Blog
TAILS FROM THE TRAP AND TRACK
Graham ‘The News’ Hound
Anyone else see the BAFTAs the other week? What an evening! A night of pure entertainment, recognising some of the best acting talent this country has to offer (not too unlike the recently enjoyed Owlerton Stadium Annual Party... but more on that later... our lot certainly know how to act up when they need to!).
With seven awards to its name, I think it’s fair to say that The Artist stole the night (again, a fair few artists of sorts here at the Stadium...) although my old stage school pal, Uggie, the 10 year old Jack Russell was the ultimate star of the movie in my eyes. Here’s looking at you, kid!
Let the good times roll at Owlerton!
You will have heard the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ – and that’s certainly the case here at the Stadium!
Team Owlerton love to get stuck in with fun and games (when they get the chance) - and never more so than at this year’s annual staff party, when Karaoke was the name of the game!
In fairness, (some of) the singing was actually rather good... who knew we had so many budding starlets working here (thought of forming a Stadium choir, team...?)
It was Tote runner Marge who scooped the top prize in the competition with her show-stopping performance of ‘Hey Big Spender’, but it was a close call, with a tremendous performance from Restaurant Manager, Craig Allsop and Tote runner, Liz, securing second and third prize respectively.
That said, the next round of X-Factor auditions aren’t for all of them. Now, I don’t like to point fingers, but Annie... claiming ‘Hit Me Baby, One More Time’ is one of your favourite songs when you weren’t sure of the words was frankly, (to coin Mr Cowell’s phrase) ‘a bit of a disaster.’ Don’t worry Annie, we’re going to give ‘Dancing on Ice’ a run for its money next year (anyone here at the Stadium any good at ice skating...?).
What’s in a name?
Owl-erton? Oh-lerton? Ol-erton? Recently, I have been hearing many-a-debate about the pronunciation of Owlerton. Thoughts on a postcard please.
Some say that the area was named after the forest of Alder trees in the area, and comes from the term ‘Alder-ton’, meaning the settlement of the Alders. However there’s a devoted set of folk on the Sheffield Forum site who swear blind that the pronunciation is Oh-lerton. Indeed one source (not of the ketchup variety...) suggested that the pronounciation is actually All-erton... and apparently that’s because Yorkshire folk are too lazy to pronounce anything else (er, thoughts, oh fellow-Sheffielder readers...? A bit cheeky if you ask me!) Indeed Sheffield Wednesday aka ‘the Owls’ are nicknamed after the Owlerton area.
So, Owl-erton? Oh-lerton? Ol-erton? Well, if you ask me, as long as we’re all having a good time, who really gives a ‘hoot’ ? (Ha, ha... get it, hoot? OK... puns over with)
Exposed versus
The lovely crew from Exposed magazine contacted us recently to see if the Owlerton management were up for a challenge. Silly question I say!
For those not in the know, the magazine team take on a monthly ‘Exposed versus’ challenge - and this month challenged Owlerton to who could make the most during a night of betting at the track. Managing Director, John Gilburn and General Manager, Dave Perry took to the challenge like ducks to water.
A valiant effort was made by all, and of course, only one team could win, but who it was exactly can’t be revealed until the magazine comes out later this month....
Numpty of the week
When it comes to spotting a wine glass in need of a top-up, an empty plate or someone in need of a dessert menu , our wait-staff are more keen-eyed than a champion word-searcher - but when it comes to spotting the obvious...
You would have thought that after a year working at the Stadium, seeing our colourful logo emblazoned across leaflets, TV screens AND the Stadium itself, our staff would know it like the back of their hands. However, one of our lovely waitresses (who shall remain nameless...) was completely astounded when someone pointed out that the logo had dogs on it – something which came as a total surprise! Really....? Sigh.
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