What’s Happening
It’s all been so busy, busy, busy and I’ve not posted an article for a while. I’ve been on my Twitter account quite regularly mind, but not been having a nosey around Chester generally to see what’s happening.
So, having drawn breath a bit I’ve had a bit of a look at some of what’s been happening. Sadly, it’s not all happy news unfortunately. I do try to keep my posts as positive as I can but a run of three bereavements in four days last week or so were big shocks. So, in mentioning these I am not meaning to be morbid or negative. I mention them as a mark of high respect to them all.
What’s Happening
The three that sadly passed away did so on Monday 29th April; Tuesday 30th April and Thursday 2nd May.
First on the 29th April was Dave “Knocker” Knox. For those that knew Dave will know that he was a larger than life character, frequently seen out and about on the local social scene. Also Dave was very well known from his days from Caran D’Ache, a men’s very dapper, very fashionable clothes shop in Frodsham Street. Dave was very well known for his sharp dress sense.
So much so, funeral goers are requested to attend wearing their sharpist suits – but not black.
I also knew Knocker from Sunday League footballing days. In his day I remember him being a fine centre-forward for Vicars Cross Wanderers. One highlight being he scored a brilliant overhead scissors kick against us (Golden Eagle) in a league game at our place in Saltney. Dave will be sorely missed.
The Olde Cottage
The other two premature deaths were two regulars from the Olde Cottage pub. Although one of our locals, we hadn’t been in there for a while. In fact we had only been in twice since January.
One of those occasions was last weekend. As normal I began with the usual jokey banter with regular barmaid Jackie.
“Any gossip Jackie? You must have loads. What barmaid doesn’t have loads of gossip? I’ve got loads”
“No, no gossip” replies Jackie. “What’s yours?”
“Well, I caught Connie giving Morrissey a quiet little kiss on the sly”
Cue mock indignation from Jackie. Connie and Morrissey by the way are two of our cats. So, sorry folks, no ‘proper’ scandal.
Such Sad News
It was only a few moments later however that Jackie and another of the regulars then informed us that two regulars had also passed away. Chris, who took over the Sunday night vinyl disco from Dave House a few years ago, had passed away on the previous Tuesday.
Not only that, another regular, Phil Lyon, died on the Thursday, two days after Chris. I didn’t know Chris that well, but I do know he was a very well liked and very popular regular in the Cottage.
Phil on the other hand I knew reasonably well. We always had a good old natter about footie (we both support the same team) and just general Chester related topics. A good old “all our yesterdays” reminisce on occasions as we are roughly the same age. Phil was very keen on his pop quizzes, being a regular Sunday night visitor to the Bear and Billet quiz.
An engineer at the Royal Mail, I know Phil had many friends at work. And, in the Cottage and The Mill Hotel. A racing enthusiast as well, Phil would often take a trip down to Cheltenham for the various meetings they have.
To further compound the mood, Jackie also informed us that her father also passed away on the same day as Phil.
As I said above, I mention these early bereavements as a mark of respect and the memories I have of them all are happy ones. They will all be fondly remembered by the many people who fortunate enough to have known them.
In Other News – What’s Happening
Now, here’s something that is worth mentioning and something well worth having a look at. The first Sunday of the month sees a 1970’s Motown and 70’s music generally disco going on at The Shropshire pub by the Town Hall.
John, aka “Trotter” was spinning the vinyls (is that the correct phrase?). I’ve known Trotter for donkeys years and I know he’s always been keen on his music. In fact we used to go to the same guitar lessons classes many, many, years ago. Let’s just say, John was very good…..and I stopped going!!
We went to The Shropshire last Sunday to check out the 70’s music for the first time. How good was it!!! It was excellent. It was like “all our yesterdays” again. And I don’t just mean the music. There were so many people I recognised from so many social blasts from the past.
“Lads” – I use the word loosely nowadays – from footie days. Ex regulars from the halcyon days of the best pub in Chester of the late 70’s and early 80’s – the Golden Eagle. A doorman from Joe’s Wine Bar that I hadn’t seen for 16 years he informed me.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Wow, you haven’t changed”. Sometimes that is the case, other times, it’s maybe just being polite. In Paul the doorman’s case, it was true. He hasn’t changed.
Regulars from Rendezvous were also there. Brilliant stuff!!
Never Mind What’s Happening – What Is He Talking About?
**NB…just had a thought, if anyone younger than a certain age that may be reading this are probably scratching their heads. Joe’s? Rendezvous? Even possibly the Golden Eagle even though the Eagle is still going. You want to hear more about Joe’s and Rendezvous…..then watch this space!!**
It was great to see plenty of dancing as well. One thing though. Ladies, ladies….I must ask. Whatever happened to dancing around your handbags?? It was a prerequisite from the clubbing days from the 70’s and 80’s wasn’t it?
I think to make it more authentic, any of the ladies dancing in future “first Sundays in the month extravaganzas” MUST dance around their handbags. That way the ambience will be in keeping with the great music played.
Mind you where would it stop? If the ladies were to dance around their handbags….what next? Would the fellas be expected to wear their “Lionel Blairs” and their penny round collar shirts? And what about platform shoes? As I say, where would it end. Maybe the landlord of the Shropshire may suggest that such attire to be worn.
If so, I’d have to dig out my “Lionel’s”, take them in at the waist and get a tighter belt. Yea, right!!! I wish!!
Anyhow though, a trip to the Shropshire on the first Sunday of the month to see and hear Trotter in action is well worth it. An excellent afternoon (it’s on between 3pm and 7pm). Don’t just take my word for it. We got talking to a couple at the bar and they came to Chester for an afternoon out from Liverpool. They were well impressed and were asking if it was always as lively as this.
May I Make A Request?
A quick request to the landlord of The Shropshire if I may? Any chance of having a speaker nearer to the door as well? You could still hear the music, but another speaker nearer the door would help balance it out a bit better.
Oh, and another really good plus point. The beer prices were good as well. None of this silly £5.00 a pint malarkey. Not even anywhere near £4.00 a pint. I drink cask bitter – so £3.00 a pint is well impressive.
May I Make Another Request?
If I continue to give this excellent event even more great plugs…..can I get the beer at even better prices? Say, 1970’s prices in keeping with the occasion? What was that? Oh, I see……I’ll get my coat!!
Chester Zoo – What’s Happening?
Seriously, can you ever write an article about what’s happening in Chester without mentioning Chester Zoo. Yet again, Chester’s showpiece attraction is in the news.
Firstly, another new baby to report. Another giraffe!!! What are they feeding Papa Giraffe down there? Maybe somebody should be slipping some bromide into his twigs and leaves!! Slow down there fella!!
Seriously though, I know it may well be more than one Papa. Great news though isn’t it. And even better when they manage to catch the birth on video. Proud Mum Orla gave birth to her new baby on 8th May.
You can see Orla’s baby calf’s arrival into this world HERE.
Again, still at Chester Zoo, what’s happening in terms of special events or exhibitions?
How’s about this for starters. From 25th May to 8th September, you can visit Chester Zoo and meet the most fearsome creatures of the prehistoric world. Thirteen life-sized animatronic prehistoric creatures, to keep you on your toes, will be part of this world premiere exhibition.
They Don’t Scare Me…..Yet!!!
At this stunning exhibition, you will come face to face with a robotic, MASSIVE megalodon, a TERRIFYING terror bird and a GIGANTIC giant bear. Also, it is a chance to see some of your old dinosaur favourites too.
Well worth a trip. As if we ever needed any extra reasons to go to Chester Zoo anyway. But, they are always looking to showcase so many other exciting events and exhibitions, so it’s always worth checking out what’s happening.
For more information, have a look at what’s going on at Chester Zoo HERE.
What’s Happening On The Retail Front?
As many locals (and visitors) know, there have been quite a few retail closures in the city centre recently. But maybe there’s a comeback going on. The city centre has recently seen a big spruce up as a result of some great efforts by local businesses and the city’s Business Improvement District – CH1 Chester BID.
A specialist cleaning company and a variety of volunteers have got stuck in and for a whole month embarked on a clean-up exercise. The result? Streets, steps and shop fronts are now gleaming clean and ready to see the city centre kick on hopefully.
All those that took part in the exercise are rightly very proud of their achievements and the efforts they put in. Well done folks. Another city centre clean up is planned for this July. Onwards and upwards for the city centre’s retail outlets and attractions hopefully.
On The Sporting Front
So, what’s been happening on the sporting front? Wednesday just gone (8th May) saw the start of the Chester Races meetings. There are oodles of race meetings between now and the end of September. Sorry I can’t give any more information on the ‘horses running around a field thingy’ – it doesn’t interest me in the slightest. If you want any more information I’m sure there’s plenty on Google.
Chester FC have completed their season in the National League North. Not as successful as hoped maybe as they missed out on the play-offs by three points. But, not a disaster either.
Chester have quite a few good youngsters on their books. Some have already broken through into the first team, while some others are knocking on the first team door.
Now a year older and a year wiser, next year could see more of them blooded and all, or some of them, going on to become regulars in the team. Who knows, big moves could be in the offing. Great opportunities for the players concerned and some serious wonga for the club.
Unlucky Chester RUFC
So near and yet so far. Chester RUFC missed out on promotion from National Division Two when they lost 19-10 to Canterbury at the Marine Travel Ground.
A great season nonetheless. Plenty to be proud of and plenty of great memories to enjoy. Not to worry Dave (Chairman), I’ll let you tell me all about it over a pint in the Cottage.
What’s Happening – Enough Info For Now
I think we’ve covered a fair bit there haven’t we. Oh, I forgot. The fair is in town apparently. As it started on 2nd May you will have missed most of it. It finishes tomorrow (11th May) so you have one more day if that’s of any interest.
Must dash. I’ll be in touch soon.
Chester Lifestyle
I hope you like my Chester Lifestyle website. To find out more about the website and our beautiful city of Chester, take a look HERE.
Things To Do In Chester
Things to do in Chester? I’ve already mentioned a few above. Chester Races and for one more day anyway, Pat Collins fun fair. For something totally different and to see Chester Racecourse used in a different way, what about the Chester Wedding Show being held there this Sunday between 12pm and 2pm.
For other things to do in Chester, have a look HERE.
