BLACKPOOL

 THE VELVET COASTER - Mileage Variable

Diners :- VIC, Anthony, John W, John R, 

                Jim C,  Danny, Paddy, Martin. 

The plan for today was to take a shorter walk and meet at the Wetherspoons VELVET COASTER pub on Blackpool's South Shore. GOING TO A PUB  ?? Yes.  Not our usual practise but today we were to celebrate

Vic's 80th Birthday

For various reasons we did not all meet at the same place. I can only record what Joh W and Martin did. The main group were to meet at Stanley Park and walk to the pub from there.

A rather appropriate message on the side of a van

We parked up quite close to the "Solaris Centre" and set off to follow the promenade northwards up to the "South Pier".

The word "Iconic" is  overused but I think is merited by the structure in front of us as we walked north.

As we ambled along the prom. We began to see police cars and officers scattered at every corner and in groups at various points. some had dogs and others were carrying hooked implements ( lifting Grids ?) WHATS GOING ON Others were walking in pairs along the prom and down the side streets. 

As well as police officers there were construction workers erecting barriers around this Hotel.

We asked one of the officers what it was all about.  "Conservative Party Conference" he told us. He also asked us not to take identifiable photos of the officers. Hence the long distance shots.

These two officers gave us permission to take a photo.

They were climbing the rides (Big One ?) to check for any suspicious activity.

We later discovered that some of the officers were from Burnley whilst one young lady said she had been sent down with fellow officers  from Glasgow.

Much to our surprise Martin and I were the first to arrive at the Velvet Coaster so we sat outside to await the others. Soon after Jim C arrived and not much later John R.

With the pandemic still an issue several of our elderly gentlemen were wary of dining in a Wetherspoons as they are usually very busy. On checking inside, however, we found this one to be very quiet with lots of space to spread out.

At this point, a BIG THANK YOU to Vic who generously paid for all our meals.

THANK YOU !

However I must report that when he came to the table with drinks for every one his service style was unexpected .........  Every Meanderthal got a share as well as the table and the floor............... Ooops !        All drinks were replaced.

After an excellent meal, in a warm and comfortable spot, it was time to return to our various starting points and go home.

Outside the pub, photos were taken and farewells exchanged before we split up to go our various ways.

It would have been unforgiveable to visit Blackpool without getting sand between our toes (metaphorically speaking)

A  drift of sand on the pavement gave us the opportunity to cheatingly do so.

As we walked back to the cars another "Poster" caught our attention.

Absolute agreement !

and so to home after an excellent lunchtime gathering 

That's all (from me)

JW