Southport

Not an everyday sight outside our house!

Minion Tom!

We had a nice busy weekend this weekend.  Saturday Matt headed off to Malham for a translators walk, whilst Tom and I stayed in Ingleton as it was the Ingleton Gala which is always worth hanging around for.  Tom had the opportunity to be on the Craven Wanderers float but with his broken arm and the number of children due to be on the float, it wasn't going to work.  He didn't complain and helped me guard the car park during the procession instead.  When the Craven Wanderers float came past, he was spotted and lots of sweets got sent his way (It was the Craven Wanderers coach's son's jaw that broke Tom's arm - so there was guilt involved, even though it was a freak accident!)

We watched the parade and then followed them into the field.  We then hung around for a good hour or two, watching the entertainment, eating lunch and playing games.  Tom won some Minion glasses which he was overjoyed with.

Lancashire Hot Pots in Full Flow

We then came home and got ourselves ready to head to Southport where we were meeting up with Debbie, Adam and Luke ready to watch the Lancashire Hot Pots.  We had a ball.  It was fab to see Adam again (we had seen Debbie and Luke recently but not Adam).  We checked into The Bold Hotel which was a recently renovated Art Deco building and very very cool.  It had the tallest bed we have ever seen and a spa bath - happy days.  We got changed and then met up with Debbie, Adam and Luke - we all got on immediately.  We headed down for tea at the local Wetherspoons which was ok for Wetherspoons, although I made a huge mistake in buying 2 different half pints of cider as they were having a cider festival - they were both revolting!  I should know better, if you are in a Wetherspoons, expect Wetherspoons quality!  We only just made the theatre in time to see the entrance of the Hot Pots.  They were all dressed up in 80s garb as their latest album is 'Nowt like the 80s'.

Getting his cast signed

The show was brilliant as always, if they weren't musicians they would be stand up comedians as their rapport with the audience is fantastic - lots of jokes, lots of banter and therefore lots of giggles for us.  They managed to keep the show 'clean' with there being children in the audience, but there was plenty of innuendo to keep us all happy and to embarrass the kids when they are old enough to understand.  We were able to drink in the theatre, and the bottled cider, although Welsh, was ok, so I got stuck in and really enjoyed myself.  There was dancing in the aisles, a conga around the seats, Adam was their 'John' for the evening - calling out and joining in with the banter.  Everyone tried to point me out as the token 'southerner' in the audience, but luckily they weren't looking our way when trying to find someone.  Poor Tom was desperately tired, but managed to keep going and enjoy himself.

Thumbs up

After the show, as is traditional, the band came to the bar for a chat with their fans.  Tom was desperate to get his cast signed by them, and they were all very happy to do so.  Billy the bass guitarist even gave him his plectrum which Tom was overjoyed about.  Tom was completely made up.  Debbie and Adam had a good chat with the band too and we took loads of photos.  It really was a fantastic night, we didn't get to bed until about midnight!

A row of friends

 Can't say we had the best night's sleep - but that was all of our own making.  I could still feel the cider in my system for most of the morning.  We got up, had another bath and then met up with the others and headed to Wetherspoons again for breakfast - which was ok.  We then went to catch some pokemon with the new Pokemon Go game - Luke is a gaming nerd, and this is the new 'thing' in the gaming world.  Tom was happy to tag along so we did so too.

We then said our goodbyes and headed over to the pub where we were going to meet up with Bob.  We were half an hour early so decided to walk to the end of the jetty and back. They no longer have the electric tram on it (it was too heavy for the structure) but have a 'petit train' instead which was enough to keep Tom's interest.  It was pretty windy which was actually just what we needed to blow the cobwebs out and generate an appetite ready for lunch at 12.

We bumped into Bob just outside the pub and found ourselves a table.  The food isn't of the best quality here, I went for the carvery and was pleasantly surprised - think Matt was a little jealous - as his was nondescript!

Bob was in good humour as always.  He was a little thinner, a little gruffer and a little deafer, but other than that was great, we had plenty to talk about.  After lunch he took us for a walk around the lake and gardens.

Great Great Uncle Bob

I started off walking slowly, but he keep overtaking me.  He might be skinny and old, but he is a fast walker - he impressed us both.  He thought the idea of me running was hilarious and tried to get me to show him how I was doing, but not a chance!  He also commissioned a tea cosy from me - hum what should I make him - I'm thinking something beachy...

Anyway a good day was had by all, but we were all shattered!  We headed home and managed to find a way back which didn't take us through Preston (we ended up going through Preston on the way over - the place gives me the heebie jeebies and also it takes FOR EVER to get through!)  Tom slept pretty much the whole way home.

A good weekend.