retiredmartin

November 2023. Oldham.

Well, Greater Oldham, really, on a day that turned into a bit of a nightmare.

It started with the usual great cut from Matthew at Helvete’s new salon in Chinatown, before a nice, easy tick out in Hollinwood.

A metro trip out of St Peters, where Cinderella had left her shoe in the rain last night.

I’ve driven past Hollinwood dozens of time on the M60 Manchester circular, without having a clue what it is. Just east of Failsworth, just south of Oldham.

I knew NOTHING about it, but Quosh knows everything about East Manchester and gave me the info I needed.

“Mark Owen from Take That grew up at 56 Copsterhill Rd” he messaged.

Hoorah ! I’ll tick the plaque.

“No plaque btw“. Oh.2

Never mind, there’s plenty to explore from Freehold Station, including Jammy Lane,

The Edge (birthplace of U2), and some impressive industrial architecture.

I thought this poster was a blueprint for Oldham 2050, but sadly not;

Quosh recommended the kobedas at the Oldham Star, but it didn’t meet the promised 11am opening time (bloomin’ micros) and an 11am kebab is ambitious, even for me.

Mother Hubbards near Werneth Park looked the business,

though the montage of headlines over the last 51 years somehow omits Frankie Bunn’s six (6) goals against Scarborough in 1989.

I thought the area looked familiar; 20 years ago we stayed in Chadderton’s Toby Inn (not in the actual carvery) and I took the boys to enjoy the simple pleasure of kicking a ball round Werneth Park.

It’s all a bit rundown, and I hardly pass a soul on Saturday morning.

though finding your way out is a challenge.

Across from the park lies the Royal Oak, a Robbies CAMRA heritage pub sadly closed.

‘Look, I’d struggle to make a case to take your holiday in south Oldham (head for Tandle Hill instead); it’s a residential area of solid red brick terraces and the odd family brewer pub, none of whom will grace the GBG.

Please don’t ask me about Kestrel (see also : Workington Slalom lager).

Except, of course, that’s exactly what the Railway has just done.

I stand outside at 11:59, coins in hand, and by 12:01 I have a half of Tim Taylor Landlord (3.5) which I never finish.

At 12.02 my sister calls to tell me Dad is on his way to the hospital.