Thought For The Day – Thursday 16th July 2026

Today is the final lunchtime debate at T.B.S.H.S.  organised by Mr. Patterson.  This will be a very special moment and occasion in the School Hall. 

It is very appropriate that today is a non-uniform day. No one was, and is, more meticulous at respectfully encouraging charitable donations from his form groups over his forty years.

Very best wishes to Year 7 students on their Warwick Castle educational visit.

“As much painful as it is from the outside.. I was down 7-4 in the second round, and I am here in the semi-finals. I had a point on my racquet at a tournament I did not think it would be this year I would make the semi-finals. It’s not a painful story. I think thousands of people would love to lose the semi-finals of Wimbledon on match point. Is it something I’d love to experience again? For sure, no. But it will make my next moment when I win a match like this even sweeter. It’s just one of those days where it didn’t go my way. Someone had to lose and unfortunately it was me today…It takes moments like this to learn from and have a more clear and concise plan of what I want to do. At the end of the day, I left it all out there. I do not have any regrets. Obviously points I want to make better decisions on. But that is how you learn and become a better player…She’s someone that deserves more success with how talented she is.  I have so much respect for how she plays and how she is off court… It is a match I’m going to remember for my career…Even walking off the court…That was a lot of fun.”

(Coco Gauff, beautifully speaking immediately after her semi-final loss to Karolína Muchová,  at Wimbledon last week. Both are pictured above,  at the net after the match).

Those supporting the England men’s football team will be disappointed today, after their team’s semi-final loss to Argentina.

In sporting respects, so near and yet so far, once again. A familiar tale.

However, this was only the third men’s football World Cup semi-final for England since 1966. It was, let it be noted,  the furthest the men’s team have reached in the competition outside Europe.  Very fine margins often determine outcomes which can be complex to influence in the moment.

Last evening’s match, which was the proverbial game of two halves, if not four quarters,  contained elements that were not “Black and Gold”: Disrespecting national anthems;  initially, in the match,  “winding up” tactics. Do not get involved, walk away, smile, and leave it to the referee, wisely advised former England international and T.B.S.H.S. guest speaker, Stuart Peace M.B.E.  on a radio broadcast.   Before the game, journalist Henry Winter had highlighted the importance of composure, fearless pro-activity, and vigilance.

Though, as Stuart Pearce also warned and commented, in the second half,  Lionel Messi, as he has done throughout his life,  from his Rosario roots,  led the way with characteristic brilliance, creativity,  resilience, skill, and spirit.  This was in response to the England goal,  the neighbourhood cheers to which of those supporting “back home” were very audible, and, equally,  the fantastic tackle by Djed Spence of England, the first Muslim to represent the England men’s football team,  which followed soon after.  Subsequently the Lionel Messi-led Argentina took full control in, and dominated,  the last half an hour, just as they had done in their previous matches at the tournament.

The road to the next opportunity begins now.  Disappointment gives rise to humility, reflection, thoughtfulness,  and  purpose.

But there are also Higher Things.

A different perspective, and ultimate insight, was given by Micah Richards, who provided analysis of the game for B.B.C. Sport. Micah shared that he had been given devastating news before the game that his father, Lincoln,  had very suddenly passed away.  In tribute to his dad, from Yorkshire,  pictured below, who showed unconditional love and support,  Micah, a fine former player with England, Manchester City and Aston Villa,  and now a much-loved commentator on football, continued to work last evening with characteristic leadership, passion,  resilience, and warmth.

Today’s Non-Uniform Day,  raising awareness and monies for U.N.I.C.E.F. and Alzheimer’s Society, provides further and very important perspective for those in need, and those who have passed away,  young and old, globally, nationally, and locally.   We dedicate this day to them.