On the home strait (sp ?) in Devon now, possibly for the last time if I bin the GBG when it arrives (imminently). Perhaps just as well, as the accommodation costs were crippling, and councils have been clamping down on us folk parking our campervans overnight as locals brand pitchforks and shout “Get off our… Continue reading ARRIVING IN SANDFORD A WEEK EARLY FOR THE FERRET RACING
Month: October 2022
“No, you CAN’T just come in & use the loo !”
Reader “Dave” asks what places I’m looking forward to revisiting in the UK, without the pressure of completing the Guide. Well, North Devon for a start, and a first trip to Lundy Island, whose pub might even make the GBG (says Ed). The end of July saw a return to Ilfracombe for an elusive tick… Continue reading “No, you CAN’T just come in & use the loo !”
LIKE WHITE LIGHTNING, WINKLEIGH IS LICKED
Some time this week, the 2023 GBG will “drop” (ugh) on the doorstep of the Privilege Club members and for tickers this will signify a period of mourning as they realise their 98%/52% completion is now 89%/49% (sorry Si). Will I care ? Ask me when the good book arrives, and I see new names… Continue reading LIKE WHITE LIGHTNING, WINKLEIGH IS LICKED
PLANT POTS AND TRACTORS
Blimey, those North Devon pubs are remote. If BRAPA walks from Eggesford station to the Lymington Arms he should fortify himself with the breakfast at the Crossing Cafe. Technically in Wembworthy, but really in Lama Cross (a garage and a pub), in the middle of nowhere, the Lymington was deadly quiet when I arrived, bar… Continue reading PLANT POTS AND TRACTORS
MUCH TO CHERISH IN CHERITON FITZPAINE
I always knew Devon would be the toughest English county to complete. I was tempted to skip a few pubs on the Devonian slog, but I realise some of you love pics of lil ol’ England and it gives me even more places to add to the Blog Map. A string of tiny village pubs… Continue reading MUCH TO CHERISH IN CHERITON FITZPAINE
LOOKING FOR SIR WALTER
The Tickathon moved into East Devon in late July, with ANOTHER trip down to Exmouth. I’ll be awarded citizenship of the place (and Ilminster) at this rate. The Walter Raleigh in Budleigh Salterton, another Devonian place name I just made up, had tormented me for 2 years, being determinedly closed when it should be open.… Continue reading LOOKING FOR SIR WALTER
TICKING THE EAST DEVON PUB BOULES LEAGUE GROUNDS
Unless you tick churches, and I suspect their opening times are even more restricted than pubs, then GBG ticking is the best way to force you to visit those parts of the UK that only us completists will ever know. Like Musbury (pop. 543), on the edge of the Axe Valley. Which reminds me; I’ve… Continue reading TICKING THE EAST DEVON PUB BOULES LEAGUE GROUNDS
TICKING LYME (FASTER THAN CYRILLE OR JOHN) REGIS
In the words of Sonic Youth on the cover of “Goo”*, it was all “whirlwind, heat, and flash” is the Great Summer Tickathon of 2022. Obviously I’m relieved to get the Guide done; I might never have been able to complete ever with family dramas eating into available time. But it did mean I rather… Continue reading TICKING LYME (FASTER THAN CYRILLE OR JOHN) REGIS
TWO SIDES OF BRIDPORT
Two more reports from the Great Sou’wester in July, two more chintzy pubs from Dorset’s limitless collection for you, either side of beautiful Bridport. I love Bridport’s earthy pubs like the Tiger, but that grit disappears pretty quick as you hit the villages like Askerwell. I really only need show you the scatter cushions at… Continue reading TWO SIDES OF BRIDPORT
A GIANT DONGLE
I’ve just had five (5) pints in Derby, four of lovely Bass, so according to MumsNet I will probably become a mass murderer as no-one who drinks more than a half pint in 4 hours is to be trusted. Talking of MumsNet; Curry on toast ! Who’s the madman here ? Anyhow, back to late… Continue reading A GIANT DONGLE
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