Issue No 19                                                                                                                         8 Oct 2003

The Squarry Club’s own Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inaugural !   Unique.  Another successful Squarry night.

The evening couldn’t have been summed up any better than from our young squarrite, Trig, when he admitted that it was a better than average curry, an excellent brewery trip and he only just managed not to throw up on the bus!

Activities began at the Westbury, without Spikelet who was painting (what?) who joined us after the brewery trip and Dave Ali G, who would have drank the place dry.  The driver was amazed that there was a brewery at Audley, a neckend sort of place, and dropped us outside the Townend courtyard licking his lips and wishing he could join us.  A shout from behind a van hailed us to the entrance and Tony, the owner, welcomed us with the first pints drwn from a 9 gallon cask of Audley Bitter.  Never before had so many stepped over the threshold of this brewery, never before had Beardie stepped into a real ale establishment.

Steve, Moggie, was grinning ecstatically throughout the session.  Never before had he pulled.  Neither had I for that matter. 

After repeatedly explaining how he had first began brewing and converting the barn, Tony the Brewer (not Mid-week Tone) relaxed and presented a 10 minute talk on his favourite hobby and dream.  Beardie slipped out for a woodbine, and Craig, who was still looking for the lager, fell into the mash drum.  Scottie drifted into his acting audition mode, ‘Put your guns down, the place is surrounded’.  The measuring funnel hadn’t been used in this manner before tonight. At this point Keith (I’m on for it’) donned the sieve and it was time to leave before we all wet ourselves.  A vote of thanks was given to Tony and a move made towards the balti house, armed with flagons and pop bottles full of the last few drops of ale. 

Did I mention that Pedro got the phone number? 

Spike, who arrived late, downed 25 pints at the Butchers Arms to catch up.  Armed with a crate of Special Brews he tottered into the balti house to join us for a belting curry.  A star cloth adorned the ceiling and I held on for the star spot at the end of the table.  The clunking of wine bottles was heard at the far end of the table as the Beardie boys popped their corks and Craigee baby woke up.  Each time we looked up his glass was 50/50 full/empty. 

A squarry club policy to pay for drinks as they were ordered was upheld, but oooer, to be reasonable a similar policy is to be introduced forthwith for starters, other than the traditional papadoms.  For a start, the return bus had to be delayed yet again as the main courses were delayed by the introduction of chats upsetting the finely tuned programming of the evening’s events by yours truly.  Incidentally, did I mention that Pedro got the phone number of the brewery?

The sky was clear as the bus made tracks back to Castle.  The plough was spotted through the windows which will be visited during some future event, maybe the mystery xmas curry pub? Who knows? 

·   The purchase of the clubs first personalised polo shirts.  Special editions were obtained for those attending the Mun hic trip.  For those who missed out, a further order is to be placed in the near future.  Just send me your size.  Who knows? Key rings, hats.  A suggested addition to the logo ‘Say no to pissflow’ was suggested by a neckender. 

·   A ‘dry run’ to Brum by the Beardie boys to find the balti triangle for November’s squarrite trip.  We could be ending up in the Bermuda triangle folks by all accounts.  Pencil in the 14th November for this trip and book the afternoon off.  The jaunt will begin by train at lunchtime from Stoke station, now reopened, returning around 9ish.  Further details soon. 

·   4 day inclusive trip to Munich by several squarrites for the Oktoberfest.  Minutes to be issued in due course when we’ve sobered up.  Guess who lost his specks? (in a pizza box).  DC is looking into a similar trip for next year possibly Prague? 

Halfway House, a recently opened Indian in Silverdale Rd., previously the Halfway House, Newcastle.  Date proposed wed 15th Oct.  Meet at the Brown Jug at 630. 

Brum 14th Nov.  Watch out for details soon. 

Future months suggestions still include the re-named Al Shieks at Shelton, the Bombay at Crewe and the Lime light club, Knutsford, a return to Stafford, Cannock, etc etc  A Rusholme do is also to be arranged next Spring. 

New Indian opening adjacent to Dylans vege restaurant, near the Victoria Pub in Hanley 

Remember the Indian on Ford Green Rd xmas 19??, well its now been taken over by new owners and buffets are available for £8.95, take your own wine etc. 

Naseebs – an evening for you gents only is to be arranged for January.

PS   2 possible venues have come to light for the mystery xmas Indian, to be arranged for either the 16th tue or 17th wed December.  May need Craigy baby’s help on this one.  Please confirm if you would like to attend this years event asap as transport arrangements must be made soon.

PPS   We’re still waiting for the Balti supplement, filled with photos and memories of a neck-end trip, by co-correspondent – Beardie.

PPPS   An office walk has been arranged for either Friday 17th or sat 18th Oct around Abbotts Bromley, near Rugeley.  Ales at the halfway stage for those interested.

PPPPS   Stoke’s beer fest is underway this week.  Several squarrites should be checking it out on Friday followed by the Rose of Kashmir at 10pm.  Get to the queue at 6pm to be sure of getting in.

PPPPPS   Contact JC asap for next march’s Cheltenham race meeting tickets.  Gee up.  

Best Regards

Yupmeister                    PROST