2021 – New Year, New Adventures….
So… 2020 was quite a year, wasn’t it. I don’t think very many of us could have foreseen the profound ways in which our world and lives would change in such a short space of time. Covid-19, Trump-ism and Brexit have dominated the headlines during a long period when our lives have seen profound, enforced, and sometimes painful change. The increasingly fashionable and concerning tendency for the denial of fact and truth continues to cast a heavy shadow over our times… but even in our darkest moments there is always cause for hope.
Hope comes from all manner of sources, but for me the principle oasis of hope is my family. It’s been very hard not being able to see my own parents at length for such a prolonged period of time, but by staying away from them I hope and believe I’ve protected them and have prolonged the times that we can share and enjoy together. As a result of lockdown and working from home, I have been able to share infinitely more time with my wife and children, which (whilst not being without its challenges), has a value far beyond the monetary. I’ve gone from being a face that returned home tired and stressed at the end of a long day, to being an ever-present in my children’s lives; someone who has the time to chat, to play, to laugh, and to engage. The kindness and love I see shared between my children in countless small moments every single day constantly reassures me that there is always hope. My wife inspires me constantly with her kindness, patience and love and I love her all the more in return for it. This is not to say that it’s always easy; we all have a our fair share of hard days, but together we pull through. Every cloud has its proverbial silver lining. Be in no doubt that in the end… love and kindness win.
Outside of family, other interests also provide a ray of light into the darker times. The last year has given me the time to pursue Bad Wolf miniatures, which has been a wonderful experience. I’m really excited that so many people have been interested in my figures and have included them in their model-making. My figures have made their way around the world, and whilst I know that ultimately they’re only tiny pieces of plastic, I’m hopeful that they bring with them a small amount of enjoyment wherever they land on this crazy planet.
Sport is also a unifier, bringing people together in an experience when physically they have to stay apart. Clearly the sport closest to my heart is Formula 1, and 2020 was a unique season that was able to bring excitement to many when, at one point, it appeared that it may not even begin. Hard work & careful planning enabled the F1 paddock to set-off around the world and bring joy to racing fans when perhaps they needed it most. Sir Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable achievements continued as he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of championship wins whilst at the same time rising above the sport to champion humanitarian causes and use his unique voice as a force for good. More cause for hope.
They say that sport is life’s truest theatre, as the unscripted drama unfolds before us, with neither audience nor the key players being sure of the final conclusion until the final act plays out…
Sport, like nature, continually renews itself as new stars emerge and elder statesmen step aside. They say that sport is life’s truest theatre, as the unscripted drama unfolds before us, with neither audience nor the key players being sure of the final conclusion until the final act plays out. The truest example of this, and the most exciting moment of 2020 for me, was the remarkable performance of George Russell at the Sakhir Grand Prix, as he stepped forward with strength and determination to grasp a remarkable opportunity which he knew may only ever present itself once. Whilst fate was unkind, he proved himself ready and able to step-up and grasp the chance. Only bad luck stood between George Russell and his first Grand Prix win… bad luck won’t always be standing there, and I’m certain he will go on to win many Grand Prix, and challenge to become World Champion. His “loser’s consent”, and dignity in the face of defeat, is a lesson others in public life could learn from.
As 2021 starts, I’m genuinely excited about the ideas for Bad Wolf Miniatures that I have buzzing around inside my head. I’m looking forward to bringing new figures (and possibly some other things) to the Bad Wolf range, and I’ve included a few sneak peeks below. This set of figures (based on Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna at the 1991 British Grand Prix) should be available in Q1 2021 (I intend on releasing them along with a number of other figures that I’m currently working on):
I’m not arrogant, ignorant or insensitive enough to believe that everyone is as fortunate as I am (in fact, that’s one of the key things that I’ve taken away from 2020). We cannot ignore the suffering that we see around us, but for the sake of all our sanities, we all still need to have hope. The last twelve months have probably shown us all that hope is the most valuable currency we have. My sincere wish for you is that you’re able to find the hope that you need, and that if you’re finding things tough that hope will present itself when you need it. I’m confident that it’s there… just keep looking.
Happy New Year everyone.
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