Ynys Mon

Taking advantage of the predicted good weather we made some butties, collected Lee Craig, the Pie Pincess No2 and headed to Ynys Mon for the day. Our first stop at Newborough beach was aborted at the entrance to the car park when we didn't have correct change to get through the barrier.

So we headed on to Aberfraw village just a few miles further up the coast, which in hindsight proved to be an excellent decision. We walked along the retreating tidal river to the main beach to be greeted by wall to wall blue sky and a not very crowded, clean unspoilt beach....happy days.

After a few hours eating, swimming, lazing, walking, reading, burning we headed back to the village and carried on around the island to meet up with Von Smallhousen and Kathy L at Trearddur Bay. Unfortunately all the beer had gone (big surprise) but it was a welcome respite nonetheless.

After leaving there reluctantly, we then went into Holyhead for Fish, Chips & Peas sitting on Beach Road overlooking the harbour just chillin. Then it was a walk round Penrhos Country Park as the sun began to dip in the sky.

On the way home we managed to sqeeze in a visit to Rhyl to see Cousin Gilly, Chris, Custard and Chilli. A most excellent way to finish an excellent blistering day. More please......

Mount Pleasant

On last Bank holiday Monday we made our way to Mount Pleasant Garden on the outskirts of Kelsall. What a little gem hidden away covering 10 acres or so including a meadow sown with wild flowers.

Their are ten or twelve areas around the site each with a particular theme, intermingled with individual pieces of Art made of wood, metal, stone, glass mosaic sculptures .... some produced at the on-site workshop.

It is someone's back garden and has limited opening hours but well worth a visit to explore and enjoy.

Mrs B's Laughter Factory

Congratulations to Mrs B on her 40th birthday celebrated over the bank holiday weekend with some style (70's Style) and panache. The weather behaved itself and the collective Pie tribe had a great time.

Wonderful food (although I should point out that a number of Pie Munchers present meant this Pie connoisseur missed out on Pie nearly, apart from a half donated by daughter ), just enough to drink, plenty of good conversation, strange tans, Floral Gums and a great big dollop of laughing meant this was a party to remember.

Can't wait for your fiftieth Mrs B!

Come On Down

Accompanied by Pie Princess, Mrs Pieman, John Boy, Big Mike and Georgio Dragonslayer we made a trip to Liverpool to see the Alarm on their "Sound and the Fury" 30th anniversary tour.

This was at the 02 Academy2 just around the corner from Lime Street station. On this occasion they were supported by The Last Republic.

It has been a busy year for front man Mike Peters and his voice sounded a little bit worse for wear. With Big Country vocal duties and recording the soundtrack for upcoming movie "Vinyl" and this tour it is perhaps understandable. This should not detract from his and the bands performance which was as committed and passionate as ever.

With a smattering of songs from throughout their career including Marching On, The Stand, Spirit of 76, Where Were You Hiding, 45 RPM, 68 Guns, Rain In The Summertime, Deeside...... there was something for everyone and even the opportunity to wish Mr Bob Dylan happy birthday by singing Knockin on Heaven's Door at the end.

A nice twist towards the end was the introduction of an audience member/fan who had bid prior to the gig to be part of the band for the night and be on stage with them performing. Fortunately for all concerned I did not win this auction in aid of The Love Hope and Strength Foundation co-foundered by Mr Peters after his experiences with cancer in recent years.

Big Pain, Big Thanks

The Pieman and Piester In Law completed the Wirral Coastal Walk (15 miles) at the end of May to raise funds for the Countess Of Chester Kisiizi Hospital Uganda Appeal. The walk starts at Secombe ferry, Birkenhead and follows the coast around the Wirral peninsula ending up at Thursaston Country Park.

The conditions when we started were quite pleasant and most agreeable. However this changed as soon as we turned the corner at New Brighton and with no protection were battered by head on winds for the next 9 miles or so.

Fortunately the predicted rain stayed away apart from a few spots. The walk itself took nearly six hours from start to finish allowing for one toilet break and a lunch break for about half and hour. It was quite sunny at times but the wind was very strong and noisy. The finish was very welcome with very sore feet in evidence. The Pieman was concentrating that hard he forgot to eat his pie which he carried the whole way round, with a fork in anticipation.

A very very big thank you to all our generous sponsors who's gifts definitely made one pie muncher determined to complete come what may!!

Pie Princess

It's official I'm old. Forget the retreating greying hair, the expanding waistline, the grumpy disposition, the fading memories , the body breakdown and all other signs of impending mortality I'm now the parent of an ADULT. Pie Princess No 1 celebrated her 18th recently and due to being in the middle of exams/revision a party was not planned.

However a day out and chocolate were organised instead. Starting with a visit to an antique fashion fair at the converted (to a hotel) old Speak Airport buildings just outside Liverpool. The day was going to be a long one so the Pieman took the opportunity to grabs some zzzz's in the foyer.

From here it was onto Liverpool to the the Chocolate Cellar in Hanover Street. We thoroughly recommend this shop/cafe/workshop to any chocaholics. Then we wandered around some book shops on Bold street and included a visit to one of favourite fashion/retro shops Resurrection.

The day was finished off with a trip to Buffet City and a walk around the walls (Partly). We think she had a great day even though no pie was consumed.