Well, apparently it's coming to a bright new shiny place, and it's all coming from people with big hearts, vivid imaginations, energy, drive and a love of the places and people who surround them.
A couple of hours ago I collapsed on the sofa at home with aching feet, a complaining back and a fabulous feeling that I know will stay with me for a long time to come. Today was the day that Stockton on Tees attempted three world records. That's three. World records. The sun shone, the crowds came and people stood up to be counted, just as their marshmallows and bounces were counted too. Twice. And filmed. And photographed. And cheered, chanted and clapped.
I can say hand on heart that my appetite for pizza, having watched so many people try to eat one as quickly as possible, has diminished substantially. Having eaten a marshmallow from the leftovers, once everyone had finished their attempts to eat the most in one minute, I was relieved I didn't put my own name down for the challenge. I could barely finish one. How the day's record of 14 was achieved, I have no idea! I can safely say that I've never had a burning desire to bounce on a spacehopper over a line as many times as I could in one minute, but congratulations to all who tried, especially for the couple who'd already speed-eaten a 12” pizza! No, bouncing on a spacehopper isn't for me. You can keep the spacehopper.
Stockton came close to having a record broken today, but for the moment it just isn't meant to be. A little practice for next time and I'm certain someone will crack it!
So what about the rest of the fun and frolics? Last night saw Preston Park stage a huge picnic, complete with Beatlemania (a great tribute band who actually made me appreciate their music more than I had previously), and the ever-energetic and infectious Wildcats of Kilkenny who stirred up the crowd into a dancing, bouncing, singing throng of happiness. One of my friends commented on the way home that it was so lovely just to sit with a picnic, surrounded by so many other people doing the same, enjoying the pleasant weather, company and lovely food. The music was a bonus; she would have been happy even without the music to entertain us. I suspect, however, that my bouncing and dancing kept her plenty entertained!
When I think back to last night's picnic I realise I didn't, in a crowd of more than 1000 people, hear of or witness any problems. No fights or arguments, no shows of ego or bravado, just enjoyment of the here and now with the people they love. There were Stockman Pies from the mighty and mightily fine Matty's Bistro (the best my friend has tasted, no less!). There was Oxbridge Wildcat Real Ale, I believe brewed especially for the event (but feel free to correct me). There was even some swapping of home-baked pie and tart à la the Great British Bake Off!
It's safe to say the picnic was a huge success, and just added to the feeling that's brewing up in and around Stockton on Tees. It's something positive and addictive, and I sense that the people who are inflicted with this fabulous shift of outlook are embracing it and passing it on to the people who surround them.
Myself, personally, I've had so many things for which I can be thankful. It's easy to overlook the good and focus on the bad, to dwell on what we no longer have instead of enjoying what's right there in front of us and surrounding us in the here and now. I'm as guilty of doing that as my next door neighbour, the bloke who takes my money for petrol, or even the optician who helped me choose my new glasses. I know when negativity begins to take over, but now I'm better equipped to deal with those moments quickly. I can do that in no small way thanks to friends, old and new. They help to pick me up and to make me see what's fabulous in my life. Most of the time they don't even realise they're doing it, but they are.
There was a time when I chose to only allow a few select people become close to me. I was always a wallflower; a shy little thing who, when I was a child, was so scared of men that I would cry and run away if the opportunity presented itself. One summer I even locked myself in a caravan because a man was taking a family photograph. I never liked being the centre of attention, even on my wedding day, and I preferred my own company than that of others. Looking back now I realise it was shyness and insecurity that made me feel that way. Self preservation.
Now? I'm fine with my own company, but it gets a bit old when that's all you have most of the time. I love to be with people now, and I adore my new friends. I can't remember ever being greeted with so many hugs, but now it's becoming the norm. So much so, that I greeted an old friend with a hug today who obviously wasn't expecting it, and it was only afterwards it occurred to me that I probably haven't done that before. Not with her.
I can't remember the last time I received so many birthday cards, and at times from unexpected places! This year someone made me a birthday pavlova (because no one still dare make me a birthday cake!), and I can't remember the last time someone did anything like that for me. It might have even been mum back in my teens. I can't remember being so enthusiastic about making plans with such a large number of people at one time, and now I just soak it all up and enjoy the laughs and atmosphere, and revel in the new memories we're making together.
There are so many people I could thank for helping me to wake up, and for making sure my eyes remain open, but the list is too long and I'll forget someone. You know who you are, you really, really do. But for this wonderful bank holiday weekend there's a picnic with fabulous music, pies, ale and great company to thank, and there's a Summer Show where people gathered to attempt world records. Both of the above are nothing without the people. They came together and had fun, showed support and respect for each other, cheered each other on, swung each other round to a manic fiddler, and drove each other home, making sure they were safely in the door before driving away. Because that's what we do.
Stockton on Tees does have record breakers but the achievements are immeasurable; enthusiasm, support, laughter and a desire to improve and enrich their lives and those people around them in the most imaginative, positive ways.
Right now my whole body hurts. Each time I stand up it complains at me and tries to make me promise not to put it through this again, but I refuse to make promises I can't keep. Physical pain passes; joy, laughter and an overwhelming feeling of belonging will stay with me so much longer.
I feel as though Stockton is trying to adopt me, and quite honestly I'm struggling to find reasons not to sign the paperwork.
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| Wildcats Picnic @ Preston Park |
P.S.
While writing this post I discovered that a person who won a prize during the world record attempts today has donated it to a local charity. Generosity is most certainly added to the list of positives in and around Stockton on Tees. There are many unsung heroes out there who do their bit when they can to make others smile, and I salute every last one of you!
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