BLACKPOOL

WINTER GARDENS
A supplementary Report ....

In the teeth of an icy blast coming off the Irish Sea, filled with hail and sleet,  a brave quintet of Meanderthals set off along the promenade. (Mick, Vic, Dave, Anthony, Danny.)

Don't believe the blue sky it did not last !.............

………. but this is a tale to be told by someone else.

…………...…………………………………………………….

A little later in the morning two other Meanderthals ( Martin and John) arrived close to the Central Pier where they waited as the main party walked north towards them.

Their first target was the Wetherspoons named after Marriot Edgar's famous Monologue "Albert and the Lion" (performed by Stanley Holloway)

……...There's a famous seaside place called Blackpool

            That's noted for fresh air and fun...... 

Fresh air aplenty ....but FUN ?

After a hearty Breakfast....Eh ? we left Wetherspoons and made our way through the "Houndshill Centre" to our eventual target.

THE WINTER GARDENS

After a period of refurbishment this huge entertainment venue was,  for one day only, opening it's doors to the public for FREE.

The following photos show various parts of this "Over the Top" themed rooms and halls.

Inside we met another Meanderthal and his wife.( Mike and Kath)

"Who dragged him in off the street?"

And , for one night only, the fabulous "Meanderthals" appeared on the stage of the famous OPERA HOUSE !

The packed house was wildly enthusiastic about their performance.

But, after a fascinating and enjoyable afternoon, we said goodbye to Blackpool.

"GOODBYE BLACKPOOL"

Caption Pic 22nd Feb

No walk this week because of the weather.......so......click on this link and have a laugh......!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=wZ_9KTAg1Yo

"Look, mummy! No hands!
At his age yer definitely on the "Slippery Slope".
"Don't think he's spotted the waterfilled paddling pool at the bottom yet." 
"Oooh yes! Mummy's watching! What a clever boy!"
"Right, now get off and let the  kids have a go!"
"Eddie the Eagle ? "  no....  "Vic the Vulture ! " .

Caption Pic 15th Feb 2020

"I can see his left elbow very clearly!. 
Could be Coronavirus.... I shall inspect him from a distance.
"Well, what do you think? Pirates or illegal immigrants?"
"Could be Captain Birdseye wanting to join us!"
"Hmm...Three Men....Nine legs ?...… Call the coast guard . They're illegal immigrants from the Isle of Man."

"And a cat! Is there a tale here?"
"Bet they're tryin' to avoid post Brexit import duty on Kippers".

Bolton. The Samuel Crompton Trail. 6.75 miles Walkers Anthony Mike Danny Jim and Vic

Todays walk started from Astley Bridge. We came on the Belmont Rd, at the end of which we crossed over the A666 and parked in a short cul-de-sac. Once kitted up, we made our way through the housing estate ahead and came out on the A58.

We turned left on the A58 and after about 100 yds turned left again along a cobbled lane that led down into the valley.

At the bottom of the hill we crossed a bridge over Eagley Brook and turned right along a footpath alongside the river. At the end of the short path seen here, we turned left following the main path, which climbed up out of the valley. 

The path is in a neglected condition today, but there were signs of  it having been a proper road / footpath in earlier times.

As we climbed higher, the old path was in better repair.

At the end of the path, at the top of the hill, of a sudden, as if appearing from nowhere, (or was I not paying attention) came this magnificent Elizabethan Mansion. (Hall i;th Wood). The house where Samuel Crompton invented his Spinning Mule in 1779. An invention that revolutionised the cotton industry.

The house is now a museum.

Heading down the road away from the house, we turn right in front of the modern properties ahead.

An interesting display in one of the gardens.

At the bottom of the hill is a park, but the slide is to wet for us to play on.

With plenty of things for us to perch on, we settle down for our morning brew.

Much refreshed, we set off again, out of the park onto the main road. Crossing over we pass in front of the fire station and behind a private hospital, onto another old cobbled path.

After passing under this railway bridge, we carry on to the end of the road. We cross over the road and continue straight ahead.

The road gives way to a footpath, which leads down into the valley and turned right along the banks of Bradshaw Brook but not before passing through the lovely hamlet of Firwood Fold where Samuel Crompton was born.

Where we tarry a while.

This is the old school house, now private residences.

One of a few very informative signposts that we came across. We passed through an industrial area and then followed the brook for a short while before making our way into town for some dinner.

We dined at the very aptly named (for us ) The Spinning Mule.
Here we are leaving, we have quite a walk along main roads, before arriving back at the car for our journey home.
Thanks Anthony for a very interesting walk.

APPLICATION REJECTED !

SORRY BUT NO !

Over the last fifteen years the "Meanderthals" have increased from two or three friends going walking together to a group of fifteen gentlemen eight to ten of whom regularly turn out each Thursday . There have been  instances when we have had to say  "Sorry, but no." to someone wishing to join us :-

Applicants.

Humphrey Dumpster. A jovial fellow with a penchant for scaling walls. As we frequently encounter dry-stone walls on our walks we did not wish to be responsible for the results of any "Great Falls".

 Application rejected

Jack Hills . A previous tumble had left Jack with serious cranial damage which had not been properly treated and a strong personal odour (vinegar) did not endear him to the members,

 Application rejected

William  Winkey. This diminutive chap turned up in his Jim-Jams and a woolie hat claiming that he did have a "Onesie" for winter walks. This  left us no alternative.

 Application Rejected.

Barry Bannion. Seemed perfect until we discovered that his application form had been filled in by his Probation Officer who later informed us that Barry was considered the " Black Sheep" of his family.

Decision - Application rejected

Thomas Tomme. Was immediately turned away because of a conviction for the theft of pork

Application rejected.

Simon (Surname not provided - Not the most intelligent chap) Did actually join us for one walk but constant consumption of pies had led to serious obesity. He dropped out after the first half mile

Application withdrawn.

KIngsley Coleman. A  elderly, rather urbane chap we didn't entirely trust. He  seemed to be involved in too many "Fiddles" and - What was in that bowl that he put in his pipe to smoke?

Application - not considered. 

Andrew Windsor. Whilst his  hill walking credentials were second to non His request to bring along ten thousand men would have rather spoiled the gentle bucolic nature of our walks.  Recent (as yet unproven ) allegations were also rather disquieting.

Application rejected.

Caption Pic

"This is my new man-bag!"
"I bet he didn't get that at M&S!"
"No, but I can give you a tip where it's from!"
"Do they have 'em in other colours ...... and sizes?"
"I bet his butties don't get squashed!"
"Should have gone to Specsavers !"

Lytham. 6.75 miles. Walkers Anthony Paddy Vic Dave Mike John R and Danny

Todays walk is one of our favourite winter walks, taking in Lytham Hall and it's wonderful display of snowdrops.
After parking up at the east end of Lytham we set off first of all for Fairhaven Lake. Pictured is Fairhaven United Reformed Church

Part of our route was fenced off, and has been for quite a while, to enable work to be carried out on flood defences.

Arriving at Fairhaven Lake and finding some unoccupied seats, we took the opportunity to have a late morning brew.

Mike having a good hearty laugh at something while John is having a more reserved chuckle.

Tree of the week. Three generations appear to have sprouted from
this grandfatherly stock.

The spitfire mounted on a post at the western end of the lake.

Leaving the lake behind, we set off for Lytham Hall.

Crossing the unmanned level crossing on the Blackpool South railway line.

Followed by the equally hazardous path across Royal Lytham St Anne's golf course

The lake in the grounds of Lytham Hall. A couple of men are enjoying a spot of fishing on the far side.

The snowdrops are putting on a delightful display for us.

We met up with John W, Martin and James at the Hall. They were unable to walk with us today but were not going to turn down a spot of lunch and some friendly conversation.

After lunch we walked down the long drive and exited through the main gate. We turned left, crossed over the road at the first junction and trudged down Green Drive which was once part of the Lytham Hall estate.

Almost back at the cars now. Thanks Anthony for arranging the walk, and thank God for the lovely weather.

Caption pic 1st Feb

"No lads! That's not the way to leave the EU!"
"Yes it is. We're getting away from the Effluent Unpleasantness!" 
"The Escape" A tense moment from  the classic film "Carry on Carehome".
or ……………………………………......…"Carry on Crackpots"
"Oh just keep 'em behind bars!"
Is this a "break out" or a "break in" ?  I think we should be told.