Mollys Guide - Summer 2018

It’s a dream that I’m pleased has been passed on.
My own journey ignited by the classic capers of
Lineker and co in the more than memorable Italia 90
– now a frightening 28 years ago.
The romance burned bright into July all those years
ago as England marched merrily into the semi finals,
only to be cruelly out-manoeuvred by the West
Germans from the penalty spot and denied their
rightful place in the final.
I can still recall the thrill of that last minute winner
against Belgium, the nerve-shredding penalties
against Cameroon and the euphoric equaliser in the
semi-final, which took us to the brink of sporting
world dominance once more.
A heady height I’ve yet to re-experience in the
following all too familiar excruciating years of hurt,
Portugal’s unlikely triumph in the 2016 European
Championships a pleasing recent distraction for
us all.
There’s more than simply football to focus on
here though. This global gathering gives the boys
a fascinating insight into different cultures and
customs, a window of opportunity to experience life
beyond their boundaries and delve into the different
for a few weeks every few years.
They’re pretty well rounded in the first place, with
regular visits to Mummy’s hometown topping
up their Portuguese passion and doting foreign
grandparents more than ready to shower them in
affection at every opportunity.
But it always helps to further broaden their horizons
and gives us yet another excuse to brandish
the atlas and plot our courses to faraway and
unpronounceable lands.
And as full time eventually approaches and the
trophy is finally lofted, so the sticker books and
wall planners are packed away, another soccer
sensation consigned to the memory banks.
It’s never long before that fever pitch is reached
again however and if ‘they think it’s all over’ too
soon, the next knock out competition is always just
around the corner to make sure ‘it’s coming home’
for us all to enjoy together once more.
Barry Wood is an ex journalist now working
for the NHS in Lincolnshire. A father of two
boys and husband to one
Portuguese wife, he blogs
regularly as Desperate Dad.
Read more adventures:
barrylwood.wordpress.com
Facebook: Desperate Dad
Twitter: @Dad_Desperate
SCULPTURE AT 28 DODDINGTON JULY - 9 SEPtember 2018 2018
Fine outdoor and indoor exhibition of
sculpture with a new ceramics gallery.
Gardens open daily, 11am-4.30pm. Admission applies.
www.doddingtonhall.com
01522 694308 | Lincoln LN6 4RU |
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