Heather Fell, Olympic modern pentathlete silver medalist, writes about her life 'on and off' the track.
NOT sure how but yes I found myself in London once more. I can't blame anyone for this as it was certainly my choice, but what can one say when offered a ticket to the 'Brit awards!' When the opportunity arose - only 24 hours before - the question wasn't whether I should go, but 'ahh' what can I wear? On ringing a contact I'd been given I was asked — 'Darling are you presenting an award? I then tried to explain that I was merely just an athlete. I didn't even attempt to explain for what sport. However I received a pretty frock for the night just ten minutes before heading out! I would need a few columns to describe my night — it certainly didn't end when cameras stopped filming but I can say it was fantastic!
How true is the saying 'you don't know what you've got til its gone.' Its taken me a week of driving a courtesy car (as well as being told by my father) to realise that I'm spoilt with my 'Team Gregory' VW Golf. I shouldn't complain as it has efficiently transported me several hundred miles in a few days, but it's lacking the comforts I've become far too easily accustomed to. However I certainly cursed it heavily on Saturday night, when its refusal to start resulted in my severe embarrassment. The fact that I had no phone reception in Horsebridge and had to use the Royal Inn's landline meant a few people were aware of my problem. After several phone calls home I discovered it wasn't the car with the problem, but the driver!
Luckily BBC Devon were unaware of my lack of car competence, and let me loose in one of their radio cars. It was all for a good cause as I was covering live music in Exmouth for the folk relief show, raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance. The previous evening I was given a venue closer to home. Having lived in Tavistock all my life I have to admit I'd never been into the Tavistock Inn, but I was impressed by their live music and fundraising efforts for the local charity.