View from the Hill

Learning from the world of sport

2010 saw many changes, some recovery in the markets, a new Government and the Comprehensive Spending Review.  It was still a tough year for many people who did not see any improvement after a difficult 2009.

However for the sports fans amongst us we now have something to shout about as the England cricket team retain the Ashes with another stellar performance at the SCG down under.

After the match, as seems to be the trend these days in sports interviews, England captain Andrew Strauss resisted the temptation to balance the result on the shoulders of one or two outstanding performers, instead preferring to highlight the importance of team spirit and working together towards a common goal.

As we emerge from our 2010 New Year's Eve celebrations and start ploughing a positive furrow for 2011 we should all remember what we as individuals have to offer to those around us, as well as what we can learn from others.

We do not need to emulate the England cricket team's celebrations and stage a group love-in in offices around the country, but with a kind word, an offer of help and remembering to ask for assistance when needed, we can all achieve something in 2011 worthy of jubilation.

So a catchy mantra for 2011 - Teamwork is Dreamwork!

- Jeremy

Through hell and high water

In this time of careful economics we are all looking for ways to save a bob or two, whether it is through using your local library instead of Amazon, or trading your travelcard in for something less credit crunching, like a mountain bike to take you to work.

All of we brave souls who struggled into work on 'snow day' a few months back will not have forgotten the ingenuity this involved, whether this meant an hour and a half walk, a chilly boat trip or looking out the old snow shoes.

In the spirit of cheaper, environmentally friendly and adventurous travel we have just learnt of truly dedicated employee who takes advantage of the Summer months to canoe to work! What a fantastic way to start the day.

Perhaps this brave soul should be an example to us all to explore fresh paths and the route less travelled, or perhaps this is the catalyst we have been waiting for to prompt Mayor Boris to instigate a kayak to work scheme.