Oggy Oggy Oggy – Oi Oi Oi! Greetings once again BISC readers! Are you still rocking and rolling over the last blog. If you are then wonderful!
Personally I considered the River Cruise on the Tower Belle a delightful evening out. One could say that it was a cool trip. It would appear that we were waiting the wrong side of the swing bridge for the boat and international students were guided to the wrong place by John’s white jacket. Still all we had to do was cross the road – that was a bit hairy given the traffic, particularly bicycles! Nevertheless we boarded the fair ship the Tower Belle that looked bright and Bristol fashion. Then we proceeded on our watery journey. The swing bridge had to be opened for us. I have been in Bristol since 1975, and this was the first time I had been in a boat where the swing bridge had to be opened! Travelling through the dock area you got an alternative impression of the docks that you would from the land. As we sailed further down the river you could see traces of Bristol’s mercantile past as a number of 19th century warehouses were still standing along with new development as luxury flats and office blocks. By Temple Meads we passed the 1960s concrete phenomenon, former the Royal Mail regional sorting office. The sooner they demolish this the better. It is a total distraction and an eyesore.
We sailed from the river into a man-made canal ‘The Feeder’. This was constructed by French prisoners of war who had been taken prisoner during the Napoleonic War – particularly the Peninsular (Portugal & Spain) campaign 1808-1814. Enough of the history lessons! You all learnt a traditional British call ‘Oggy Oggy Oggy – the response being ‘Oi Oi Oi’ from Hannah! This Anglo Saxon called was soon practiced on the people by the riverside who were walking cycling or just watching, and I think we all received the Oi Oi Oi bit! It’s a wonder that the river police did not come down on us! There were plenty of nibbles and soft drink as well as a buffet meal provided by BISC. However the Tower Belle had its own bar and a number of you took advantage of that. Music was provided by Josh and his band ‘Transition’. Their repertoire was a bit limited and repetitive, La la la la la. Most of us were joining though. Perhaps it was a good melody to encourage public participation.
The evening remained dry and warm despite the cloud cover. But we must be grateful for small mercies, for example thank goodness it did not rain, neither did we run into any icebergs! I don’t recall anyone being sea sick, or who didn’t enjoy the trip. We had a birthday girl on the trip, H who was presented with a card and allowed to go first when the pudding were being served! Hazel, who is John’s wife, and although is not directly involved with BISC, she has been available, particularly on the transport, and Christmas festivities front. Those of you who went to John and Hazel’s house on Christmas day may remember this. Another six months and it all happens again, only this time it will be much better with a new kitchen.
Well now that the examination season for 2009 is over and we can all relax a little. Some of you will be going home soon. I hope that you will be here for the farewell BBQ at BISC – we still have tickets.
Until the next time then and may your God go with you.
