Adrian Phelan
Post 36
Grenfell anniversary| Southgate goes south| Dublin time| World Cup| Job bit| Men’s Health Week | Farewell| Social links| Links to past posts
Welcome to this week’s blog.
There’s only one place to start and that’s with acknowledgment of the 9th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. I spent a year working on the NHS team set up in response to the tragedy and it was one of the biggest privileges of my life to have been welcomed into a community of survivors and bereaved to support them with accessing health services.
I understand this anniversary is the last before the tower will be taken down so it is significant. My thoughts at this time are with everyone affected by the tragedy.
Forever in our hearts.
Gazza doc
The Gareth Southgate documentary which filmed in Hitchin (where I live) aired on Monday, and it was a bit boring to be honest; not taking anything away from the young men who were interviewed, particularly the three in Middlesborough.
It was a novelty to see Hitchin on the telly though and the interviews with youth worker Dan Gaze were insightful. But I’d been looking forward to it for a couple of months, particularly as the father of two young boys and it fell flat, a sentiment mirrored in one or two of the newspaper reviews the next day.
But nothing ventured… I suppose. I still like you Gareth.
Double-Inn and a great zoo joke
We popped to Dublin briefly at the start of the weekend. It was the first trip back since my dad passed. We went down to see him. The grave was as it was on the day he was buried but without the flowers. By coincidence, a school friend who was home from The US text me to say his mother was buried close by, and he was there that day as well; but alas at a different time.
Ironically – as he was tea total – my dad is buried about a five-minute walk from one of Ireland’s most famous pubs, The Grave Diggers. It’s known for its decor, frozen in time (early 20th century) and its quaint atmosphere so there are no tv’s, and no music or music sessions for that matter. British readers might identify with Sam Smiths pubs that offer a similar vibe. Here’s a clip from a movie shot there back in 1970 and trust me it looks the exact same now.
And a quick nod to Dublin Zoo as well. We went on Friday and it was very good. Nothing like I remembered from when I was a child. No spoilers but it was well worth the entrance fee.
And my zoo joke: I went to the zoo and all there was, was a dog. It was a shiatzu.
The World Cup
And so to 85 matches a day on the telly for the men’s World Cup. I always caveat sports-related posts by saying this blog is a ‘largely’ sport-free zone but so many of you will be watching it, particularly when England play on whatever day that is 😊.
I didn’t see Scotland’s game, but they won and are top of their group for now. To their supporters, have a great few days until your next one and I hope you progress from the group. My younger son is quite into it and has a brighter mind than mine so he’s a good resource for checking fixtures and results.
Whatever way you’re keeping it or if not at all, I hope the buzz resonates with you, one way or another.
The job bit
I had an interview with an NHS Trust last week but alas, wasn’t offered the role. It came and went quite quickly so I’m not mourning it too much but again it’s another opportunity that has passed me by. The feedback was positive though and I wish the person who did get the job, all the best, really.
I have another application in, so we’ll just have to wait and see with that one. I’m going to try and be ruthless with the process now as my ‘leaving the NHS’ anniversary approaches.
As ever, keep me in mind and you can access my CV here. A reminder I’m a communications and public engagement specialist with lots of not-for-profit experience but I’m open to any sector and any roles where I can transfer my skills.
Do Good Well
It’s Men’s Health Week 2026. The campaign is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about the health challenges faced by men and promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being.
There’s no dash for cash with this one, just spread awareness where you can.
Goodbye and thanks
There was no movie review this week but I’m off to see Disclosure Day so will let you know how that is in the next one.
As ever, thanks for sticking with the blog. Post 37 will be here before you know it.
Have a great rest of your week.
Socially viable
Connect with me on Facebook and:
Instagram: @adrian_phelan1
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Past posts
7 June
31 May
24 May
17 May
10 May
2 May
26 April
12 April
5 April
29 March
22 March
15 March
8 March
1 March
21 February
14 February
7 February
1 February
23 January
16 January
9 January
2 January
26 December
20 December
12 December
5 December
28 November
21 November
14 November
7 November
31 October
24 October
17 October
10 October
3 October
Adrian Phelan 
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