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Afghanistan, Burgerman and more… 15 October 2008

Posted in Life, Business.

Angela and Simon Campbell by Jon Burgerman

Jon Burgerman

Just been sent the image of Angela and myself that was created by the mighty man himself. He whipped one up for each of the Erskine Design team and we are flabbergasted at the accuracy and feel he has for the personalities - of course they also bloody funny... Thanks Jon.

James Campbell (aka Jimbo)

Well he went off the Afghanistan week before last with his unit, the redoubtable 45 Commando. It was very tough for Angela, Joe and myself; loads of tears. Of course, being Jim, he drove off as if he was going to the local post office for some stamps, not to war. It didn't help our stress levels as we moved to the Isle of Man that week.

James Campbell, Royal Marines Commando

What are the three most stressful events of ones life? Moving, divorce and probably you eldest going off to a far off land to fight for his country.

Angela spoke to Jimbo just before he flew out and asked him if one of his pals to take a picture of him. His reply was "Mum, that's not a cool thing to do". He is pictured here, looking particularly tough - in a 'Derek Zoolander in the Royal Marines' kind of way - extending his arm as far as he could, photographing himself, knowing full-well that 'if mamma aint happy, aint nobody happy'...

We spoke to him last night from his forward operating base and he sounded happy, stoic and with a steely resolve in his voice. God he has grown up; we are very proud of him...

Flying to London from the Isle of Man

Off to a meeting in London today. We now live in the Isle of Man and its interesting to see the costs and facilities afforded to us.

  • It took Angela and myself seven minutes to get to Ronaldsway airport from our house. Taxi, £8.00
  • 50 Minutes to fly to Gatwick. One way, FlyBee £202 for both of us which including two bags at £8.00 each. The wind was a good 'force seven' when we took off. Plane comfortable and the crew were lovely.
  • 30 Minutes for Gatwick Express to get us to Victoria: £33.80 Single for the two of us. Quick, efficient and stuffed with 'City types.'
  • 60 minutes to get across London to 'Angel'. Packed in the tube (it was hell this morning with baggage - I may have to amend my article...
  • 20 minutes to the clients; a great walk along the canal :-). Free!
  • Three and a half hour lunch meeting, with great food, wine and company. Less than the air fare.
  • Two hour team debrief in the 'Stag in the Woods' with beer and wine. Indeterminate price but certainly less than the train fare.
  • 10 minute tube ride back to Euston. Oyster card, so unsure of the cost.
  • Two and quarter hour train journey to Piccadilly on Virgin Trains, Manchester. £130 for both of us. I was on a table surrounded by lovely 'Northern people'; the lady besides me let me plug my mains adaptor in right next to her leg. Angela on a single seat behind me. The service was stuffed with people and although the carriages are a modern design, they are substantially narrower than the East cost line. Claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Branson, get your finger out...
  • 20 minute modern train to Manchester Airport. Cost, included in above. Sadly, the girl sat next to has had her bag nicked. Bad medicine.

1 comment

Colly on 29 Oct 2008 at 9:54

Noooo - them drawings were to be revealed when the new site launched! Ah well, guess a wee leak is a good teaser.

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