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
INTO THE PIDDLE VALLEY
A short post, purely for the puerile (and those who like pictures of thatched pubs). As we head into the last week of July a raid into Dorset starts near Puddletown, noted for the famous protests against working conditions 200 years ago. Less well known are the Piddletown Martyrs, a group of heroic pub tickers… Continue reading INTO THE PIDDLE VALLEY
NEW ROMNEY, NEW QUEUE
While I was out conquering chapters of the GBG in July, Mrs RM was in our new caravan in Rye Harbour tarting it up for letting out while we weren’t there. It’s the first step on the slippy road to capitalism, I guess. On my return from Glamorgan we set off to New Romney’s giant… Continue reading NEW ROMNEY, NEW QUEUE
BLESSED BE THE LAMB
Nearly three (3) months ago we were finally reacquainted with a portion of the Southworth clan as Joan and Dave made their first UK trio for three (3) years. No idea what held them up. Worryingly, they seemed to have gone all hipster and craft since 2019. So when we finally met up in Eastbourne,… Continue reading BLESSED BE THE LAMB
“But Ben Hyde SAID there were trains back to Ashford”
From Waterbeach to On The Beach. We headed down to Rye Harbour Clubhouse to enjoy a Saturday evening of burger and chips, John Smith Smooth, and a 70s disco. Never let it be said that Mrs RM doesn’t know how to live. In the morning, we made the first of no doubt dozens of rail… Continue reading “But Ben Hyde SAID there were trains back to Ashford”
THE “CUSTOMER FAVOURITE” IN WATERBEACH
I’ve been spending a fair bit of time “home” in Waterbeach recently. A man whizzing past on a bike shouted out “Congratulations on finishing the Beer Guide !” the other night (thanks Saimon), which cheered me up momentarily as I continue my come down from GBG completion (new one out in a week or so,… Continue reading THE “CUSTOMER FAVOURITE” IN WATERBEACH
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