Sunday 23 September 2012

And It's Fame Again.

    I have pondered this fame 'thingymagig' all week. Then a strange thing happened. I was at a Derby County football match recently. Now there's a famous club for you, one of the original twelve in the English Football League, dating back to 1888-1889. Suddenly a loud voice called out a man's name and around eighteen thousand people home supporters started clapping; they clapped for around a minute and the away supporters joined in. Who were they clapping for? Was it David Cameron, Nelson  Mandela or Prince William. None of these, the applause was for Mr Douglas Else who died last week, aged eighty six. 
Affectionately known as 'Badge Man', Douglas attended Derby County home and away matches for many, many years. In a wheelchair in later years, pushed by his son, Steven he was instantly recognisable. For he was adorned by Derby County badges, from head to foot, an estimated 800 in number. Perhaps a strange thing to do, but a harmless hobby that gave no doubt gave pleasure to all who met him, however fleetingly over the years.
    It set me thinking for many reasons. Douglas will be remembered for his devotion to Derby County and his extraordinary collection. I doubt that he sought fame but many of us would like to be remembered after we have gone.
     I spent many years writing my e-book concening my earlier life. I did not write it seeking fame but mainly to explain to my children what my life was like in the 1950's. I shall never be famous, nor would I particularly wish to be, but I must admit I like the idea that someone, somewhere MIGHT take a peek at my book in a hundred years time. I like the idea of leaving something behind; the idea that people in the future will know I existed appeals. (I wish I had a religious faith in an afterlife but am content to believe that my 'spirit' or whatever will continue in my children and my children's children. Perhaps part of me may even continue 'on the wind' so to speak; you never know!
    What are you going to leave behind. (I reckon there's a book in everyone waiting to get out; if I can do it, anyone can.) What will you be remembered for. It doesn't have to be massive or magical. Being a 'nice' human being would literally be nice. What would you like as your epitaph. Are you going to leave anything spiritual or perhaps material. Or don't you like to think about it.

Concerning fame, beware,  just two thoughts that caught my eye.
Men's fame is like their hair, which grows after they are dead, and with just as little use.
Fame always melts like ice cream in the dish.


6 comments:

the fly in the web said...

Men the most infamous are fond of fame
And those who fear not guilt, yet start at shame.

Churchill...18th century satirist and author of The Rosciad.

Well, they may have started at shame in the 18th century, but modern politicians and businessmen seem to have grown out of that...

Sueann said...

Fame is so fleeting...and I too am not wanting that. Hope people think of me fondly. And I hope for a heavenly home...He will come for me someday!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Valerie said...

You've got me thinking now, Ken. I have my two unpublished books and volumes of short stories to leave to family members, all printed and on the shelf. The only achievement would be my four years at the helm of the county WI. My best hope is that I'm remembered for being ME.

Star said...

What a lovely post, thank you. To spare you all, I've cut out my serious and too long-winded thoughts about the fleeting and often dubious nature of fame, and I'll second SueAnn's thoughts about wanting to be thought of fondly.

Gill - That British Woman said...

I think we are all famous in our own little ways!!!

Just catching up with your blog.

Claire said...

Hi Ken,

My name is Claire and I work for the television production company Studio Lambert.

We are currently working on a new Channel 4 programme and I was wondering if I might speak to you about it.

If you could contact me at this address – claire.stratton@studiolambert.com – it would be great to hear your thoughts on the programme and see if you might be interested in being involved.

Kindest regards,

Claire