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A busy life...
Christ Hospital sixth form student Mortimer Pocket writes for the County Times in his weekly column...
Hello. I'm Mortimer Pockett. I am 18 years old and live in Storrington, I am a sixth former at Christ's Hospital School and am just about to take my A level exams in Music Technology, Drama and English Literature.
I lead a busy life at boarding school but can still do things I have a love for. My band 'Snakes and Tygers' play regularly at the Boars Head in Horsham, I am learning to drive and I want to study Journalism at University. I might as well admit that I'm getting a bit of practice out of you all in that respect.
The Easter holidays are a relaxing time for most people but this Easter it was an extremely exciting time for Joe Launchbury. Joe is 18 years old and at six foot six towers over me, I have been at CH with him for the past seven years and have always wanted an insight into his passion for Rugby. In the Holiday he played for England U18's at the AER (Association Europeene de Rugby) Tournament in France. This tournament started in 1934 and has drawn huge audiences without fail over the years.
Overall England was very successful, winning against Georgia on the 5th April with a final score of 60-3, then a nail biting game against Ireland on 8th April resulting in another victory to England of 7-0. Sadly, in the final France triumphed 20-19. Nonetheless Joe played his heart out. He started in the game against France after playing an impressive game against Ireland as well as scoring two tries against Japan in a warm up match in Plymouth.
Speaking to Joe about his experience was profoundly insightful. I'm always talking to people about the latest albums and newest blockbuster films but to speak to Joe about rugby made me want to pick up a ball and collide into the nearest human available. 'It was the best experience of my life' he claimed 'it was a great atmosphere within the stadium of 10,000 spectators. It's a quicker, more physical game from school/club rugby.'
Joe has a long history of playing Rugby. When he was seven years old he played for Exmouth Rugby Club, he then moved to Horsham at ten years old and played for Horsham Rugby Club. At Christ's Hospital he was the first XV captain for his final season. Yet with all this experience in the sport Joe has more plans, 'I hope to study Sports Science at Bath or Loughborough University' he told me 'I want to play for England Students while at university, then work up from there and possibly retrial for international rugby after my course.'
It is rather peculiar how someone who has experienced such excitement can be so modest about his success in the sport. 'I find Martin Johnson is a huge inspiration to me. He plays the same position as me (second row] and I would love to reach the same heights as him.' Joe's advice to any young player wanting to make it in rugby is 'Work your hardest but keep your opportunities open. Just enjoy it!' I believe these are wise words from a talented fellow.
I don't think this is the last we will hear from Joe in the Rugby world. He has proven the valuable lesson that if you have a passion for something, if you really want something just grasp it with both hands.
Talking about taking opportunities while you have them - I've played with the Christ's Hospital Band at Lord's annually for the past six years. The date of Friday, 8th May, 2009 will stick with me for a while as it was my last chance to take part before leaving school in a couple of months.
We travelled up to Lord's Cricket Ground by coach to play in the lunchtime interval of the West Indies versus England match. It was the third day of the test and England played extraordinarily. Yet, it was not just England winning something for once that had the Band excited, it was the anticipation of performing a well thought out and practised performance that had everyone buzzing. I cannot remember ever playing at Lord's without feeling that twinge of pride when marching round the pitch; the crowd applaud and cheer every time the drum majors throw their maces sky high. We marched on with 'Wellington March' followed by 'The Vedette' which cleverly combined both fast and slow marching, squares, points, pretty much anything that is impressive was done! We ended with 'Sussex by the Sea' and a huge amount of applause from the crowd.
It is very strange to think I have performed at Lord's six times and will not again. I suppose the phrase 'you don't know what you have until it's gone' comes to mind. Indeed, at the moment I am finding this saying (which is usually brushed away when someone says it) has a lot of meaning behind it. Opportunities are given every day and it is not until you have got used to these cherished moments that they disappear.
Of course nothing lasts forever and every bird must leave the nest, but I am finding it quite hard to grasp in my mind that I will never perform in a stadium like this again (unless I suddenly become a master of sport) and especially never perform in a such a unique Band. In my heart of hearts I believe I owe a huge thank you to Christ's Hospital for giving me the opportunity to take part in such special events.
The Band will most likely be returning to the cricket ground next year (it was our 15th visit this year) so if you've never delved into the wonders of an extremely long day of sport then I advise you go and enjoy it.
What do you think about Mortimer's column? Email the newsdesk by calling 01403 751200 or email by clicking here.
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Weather for Horsham
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
