Monthly Archives: December 2016

Progress

I’ve visited the Leigh Arms, in Newton le Willows, three times and almost a fourth. The fourth didn’t happen because I was at the station due to rail disruption and, although the pub was visible from the platform, I was uncertain as to how much time I had. Plenty, it turned out. 

The fourth time was technically the first, so the first now becomes the second. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, the second time I visited Newton le Willows, and the first time I had a beer in the Leigh Arms, was around 13 years ago. This was also due to train issues, but there was enough time to call in the pub. It wasn’t the best of experiences, but that was because it had generally been a rubbish day. 

Neither of my other visits were planned, rather spur of the moment things when in Manchester and Liverpool for work. I went to meet up with a mate and we could both get to Newton le Willows. This would have been six-ish years ago, but there are some similarities between one of my last visits and today. 

With time on my hands today, I decided I’d rather have a beer than do last minute Christmas shopping. Since it’s only a short train ride from Manchester, I bought a return ticket. Only then to find that there were no trains due to engineering works. While this did bring back memories of my last but one visit, when trains were cancelled and I feared I’d be stranded, I was assured the there was a good replacement bus service. 

And, so, I made my fifth visit to Newton le Willows. 

Sadly, my fourth time in the Leigh Arms didn’t happen. A man told me it’s been closed for years and is being converted to flats. In a way, that turned out to be a good thing. The place had clearly fallen on hard times and probably wouldn’t have been the best of pubs in its last days.

Back to Manchester then. 

National Express

I’m quite enjoying my National Express experience today. 

Not only did I find a seat with masses of leg room, there has been an interesting conversation across the aisle; two women sharing crocheting tips. I may also have laughed a little when a lady locked herself in the toilet, although I did produce a 50p coint with which the door was opened. And a man is wearing slippers; he seems to have brought them for the journey, since I’m certain he had shoes when boarding. 

I made the obligatory National Express comment on Twitter and was pleasantly surprised with a response. 

Johnny Cash

While on the subject of the afterlife, I just heard Johnny Cash’s voice in my head. In a booming, godlike kind of way, telling me to have another Jakehead. 

Who am I to ignore the ghost of a legend. 

Mr Head

Since my second in command is away, I decided to occupy myself with a walk. I’d already done a little (pitifully so) work in the house, so a nice walk felt right. 

The light was fading already, so the path through the graveyard was a bit creepy. Not that I’m a believer in the afterlife, but it’s still a spooky place in the dark. 

Spooky, but nice. Anyway, I had a pleasant, four mile-ish walk and am now having a rest in the Schooner, with a relaxing pint of Jakehead. 

There’s a roaring fire and an old Beat album is playing. This is truly a great pub, we simply don’t visit often enough and I’m sorely tempted to stay. I shan’t though, I need to continue my exercise after my Jakehead. The Tyne Bar next I think. 

Oh, a bit of Bad Manners  now.

Bin day

Today is bin day on the hill and our bin is out, awaiting the bin truck. 

Unfortunately, there is a big hole outside our house, so I’m uncertain as to whether our (very full) bin will be emptied today. 

Yes, I know the picture’s blurry, but I’d a bus to catch and I needed some money from the cash machine first (for John the plumber). 

I needn’t have rushed though; the hole has its very own traffic lights, so things aren’t moving very quickly. 

Der-der-der

Last night, I went to the Academy in town, with Trevor – the first time in ages – to see the Fratellis. 

The band was great, but there was a real sound quality issue and that pretty much ruined the performance. 

I’d not heard any of their newest stuff before, but I was both surprised and impressed. But the evening was all about the 10th anniversary of Costello Music. 

An unusual, but good, final song was a cover of Runaround Sue, the Fratellis style worked really well. 

After the gig, we bumped into Mr Towers, who dragged us to the Hadrian teepee to meet up with the Fazakerleys and Mr Pratt. 

So, while the sound at the gig was something of a disappointment, it was an enjoyable night. 

Vodka

My second in command probably shouldn’t drink vodka. 

She can consume beer in huge quantities, while remaining relatively sober. Then, two double vokas later she becomes evil incarnate.