Roodee Roar

Roodee Roar, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Had a fantastic evening down at the Roodee last Friday to help celebrate special birthdays for Ange and Beefy.

The roar from the assembled punters as the races finished was not the only roar as the roar of laughter and chat from the clan gathering to celebrate two birthdays was not unsubstantial.

Lots of delicious cake, bubbly refreshments, barbie and peanuts were consumed between the races and chat.The weather was glorious and some even picked some winners but none as good as the J man who was on a roll.

Cow Pie! Rockwells American Diner

This week found two of the Pie tribe in Runcorn this and feeling rather peckish we headed optimistically to a relatively new American themed/styled diner called Rockwells in the high street. The entrance from the High Street is just about noticeable (We actually entered via the back through the Bike Park!), but step inside and a whole new world beckons.

Absolutely fabulous with a lot of effort placed on getting the decor just right. We have missed Eddie Rockets diner in Liverpool but we think this could surpass it and it even has their ceiling fans. 

The service is excellent and the food is great. Just as I was about to order a burger the waitress mentioned the special of the day the "COW PIE" ... well I had to. It was excellent, big, hot, filling and tasty (8.5/10). So much so there was no room for a pud and we had wanted to try the pancakes.

So we will definitely be going back here sometime soon.

CPOP 2013

Ferrari F40, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.
 

Pieman, Georgio, Shabby and Beefy headed for preview day at the latest Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (CPOP 2013). The format is pretty much the same as in previous years with some modifications and changes in line up and display. 

In recognition of Rally GB returning to North Wales for the first time in ages a special display of past and present Rally cars is present including some Colin McRae originals which was great to see. 

On the track their are some familiar vehicles but plenty not seen before and seeing the lorry cab come charging around the corner at a full thrutch was a sight to behold !!!!

The weather was very changeable and resulted in us diving into the beer tent. The rain was pretty heavy so we broke out the Pie supplies which today were purchased from Phil Salt Butchers Pie emporium and might fine they were with particular praise for the Countryman Pie.

As ever access was very good throughout the event and particularly around the paddock area. A number of vehicles drew our attention. Shabby was taken with Danone Heart (Bottom) car and one of my favorites was the Aston Martin DB2 closely followed the Noble which as good as it looked. The only disappointment of the day was missing the scrambling bikes in action (Lack of info) especially as the weather was perfect for them ! But all in all it was great day with Pie consumed.

Crash, Bang, Wallop

Happiest Driver (Jason Plato), a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

An excellent two days were spent recently at the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) meeting at Oulton Park. It has been many years since our last visit and whilst the basic circuit is almost the same with some minor changes ,the circuit as a whole has been improved considerably.

The weather for both days was excellent and the support races were pretty good including the Porsche Super Cup. The main event was the touring cars which was superb with race three on the Sunday being the pick of the bunch ,  with Jason Plato retiring his car on fire. 

Access to all parts of the track was very good and even though it was heaving on the Sunday, it wasn't difficult to find a decent spot to watch from.The circuit setting is superb with great access to the pits available, fine toilets and well organised parking, we even got to drive on the circuit! It's hard to beat.

Pies were consumed over the two days were supplied by Vaughans Butchers of Penyffordd and as ever they were of a very high standard which we can thoroughly recommend including the Steak, Pork and fine herby sausage rolls. Big thanks to our kind sponsor for the day Mrs Georgio Dragonslayer. Look forward to the opportunity of going again soon.

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.