I survived my birthday (22/12) but now I need to catch up on the posts, starting with a penultimate G-Manc tick in Westhoughton, the over-performing and fast-growing town betwixt Bolton and Wigan. Bolton claims it, but it always feels very Wigan to me with its Beer Schools and Provenances and Brewery Taps, though the first… Continue reading WESTHOUGHTON DINGBATS
57 UP
As I come towards the end of my 57th birthday, another great one, I thought you’d like to see the highlights package before I get down to doing the detailed posts. A day of ticks, ferries, Transvision Vamp, Scotch pies, and pouring rain. Starting in Bearsden north of Glasgow I’ve travelled to the lovely town… Continue reading 57 UP
MRS RM’s BIRTHDAY
Never mind Mrs RM’s birthday, mine is today (22 December), make a note to wake up at 57 minutes past 5 and wish me a happy birthday. IT’S A TRADITION, DAMN YOU. I’m in a place you’ve never been; here’s a pictorial clue. And on my birthday I plan to travel across a vast expanse… Continue reading MRS RM’s BIRTHDAY
BLACK EYE FRIDAY IS BACK !
Last December was a terrible month for everyone except the citizens of Tier 1 Cornwall and the Isle of Wight who received hordes of visiting GBG tickers with open arms. And after moving north I found myself without the joy (and blog potential) of Black Eye Friday for the first time in years. But 17… Continue reading BLACK EYE FRIDAY IS BACK !
HOT TODDY
It was a good, clean, race. But I was ALWAYS going to beat BRAPA to the completion of West Yorkshire. Just like F1, that’s not because I’m the better ticker; Simon is streets ahead on determination, grit and volume of marker pens. Just as Verstappen has the race official on his side, I have time.… Continue reading HOT TODDY
THE FIRST 2021 AIRING OF “STOP THE CAVALRY”
Well, probably not, I bet they’ve been playing it since September 5th in Sheffield Dunelm, but my first “Stop the Cavalry” came last Thursday on the western edges of Bradford, which are very lovely. Out on the wiley, windy moors described by Kate Bush in her book made famous by DJ Bronte I stood, surprised… Continue reading THE FIRST 2021 AIRING OF “STOP THE CAVALRY”
BLACK PUDDING. “A HOT ONE ?”
As night follows days and lockdown follows opening up, so Bury follows Ramsbottom. This post would have been about a new brewery owned bar in Bury, but sadly their website and Facebook had different opening hours to the ones pinned on their front door, Martin Luther style. I told them their hours were wrong, and… Continue reading BLACK PUDDING. “A HOT ONE ?”
RAMSBOTTOM AND “The Odious Loathsome Sin of Drunkenness”
Another year, another lone new entry in charming Ramsbottom, the Dronfield of the West. I have no idea if that’s true, haven’t been to Dronfield for years. The trip north of Bury always seems to happen at the end of my Gtr Manc ticking, giving me time to admire those hills. Last year, just before… Continue reading RAMSBOTTOM AND “The Odious Loathsome Sin of Drunkenness”
THE CHEESE PLATTER IN CAFE BEERMOTH
You probably think my blog aspires to be BRAPA but lacks the qualities you need to get kicked out of pubs for being a bloke. Actually, I want to be Blackpool Jane, where beer comes second to niche museums, Sally Army bands and great British food. On Tuesday night before the match (for any Leeds… Continue reading THE CHEESE PLATTER IN CAFE BEERMOTH
STOCKPORT’S “OTHER” ARDEN ARMS
I’ve been tackling Greater Manchester in singles and the odd scampered two ticks, a bit like Chris Tavaré approaching a T20 target of 189. The next one is in the mysterious area between Greater Stockport and Tameside. In fact, it’s practically on the border (“the Stockport side” confirmed the landlord of the Arden Arms). I… Continue reading STOCKPORT’S “OTHER” ARDEN ARMS
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