I popped in briefly to introduce myself to Esme Goldberg one afternoon in 1998 and the first question was, “Who do you belong to?” This of course gave Esme an idea of how you had heard about the House and who your friends are. She was the most remarkable judge of character!
So, my first night I unpacked in the ‘Girls Room’ at Number 18 and was summons to Number 8. I walked into the dining room and sat down to a game of card – ‘Block and Runs’. I was hooked! Not only did I love playing the game but I adored playing with Esme! The swearing, the laughter, the jokes… it was always such a special time!
One day I asked Esme why she loved playing ‘Blocks and Runs’ so much. She told me it was her way of getting to know people. She said that a person’s true character comes out in a game, so she got to know everyone in the House a bit better than they wanted her to. It was her unique way to understand you and what your ‘buttons’ were. When she had a clear picture of the person you were, she would use this to support, help, encourage and to motivate you.
And who would’ve thought….a simple card game would expose us and would give Esme an insight into what made us tick!
What an incredible lady!
(19th March 2013)
I lived in ‘The House’ with Esme and Denis Goldberg for 2 years until Esme passed away. I was, at the time working as a tour director for Contiki Holidays so my time off with Esme was incredibly special and often just the 2 of us.
I was too hooked on blocks and runs and loved playing with Esme.
I need to get the rules written down. I would love to play again but can’t remember it all.