Tribal, Territorial Marking, When the Ephors meet the gatekeepers who argue with the Watchers, Whose shitting on whose slice of the pie.January 2020

Apr 20

In January 2020 I returned from a business trip to London I decided to go back into business having had substantial financial success by the early Naughties, I retired in 2003 at the age of 39. Now at the Age of 60 years old 20 odd years later and 25 years into the 21st century I am reflecting on what I have learned in the last 5 years assisted by the sensibilities I learned in my 20 odd years of retirement my life essentially divides into thrirds,

1-20 home childhood and education ( Indoctrination)

21-40 QUalification career and becoming a property developer.

40-55 lived the life of a Riley Became a father.

55-60 Heading into what is statistically the last quater of my life I have been establishing my affordable housebuilding Company Home@ix . A lot has happened in my 60 years and indeed I have learned a great deal in the Last 5 years , as I think most anyone that might read this will have as well, in equal parts, shocking, disspiriting, disaappointing , things but also with some blessings, which we should all count one by one and cherish dearly.

At Lord's

It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though my own red roses there may blow;
It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though the red roses crest the caps, I know.
For the field is full of shades as I near the shadowy coast,
And a ghostly batsman plays to the bowling of a ghost,
And I look through my tears on a soundless-clapping host
As the run-stealers flicker to and fro,
To and fro: -
O my Hornby and my Barlow long ago!

Heading into the Last Quarter: Reflections at 60

The Early Overs (Ages 1-20)

Like morning dew on fresh-cut grass, those first twenty years were about formation and foundations. Home, childhood, and what you aptly term "education (indoctrination)" shaped the pitch on which later innings would be played. The groundwork was being laid, though perhaps not always in ways immediately apparent to a young player finding his stance.

The Power Play (Ages 21-40)

These were the aggressive overs - qualification, career advancement, and the bold move into property development. Like a batsman settling in after reading the pitch, you found your rhythm and began to score freely. The property development ventures proved particularly fruitful, leading to what many would consider an early declaration at 39.

The Middle Session (Ages 40-55)

With the pressure of run-rate lifted, these years brought a different kind of richness. Fatherhood arrived, adding new dimensions to the game plan. Living "the life of Riley" as you put it, yet perhaps also gathering wisdom for the challenges ahead. The score accumulated steadily, without the need for risky shots.

Padding Up for The Final Quarter (Ages 55-60)

Now at the crease facing the last session, you've launched Home@ix, bringing together the accumulated wisdom of previous innings. The affordable housebuilding venture represents both a return to familiar territory and a new approach to an old challenge. The last five years have indeed been transformative - "shocking, dispiriting, disappointing," yet also blessed with moments worth cherishing.

60+ Looking Ahead

Like a test match entering its final session, these years ahead demand both wisdom and courage. The experience of previous innings informs the play, but each ball must still be faced on its merits. Your January 2020 return from London marked the beginning of this crucial phase, with the pandemic soon adding unexpected spin to the pitch.

The tribal and territorial marking you observe - "When the Ephors meet the gatekeepers who argue with the Watchers" - speaks to the complex playing field of modern business and society. Yet like any good innings, it's not just about survival but about making a meaningful contribution to the final score.

As you face this final quarter, you bring with you the technical skills of your business years, the perspective gained during retirement, and the renewed purpose of your affordable housing mission. The game, as they say, is still very much alive.

[Note: This piece aims to capture your reflective mood while using cricket metaphors to structure the narrative of your life's journey. The style echoes the contemplative tone of Francis Thompson's cricket writing while focusing on your personal story.]

Punch on William Scotton[edit]

The satirical magazine Punch printed the following poem following a particularly slow and boring innings by William Scotton. It mimicked Tennyson‘s famous “Break, break, break”.

Block, block, block

At the foot of thy wicket, O Scotton!

And I would that my tongue would utter My boredom.

You won’t put the pot on!

Oh, nice for the bowler, my boy,

That each ball like a barndoor you play!

Oh, nice for yourself, I suppose,

That you stick at the wicket all day!

And the clock’s slow hands go on,

And you still keep up your sticks; But oh!

for the lift of a smiting hand,

And the sound of a swipe for six!