During my fledgling years my main love was association football, as an old Pathe news commentator may’ve dubbed the game in his authoritative BBC English tones. In particular, I was enamoured by the all conquering 1960s/70s Leeds United teams managed by Don Revie. Accomplished exponents of a game that led to a boyhood pipe dream of one day playing for the team representing my West Yorkshire place of birth. This unconditional […]
In the late 1950’s/early 1960’s my grandparents owned a fish and chip restaurant on land which later became the roundabout at junction 27 of the M62 at Birstall. This land on the cusp of Gildersome and Morley – Suburban bastions separated by Gelderd Road in the west of Leeds. Although his tenure as the Harry Ramsden*** of Gildersome didn’t extend until I was born, anecdotally**** I’m told it was an […]
Post-haircut, I’m writing this literary effort sitting outside of the Botanist pub on Boar Lane, Leeds. It’s nippy out; however, keen to avoid legitimate observations like “Well go sit inside and sit where it’s warm you pillock!”, I’m reticent to complain about today’s late winter chill To be honest, being well wrapped up against the inclement conditions, I’m not overly uncomfortable as I balance precariously atop my lofted perch (well, […]
In the last couple of decades there’s been a growth in the number of double barrelled names in the UK. One of the reasons behind this change being a greater desire for newly weds to merge their surnames. An example of this being when Jemma Shoe married Arnie Box in Lytham registry office in 2011 – The occasion when they decided to be henceforth addressed as Mr & Mrs Shoe-Box. […]
This morning I felt moved to say hello to TV broadcasting royalty Harry Gration, who was stood next to me in a coffee outlet queue in Burmantofts, Leeds. A greeting to which he politely responded in kind, prior to us wandered off on our own ways – Me childishly giddy that I’d briefly met the Tyke presenter – Harry probably wondering who the chuffing idiot was who’d just spoken to […]
In the company of a pal of mine, yesterday evening I went to see a gig at the Brudenell club, Leeds. This an odyssey to see a band called The Quireboys – A synergy of musicians with roots in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scotland and a Llandudno B&B (allegedly). I’ll be honest and admit it’s a band I’m not overly familiar with, or at least wasn’t until witnessing yesterday’s stage show. My mate […]
I’ve just returned from my inaugural visit to The Springs Retail/Entertainment Park at Thorpe Park, Leeds. A wondrous emporium of clothing, food and coffee provision, bequeathed to this fair metropolis by our corporate masters, innovative architects and a cosmopolitan cast of craftsman. Men who’ve worked around the clock, missing numerous Leeds United games on TV and the ending of drama The Bodyguard, allowing us access to goods our forefathers could […]
