Chasing Dragons and Damsels

Following a planning meeting in a local hostelry, the night before, I accepted the invitation of Sir John of Moth and headed off to the swamplands of North Shropshire in search of Dragons and Damsels early ..ish Sunday morning. Fortified by a quick visit to McCalories ( Sir John insisted) we eventually found our way to our chosen destination Fenns Moss close to the Llangollen Canal and not far from Whitchurch.

Boots on and insect repellent liberally applied, we set off with the sun rising rapidly. What a delightful place to go for a walk, the place is interesting, quiet and slightly unusual. With the recent weather change, doing anything outdoors becomes an absolutely pleasure even if you are yomping around midge central.

Various flora and fauna are spotted, observed, admired and photographed. I never thought the breeding habits of a 2cm long Damsel fly could be so fascinating. It's all the more interesting  when in the company of someone who is so well informed and entertaining as Sir John. It's a bit like David Attenbrough and Bill Bailey combining to give you a guided tour through the intricacies of the complicated lives of insects with several witticisms throw in for good message. 

After spotting various cast members of a "Bugs Life" a concerted effort was made to specifically catch the Bare Faced Darter on camera, face on. This proved difficult as the bare faced chappie much preferred showing his bottom rather than his face for the camera. As the sun reached it's highest (and the temperature was rising) we headed home, very satisfied with the morning exercise.

Chrome mmmmmm

1956 Cresta Vauxhall, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Went to the "Griffin Gathering of Historic Vehicles" at Vauxhall motors and although it was a little disappointing we did get to view a couple of beautiful older cars, especially the chrome adorned 1956 Cresta Vauxhall pictured above.

The event was a little over priced for what it offered and perhaps a bit more explanation in the advertising would have been appreciated,

Fifty Sheds of Grey

Fifty Sheds of Grey, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Plot 47a has seen some progress this year after a very late start due to the weather. A new patch has been reclaimed from the undergrowth and planted with tayties. Another patch has been covered with carpets ready to start digging over in the autumn for next years new patch. 

Just discovered tonight a hose line and bits, hidden away, making the watering can redundant...happy days.

Beds are meeting with mixed success thus far and Linda's horse byproduct is proving very helpful. Also a huge number of frogs knocking about and a significantly large ginger rat which may be a new species known to science, Rattus Humungus.

Africa OYE

Osibisa: Blowing It, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

The weekend saw us head to the African OYE festival 2013 in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Our first time visit and it was great fun. Essentially one main stage with a variety of food, craft, clothing, info, drink, craft stalls all round the perimeter.

Add to this a small fair, drum/dance workshops,some great music it was very entertaining and interesting. The weather was not brilliant but it didn't seem to dampen the crowds enthusiasm much.

Not all the Pie tribe were keen to stay through the downpour that hit as Saturday nights headliner, the excellent Osibisa, came on stage which was a shame as they were very good. We also liked the cuban band on before them called Son Yambu who got everybody up to boogie. 

Unfortunately I forgot to go back to the Jamaican Pattie stall and try out their delicious looking wares. I was distracted by a dish of peanut butter stew on a Gambian food stall which was fabulous.

Well worth a visit again and it was Free !!!

Funny How They Shoot You Down.......

He gave the audience that came to watch him in the o2 Academy a night they shall never forget”. LiverpoolSound and Vision

Another pre-christmas gig was a Georgio and the Pieman visit to see the solo Mike Peters tour in Liverpool at the 02 Academy. Arrived a little bit early we still missed the first support but caught singer songwriter Joe Silva before Mr Peters arrived on stage armed with a guitar, voice and harmonica.

This tour had as its theme a celebration of thirty years of the Alarm/Mike Peters since the Red Poppy logo was introduced on the Marching On single artwork. Subsequent to the gig I came across a gig review which gave it 5* stars. I mention this, as it is quite normal for MP/Alarm to receive fairly dismissive reviews which sometimes make me wonder if I was actually at the same event.

Mr Peters was at his standard committed, passionate and enthusiastic best with a trawl through his back catalogue including many well known tunes and some not so well known (Pavilion Steps got a rare airing) to satisfy all.

The interaction with the audience was excellent and my only criticism would be the detour into Big Country tunes which I adore, but one would have been enough. 3 or 4 meant less Alarm/MP tunes from which there are enough to pick from. Despite that, it was an excellent evening from Mr Peters and we left looking forward to his return with the full band on the Vinyl Tour.

Born Innocent

Listening to Simon Mayos show just, featuring the Proclaimers playing live and promoting their new 36 track best of has prompted me to complete an entry remembering their pre-christmas gig at the mighty Tivoli in Buckley.

What an excellent gig was had, in the company of the swampies and Hazel not Dean. They were tight, professional with energetic exceptional songs that got your foot tapping and your mind thinking.

A good balance of old favourites and new tunes from new album " Like Comedy", the night is rocking with an appreciative crowd apart from some ladies who's surpassed themselves having a good night falling down in their finery and spoiling for an argument with all and sundry.

They have strange chemistry on stage these twin brothers with little or no chat between them. The sound was ok but the vocals struggled at times. But no matter they were very very good and I would have no hesitation in going to see them again if the opportunity presented itself.

If you get the chance to see them live go their well worth the entry fee and if not spend a few pennies on the Best Of you won't be disappointed.  

Gerrards

 En route to sunny Pembrokeshire we stopped briefly in Bala and came across a branch of Gerrards in the high street which was formerly an Ecclestons. Gerrards claim to be the oldest family bakers in North Wales having started in 1838.

Fortunately their current Pie & Pastries are a lot fresher than that. A very tasty Steak Pie (8.5) was scoffed by your truly when it had eventually cooled down from the nuclear reactor core level of heat it was emanating.

It was that good, that a week later we stopped on the way home as well. Apart from a slight mis-understanding over change we would heartily recommend a visit to your nearest branch.

Unknown Pleasures: Peter Hook

As part of the Chester literature festival we headed to the Laugh Inn to listen to Peter Hook (Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Monaco ........) talking about his new book Unknown Pleasures which concentrates on the period of his career with Joy Division specifically.

The evening is fairly informal and relaxed in approach taking the form of an interview on stage with a couple of large rescued prints (from the Anton Corbijn produced Atmosphere video) as a backdrop.

The prints which overlook the stage are both of Ian Curtis and it is a frank Peter Hook who, in hindsight, blames himself and fellow band mates for the untimely demise of the singer. As an interview it meanders all over the place and this is no bad thing as one question sets off a flow of chatter that is open, interesting and it would seem refreshingly honest.

He is quite self-deprecating about his career, no subject seems taboo and the failure of the Hacienda Club is repeatedly cited as an example of their individual/collective ignorance of organisation and abysmal business acumen. The evening finishes with a question and answer session from an appreciative audience.

Valley Pie

During the summer break we were lucky to be able to head over to one of favourite places the Isle of Anglesey and Holyhead. Big thanks to our perfect hosts’ ange and the biscuitman who also provided pie on arrival !!

The pie was Pork Pie (9/10) from the local Valley Butchers and it tasted excellent which, in our experience, is quite rare for big versions of standard pies.Tasty, moist and pastry just right.

Pembroke

August saw the the Pie Tribe head to Pembrokeshire for a weeks break staying in a small cottage in a village close to the cliffs and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Our first stay in Pembrokeshire and what a beautiful place it is. 

We had a great time walking, seeing, listening, tasting, crabbing and laughing all round. The weather was, as Crowded House would say, "Four Seasons In One Day".

We found some splendid ice cream, cheeses, beer and PIE. Being in this part of Wales we did expect to consume more Oggies but no. However we did stop one day at the Farmers Market in the Town Hall at Fishguard and came across the selection below from A & E Meats. We instantly repaired to the harbour wall to consume our purchases. The Lamb & Mint Pie was excellent (8.5), the Steak & Gravy Pie was good (8.0) and the Pork Pie less well received (6.0).