It’s abso-bloody-lutely belting it down here in Hamilton but the overwhelming urge to trawl the local bars for Welshmen is too strong…..hmm, that came out wrong?
What I mean is, it would be nice to meet up with the Welsh rugby fans who have descended on Hamilton in their droves for the 2nd Test tomorrow and partake of a few sherbets while we reminisce about the green, green grass of home; God’s country if you will.
I’ll have to get a taxi!
Got ticket?
NAAFI Break tea, the only thing keeping the British Army’s front line troops fighting fit (a thinly veiled reference to the controversy surrounding their sub-standard kit), is to be sold to civvies. That’s right, civilians or regular non-serving members of the British public, can now get their laughing gear around it. It’s the first time in their history that the NAAFI has released one of its own brands to the general public.
NAAFI tea. It'll put hairs on your chest!
The reason I decided that this news blog-worthy was twofold. Firstly, and most importantly, it will raise funds for Help for Heroes, the charity which helps injured service personnel and secondly, I grew up on the stuff. You can learn more about Help for Heroes by visiting their site and you can make a donation now by clicking on the h4h image.
Click to make a donation now!
NAAFI, the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, supplies British military personnel throughout the world, with a ‘taste of home’. From a tent within spitting distance of the front line to the plush supermarkets and leisure facilities found on British military garrisons, NAAFI offer all the usual comforts of home such as British bread, biscuits and newspapers, British fish & chips and a traditional British pint. These days the British squaddie can even buy tax-free cars!
NAAFI Break tea has been served to British Forces since 1921 and is said to differ from the average cuppa due to its “premium quality blend that gives a rich, strong taste and a real military flavour”. Now I can’t tell you what that ‘real military flavour’ is precisely, because it has been a while since my last cup but I certainly remember it being full-bodied and not for the faint-hearted. I remember being gently woken by Sgt. Owen and the NCO’s serving us morning tea with a generous measure of Navy Rum to the sound of the regimental band playing Reveille on the square; a festive traditional treat to Parachute Regiment recruits, if my memory serves correct and in stark contrast to the usual screaming and bed tipping which passed for a wake up call. I would seriously like to reacquaint myself with it if only for nostalgia’s sake – the tea, not the wake up calls.
NAAFI Break is being sold in branches of the Spar supermarket chain in the UK and 50p from each sale goes to Help for Heroes.
It wasn’t that long ago that the British peoples were spilling each others blood on the battlefield and even though we now coexist under one united banner, (blame the Act of Union) not a great deal has changed . These days our battlefields are the rugby parks of Twickenham, Croke Park, Murrayfield and The Millenium Stadium, where lines are drawn and blood frequently spilt. But as serious as a rugby union international is, there is nothing but humorous banter between supporters.
That said, the Celtic Nations band together, united against the Olde Enemy that is England. Of course, we hope and pray that our own team will prevail but if the truth be known, we don’t care who wins as long as it’s not the English.
The Stereophonics voiced this sentiment by putting this little ditty together…
Let it not be said that the Scots have no sense of humour. Slanj, the renowned Scottish kilt manufacturer, has added a couple of highly amusing t-shirts to its line of recreational wear which has caught the unwanted attention of Grampian Police.
An officer called in to advise the store “to consider whether the display was appropriate and should be removed”, in relation to thier ‘Anyone But England’ t-shirts. It was suggested that the t-shirts might be construde as rasist.
The t-shirts have been produced for this Summer’s World Cup in South Africa and include one for the unofficial supporters club of the teams England will compete with in Group C.
Racist? Do me a favour! I think they’re bloody hilarious and I’m going to buy some!
Anyone but the English
Group C Supporters Club
Well bugger me if Setanta aren’t airing the IRB 6 Nations Championship this season! That subscription can consider itself well and truly canceled.
Fortunately, for those of us in Australia, ESPN is showing the Northern Hemisphere’s premier rugby showcase. Unfortunately, one is required to buy a new HD set-top box and subscribe to the new HD channels which will set you back another $20 a month. Looks like the kid’s Cartoon Network has been canceled…..at least for next couple of months.
If there’s anyone in Australia who can get hold of this live, please let me know.
Incidentally, Wales visit New Zealand in June so if anyone fancies a few days over the channel round about the 26th, let me know.
If your Carlton Draught just doesn’t cut it or your Pure Blond pulls up a bit bland, you might be interested to hear of the latest tipple from the guys who brought you Tokyo beer, at a punchy 18.2%.
BrewDog’s latest concoction weighs in with a monstrous ABV of 32% is described as “bold, irreverent and uncompromising”, and is aptly named Tactical Nuclear Penguin.
If it doesn’t send you blind it will certainly give you Happy Feet!
Tactical Nuclear Penguin from BrewDog on Vimeo.
You can read the full BrewDog article here.
Anyone out there wishing to risk permanent blindness with me by ordering some, reply here and we might save on the shipping costs.
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