A couple of miles up the road from where I live there's a big shop called something like the 'Marine Centre'. Basically, it sells boats and nothing but boats. But I live about as far as you can get from the sea while still remaining in Britain. This place calls itself North London's premier destination for Marine... stuff. I'm sure they put it more eloquently than that, but that's the gist.
I've always wondered how this place survived. Maybe being positioned so far inland ensures that they have no competition for the business of all Barnet's sailors.
Anyway, this week my questions were answered a little bit because now there's a sign in the window. That's right - business selling boats in Barnet was obviously not as good as it could have been, because North London's premier Marine Centre is moving out of North London.
To Hatfield.
Now, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure Hatfield is no closer to any seas than Barnet is. Are they expecting business to improve? Am I missing something?
OK, let's leave that. I'm not good with sea-related things. I'll tell you about that some other day. For now - Hi to everyone at Park Hall School, where I spent the day today. And also four other schools who sent their 'Gifted and Talented' students to meet to me. I felt quite honoured to be talking to so much talent and, er, gift. I hope you got something out of our workshop and enjoyed it too.
I'm going up the road to buy a boat now.
3 comments:
I can definitely picture you on the deck of a schooner with a peaked cap and white cravat.
And with the glorious backdrop of seaweedy Hatfield.
"Barnet Marine Centre" were allegedly the suppliers of the inflatable boat used by the French Secret Service to blow up the Greenpeace Ship "Rainbow Warrior" in Aukland Harbour in 1985.
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