Tram Trip Trek Manchester to Chorlton 25th May 2012

Up for it were:

 Yupmeister, Mid Week Tone, Pedro, Richee-Lionel, JayCee, Dasher, Stevey 60/40 Phone a friend – Sid, Ali Gee, Keithee's up for it, Tim Mothy, TMMCorky - Graham Cork, A fine mess – Harmesh, Sean of the County Wounties, Jacko, Harding Dave, Scottee

Most of us assembled in the entrance to Stoke Railway Station in eager anticipation of the day’s event. The sun was shining and the shades were out. Ali G, MWTone and A Fine Mess opted to catch up with us later, with demanding office work taking preference. Dasher-no-mates was waiting on platform 2 wondering where we were.

A copy of last year’s dvd of the Germany trip was passed to Sid but he had no deep pockets !!  So, to avoid carrying it around all day he hid it on top of a cupboard ; all under the watchful gaze of the cctv cameras. Hopefully it’d still be there when he returned to collect it later that night.

The train to Manchester was spot on again, time-wise, leaving at exactly 10.55am. A few texts were exchanged on the latest 'smart' phones, to synchronise meeting times. Pedro, not to be outdone, got out his phone to everyone's amusement, but it still works !!

We were soon stretching our legs along to the concourse in Piccadilly to meet more of the gang. The Keithee’s and TMMCorky were admiring the surroundings, unaware of the presence of Hard Dave, who was joining the group for the first time.  He was also keeping an eye on the surroundings.

It was a further 50 yards to the tram station where return tickets to St Werburgh’s Road were purchased at £2.80 from the machines. Sid was most helpful during the selections, selecting Stretford, much to the dismay of Pedro, who was then left with an invalid ticket. Well, it was next to St. Werburgh on the list. The fear of being fined for having the wrong ticket was clearly etched on his face till we got to the first pub.

We jumped on the yellow tram although a pink one would have also led us to Deansgate.  Good job we weren’t colour blind. 'We’re all aboard', said TMMCorky. 'There are 13 of us'.

Well it was as well he wasn’t leading the group today as there was only 12 of us at this stage.  He never was any good at maths.  Whoever the 13th one was, he wasn’t one of us !! Still, better to have one extra than losing someone.

We stepped off at Deansgate, admired the surrounding architecture and waited for the next tram which would take us to Chorlton on the purple line. ‘We should have a quick drink here while we’re waiting’, suggested Richee. ‘We could have a fruit beer, part of your 5 a day youth’.

Hard Dave was briefly introduced to everyone, including Keithee’s up for it, whose head was smothered in factor 50. A forensics team would have had a field day checking the fingerprints left smeared on his crown.

The first pub stop of the day, the ‘Oddest’ on Alhambra Road, was only a 2 minute stroll from the station. The outside seats in the sun were taken so we sank into soft armchairs inside with a decent pint of Greenmill Gold and perused the expensive ‘a chip in the basket’ meal menu. Seats became available outside so at least we had an excuse to stay for another pint.

Texts confirmed that the workers were on their way from Stoke. Hard Dave confessed to having recently bought a new phone but hadn’t been able to find the ‘on’ button for the first couple of days. ‘Should have had one of these’, suggested Pedro.

‘I’m ready’, declared Jaycee, as we prepared to leave. ‘Just waiting for Dasher and Pedro now’, he proudly exclaimed !!!!!

Slightly apprehensive about the amount we’d be drinking, Hard Dave was advised by Yup that the amounts varied throughout the group, but most would have half a dozen or so; Corky would have twice the amount as anyone else; Dasher would water his down with lemonade; and Jaycee would have around two.

Pedro thankfully discovered that the next pub on the itinery, The Parlour, wouldn’t be open till around 5pm so we headed straight for the Horse and Jockey, (home of the Bootleg brewery), where we baked in the sun overlooking Chorlton Green. The food wasn’t cheap here either but the hunger pangs took over for most of us. Fat chips or thin weedy chips were available. Sid hastily bunged his big fat chips in his soup so he wouldn’t have to share them, whilst Yuppy just ate his quickly.

The Lynx spray soon had the desired effect on the bar staff who were swooning over the table

Ali G, A Fine Mess and MWTone finally caught up with us, having dropped into the Beech Inn for a quicken on the way. We were just one down at this stage, namely Scottee, who had an appointment at the opticians with his dad. He should have gone to ………. He finally made an appearance, opting to catch a taxi from the station instead of using the tram.

After the group photo we meandered down the back streets of Chorlton to Manchester Road.

‘Pi’ on the Manchester Road, was just a 15 minute walk away. Those who hadn’t eaten so far would now have their chance to top up.

Pi had a great selection of hand pulls and bottled beers from all over the globe, including a Duvel beer under the sub name ‘yup’ which was available in 750mm bottles. Too late, the Tatton Brewery Blonde had already taken Yup's fancy.

As you’d expect, Ali G had a pi.

Heading back in the direction of the tram station we next popped into the Marble Beer House with its Marble brews served by pink haired bar staff. It was heaven to Dasher; there were more books than beers.

Steady !!

It had been a day of reminiscing for Harmesh, having lived in this area in his prime. He couldn’t understand why he’d left so many good pubs behind.

Time for one more stop; this time at Wethers’ barrel roofed Sedge Lynn, before we caught the tram back to Deansgate.

It was a toss up here between the white witches and wobbly bobs with a draw becoming the likely outcome. Tim almost dropped his phone, admitting he’d still got to get to grips with modern technology.

'Excuse me young man, is that a wobbly witch or a white Bob??'

Finally it was time to move on back to Deansgate and join the ‘slightly’ younger set in Akbars Indian at 6.30pm.

We kept off the wine, opting instead for bottles of cobra. The Moaning Mancurian moaned throughout the meal, pretty much as he’d done throughout the day. Richee bailed Scottee out and the bill was settled smoothly by Keithee with the surplus being put towards the kitty.

We made it back to Piccadilly Gardens with enough time for a nightcap somewhere on route to the station. Richee succumbed to the sweet smell of sambucas and hastily bought a round to finish off with.

TMMCorky couldn’t finish his pint so took it with him as we walked back to Piccadilly to catch our trains just after 10pm; still moaning of course, and continuing till he got home.

The train journey back was uneventful for most of us, except for Dasher and Jaycee. They ousted a couple of young wenches out of their reserved seats, despite the fact the carriage was empty. It had been a full day and a short time later Dasher’s yawns prompted one of them to ask him if it was time for bed. He’d have pulled if Jaycee hadn’t have been with him; or so he says !!

Crimewatch have since released this photo fit picture of someone in their early fifties who they'd like to question, last seen clambering over a cupboard at Stoke Station. Do you recognise this man? Police have added that he may not be carrying as much hair these days as depicted in the photo.  He may also be using a slight German accent acquired from a recent break.

Next year, the Bury tram line, or a return maybe to the Huddersfield train line. Feedback was good so either way we’ll be arranging a similar event next year. Well organised Fine Mess. You did a mighty fine job.

Cheers

Yuppers

PS Network map and further details below.