Happy 2020

Hands up those of you who groaned, “not another Happy New Year message”. And how many thought, he’s late. At what point do you stop saying “Happy New Year”? Well, there’s the thing. This post may be headed “Happy 2020” but who says it is a Happy New Year message. It could be for instance a trip down Memory Lane and a reflection on a totally different 2020.

Like, a trip down Memory Lane, reflecting on a so very well enjoyable, impromptu, out of the blue drinky poos that many of us have from time to time. Although I must admit as I get older they don’t happen any more, so in truth it is more a case of an impromptu sesh in days gone by.

So, what exactly does Happy 2020 mean?

Happy 2020

Before we go any further I will need to stress that any similarities to any other person living or dead is not intended and is purely a coincidence. And, as such, names have been changed to protect the innocent……and not so innocent.

Does that sound about right to you Garry?……..er, I mean Dean (no relation to Dean Martin either – the little old wine drinker. As I said, no similarities to anyone living or dead).

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Happy 2020.

Happy 2020 – Picture The Scene

Well there I was, one summer in, I guess, the mid-90’s walking through town minding my own business as you do. It was about some time between 12pm and 12:30pm on a Saturday afternoon. Picture blue sky, a nonchalant relaxing walk through town by The Cross, whistling some unknown music. That sort of thing.

When all of a sudden I hear, “Aye up Ollie, how’s it going?”

I look up to see a good pal of mine Dean (or Deano) walking towards me.

“Aye, aye Deano, what you up to?” I enquire.

“Just looking at some properties for sale” he said showing me a rolled up bundle of property details.

“Oh, nice one. Let’s have a look” I enquired.

This is where we made our first mistake (if you can call it that) and started the wheels in a motion for what turned into a rather epic, but very enjoyable, spontaneous sesh. A sesh that involved us sampling (yes sampling that sounds a good word to mitigate the reality of the situation) a copious amount of bottles of MD 2020 fortified wine.

In other words we embarked on our very own Happy 2020 party. Some 25 years ahead of last week’s celebrations. How revolutionary were we!!!

Happy 2020 – Sensible Conversation And Beyond

Let me dress it up a bit so it looks like we had a reason or excuse to pop into the nearest pub at the first opportunity.

“Oh dear what a shame Deano, I can’t quite see these property details that clearly due to the sunlight”

“What a shame Ollie. I would really like you to see them” Deano insisted.

“Oh, I know, why don’t we pop into this building here whatever it is and shelter from the sun so I can see your property leaflets more clearly” Ollie replied.

So we did.

“What sort of building is this Ollie? Not seen a building like this before”

“Not sure Deano. Let’s ask”

As it turned out we were in a pub apparently called Watergates Wine Bar in, believe it or not, Watergate Street just by The Cross.

“I wonder if they sell coffee or tea in here Deano” I pondered.

“Yes, me too Ollie. If they don’t I don’t know what we could have to drink” Deano exclaimed.

Deep sigh. Sadly (snigger, snigger, snigger), no coffee. Or tea.

“I know, as they don’t appear to have any coffee, why don’t we have a cool refreshing drink? What about we try a bottle of that thirst quenching looking, coloured pop drink there in that glass cabinet” I suggested.

“Yes, what a good idea Ollie as they do look really thirst quenching” Deano agreed.

And So It Began

Unbeknown to us (snigger, snigger, snigger), the brightly coloured bottle of pop wasn’t in fact pop. It was to our dismay and shock, an alcoholic drink called MD 2020.

“Let’s send it back Deano, it’s not a refreshing pop drink” I lamented.

“We can’t really Ollie, we’ve taken the top off and already had a quick slurp” Deano offered.

So reluctantly and against our better judgement we forced ourselves to finish our bottles of MD 2020.

The time was now roughly 12:45pm. Still plenty of time for Deano to get more property details. And still plenty of time for me to wander around whistling away to my heart’s content. Yes, that seemed the best plan.

“Fancy another Ollie?” Deano enquired.

“Why not. It would be rude not to” Ollie replied.

Take a look at the photo above. You will see that there are various flavours and colours of 2020 available. So, who were we kidding when we said we were only going to have the one!!!

“How many flavours do you have Stacey (name changed!!!)” we asked the very helpful barmaid.

“Loads” came the reply.

“That will do” we said almost in unison.

Happy 2020 – Putting The World To Rights

Like so many impromptu sessions the conversation started so sensibly. And like so many others, we sorted out so many of the world’s problems. We also expertly analysed a wide range of footie matches as well along the way.

We commented on the plight of the Amazon rainforest and all that stuff. You know the thing. As you do.

As is often the case with these type of sessions though the time went in a blink of an eye. What seemed like 5 minutes was in fact 5 hours. And at what point does the conversation go from totally sensible to absolute drivel but still seeming to be sensible to only those two having the conversation?

Eventually when you get to about 10:30pm and beyond (as we did!!) you’re suddenly into the realms of, “you’re the bessie mate I’ve ever had” country.

Only Fools And Happy 2020

My last memory of the night was talking to Garry……er, I mean Dean at the bottom of the small flight of steps leading to the bar in Watergates Wine Bar. Oh, a quick footnote, this was in the days when the bar in Watergates was on the right hand side and not on the left like it is now.

So, when you walked in and approached the steps, the side of the bar was immediately in front of you at the bottom of the steps. Just to the right at the bottom of the steps was a sectioned off little spindle posted area where behind the posts were several large pots of plants.

At about 11:15pm I’m talking to Deano who was sat on the top of the rail housing the potted plants, but I was looking away at the time. Upon finishing my sentence I turned to Deano for his feedback to what I’d just said.

Just as I did, the landlord Elton (name changed) came rushing past shouting, “right that’s it. Out, the pair of you”

Elton wasn’t particularly angry and to be fair he had let us push the boundaries a fair bit that day and night. But he had warned us and decided it was time for us to move on.

What was our crime? I didn’t know and I couldn’t see Deano. He had disappeared. Probably popped to the gents I thought. But then as I turned slightly I could see why Elton was miffed. Deano wasn’t powdering his nose in the gents. No such thing. He was instead strategically positioned flat on his back in between two of the plant pots over the other side of the sectioned off area.

I later found out that Deano had slowly disappeared, Del Boy style falling backwards from his position sitting on the rail to saying “hello” to the plants. Prince Charles would have been proud to see Deano continue our conversation with a pile of flattened fuchsias and geraniums. Nice one Deano.

Happy 2020 – Time To Go

So, Carl…..er, I mean Elton, had decided we needed to go. To be fair to the doormen who were carrying Deano out arms and legs, they were really gentle with him.

As they were carrying Deano up the steps towards the exit door, Deano came up with a suggestion. “Where we going next Ollie”. Slurping more bottles of 2020 wasn’t an option though. Last seen, Deano was being bundled into a private hire taxi to send him on his way.

Yes indeed a memorable night. And, given what we were drinking, a celebration ahead of its time. It was truly a Happy 2020 day, evening and night. One to live long in the memory. And one that both Deano and myself reflect on often whenever our paths cross.

Thanks for a great day and great impromptu session Garry…..er, I mean Deano. It was a brilliant day.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

A quick mention. I’m not condoning heavy drinking sessions but I think it’s fair to say that they do happen from time to time. And this one was a belter. Regular visitors to my website will know I don’t only take trips down Memory Lane and reminisce about days gone by. I write about a variety of topics. As you will see by having a look HERE.

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