This is more than just a weight-loss story—it’s a journey of self-worth, resilience, and reflection, and I felt it deserves a wider platform. From Fat Shaming to Freedom: My Weight Loss Story and Why We All Need to Do Better Originally written December 2021 What’s in a Name? I was christened Jamie, but over the years I’ve answered… Read More »
Introduction My father, Terence James Versey—known to most as Terry or, as I’ll refer to him here, TV—was born on 30th September 1947, the first child of Francis and Mary Versey, better known as Jimmy and Molly. Over the next five years, TV was joined by his brothers, Paul and Chris, and together they were raised in the… Read More »
In early 1997, I was living in a council bungalow in Trimley with my dad. Life wasn’t ideal, but it was ticking along. That all changed one Saturday in October. That evening, I’d been asked to run a music quiz for Walton United Football Club. I managed to persuade my boss to let me knock off work a… Read More »
Believe it or not, I once held a world record. Well, almost. Despite a life that’s been more pub lunches and Paul Heaton gigs than trophies and titles, there was a moment—just one—where I achieved greatness. And no, it wasn’t for eating the most pies in three minutes or spearing baked beans with a cocktail stick (although I… Read More »
I wasn’t born to be an athlete. Short, fat, blind as a bat—three things that don’t exactly scream “sporting prowess.” And yet, I’ve had my moments. Some tragic, some triumphant (ish), all of them very, very real. From football humiliation to a snooker miracle, here are the not-so-greatest hits of my sporting life. The Causton Hawks Debut (and… Read More »
Is childhood memory a faithful reflection, or just fragments shaped by family tales and trauma? In this candid, gritty, and occasionally comical account, I revisit the earliest recollections of my 1970s/80s upbringing on a run-down council estate in Felixstowe—burns units, brown sofas, and all. What Do We Really Remember? What exactly do we recollect when we reminisce about… Read More »
Written: February 2nd, 2019 — Before Watty Got the Sack There’s an old saying: “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” It may not be the most poetic phrase, but it certainly sums up my long-standing (and largely self-inflicted) grudge against Felixstowe & Walton United Football Club. My reasons for falling out with the club? Frankly,… Read More »
My involvement with websites dates back to the mid-to-late 1990s, a period when dial-up internet was still a novelty and building a website meant teaching yourself every step. My first real foray into digital content began during my time writing for Walton United prior to their merger with Felixstowe Town — a move that stirred its share of… Read More »
Date: March 4th, 2022Location: Ipswich, SuffolkOccasion: Saying farewell to a mate — and unexpectedly appearing in a movie. I headed into Ipswich on a cool Friday in early March 2022 for what was supposed to be a standard send-off for my good friend Watty, who was preparing to relocate to Dubai. Our meeting point was The Plough, a… Read More »
Date: Saturday 15th FebruaryVenue: Felixstowe Rugby ClubOccasion: VP (Vice Presidents’) DinnerGuests: Players past and present, club supporters, sponsors, and the wonderfully mad world of grassroots rugby. When the invite to attend Felixstowe Rugby Club’s legendary VP Dinner arrived, I didn’t hesitate. Having recently hosted club chairman Rob Brewster on my radio show — where we chatted about all… Read More »