Focus, and Finish the Fucker
Went to print out something at home the other day and the printer wouldn’t work. It took me a few more minutes than it should have to realise that I hadn’t connected the printer to the new Wi-Fi following my move from Sky to Virgin. Took me a while to sort, but I got there in the end.
The thing I wanted to print out was one of my nearly 'so close, but so far' finished novels so that i could read it on paper and get back into it in my head before finishing it. It’s 52k words at the moment and I reckon it’ll probably only be about 5-10k or so to finish it.
Yesterday I put the A4 file with the 167 page, almost but not quite finished, effort in my bag, with the thought that I may get to read some whilst out.
In the end I didn’t get around to reading any of it, but it was weird how I bumped into two people in the same pub—half an hour apart—from my old writing group (the Poised Pen). I left the group years ago and it died a little while afterwards. Don’t think me leaving was the catalyst for its departure, so don’t blame me. I do think that it was a spooky coincidence seeing two of my old writing cohorts, in a place I regularly go to—but have never met either of them there before—whilst I’m about to revisit a serious writing endeavour. It’s October I guess so Spooky! is the way of things, ain’t it?
Next things. Read. Focus. And complete writing the fucker.
The thing I wanted to print out was one of my nearly 'so close, but so far' finished novels so that i could read it on paper and get back into it in my head before finishing it. It’s 52k words at the moment and I reckon it’ll probably only be about 5-10k or so to finish it.
Yesterday I put the A4 file with the 167 page, almost but not quite finished, effort in my bag, with the thought that I may get to read some whilst out.
In the end I didn’t get around to reading any of it, but it was weird how I bumped into two people in the same pub—half an hour apart—from my old writing group (the Poised Pen). I left the group years ago and it died a little while afterwards. Don’t think me leaving was the catalyst for its departure, so don’t blame me. I do think that it was a spooky coincidence seeing two of my old writing cohorts, in a place I regularly go to—but have never met either of them there before—whilst I’m about to revisit a serious writing endeavour. It’s October I guess so Spooky! is the way of things, ain’t it?
Next things. Read. Focus. And complete writing the fucker.
Comments
Far Too Many Binges
08/10/25 07:58 Filed in: TV
Bloody hell, I’ve been wasting too much time lately binge watching TV series. Some have been good. Some haven’t been. Some have been new, others old. Some multiple series long. Fook! They’ve been eating up far too much of what we all have limited quantities of: time.
Blue Lights was worth a binge to be fair. And just six episodes (this one series).
I could and—indeed—should have been reading, writing, or playing the guitar. I need to return back to my writing, both fiction and my blogging. Maybe even poems and songs. Even if they prove to be crap it’d be a better use of time than watching yet more TV. I really don’t need to binge watch one series and find myself binging on another one. It’s just a become a bad habit.
This was good but I binged all the seasons in a week or so. Crazy.
At least I can’t binge Slow Horses, as they are releasing one episode at a time over on Apple. How old fashioned. But seriously good to boot.
Let’s see if I can control myself in front of the telly box in the coming weeks. And replace that with some goodness.
Blue Lights was worth a binge to be fair. And just six episodes (this one series).
I could and—indeed—should have been reading, writing, or playing the guitar. I need to return back to my writing, both fiction and my blogging. Maybe even poems and songs. Even if they prove to be crap it’d be a better use of time than watching yet more TV. I really don’t need to binge watch one series and find myself binging on another one. It’s just a become a bad habit.
This was good but I binged all the seasons in a week or so. Crazy.
At least I can’t binge Slow Horses, as they are releasing one episode at a time over on Apple. How old fashioned. But seriously good to boot.
Let’s see if I can control myself in front of the telly box in the coming weeks. And replace that with some goodness.
Preston Again, Bristol Again
Went to see Bristol City play at Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday 27th September. The last time I went to see them was a match at the Reebok Stadium many years ago, which ended in some chaos at the train station—all a bit scary. Can’t really remember the match at all though.
I’ve been to a few games at Deepdale, including a Southport match in a local cup final game back in the days of the plastic pitch, and a Preston FA cup match v Manchester City in 2007—before they had Middle East cash. I had money on Nugent for the first goal which paid for my day out after just 8 minutes. But Preston eventually lost 1-3.
Watched the City game from the Sir Tom Finney’s Stand. I remember my dad getting me Sir Tom’s autograph on a scrap of paper way back. He’d been one of my dad’s footy heroes. No idea what happened to that scrap. Maybe it’s hidden away with the Hi-Di-Hi and Little & Large autographs.
No pic of the two too quickly demolished breakfasts, but they were bought here at the Shiraz.
No picture of the two too quickly drunken pints in the Old Vic either.
Second up the Winkley Alehouse.
Third up before getting to Deepdale was the always excellent Guild Ale House.
Arriving at Deepdale just before Kick-Off.
The view from up in the Bill Shankly Stand.
This time I was with my buddy, Sam, who’s a Brissol fan (not The Gas, the ones who play in red) and I was with the away fans in the Bill Shankly Stand. We both enjoy ale, so going to Preston (which is also on a direct route or two from Liverpool), is not a hardship. After a pre-day out Shiraz breakfast (no photo as we just got stuck in). We had three pints in Preston before the game calling in at the Old Vic by the station, then went to the Winkley Alehouse, before our final pre-match pint at the Guild Ale House. The latter is right next to the bus station and we soon hopped on a No.6 to Deepdale and got into the game as it was just kicking off. Brilliant.
The match was pretty good all the way through. Bristol City looked much the better side although both teams started the match on the same points. There was some good passing and moves, but there was no end product and no one looked effective or confident in front of the goal. Both keepers made saves and some shots bobbled just wide of the goal. It largely felt to all that it would be nil nil and it was.
The Bristol City fans sang all the way through the match and were in good form with old and new, and funny songs too. Unfortunately it all was to go wrong in the last five minutes when out of nowhere there were two or three awful songs from the middle of the crowd along the lines of Faragesque fandom, something about Keep Britain for the British, and another one about people in Dinghies. It was a truly awful last few minutes to what had been a genuinely good game.
An almost final touch was a free kick from Bristol City.
The Black Horse was packed ten minutes earlier.
The Black Horse.
There were Liverpool beers on in the Plug & Taps.
The Plug & Taps calls it as it is.
We couldn't really try and get a bus back so it was a walk back into town. We headed to the Black Horse for a couple. It was packed to begin with but emptied out by the time we left (when the rain came with a vengeance). It was only a short walk from there to the excellent Plug & Taps (just a couple of hundred metres or so away). It was pretty busy in here. They'd had a Liverpool beer tap take over for the last week or so. I'd just missed Sea of Dreams by a few minutes I was told, and I ended up with another Liverpool beer instead; an Intermission from Colbier brewery. Apparently all the Liverpool ales had gone down very well.
Then it was of to the station. Once again out train was good and on time. Excellent. All in all a very good day was had. Just a shame about the latter songs.
Incidentally, I got home to find I'd been delivered a leaflet from Reform. Grrr. It was like someone was rubbing it in. Bastards.
I’ve been to a few games at Deepdale, including a Southport match in a local cup final game back in the days of the plastic pitch, and a Preston FA cup match v Manchester City in 2007—before they had Middle East cash. I had money on Nugent for the first goal which paid for my day out after just 8 minutes. But Preston eventually lost 1-3.
Watched the City game from the Sir Tom Finney’s Stand. I remember my dad getting me Sir Tom’s autograph on a scrap of paper way back. He’d been one of my dad’s footy heroes. No idea what happened to that scrap. Maybe it’s hidden away with the Hi-Di-Hi and Little & Large autographs.
No pic of the two too quickly demolished breakfasts, but they were bought here at the Shiraz.
No picture of the two too quickly drunken pints in the Old Vic either.
Second up the Winkley Alehouse.
Third up before getting to Deepdale was the always excellent Guild Ale House.
Arriving at Deepdale just before Kick-Off.
The view from up in the Bill Shankly Stand.
This time I was with my buddy, Sam, who’s a Brissol fan (not The Gas, the ones who play in red) and I was with the away fans in the Bill Shankly Stand. We both enjoy ale, so going to Preston (which is also on a direct route or two from Liverpool), is not a hardship. After a pre-day out Shiraz breakfast (no photo as we just got stuck in). We had three pints in Preston before the game calling in at the Old Vic by the station, then went to the Winkley Alehouse, before our final pre-match pint at the Guild Ale House. The latter is right next to the bus station and we soon hopped on a No.6 to Deepdale and got into the game as it was just kicking off. Brilliant.
The match was pretty good all the way through. Bristol City looked much the better side although both teams started the match on the same points. There was some good passing and moves, but there was no end product and no one looked effective or confident in front of the goal. Both keepers made saves and some shots bobbled just wide of the goal. It largely felt to all that it would be nil nil and it was.
The Bristol City fans sang all the way through the match and were in good form with old and new, and funny songs too. Unfortunately it all was to go wrong in the last five minutes when out of nowhere there were two or three awful songs from the middle of the crowd along the lines of Faragesque fandom, something about Keep Britain for the British, and another one about people in Dinghies. It was a truly awful last few minutes to what had been a genuinely good game.
An almost final touch was a free kick from Bristol City.
The Black Horse was packed ten minutes earlier.
The Black Horse.
There were Liverpool beers on in the Plug & Taps.
The Plug & Taps calls it as it is.
We couldn't really try and get a bus back so it was a walk back into town. We headed to the Black Horse for a couple. It was packed to begin with but emptied out by the time we left (when the rain came with a vengeance). It was only a short walk from there to the excellent Plug & Taps (just a couple of hundred metres or so away). It was pretty busy in here. They'd had a Liverpool beer tap take over for the last week or so. I'd just missed Sea of Dreams by a few minutes I was told, and I ended up with another Liverpool beer instead; an Intermission from Colbier brewery. Apparently all the Liverpool ales had gone down very well.
Then it was of to the station. Once again out train was good and on time. Excellent. All in all a very good day was had. Just a shame about the latter songs.
Incidentally, I got home to find I'd been delivered a leaflet from Reform. Grrr. It was like someone was rubbing it in. Bastards.
Bishop's Castle 25
For a while we wondered if we’d get a camping trip in this year. We had a booking a few weeks ago but it turned out to be a weekend of storms across the country so we thought better of it. We pencilled in this weekend in its stead. The weather forecast was dry so we went for it. Really glad we did, it was a great few days.
We only had the one evening in Bishop’s Castle itself. Unfortunately the Three Tuns is closed at the moment. Not sure it that’s a temporary thing or not. The brewery is separate from the pub and is still going though. In the end we started in The Castle at the top of the village then made our way down via a short stop in The Vaults—which isn’t as good as it used to be—then we headed to the bottom of the village to the always reliable Six Bells.
We had a good evening out. The walk back to the tents was a different story completely, but suffice to say, that whilst we may not have returned as quickly as we should have, we all got back in one piece. And only one tree was harmed in the activity. I’ll say no more at this point, but maybe I’ll use some of the interesting evening as a basis to a story or two.
Next morning we got up—all pretty tired—and had a bacon butty to start the day of with. It was overcast and pretty grey; and surprisingly cold. We’d decided we go to Ludlow for the day (which we also did last time we camped here). The drive was straightforward and we were very lucky with a car park space opening up, in the overflowing car park, just as we arrived.
We headed into the town which we knew pretty well really. And Tony went straight to the Ludlow Pottery stall at the market to source a few porcelain mugs to replace the ones he’d lost with his pastime of coffee juggling. It was apparent that everyone who pays Council Tax in Ludlow gets a free dog or two. We were virtually the only people not walking through the place with our own portable trip hazard. It was like a dog festival in the centre. Rather too many small ones for my liking. The sun was coming out properly by now. A blue sky and warm too, very welcome after the nippy start to the morning.
By now it was pub time and we had a relaxing hour or so outside—in the courtyard—of the Rose & Crown (a Joules pub: cue a Slumbering Monk and a Pale). Kept my eye on my Football App to see the Man City score. They lost. Excellent. We went on to grab some sausages for Sunday’s breakfast and pulled pork baps for our lunch. We only just got the dregs of the pork, and there were many behind left disappointed; meanwhile they gave us a discount for not having the best of it. First the car park space, then the cheap port (and crackling), we were on a roll (not of the bap variety), maybe we should have bought a Lottery ticket at this point. Some ice-cream was called for by some of the group.
And that was about it really. We went back towards the car and ended up not popping into another pub (shocking behaviour). We decided to pop to Clun rather than straight to the campsite. The others headed to see the castle. I’d been there before and so opted to save my weary legs and go to the White Horse Inn for a pint and to read some. Nice pub, with plenty of Clun Brewery options too (I had a Solar and a Citadel). The others came back for one and then we pootled back the 5 or so miles to Foxholes.
Everyone was a little tired (some more so) and the call was made to stay in the campsite that evening rather than head down to the village. When it was discovered that the chippy was open (it had been closed the night before) the decision was set in stone and Jeanette drove down to pick up some (very) chip heavy dinners. It was the right call. The evening was relaxed and no more trees were harmed at this point of the weekend.
Drinking was quite minimal compared with our history here. There were no rum, brandy, or whisky bottles opened over the weekend. Just a few cans and bottles of beer; and gin for Jeanette (when she wasn’t driving of course). The evening across the campsite sounded lively on Saturday night, but not excessively so. We’re usually here at the start of July before the school holidays so we aren’t used to seeing children here. This time there were plenty of young kids about (all seemingly enjoying kite flying) and there were loads of camper vans. I really quite fancy having one; if I ever get a decent windfall I’d defo consider getting one. It would seem very freeing.
Sunday began with a sausage and bacon bap, showers, and taking down our tents. It was much sunnier and warmer than the start of the day on Saturday. There was some debate about where to go to before going home and we opted for having a few hours in Bridgnorth. Three of us had been there before but the memories of the place varied between ‘pretty good’ to ‘have I!?’. Last time we camped at Foxholes we went to Ironbridge on the Sunday and Bridgnorth is really just the next town down the river (the Severn). It was warm and sunny and the town looked lovely. Thankfully it wasn’t as hot as it had been when we’d been at Ironbridge; but hey, sunshine, calm, and dry is always a bonus when you’re out and about. And a breeze in a beer garden or AC inside the pub is a damn fine bonus. The others opted for a walk around the upper town up the steep roads, whilst I opted for sitting out the steep climb to relax in the Black Boy Inn. I ended up with a pint of Hobson’s ‘Town Crier’ and an ‘Enville Ale’ before they returned from their steep stroll.
Lastly we had a drink and some chips in the Boatyard. Nice to sit out again and eat something. A shame they had no real ale on, but beggars can't be choosers. Then it was the trip back to Liverpool—it's only two hours away. The journey back went smoothly. It was good to get back but it had been a really good trip though. Other than the slight tree issue the only other issue had been two broken air beds which headed to the Purple Bin on my return. Must get another one for myself before camping again next year. Assuming I do. Fingers crossed I do.
We only had the one evening in Bishop’s Castle itself. Unfortunately the Three Tuns is closed at the moment. Not sure it that’s a temporary thing or not. The brewery is separate from the pub and is still going though. In the end we started in The Castle at the top of the village then made our way down via a short stop in The Vaults—which isn’t as good as it used to be—then we headed to the bottom of the village to the always reliable Six Bells.
We had a good evening out. The walk back to the tents was a different story completely, but suffice to say, that whilst we may not have returned as quickly as we should have, we all got back in one piece. And only one tree was harmed in the activity. I’ll say no more at this point, but maybe I’ll use some of the interesting evening as a basis to a story or two.
Next morning we got up—all pretty tired—and had a bacon butty to start the day of with. It was overcast and pretty grey; and surprisingly cold. We’d decided we go to Ludlow for the day (which we also did last time we camped here). The drive was straightforward and we were very lucky with a car park space opening up, in the overflowing car park, just as we arrived.
We headed into the town which we knew pretty well really. And Tony went straight to the Ludlow Pottery stall at the market to source a few porcelain mugs to replace the ones he’d lost with his pastime of coffee juggling. It was apparent that everyone who pays Council Tax in Ludlow gets a free dog or two. We were virtually the only people not walking through the place with our own portable trip hazard. It was like a dog festival in the centre. Rather too many small ones for my liking. The sun was coming out properly by now. A blue sky and warm too, very welcome after the nippy start to the morning.
By now it was pub time and we had a relaxing hour or so outside—in the courtyard—of the Rose & Crown (a Joules pub: cue a Slumbering Monk and a Pale). Kept my eye on my Football App to see the Man City score. They lost. Excellent. We went on to grab some sausages for Sunday’s breakfast and pulled pork baps for our lunch. We only just got the dregs of the pork, and there were many behind left disappointed; meanwhile they gave us a discount for not having the best of it. First the car park space, then the cheap port (and crackling), we were on a roll (not of the bap variety), maybe we should have bought a Lottery ticket at this point. Some ice-cream was called for by some of the group.
And that was about it really. We went back towards the car and ended up not popping into another pub (shocking behaviour). We decided to pop to Clun rather than straight to the campsite. The others headed to see the castle. I’d been there before and so opted to save my weary legs and go to the White Horse Inn for a pint and to read some. Nice pub, with plenty of Clun Brewery options too (I had a Solar and a Citadel). The others came back for one and then we pootled back the 5 or so miles to Foxholes.
Everyone was a little tired (some more so) and the call was made to stay in the campsite that evening rather than head down to the village. When it was discovered that the chippy was open (it had been closed the night before) the decision was set in stone and Jeanette drove down to pick up some (very) chip heavy dinners. It was the right call. The evening was relaxed and no more trees were harmed at this point of the weekend.
Drinking was quite minimal compared with our history here. There were no rum, brandy, or whisky bottles opened over the weekend. Just a few cans and bottles of beer; and gin for Jeanette (when she wasn’t driving of course). The evening across the campsite sounded lively on Saturday night, but not excessively so. We’re usually here at the start of July before the school holidays so we aren’t used to seeing children here. This time there were plenty of young kids about (all seemingly enjoying kite flying) and there were loads of camper vans. I really quite fancy having one; if I ever get a decent windfall I’d defo consider getting one. It would seem very freeing.
Sunday began with a sausage and bacon bap, showers, and taking down our tents. It was much sunnier and warmer than the start of the day on Saturday. There was some debate about where to go to before going home and we opted for having a few hours in Bridgnorth. Three of us had been there before but the memories of the place varied between ‘pretty good’ to ‘have I!?’. Last time we camped at Foxholes we went to Ironbridge on the Sunday and Bridgnorth is really just the next town down the river (the Severn). It was warm and sunny and the town looked lovely. Thankfully it wasn’t as hot as it had been when we’d been at Ironbridge; but hey, sunshine, calm, and dry is always a bonus when you’re out and about. And a breeze in a beer garden or AC inside the pub is a damn fine bonus. The others opted for a walk around the upper town up the steep roads, whilst I opted for sitting out the steep climb to relax in the Black Boy Inn. I ended up with a pint of Hobson’s ‘Town Crier’ and an ‘Enville Ale’ before they returned from their steep stroll.
Lastly we had a drink and some chips in the Boatyard. Nice to sit out again and eat something. A shame they had no real ale on, but beggars can't be choosers. Then it was the trip back to Liverpool—it's only two hours away. The journey back went smoothly. It was good to get back but it had been a really good trip though. Other than the slight tree issue the only other issue had been two broken air beds which headed to the Purple Bin on my return. Must get another one for myself before camping again next year. Assuming I do. Fingers crossed I do.
It's Mini Time
Been umming and ahhing about moving over to an Apple Mac Mini for a while. I’d decided I didn’t need a simple replacement of the MacBook Pro—I can use the iPad when I’m out and about after all, and I didn’t want the expense of an iMac. The M4 Mini has been getting boss reviews everywhere and I had no doubt this was the way to go. Having my current laptop only work using an external screen has been okay. But there has been that worry about what happens if it stops working; it may be difficult telling what was wrong if there were ever any issues ie if the computer has stopped working or if it’s a software or hardware issue etc.
The ole MacBook Pro (with its useless screen)
Over this Prime Day period (which is misnamed innit?) the price of the Mac Mini was significantly reduced—as were many of the worthwhile peripherals. And so I’ve bitten that bullet and gone for it now (I knew I was going to get it at some point, so it made sense to pay less for it when I could).
Of course, it is never simple is it? I got the M4 Mini in good time, but it hasn’t been as straightforward ‘Migrating’ over from my old mac to this as it would normally be for several reasons. The main pain was I only had one screen for the two macs so I had to keep taking the HDMI cable from one output to put in the other as I went through the question and answer process to confirm everything. A little painful. Secondly it wouldn’t recognise the wee mouse I had. Ultimately after much messing around I had to just use the keyboard and put it in ‘Accessibility Mode’. Jeez, that isn’t necessarily as simple as you’d think it would be (it’s not a case of just using the navigation arrows). Between dealing with the HDMI and then messing about in Inaccessible Mode it was quite painful.
Thirdly the GigaBytes taken up in my Pro were more than available in the M4 so I couldn’t simply copy everything over. Yup.
I’d bought a hub device with an SSD enclosure. But I couldn’t format the drive until the computer was working. Have sorted that now, there’s plenty more room to put all my Apps on to it.
The New Mac Mini M4
Of course now I need to see what Apps I need to download on to it, and get those downloaded. I probably don’t need that many to be fair. The main ones that spring to mind are: Scrivener, Rapidweaver, DropBox, a drawing app or two, and possibly MacFamilyTree (not that I’ve been using the latter).
That though is not as simple as it should be. In that last week I cancelled SKY TV which stops at the end of the month, but the Broadband stops on Monday! So I need to ID all the software apps I need to download, then do that before Monday. Only six or so Apps simple, right? Well it would be if it turns out I know what all my Usernames and Passwords are etc. It may well be a stressful day on Sunday; the internet version of the ‘Race Around the World’. Wish me luck.
That said the M4 mini looks amazing. Can’t wait to use it when it is fully loaded and I have my new Broadband working in a a few weeks.
The ole MacBook Pro (with its useless screen)
Over this Prime Day period (which is misnamed innit?) the price of the Mac Mini was significantly reduced—as were many of the worthwhile peripherals. And so I’ve bitten that bullet and gone for it now (I knew I was going to get it at some point, so it made sense to pay less for it when I could).
Of course, it is never simple is it? I got the M4 Mini in good time, but it hasn’t been as straightforward ‘Migrating’ over from my old mac to this as it would normally be for several reasons. The main pain was I only had one screen for the two macs so I had to keep taking the HDMI cable from one output to put in the other as I went through the question and answer process to confirm everything. A little painful. Secondly it wouldn’t recognise the wee mouse I had. Ultimately after much messing around I had to just use the keyboard and put it in ‘Accessibility Mode’. Jeez, that isn’t necessarily as simple as you’d think it would be (it’s not a case of just using the navigation arrows). Between dealing with the HDMI and then messing about in Inaccessible Mode it was quite painful.
Thirdly the GigaBytes taken up in my Pro were more than available in the M4 so I couldn’t simply copy everything over. Yup.
I’d bought a hub device with an SSD enclosure. But I couldn’t format the drive until the computer was working. Have sorted that now, there’s plenty more room to put all my Apps on to it.
The New Mac Mini M4
Of course now I need to see what Apps I need to download on to it, and get those downloaded. I probably don’t need that many to be fair. The main ones that spring to mind are: Scrivener, Rapidweaver, DropBox, a drawing app or two, and possibly MacFamilyTree (not that I’ve been using the latter).
That though is not as simple as it should be. In that last week I cancelled SKY TV which stops at the end of the month, but the Broadband stops on Monday! So I need to ID all the software apps I need to download, then do that before Monday. Only six or so Apps simple, right? Well it would be if it turns out I know what all my Usernames and Passwords are etc. It may well be a stressful day on Sunday; the internet version of the ‘Race Around the World’. Wish me luck.
That said the M4 mini looks amazing. Can’t wait to use it when it is fully loaded and I have my new Broadband working in a a few weeks.
DocksFest 2
For the second consecutive year I journeyed over the country to the east coast to go to DocksFest in Sunny Cleethorpes. Last year had my faves, Frank Turner and Lottery Winners on. There was Feeder and Razorlight too. The latter were the headliners but I got of as they were starting as my legs were a little worse for wear. I don’t know how many peoples walls I sat on as I made my way back to where I was staying ,but it was quite a few. This time I took a chair (a really nice one which compresses down to fit in my wee rucksack) and I definitely didn’t want to miss any of the headliner—as this year it was the Charlatans.
I ended up contacting the organisers due to restricted mobility and, largely, not wanting to stand for too long. They confirmed it was okay to bring a chair, and there wouldn’t be any chairs provided. In the end the information that no-one could bring chairs in general turned out not to be true, there were loads sitting back from the stage in chairs they’d bought. Meanwhile in the ‘Accessible Area’ where there were apparently to be no chairs provided it was replete with decent chairs. So I needn’t have brought—or bought—mine. My chair though is pretty damn good and I'm sure it will get used. Wonder whether I’ll get it out on a camping trip this year?
Anyhoo, all was mighty fine and I ended up seated through most of the festival from Corella (around 4pm) through to the end (10:30ish)—and that meant the walk back to my hotel was a lot easier than last year (and I saw all the headliner's act). The hotel was a lot nearer to the DocksFest site (the Meridian Showground) than last year’s place too, which no doubt also helped.
Corella
Maximo Park
Ash
I missed the first couple of acts as I didn’t think an eleven hour day in the same place would be ideal for me. Of course the beer was excellent from the organiser Docks Brewery. And I ended up sticking largely with Clap Clap Fish after a Hard Graft. Must say I really liked the ‘Hard Graft’ T-shirt in the style of a Grand Theft Auto comic, wouldn’t have minded getting one if I was in merchandise mode.
The Charlatans
The Charlatans
Corella got me into festival mode easily enough and they were followed hot on the heals by Maximo Park (who I last saw in 2005 at the time of A Certain Trigger). They were excellent. Originally I thought that they should have been second on the list behind the headliner. That said, I thought Ash were bloody excellent when they came on from start to finish. So it was a good call actually to put them second on the poster. Of course the Charlatans were the main band and I loved ‘em. I headed up towards the stage for some of their songs; other than when I went for a beer or a toilet visit it was the only time I left the seat in the ‘Accessible Area.’ I chatted with a few people there and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
It seemed a little less busy than last year. But last year I was stood at the front so it wasn’t going to feel the same to me anyway: not exactly comparing like with like. The line up at this year’s festival, and last, deserves to be sold out and enjoyed by all. Good beer, decent venue, and a top line up—at a good price. Oh and there was no rain at all on Saturday—Result!! What’s not to like!?
On Friday I made it to Docks Beer, in Grimsby, and on Sunday I went to a few pubs in Cleethorpes. Assuming it’s on again next year I expect there’s a good chance I’ll get down (well, over) there again.
I ended up contacting the organisers due to restricted mobility and, largely, not wanting to stand for too long. They confirmed it was okay to bring a chair, and there wouldn’t be any chairs provided. In the end the information that no-one could bring chairs in general turned out not to be true, there were loads sitting back from the stage in chairs they’d bought. Meanwhile in the ‘Accessible Area’ where there were apparently to be no chairs provided it was replete with decent chairs. So I needn’t have brought—or bought—mine. My chair though is pretty damn good and I'm sure it will get used. Wonder whether I’ll get it out on a camping trip this year?
Anyhoo, all was mighty fine and I ended up seated through most of the festival from Corella (around 4pm) through to the end (10:30ish)—and that meant the walk back to my hotel was a lot easier than last year (and I saw all the headliner's act). The hotel was a lot nearer to the DocksFest site (the Meridian Showground) than last year’s place too, which no doubt also helped.
Corella
Maximo Park
Ash
I missed the first couple of acts as I didn’t think an eleven hour day in the same place would be ideal for me. Of course the beer was excellent from the organiser Docks Brewery. And I ended up sticking largely with Clap Clap Fish after a Hard Graft. Must say I really liked the ‘Hard Graft’ T-shirt in the style of a Grand Theft Auto comic, wouldn’t have minded getting one if I was in merchandise mode.
The Charlatans
The Charlatans
Corella got me into festival mode easily enough and they were followed hot on the heals by Maximo Park (who I last saw in 2005 at the time of A Certain Trigger). They were excellent. Originally I thought that they should have been second on the list behind the headliner. That said, I thought Ash were bloody excellent when they came on from start to finish. So it was a good call actually to put them second on the poster. Of course the Charlatans were the main band and I loved ‘em. I headed up towards the stage for some of their songs; other than when I went for a beer or a toilet visit it was the only time I left the seat in the ‘Accessible Area.’ I chatted with a few people there and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
It seemed a little less busy than last year. But last year I was stood at the front so it wasn’t going to feel the same to me anyway: not exactly comparing like with like. The line up at this year’s festival, and last, deserves to be sold out and enjoyed by all. Good beer, decent venue, and a top line up—at a good price. Oh and there was no rain at all on Saturday—Result!! What’s not to like!?
On Friday I made it to Docks Beer, in Grimsby, and on Sunday I went to a few pubs in Cleethorpes. Assuming it’s on again next year I expect there’s a good chance I’ll get down (well, over) there again.
Goodbye Sky
02/07/25 08:17 Filed in: TV
Been with Sky for over twenty years. Twenty!! Finally I have decided to leave. I’d made that decision several times before, but ended up staying each time after they persuaded me with a massive drop in prices. This time I thought it was unlikely they’d be able to persuade me —unless they offered me something ridiculously out of this world.
In the end they of course offered to drop the costs (by about a third). But the prices have been so elevated lately it still seemed too much (based on bundle prices I’ve seen for other companies, like Virgin—oh and what Sky do for new customers). In any case I’ve lost my faith in them: anyone who can drop the price by a half or a third each time you tell them you’re 'minded to leave' shouldn’t be supported so much. It’s like they say ‘We see you’ve been loyally with us for a long time, so we can now offer you a discount.’ As we’ve been royally screwing you for the last few years (and were happy to continue doing that—until you rang up today).
Of course to complicate matters the TV service cancellation is a 31 day notice, whilst the Broadband will be cancelled after 14 days. Just to make it messier, hey?
They first told me I'd have to send the boxes (Sky TV box and Broadband Router) within a finite time (they'd send me the boxes for that). Then after looking at the age of them they changed their mind and said I could 'keep them'—which I guess means put in the bin.
Haven’t lined up my replacement services yet. I’ll sort that out next week. There's only Sky Atlantic I'll miss. But not that much to be fair.
In the end they of course offered to drop the costs (by about a third). But the prices have been so elevated lately it still seemed too much (based on bundle prices I’ve seen for other companies, like Virgin—oh and what Sky do for new customers). In any case I’ve lost my faith in them: anyone who can drop the price by a half or a third each time you tell them you’re 'minded to leave' shouldn’t be supported so much. It’s like they say ‘We see you’ve been loyally with us for a long time, so we can now offer you a discount.’ As we’ve been royally screwing you for the last few years (and were happy to continue doing that—until you rang up today).
Of course to complicate matters the TV service cancellation is a 31 day notice, whilst the Broadband will be cancelled after 14 days. Just to make it messier, hey?
They first told me I'd have to send the boxes (Sky TV box and Broadband Router) within a finite time (they'd send me the boxes for that). Then after looking at the age of them they changed their mind and said I could 'keep them'—which I guess means put in the bin.
Haven’t lined up my replacement services yet. I’ll sort that out next week. There's only Sky Atlantic I'll miss. But not that much to be fair.
Access All (Some) Areas
Obviously with the MS I have some issues. These include ones that can make going to a standing gig bordering somewhere north of impossible. I heard about Access Cards for people who have disabilities of one type or another a while ago. It is a paid for card (£15) which lasts for 3 years.
I didn’t have any gigs coming up over the last couple of months so I hadn’t applied for it (it IS paid for, so there is no point in paying for it until you are going to use it).
Hopefully it will help me get access to some seated areas (the one place I never wanted to be at a gig, back in the day) and get disabled toilet access. We’ll see. It may be a case of just ‘better having it than not’ and acting as a comfort blanket when I attempt to go for any gig tickets. Of course whether the card is any good it may depend on the gigs and places I want to go to—it’s no good having access to something that doesn’t exist. Not all places have seated areas and/or disabled toilets. And those that do may have limited spaces; so additional communication with venues before gigs may be required to ascertain actual options.
We shall see. Better to have it than not I suspect.
Anyways there are likely better options for me out there than when I didn’t have the card, or at least I’ll know where I stand (or hopefully don’t stand!) with it. Upcoming gigs I’d like to go to included my fave, Chuck Prophet (at the Arts Club Loft), and Amy MacDonald (at the Baltic Jacaranda). According to their website the latter is standing only; but they may be able to provide chairs. As it happens Amy’s gig has sold out now anyways. But it has me checking out options and realities now each time I see a potential gig.
Should you be interested in the Access Card check it out at:
www.accesscard.online
I didn’t have any gigs coming up over the last couple of months so I hadn’t applied for it (it IS paid for, so there is no point in paying for it until you are going to use it).
Hopefully it will help me get access to some seated areas (the one place I never wanted to be at a gig, back in the day) and get disabled toilet access. We’ll see. It may be a case of just ‘better having it than not’ and acting as a comfort blanket when I attempt to go for any gig tickets. Of course whether the card is any good it may depend on the gigs and places I want to go to—it’s no good having access to something that doesn’t exist. Not all places have seated areas and/or disabled toilets. And those that do may have limited spaces; so additional communication with venues before gigs may be required to ascertain actual options.
We shall see. Better to have it than not I suspect.
Anyways there are likely better options for me out there than when I didn’t have the card, or at least I’ll know where I stand (or hopefully don’t stand!) with it. Upcoming gigs I’d like to go to included my fave, Chuck Prophet (at the Arts Club Loft), and Amy MacDonald (at the Baltic Jacaranda). According to their website the latter is standing only; but they may be able to provide chairs. As it happens Amy’s gig has sold out now anyways. But it has me checking out options and realities now each time I see a potential gig.
Should you be interested in the Access Card check it out at:
www.accesscard.online
Hopefully a Farewell to Procrastination
I’ve had two part written books which have stalled from severe bouts of procrastination: 'Fergie Time' and 'The Wobbly Odyssey.' I am now in need to finish one—or both—of these. They are both 80% or so complete (as far as first drafts go that probably means many miles from finished).
The 'Wobbly Odyssey: To Hull And Back' is currently 78,400 words from an initial target of 80k. In fact I reckon there will be a further 15k or so words to complete it. We’ll see.
The story is a comedic tale of three guys on an epic pub crawl taking in cities between Liverpool and Hull. So with me heading to Cleethorpes in four weeks maybe that would be a fitting way to fit in my writing (it’s not that far from Hull as the crow flies; but surprisingly distant by public transport). Can I complete the first draft by the time I go to DocksFest? I could even reward myself with an ale trip to Hull to celebrate. Well, er, maybe not in reality.
If it does prove to be ‘only’ 15k words to finish, well with 27 days to go right now then it’s only 600 words a day.
Let’s see. Watch this space.
The 'Wobbly Odyssey: To Hull And Back' is currently 78,400 words from an initial target of 80k. In fact I reckon there will be a further 15k or so words to complete it. We’ll see.
The story is a comedic tale of three guys on an epic pub crawl taking in cities between Liverpool and Hull. So with me heading to Cleethorpes in four weeks maybe that would be a fitting way to fit in my writing (it’s not that far from Hull as the crow flies; but surprisingly distant by public transport). Can I complete the first draft by the time I go to DocksFest? I could even reward myself with an ale trip to Hull to celebrate. Well, er, maybe not in reality.
If it does prove to be ‘only’ 15k words to finish, well with 27 days to go right now then it’s only 600 words a day.
Let’s see. Watch this space.
Docksfest2
In four weeks time I’ll be heading to my second DocksFest, which is held at the Meridian Ground in Cleethorpes. Last year two of my very favourite acts were playing: Lottery Winners and Frank Turner.. This time I bought the tickets before they even announced who was playing. It has proved to be a few class oldies who I’ve also seen before: Ash, Maximo Park and the Charlatans. And a few bands I’ve not heard of but for a quick blast on Spotify. Should be good again.
Last year I stayed in an Air B&B some distance away (I think between Cleethorpes and Grimsby. It was a bit of a struggle walking back to the place after a long day. I actually set off whilst the headline act (Razorlight) was playing (I’d seen my fave two anyway). It took me a few breaks sitting on walls an all. This time should be better, I’ve got myself a portable chair, which fits in my rucksack, for the day itself. Also I’ve managed to get a hotel for a decent price very close to the venue. Great result.
I’ll no doubt do what I did last time and spend some of Friday at the Docks Brewery in Grimsby, whilst enjoying their beers I can watch the inevitable last minute chaos unfold there. Then Saturday is gig day. Sunday will be a relaxing ‘The Day After’ in Cleethorpes.
The return train is only costing twenty odd quid, which is a result. But they are for specific trains, so—note to self—I need to plan carefully.
Bring it on!
Last year I stayed in an Air B&B some distance away (I think between Cleethorpes and Grimsby. It was a bit of a struggle walking back to the place after a long day. I actually set off whilst the headline act (Razorlight) was playing (I’d seen my fave two anyway). It took me a few breaks sitting on walls an all. This time should be better, I’ve got myself a portable chair, which fits in my rucksack, for the day itself. Also I’ve managed to get a hotel for a decent price very close to the venue. Great result.
I’ll no doubt do what I did last time and spend some of Friday at the Docks Brewery in Grimsby, whilst enjoying their beers I can watch the inevitable last minute chaos unfold there. Then Saturday is gig day. Sunday will be a relaxing ‘The Day After’ in Cleethorpes.
The return train is only costing twenty odd quid, which is a result. But they are for specific trains, so—note to self—I need to plan carefully.
Bring it on!