Comments
Thumbs up for Wenlock and Mandeville
2010-05-20 10:11:10
As David Cameron and Nick Clegg prepare to set out agreed plans for their coalition government, I thought I would focus on another shiny new double act, and one which will become more not less endearing to the British public as time goes on.
I refer to Wenlock and Mandeville, the London 2012 mascots unveiled yesterday, complete with commendable TV hype - Yes, I watched The One Show - a splendid back story written by children's author Michael Morpurgo, and a lovely film of the story, all easily findable if you google the two names, chosen because of historic connections with Olympics and Paralympics.
Wenlock's name comes from the Shropshire village of Much Wenlock, which helped inspire the founder of the modern Olympic movement, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, to create the Olympic Games. Mandeville's name is inspired by Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire, whose hospital Games were a forerunner of the modern Paralympic movement.
When I tweeted last night that I was loving Clare Balding's enthusiasm for W and M on The One Show, some of you thought I was being ironic, or hiding my own negative view of the mascots. Au contraire, as the defeated Paris bid team might say. I totally share Clare's enthusiasm.
In any event, she and I, and the occasional cynic taking them apart in the papers today, are not really the target. Kids are. And the kids who first saw them yesterday appeared to love them. They will also be able to help shape the story of what happens to Wenlock and Mandeville as they travel around the country between now and the Games.
Assuming the coalition is still intact by then, and Cameron still PM, I won't pretend that it will be slightly galling to see him, Boris (if still mayor), Colin Moynihan and other assorted Tories presiding over the Games, given how hard TB's government worked to get them for London, and GB's to make sure they were delivered. (Seb Coe is uber-politics btw, despite having been William Hague's chief of staff, and so not to be lumped in the Tory list.)
But even I, just a week or two after the election, can put all that to one side amid the frisson of excitement that two little characters fashioned from droplets of steel can inspire. I can even, despite the treachery of Owen Coyle in departing Burnley, forgive them for coming from Bolton. Just call me big-hearted Al.
*** Buy The Blair Years online and raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
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Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Katie
2010-05-21 19:08:18Glad to see that Wenlock & Mandeville has charmed both Alastair and his followers (well most of them). Can I urge you all to read about Dr William Penny Brookes, of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, who was a thoroughly modern man (in the 19th century!) - his aim was to provide sport, activity and cultural enrichment to help young people (sound familiar?) and started the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850. Visit Wenlock and Shropshire as soon as you can - but don't overwhelm its narow streets with cars - it is a quintessential, medieval market town with magnificent Guildhall, a small Museum and Shropshire will be delighted to welcome you. You'll be able to enjoy our wonderful heritage(including Charles Darwin, Wenlock Edge and Ironbridge) real food and ale and go back home refreshed and inspired! Wenlock has the Edge!
see you soon!
penfrocharlie
2010-05-21 00:27:26Graham Jones post at 16:18
Any chance you could put your third paragraph into English for the benefit of those of us who have suffered under Labours dismal education system?
penfrocharlie
2010-05-21 00:19:14Since when hasn't it been scary to walk round the streets of Hull?
Pete
2010-05-20 23:48:33Hi I,m not a natural Tory supporter, but I too have walked around Hull, and talked to many people, who contrary to what appears to be partisan scaremongering, most of the people I speak to, from whatever background and persuaion, are hopeful that the coalition WILL succeed and be a force for change.
We must be careful not to theorise just to show support for trenchant party lines.
kathy
2010-05-20 22:55:23With respect to you Steve I come from Northern Ireland and have lived here for 37 years. Tell the people of Hull that scared is not knowing if your husband will get home safely from work or might get shot or caught up in a riot on the way. Scared is listening to gunshots and bombs exploding not far from where you live. Scared is walking along the street at night and wondering if the car driving past you contains men who are going to shoot you in a tit for tat war. Finally scared is knowing that you are going to have to leave your country and family and friends in order to bring up your kids without hatred and prejudice. I'm sorry Steve but I think you are being just a bit melodramatic. Whatever the coalition throws up we are still not in danger of losing our lives. Take care Steve and try to look on the bright side.
steve wilson
2010-05-20 20:52:01just bought The Blair Years, can't put it down, it's fascinating. just re joined the labour party too. walking round the streets of Hull people are actually scared about this coalition, I mean really scared.
kathy
2010-05-20 17:02:59It is really funny that today I was having a pub lunch by a lake with my two daughters and 3 grandchildren. The kids were provided with crayons and paper. My 3 year old granddaughter, who I have to say has a flair for drawing even at such a young age, held up her masterpiece. We all burst out laughing because it honestly was just like one of these characters. I don't know if that means these are so bad a child could have designed them or she is a budding genius with a great future. Either way people will either love or hate them as always. By the way Go Dianne Go! It's great to see a new face in the running and a female one as well.
Patrick James
2010-05-20 16:38:38Is Wenlock Dave and Mandeville Nick or is it the other way around?
Alan Quinn
2010-05-20 16:36:57None it would have happened without Manchester's Commonwealth games either. I'm surprised you never mentioned the MoS's part in ruining the 2018 World Cup bid AC, at least Gary Lineker showed he had some integrity.
Graham Jones
2010-05-20 16:18:18I agree that they are great icons for the Olympics. The important aspect, is that they have a story to tell. If they had just been conjured up on a drawing board, without any history, then it could have fallen flat.
As someone involved in the visual arts, it was refreshing to see a clean break, from the traditional Olympic language. Javier Mariscal's designs at the Barcelona Olympics (Coby) were odd at first, but have grown into design classics. At the time they were different, as are Wenlock and Mandeville. If anything, they are fuller characters, with a story to tell.
It is a signature, of how identity through design, has grown into a fully rounded vehicle, where graphics, illustration and animation fuse into a new visual language. We live in a world, where the design industry is maturing at an increasing rate. This has been possible, because we had thirteen years of Labour. We would still be thinking inside old boundaries, if Tony, Gordon and the Labour party, hadn't shown the confidence in the creative industries. They did however, and our international reputation soared again - thank you Labour.
My only regret is that we can't let Wenlock and Mandeville run the country. They'd be better than the pair of tossers we're stuck with.
P.S Great to see so many good candidates stepping forward to lead the party. It's a pity that Harriet and Yvette Cooper have not decided to run, as either would have brought something different to the debate.
Megan
2010-05-20 11:02:24Sorry Alastair, but I cannot share your enthusiasm for the mascots. The one with the spikes on the back of its head looks like it should come with batteries!!
Bruce Johanneson
2010-05-20 10:52:52I think Boris is the only one among the Tories (I agree Seb Coe should not be seen as politician) who understands none of it would have happened without Blair and also Jowell, who Boris said should be kept on in some way. Cameron will just lord over it in that born to rule way they teach at his school
John Hills
2010-05-20 10:50:51What was all that Motty World Cup Willie all about? And why is he not commentating in the SA World Cup. Come on Al, sort it out!! We want Motty back, said we want Motty back ...
Hilary Marsh
2010-05-20 10:49:42They are a matter of taste obviously, but I do agree they will grow on people whereas Cameron-Clegg will have opposite effect. I am a friend of my Tory MP - oh, ok, I work for him - and backbenchers are feeling distinctly uneasy. Cameron's arrogance was fine when everyone thought he was going to win. But he didn't win and now he is still treating MPs like dirt.
Salil
2010-05-20 10:19:46But why the cyclop look?
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