lasting childhood memories of Didcot.

So, here is wishing Mark and his team well with their onerous task.  A task that when finished will surely signify the beginning of a new era for the people of Didcot and, hopefully, space for another memorable iconic structure.