I reviewed a sports book the other week and expressed some reservations about it. The author – let’s keep him nameless – sent me a series of abusive emails. He concluded that I wrote as I did because I am a bitter old man. I was taken aback by this, and thought it advisable to take a health check. Time for a bitterness scan.
I know what’s he’s on about, of course. He’s saying that since I got sacked by The Times I’ve gone sour and twisted and I now resent exciting new talent like the author. And it’s true: I did get fired. Starting a new life in such circumstances is not straightforward. You doubt your own value.
But I’m deep into other stuff now. I didn’t go to Twickenham for the Rugby World Cup. I still love sport but I hate the crowds and the travel. I really don’t miss that. Sure, I miss the swagger and self-importance of saying: “I’m chief sportswriter of The Times”. I miss having a big organisation to call on. I miss colleagues. I miss the banter. But I really don’t think the lack of these things is eating me up and warping my judgment.
I’m writing these words in the Best Western in Denver. (It’s fine.) In a couple of hours I’m off to the Badlands (which I think will be rather better than fine). I’m writing a piece on National Parks. Last week I was on Jersey, staying with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. They shut me in with the fruit bats, four and half foot wingspans and all. I was researching a piece on the life and work of Gerald Durrell – a great man and a great personal inspiration. I also gave a lecture on Durrell at Jersey’s inaugural Festival of the Word.
When I’m back I have to finish a rather funky bird-book I would never have taken on had things been otherwise. And I’m involved in an enthralling project with the Wildlife Trusts. It’s become a mantra: I couldn’t do that if I was still with The Times. I’m saying it more and more. So no, I’m not gnashing my teeth, wishing I was back on the sports circuit and resenting those who are.
And it’s not just about work. On Saturday, instead of going to Twickenham, I joined Eddie for a long paddle on the River Waveney, and we saw a kingfisher: a long, low dart close to the surface, in classic kingfisher fashion, the colours catching the sun. There was no wind, the water seem scarcely to flow, a day of perfect gentleness. On Sunday night I cooked a curry, six dishes for a family supper. The dry potato dish with mango powder was particularly good, if you ask me. And not bitter.
The curlews are coming into the Broads now: cruising down from their breeding grounds to winter here and their calls punctuate the horsey tasks. Owls have been disputing territories in loud voices. The other day I saw four birds of prey in ten minutes, all over the marsh in front of the house: peregrine, kestrel, marsh harrier, buzzard. As one of those marsh harriers flew away – did I see a hint of white on the bum?
It was going like the clappers, not a good view, but it just might have been a hen harrier. I suppose I could be bitter about hen harriers, or at least about the people who shoot them, since that – it’s been suggested – was the reason for my sacking. I still hate the crime, and I’m not crazy about the criminals. But not for anything they may have done to me.
But that’s one of the things about writing about the wild world. You wouldn’t want to go in to bat for the morality of everybody who runs the Premier League, but I’ll carry on playing shots for the wild world every chance I get. It’s a subject that constantly enriches and renews the writer. Out in that canoe there were moments when I didn’t feel much older than Eddie. I’ve got a raft of great projects and the curlews are calling. I feel as bitter as Pooh’s store of honeypots.
- Apologies to all those who visit this space regularly. I’ve been silent here for too long. I’ll get back down to it – and I’ll ask Eddie to do the same. Thanks for all the lovely messages about Eddie and the June blog we did. I’ll finally get around to replying to them when I’m back from the Badlands. Again, many apologies.
Like the what-ever-they-are birds, your return is most appreciated.
Goodness. Well, any author who gets a book review that isn’t complimentary, and then writes to the reviewer to complain about it and tell him or her that the review is “wrong,” is just completely unprofessional and needs to eat a bowl of Big Boy/Girl cereal.
Enjoy the Badlands–what a stunning place, especially toward sunset when the shadows lengthen and colors are revealed.
Nice to see you back. You are so lucky to have seen a kingfisher. My husband often sees them but I am unlucky so far.
Welcome back Simon
We had our first extended sighting of a Short Eared Owl today, very exciting
First Kingfisher soon Karen
Many thanks Francis, I always think a short eared owls have tapestry wings.
Lovely, poignant writing Simon, and I want to see a short eared owl! Any tip offs?
This is the right time of year that’s for sure. You need open, desolate places. Berney Marshes in Norfolk gave me 7 or 8 at once last year.
Well I am a little bit bitter. The Times’ column is exceedingly dull without you. What were they thinking? Good to read your blogs. Life sounds good x
Very good to read one of your blogs again, we have missed them.. Seeing a kingfisher really lifts one’s day, doesn’t it?!
Lovely to have you back – of course you’re not bitter, but I do miss you at The Times, especially on Saturdays.
Curry recipes?
Cook book coming?
Nice idea! But I’m no expert. I’m a dab hand with the old fresh ginger though.
One door closes……..and the world’s your oyster!
Ditto the above – good to ‘read’ you again. Wildlife is so inspiring. The other day, I caught two kestrels having a right old set to on the ground in between the avenue of yews (not grand, but it’s a large architectural garden). Now the ‘winner’ spends a lot of time perching on the various statuary, surveying his (?) domain. When is the new book due?
The other day I wodered what had hapened to your blogs and thought that perhaps I had involuntarily unsubscirbed…So happy to see you are back. What a treat to be able to see all you have described.!!
Thank you very much for your message Hilda, i’ll try and keep going this time.
Missed you both, but not whatshisname!
Thanks for that Delphine.
Old???
In my prime!
Good to have you back! Was wondering about you since seeing a couple of woodpeckers at the weekend. Funny how the wild reminds us of good things, people.
What a nice message, thank you very much.
Simon, just finished Ten Million Aliens, loved it!! Can’t wait for your next one.
Good on ya, that damn book nearly killed me! It’s so good to hear that you enjoyed it. Got three titles coming next year. That’s probably at least two too many.
I’d really like to know who the author was so that I don’t inadvertently buy the book! Your ‘reservations’ are good enough for me. Great that you’re back Simon….enjoy the Badlands.
I don’t want to seem to bear resentments, so i’ll let him keep his anonymity. Many thanks for your kind message.
Well I think when one door shut a lot of others opened, keep up the great work of standing up for wild life Simon ☺Hope you enjoyed your trip to Jersey.
It was the great Tommy Docherty who said that when one door closes another slams you in the face. However, it hasn’t been like that for me. I’ve got a raft of great projects on at the moment and will tell you all about them as they pan out.
Wonderful to see your name in my inbox again Simon, I was wondering what had happened to you. Unfortunately some folk can’t stomach honesty and your anon author would seem to be one of them. Ignore him/her! Enjoy your trip, I look forward to more blogs from you and Eddie.
Thanks for your message Sylvia, Eddie and I will get something together soon.
Aphew! I began to think we’d lost you! Welcome back old friend.
Thanks Otto.
Welcome back. My friends to whom I recommended your blog are nagging me instead of you! Your abusive e mailer wasn’t worth replying to. Keep up the good work, people miss your eloquence and knowledge.
I sent him a nice reply, but of course that makes things worse. Still, you’ve got to try! Thanks for your nice message, it’s great to be back blogging again.
So pleased to see that you back.I see I cannot type quick enough to express the same thoughts as others. Please keep up the output it is always thoughtful and inspirational though my bird watching skills still need help!
What a nice message, many thanks for sending it.
I have missed you and now i have found you I will now enjoy your writing again. Thank you and Good Luck to you and Eddie.
Thanks for your kind message, Eddie and I are back on track.
I was actually wondering…..but then I was myself busy. Glad you are back. Never mind that email writer. You know your values now as your life has changed to the better. Loved you as Sports writer and have not read that column ever since you left at The Times. Instead I concentrate on the birds which is more fun (-: Thank you for your inspiration ! How exciting to be in the NP of The Badlands. Hopefully you will tell here all about your trip.
Many thanks for your nice message. I’ll be writing about the Badlands soon enough. The prairie falcons are especially nice birds!
Yes, Mr Barnes you have indeed been missing for a long time , I had noticed and was even slightly worried. As one who has been threatened with redundancy , NEVER doubt your own worth. Your ‘eloquence and knowledge ‘ are unsurpassed and inimitable in my opinion .
Sorry to hear you have had a bay day – my job also involves the occasional ‘ wrong answer’ . All you can hope for is that you communicate it with knowledge and compassion. If it’s your true and honest opinion , then it’s your true and honest opinion.
As for hen harriers, I have clear recall of reading the article in question and also my reaction , which was ‘ Good God’. Yer average wildlife piece is a tad more anodyne. I have read a daily paper ( sometimes two) , since the age of 10 and have rarely been so struck by the force of the writing. Not the actual news content , which is often tragic, but the power of the opinion ( I’m choosing my words carefully here, not sure if I’m succeeding).
It is to my continuing shame that due to the overall brilliant quality of the paper that I have not had the moral courage to stop buying it ( I am not joking, this I a problem. )
I’m going to stop here, I’ve had prosecco, but glad to have you back.
Thank you for your whole hearted and proscecco fueled comments. I’ll carry on doing the best I can, and in a good heart.
Great to hear from you again Simon. i missed you. Tell us about the Badlands soon. Keep being Simon Barnes.
All the best.
I’ll do that, i’m mad about prairie dogs.
Great to have you back ! Don’t leave it so long next time .
I’ll bear that in mind, thanks!
Glad to hear from you. You have every right to be angry about that writer and your past days at The Times.
Not one writer had your flair in writing.. Even though that’s a loss, you are well aware about worse things to lose. It’s been awhile, maybe you should pursue writing sports again and give it another go, you sound like you miss it.
Maybe other periodicals have changed
hands. Give it go, your reputation speaks for itself.
If it doesn’t prove in your favour your fortunate to have so many other avenues to pursue. But don’t give up. Health and happiness to you and your family.
Nice to hear from you Honey, but I promise i’m not angry with anyone. Doing some sports writing on the ESPN UK website. Are you looking forward to the Davis cup final?
Simon. We’ve missed you and really glad that Eddie is going to make a comeback too. Will look forward to many more posts. Hope Badlands were good. Mike
Thanks for a nice message, Badlands was fab, especially the buffaloes at dawn.
I was so pleased to see you appear in my inbox, I’ve been hoping for a while. I so enjoyed June, I’m going to make it into a little book when I get some time. Looking forward to the new book , please do post dates and times if you are out and about promoting. Best wishes to you and your family, your words enrich our lives.
Thanks for your nice message. Got two or maybe three books out next year, hope that’s not too many!
Glad you are getting to the Bdlands — perhaps my second favourite habitat in the world — if habitat is not too strong a word. Shame it’s in the redneck parts of Amerika. ENJOY! And while in the area, do visit all the wetlands around it — the prairie potholes or whatever they are called –saw loads of Wilson’s phalaropes
Alas no phalaropes, but those prairie dogs are something! Enjoyed the Wagon Wheel bar in the town of Interior. Didn’t offer to discuss Darwin with any of my fellow customers.
Welcome back Simon. Bitter? Old? How very dare he. Life is not so easy for the young and aspiring – so much at stake. I would recommend the unnamed author reads one of your wildlife books, or this blog. In doing so he’ll keep himself grounded in the wonder of the wild world, learn to appreciate and enjoy what’s important in life and alleviate some personal stress too. He’ll also observe that the only bitter is usually one served up in a pint glass.
The wild world has certainly kept me if not sane, less mad than I would otherwise be. Especially when all caught up with newspaper politics and colleague rivalry. Oh, and cheers!
Come and hear Simon on stage with David Gower: Crickets and Bats! at the Halesworth Arts Festival next Friday evening http://www.halesworthartsfestival.org.uk/ there are a few tickets still available — even for the Bubbly with them afterwards! And a chance to meet them in a very nice atmosphere
I’m looking forward to the do, David is always great value. I believe a certain great piece of music will have its world premier the same evening.
Thank goodness you are back. Leaving the Times was bad enough but to disappear from your blog was worse. Best wishes to Eddie.
Sorry Pat, Eddie and I back on track and all’s well. Hope the same is true of you.
So glad to read your article. Glad you are busy.love your take on life.
Thanks Marie, I’ll keep at it.
What a tonic that you are back. Hywe
I’ll try and stay back, thanks a million Hywe.
Hello, you!
How long has it been? Let me count the days..! Seriously though, must confess you drifted across my mind more than once since then and now. I wondered how the land lay with you, that all was well with you and that you were having happy times with your loved ones.
The essence of you, as ever, is there in your writing. You don’t hide and you don’t bull and you’re always interesting. I reckon we all feel so much better for having heard from you again after all this time. Like something lost and found. Like a lovely silky drink when you’re parched. Like happy.
I’m glad you’re back.
What a wonderful message Janey, not unlike a lovely silky drink in fact! Thanks a million for sending it.
Delighted you are back on song Simon. You have been sorely missed but in the meantime, I along with my friends, have continued these past few months to be enthralled by the “wild outdoors” inspired by your writings. Just like to add, have a bitter old man on me! Will do you the world of good as you well know particularly during the well parched season.
What an excellent idea, glad you are wildlifing away.
Please don’t doubt yourself, you make many of us more aware and share your enjoyment with us in words that make things come to life. You have a voice that we lesser mortals don’t have and I urge you to keep using that voice. You and I are from very different backgrounds I guess but you articulate much of what I think and feel and my world would be a lesser place without that. Keep going please. At least now you are not working for the Murdochs but please don’t accept ploy net from Mike Ashley!
Thank you very much for your cheering and encouraging message. I’ll endeavor to do as you say.
It should read, employment of course. What a following you have, Mr Barnes. Like a full bodied Bordeaux all these comments should dispel all thoughts of age although acerbic comments should not be confused with bitterness.
Thanks for you kind words, though i’d sooner be a single malt.
I remember reading your articles in the Times. I fondly remember the masterpiece you did about George Best. I’ve followed you keenly since around 2001. Then the Times started charging to view their website, and i thought with writers such as Simon Barnes, why not? But since i’m just a young man in Kenya with no credit card, i couldn’t subscribe and felt so bad that i was missing out. Then when i came across an article that you were no longer there, i’m no longer interested to be honest. I don’t know what is happening at the Times, but then again, i don’t care.
Keep up the excellent writing Simon Barnes.
Greetings Arthur. Angie (George’s first wife) liked that one, which pleased me very much. I’m working from here now so please stay in touch!
I can’t believe you got sacked. I always figured, tearfully, that you’d moved on. I carry your article on the death of Best Mate with me always and your description of Ricky Ponting as ‘a man unshackled by the burden of self-doubt’ still makes me chuckle..horses and cricket, such a great combination.