Friday 05th August 2011

Hello World!!

This is my first blog entry so my apologies if she appears a little rough around the edges. 

Welcome to The Only Way Is Bognor!  Also known affectionately as TOWIB!  This blog is going to serve as a new technological avenue for me to explore, or a new bandwagon for me to jump on, if you will.   

I have been reading a lot of blogs recently as part of my Open University degree in Computing and IT.  Yes, I am that much of a geek!  Bear with me though, because none of these blogs have inspired me to do much more than switch off my laptop!  However, I discovered this week the blog of comedian/writer Richard Herring - ‘Warming Up’.  Richard has been writing a daily blog since November 2002, and with some 3000 odd entries under his belt, he is what I would describe as a bit of an expert.  A blog is designed to be something akin to a diary.  Somewhere where the author can voice their personal opinions on topical matters, or any particular random thought that may enter their head.    

Taking inspiration from Richard Herring I have decided to try and write a weekly blog of events and musings that take place in my little world.  I’m quite a busy chap, what with being a husband to my gorgeous Wife, Daddy to my equally gorgeous Daughter, a full time transport manager, a part time Uni student and I’m also training for this year’s Hampshire HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids), so I should be able to find one or two things to talk about each week.    

The HACK is organised by the NSPCC and covers 21 miles of the

South Downs Way

.  I took part in the HACK last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.  My fitness levels were not brilliant, but I dragged myself (and my rucksack) around the 21 mile route in a very respectable time.  Just over 7 hours if memory serves!  I also raised a decent amount of cash for a great charity, which made all of the pain (and there was plenty) worth while.  I decided to take up the challenge again this year to help raise some more funds and awareness, but also because I loved the experience!  I love the outdoors, and get huge enjoyment from donning my walking boots and a rucksack and heading off for a long walk. 

If anyone reading this (if anyone does read this) would like to help my fundraising, I have a Just Giving page for the HACK, please visit it and donate whatever you can afford.  The NSPCC depends on charitable donations to keep them running, and the work they do to protect innocent children from abuse is invaluable.  www.justgiving.com/rick-keates1

That’s it for my inaugural blog.  I have plenty to waffle on about, so please come back and check for updates. 

You can find Richard Herring’s blog ‘Warming Up’ at http://www.richardherring.com/