I consider myself extremely lucky to be a member of two such ‘clubs’; Central Athletics and Heart of Scotland Choir.
Our family’s been involved with Central AC for over 9 years and the club’s played a really big part in all of our lives. The things I loved most about being an ‘athlete’ member - back in the days when I could run - were the camaraderie with, and the support shown between, fellow club members. I also loved things like being able to turn up at training in my skankiest t-shirt and baggiest shorts, safe in the knowledge that I'd feel totally comfortable; not just because I didn’t have to hold my tummy in in my comfy baggy shorts, but because nobody judged me. In clubs like Central, there's no point in trying to make a fashion statement – or any other kind of statement - as no one's remotely interested. It was also (and I’m sure still is) a great club for kids to be a member of through their formative years. I used to help out with membership duties and it never failed to amaze me the number of parents who brought their kids along to join the club, thinking that their ten year old little speedster would receive some kind of special treatment or be in a special group just because he’d won all his races at school sports day. There was little space for ego at Central AC, and parents who pestered the coaches if their child wasn’t being treated like Usain Bolt soon learned that priority wasn’t always given to those who could run the fastest. Just like in real life, there’s so much more to it than being the best or having the most. Of course, the club wasn’t perfect; it had, and still has, its ups and downs – not everyone’s nice to everyone all of the time. In general though, the club’s a great one where everyone who simply wants to run is welcomed - and I'm privileged still to be part of it, even if it is as a supporter rather than an athlete.
Until recently, I really missed the buzz I used to get on club training nights. But, the absolutely brilliant Heart of Scotland choir came along and took very good care of that! Actually, it would be a bit of an understatement to say I get a bit of a buzz from the choir; I love it! I love the singing, I love the gigs, I love the songs (we learned megamixes the other night that included stuff by Blondie, U2 and Lady GaGa – is that not just the pools!) and I love the people. The high I get from singing with a big bunch of lovely folk is different from the kind of high I used to get from running with a big bunch of lovely folk but - in a similar vein to the running club - the choir’s an all-inclusive community of people from all different backgrounds which doesn’t judge on anything other than commitment to the group. It works so well because anyone who comes along and has a passion for singing and a strong sense of commitment to the choir is embraced, supported and respected by the group. It kind of boils down to the fact that exclusivity (dependant on things like social status or wealth) does nothing for the soul whereas inclusivity (dependant on passion) breeds respect and happiness.
Anyway, that’s all getting a bit profound – let’s get back to the buzz! Monday night’s choir rehearsal had a bigger buzz about it than usual! Remember our special ‘Tonight’s the Night’ weekend and Annie’s TV appearance? (The whole story’s very long and can be found here on my other blog.) Well, Annie had been desperate to surprise Jane with some kind of fitting thank you gift for making the whole thing possible. We’d all chipped in with a wee contribution and on Monday night, in the middle of rehearsal, Jane was interrupted as she led us in a session, by the surprise arrival of her Dad carrying a big box that was all tied up with bright red ribbon and bows. We all clapped and cheered before Annie explained to Jane that this was a special thank you gift from her and the rest of the choir for making the whole ‘Tonight’s the Night’ thing possible. Jane’s a talented violinist, so when she opened the box to find a gorgeous, sexy, red, electric violin inside - engraved with ‘Mon the Choir’ - she was, quite literally, speechless! It was yet another magic choir moment that I’ll never forget. What a buzz - with even more to follow next week when Jane's new toy gets plugged in and played for us! I already know that that will definitely make me feel good!
