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The snow began to fall again as we left for the walk up to the Mirchi at Howard Place, Shelton. Squasher, squashed a few into his van and met us at the Indian where we were ushered into the back room.

Cobras were duly ordered and a couple of bowls of crisp sized poppodoms were handed out on the house.

The choice of meals was quite extensive although the service was on the slow side, noted particularly when the rice dishes were bought out 5 minutes after the main courses. Nice meals though and at just under £20 each it was a good result.

During the mayhem at the table, Pedro was nominated to organise a narrow boat (not barge) canal cruise. Squasher said he'd hire a set of water skis and trail behind. Obviously he'd never seen the speed that Pedro drives a narrow boat!

We visited the recently rebranded Hop Inn in Albert Street for the first time, meeting up shortly after 4pm. Some (Malc) were that eager, they arrived before 4, but only to find it didn't open till 4.

Anticipation of the arrival of Joseph dwindled as time passed by and as expected he was the only one to let us down, again ……… An excuse of having his wisdom teeth out didn't extract any sympathy from us …., yeh, pull the other one. The choice of ales didn't let us down however, with beers ranging from an all time favourite, Oakhams Citra, and others including a centennial ale?? And Bolt was in raptures over the Rapture.

Pedro was spotted with yet more free miniature samples of ale in his mits offering to buy a round in similar sized vessels, despite the fact they had no handles.

Jaycee said he could feel the earth move and that his chair was vibrating. The electric chair treatment he'd endured at the County Wounty was obviously still affecting him.

The bar staff were right friendly and made us feel at home, bringing out trays of home made pork pies and slices of quiche. Surprisingly thre were still one or two slices lefy after the first 2 minutes, which had been left for the locals. How considerate !!

This was Keithee's first Squarry outing in 13 months due to his knee injury. His nervous venture warmed after his first pint and he settled into conversation telling us he'd bought a shih tzu dog with a pink collar and lead. We began to get nervous and shuffled our seats away to where Jaycee was still vibrating.

With 1.1 miles to the next pub and with snow falling Yup declared it was time to move on, mentioning that he'd considered wearing his snow shoes. Pedro said he'd nearly put on a spare pair of pants.

Dasher, who was spotted supping orange squash, was temporarily re-nicknamed Squasher. He offered the services of the squarrites to Jaycee, who was on a recruitment drive for Amey Wamey; suggesting 2 days a week each. Yup considered this suggestion for 2 seconds and admitted that even 2 hours would be a struggle.

It was a 'Long Hop' for several at the bar although Bolt asked for a 'Punch in the face'. 'I'll take another', he said, 'for Craigee'. Wow, that's mates for you.

2 Pie Hard Dave Semi Colon sat in the back room drooling over the pork pies on display at the bar. It was as well Ali G hadn't spotted them.

Nails, Dasher, Ali G and Rob G were settled opposite a large print of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. For those familiar with the Holy Inadequate near Bridge Street in Castle you will recall this taking pride of place there until it changed to the Full Moon. It's value had obviously been recognised and had been moved to the new Holy Inadequate along with several more fittings.

Huge told the story of his father being shot down over Essen in Germany and making his way back home during the war, and the Caterpillar Club medal he'd been awarded. These are awarded to anyone whose life was saved by the use of a silk parachute after jumping from a disabled aircraft. The caterpillar was symbolic of the silk worm which let its self gently descend to earth by spinning a silky thread to hang from. Huge bought the parachute with him in a bag as proof.

The tale was retold to deaf-ears Craigee who at the time was 'zoned out' and who could only manage a smile before collapsing back in his seat. Well, why not …..

Pedro once again pleaded shamelessly for chocolates to take home to his wife and returned with a 'Boost' chocolate bar. It was a bit small to split between us all although Yup had a go at splitting it with his knife, much to Pedro's shock.

Ali G arranged a large taxi for the northerners and two smaller taxis were called for Clayton and the Westlands. Throughout Shelton and Stoke Jaycee could be heard singing the Beach Boys hit, 'good, good, good, good vibrations'.

Yet another cracking night out

Cheers

Yup

(enjoy yer vibrations)