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Preston Fettle

Apologies
Reader/Tripp Event the previous evening!!!!
Singleton Family commitment and work next day (Fettler of the year material!)
Beck No excuse provided
Atkinson jnr New family commitment

Nice to see Fettlers Bennett and Beddows after such a long time. Beddows as per usual at this time of the year on a diet and not drinking. Must be a Ramadan equivalent as as soon as it goes dark it seems he can drink and not put on any weight as a result of it. Certainly as per usual makes up in the evening for a slow start. Bennett introduced Nick Irvine partner of Bennett's daughter Claire (Save the Cheerleader!!!!). At 31 Nick is in our mid range membership category and judging by his musical taste and his commitment to ale may be one for the future.
Fettler Atkinson(snr) passed a late fitness test after his unfortunate accident on the stairs on new years eve.
Fettler Elliot was also there after an initial scare earlier in the week (work related)

Of the youngsters Carl, Ian Barrie and Timmins reported for duty. Their initiation is now complete and we now need real commitment in the form of a completed standing order form!!!

Also good to see a cameo role from Mr Steve Avery. Strong rumours that he will return officially to the fold and re sign for the club for a nominal fee.

Our tour started at the Market Tavern fast becoming our main base in Preston with a number of good quality Ales to choose from.They also have good quality sports on the TV (long Distance Running from Edinburgh! )

A hop skip and a jump past Greggs and we are in the Black Horse. Here they had not been told we were coming and one chap was sat in our booth. 20 seconds later he finished his pints and went. Despite the smell of the drains and the poor quality tiling in the toilets(we can offer a cheap upgrade from within our ranks now)this is still a great pub serving superb ale.

A new one to us was the New Britannic, just off Friargate close to the Black Bull. Fortunately they have a children's room for our younger members and they were happy to play on the toys (snooker and juke box) for a couple of hours. Nick helped the cause putting Kashmir (the song not the sweater) on.

Despite all , we still have a number of Man Utd fans in our midst, so, as the club appear not to be as popular at they used to be, theri games are some satellite station from Spain (Santander I think, with foreign commentators). Therefore Thwaites was the order of the day for some at The Sun. Fortunately they also sell Guinness. Dreadfully boring first half, nil nil I recall at half time. Most of us didn't watch the second half, nor it seesm did Allardyce, so don't know what the outcome was. Probably didn't miss anything.

After a kebab (and very hot Pizza, Beddows on a diet of course) is was back to the station for a coffee!

St Anne's contingent played the Hasting and the Taps, before retiring, Beddows and Timmins tried Wetherspoons and Joya Poulton contingent found the Thatched very welcoming to finish what was an extraordinary good day out for all

New Member

Carl Atkinson aged 24. Standing order now set up. Official member welcome.

Resignation

Richard Smith has cancelled his standing order. No official notice so I suppose we could sue and he has lost the chance of winning Fettler of the year for a record fourth time. That said we hope to see him at the anniversary celebration.

New Fettler Landlord

Congratulations to John Tripp the new landlord at The Mount (new fettlers HQ).

Liverpool Fettle

Apologies :
Reeder No reason
Tripp Work
Drover No reason
Bennett Edwina's Birthday
Late :
Beck
Beddows

Associate members in attendance
Carl Eaves
Ian Morton
Mark Timmins

Itinerery:
Doctor Duncans Cains
Thomas Rigby
Ye Hole in Ye Wall Scouse (on the house)
The Excelsior
Ship and Mitre
Wetherspoons
Preston Kebab Shop
Hastings Club Lytham
The Taps

Fleetwood Fettle Report 8 Sept 2007 Weather sunny 19 degrees

Apologies:
Beddows
Beck
Drover

Guests:
Avery (strong chance membership could be resumed shortly)
Blant Graham (Henry)
Fettlers Academy attendees:
Eaves Carl
Tripp Adam
Morton Ian
Reeder Jon
Curtis Barrie
Blant Matt
Fielding Simon plus Gaz and Jonnie

In all 21 attendees which is a record attendance

The depth of the squad and the academy members shows that our legacy is in good hands with significant new blood waiting in the wings as the core members grow older.

Itinerary
Wetherspoons (Thomas Drummond)
Wyre Light
Wyre Lounge (After all these years we still forget that it closes at 4.00pm )
Dansons Chippy (Traditional Fleetwood Fish and Chips)
Mount (England 3 Israel 0)
North Euston
Steamer
Victoria(Welcome back to the circuit and deservedly so) Karaoke Angel Blant/Curtis (still light)
Fleetwood Arms (as good as always a great place for our finale) Karaoke again.

A full day which with the odd exception most people lasted until midnight. As always Fleetwood provides possibly the best venue on the whole calendar and long may it continue.

Croston Fettle

Apologies:-
Beck Forgot (Fettler of the year material)
Bennett Working
Late
Beddows
Drover

Official record: Lowest Kitty (one month with highest turnout equals quickest spend)

Itinery
The Crown
The Black Horse
Lord Nelson
The Grapes
The Wheatsheaf
Evening
The Taps Lytham
The Thatched Poulton Le Fylde

As always Croston is the perfect destination. Weather cool/dry. We will be back

Lancaster Fettle

Apologies :-

• Smith Standard
• Beddows Non Advised
• Reeder Bad Back
• Drover House Move

Welcome Atkinson Junior Carl (To sign up at next meeting)
Singleton Junior Ben Temporary Membership One drink

Itinery

Three Mariners
George and Dragon (9 drinks £15.80)
Wagon And Horses (Robinsons)
John O Gaunt (Joined by Roger Ball)
Bobbin (Back to the Future)
Golden Lion
Taps (Dawson and Singleton)
Thatched (Atkinsons, Tripp and Wilding)

To arrange 25 aniversary Party St Annes Cricket Club October 2007. Format to be the same as 20th/21st anniversary.

Preston 3 February 2007

Apologies
Smith (Could be at the next one though and give a chance for someone else to win Fettler of the year)
Reader (No reason given by Tripp)
Good to see Mr Avery returning and a welcome to Mr Beck who may do two on the bounce (bearing in mind the next location)

Itinerary
Exchange (Fox and Grapes not Open until later)
Fox and Grapes (Special brew for the occasion Fine Fettle)
Market Tavern (why have we not been here before?)
Greyfriars (Always a Wetherspoons on the trip)
Bitter Suite (A new one and a mate of Bennett's. One for the list in the future )
Black Horse
Black Bull (usual loud racket of a band to sleep through)

Optional Extras: Railway
Thatched
Mac Donalds

Poulton Fettle 25 November 2006

Apologies:-
Smith (implied )
Beck ( University Visiting)
Bennett (For late arrival, which is nothing new for an employee of North West Trains)

Unluckiest Fettler of the day Elliott. Had to hand over all his hard earned money to Wendy for food shopping, then discovered one of his best shoes had come apart on the bus. This was in addition to a broken TV at home.

Itinery:

• Thatched
• Golden Ball (now no longer cheap following the refit)
• Town Hall
• Grapevine (closed until 5.00pm so be back later)
• Thatched
• Grapevine(now open)
• Doodles (Fish and Chips)
• Thatched
• Golden Ball (Wot no Champagne!!!)

Premature finish for some. It's a long time since home for four at 9.00pm. That said we are getting older and we do need to get home , settled and curtains drawn. Taxi driver had a busy night and was finishing at 3.00 am

Barcelona here we come Two fettles in a week!!

Mr Reider(Senior) will be there in spirit (Mr Reider Junior will feel the benefit of 20 euros)

Fleetwood Folk Fettle

Saturday Setember 2 2006
Weather: Inclement
Severe flooding with transport required between venues. Umbrellas and Towels order of the day
Apologies: Smith (Already crowned Fettler of the year 2006 as cannot be beaten even if turns up to the next Fettle. Record winner 3rd year)
Beck Fleetwood too far for him to travel at his age
Atkinson In Salzberg where the hills were alive with the sound of music

Notable attendees
Bennett welcomed following two misses due to heavy work commitments
Beddows, not on holiday for once
Sons of Fettlers Tripp and Reider dipping their toes in the water for future membership opportunities.

Usual Itinerery Mount, (Wyre Lounge out due to Festival and entrance fee) North Euston , Bowling Club and then Hansons Fish and Chips. Off to Weatherspoons (joined by Fettler Wilding late due to work commitments, kitty almost gone) and then to Wetherspoons (Met with young Tripp and Reider),before the Steamer and finally The Fleetwood Arms and our very own version of the X factor starring Tripp, Reader and notably Fettler Singleton. Fleetwood Arms answer to Simon Cowell (Jean the Landlady) told Beddows that after Singleton's performance, she would have to reconsider letting us in again in view of potential business lost.

This is a fettle we could do in our sleep we have been here so often and indeed some of us did just that. Amazingly not the usual suspects (Beddows and Bennet)!

Croston Fettle

Weather Hot and Sunny
Transport (from Lytham unreliable !!)
England Football The less said the better
Croston as good as ever, so good the even kindly arranged their annual Coffee day to greet us.

In the words of one of us 'Things could be a lot worse' as we sat outside in the Beer Garden in the Hot sunshine with cold beer/lager and cider at the Crown, the usual First Stop for this annual event.

What is not usual is the second stop being the last stop. The Black Horse is a real gem and with a beer garden mandatory in the heat, we were entertained by some world class crown green bowling, some world class food, some world class beer and then the icing on the cake, some world class footballers. The first three categories performed admirably, the latter , the less said the better. The prophetic fettler(good name for a pub) was right, things could be alot worse. The world class footballers would have been beaten in a penalty shoot out by the Croston and Distict Morris Dancing Company, who attracted more atmosphere outside than in the pool room by the big screen.

Memo. Never organise a Fettle on the big occasion. (Folk Festivals are OK) Only visting two pubs in Croston is criminal. A bit like not paying on the return train journey back to Poulton.

Trippy did the decent thing and went to look for his mates to tell them where we were going, only for them to be at the station anyway and Trippy to miss the train. They don't deserve mates like Trippy!!.

To the Thatched in Poulton, (Trippy turns up on next train but does not come out to the beer garden where we were so goes back to Fleetwood (not his best day). Only saving grace was he had not contributed to the second kitty.

Oswaldtwistle
1st April 2006

Apologies Beck, Smith Reeder.
Arriving later Bennett and Singleton
Total funds £183 anticipation of cheap beer with stiff competition for custom in the area we were in for a long day

On paper 32 pubs all scoring at least 5 out of 10 we should be in for a treat. Waved off the train by our own personal Fettler Guard Mr Bennett with his money in our kitty, seven beaming faces began to turn to concerned looks as pub after pub needed to be passed by due to the lack of hand pumps.

Indeed we visited 8 pubs before we had a drink, which must be a first in 25 years practising. Royal Oak Thwaites was the first welcome site in an Oasis twistle. Official rating 5/10. Singleton managed the 15 minute walk from one end of the town to the other and we promptly moved on to the imaginatively named Rose and Crown.

A warm welcome from Denise and later Andrea, they saved the day. The Honey pot was excellent if not everybodies choice.

Not wishing to push our luck back to tried and tested Preston and The good old Black Horse with a huge welcome to Bennett and the the Black Bull, before heading back home. Some people manged the Thatched others were too tired having worked too hard during the week!

Always learning, now looking forward to old chestnuts Croston and Fleetwood. All we need next time is to break Nathan's camera

Salford Fettle
7 January 2006

Apologies
Beddows - Florida
Smith - AWL
Bennett - Forgot
Beck - Can't remember reason
Singleton - Late

Met Moon Under The Water (Wetherspoons)
Sinclairs Oyster Bar
Crown and Cushion
Tillotson

Before our usual vist to The Eagle (The Lamp Oil).

Sorry to learn two of the regulars have died sinec the last visit, but the entertainer still lives on Zulu Dawn and Liverpool FC and then at 8.25 pm Food at Mr Chungs High Class Chinese establishment. Great value for £5 average EarlyTrain home, plan to alight at Kirkham and spend an hour there waiting for Blackpool South train.

Some of us would benefit from this web site www.formfunctionemotion.net/archives/2004/07/09/train-doors-instructions-here-and-there.html. Others managed to get off at Poulton straight to the Thatched. Lucky for some.

Next venue totally new , but much awaited

Lytham Fettle
22 October 2005

Apologies
Beddows: Paris (Although made contact from the latin Quarter to wish us well on the day)
Smith : 'Fettler of the Year' Duties

After a number of years break, we made a welcome return to Lytham in the knowledge that the Taps had some competition now and it was time to test it out.

Taps
Still the best pub onthe Fylde Coast with eight plus real ales to choose from

Queens
Still has the view of the Welsh mountains (or Winter hill) on a nice day

Ship
Big Screen Sky Sports Decent Beer

Hastings Club
New one to the circuit and well received

The Station
Again a good pint, but big screen had interesting choice of entertainment for a Saturday afternoon. The Cruel Sea!

The Taps
So good we went back although the enxt day some people had forgot this final stop in Lytham

The Saddle
The best pub in Blackpool. Bennett turns up
Fish and Chips next door
Reader/Tripp depart. (Reader's suit needed pressing no doubt)

The Lane Ends (The Rag)
Always a good night cap with some cracking entertainment.

Thats it folks Next stop Barcelona

Croston Fettle

Apologies: Smith (Busy) already crowned Fettler of the year 2005 before the end of the season. Now wants to be known as Chelsea
Beck (In Las Vegas celebrating his 50th birthday. We miss out on a do)
Beddows (Actually late but some would say not late enough. Blame Harry Potter!!)

Less than a year and we were back just as we said we would and as expected with better weather.

Itinery much the same as last year, avoiding De Trafford but including the Lord Nelson this time and not one of them disappointed. So much so that we caught the last train home to make a full day of it.

This year though we were able to sit outside for most of the day (and do the Times crossword. Well actually Fettler Bennett and Avery must take credit for almost completing it although Singleton knew Biddicombe Fair)

Home from home at the Lord Nelson with a picture of Tractor Dave watching over us.

Kitty runs out at the Grapes, then Singleton remembers he's got it (and won't have it again for some time).

All in all a fine day. All made it home in tact save for a couple of mobile phones.

We will be back again of that there is no doubt

One final note Singleton enjoyed the day so much he couldn't remember which town we went to at night. It was all a haze. Indeed he was relieved to find that we did not move on at all. Ironically he knew all the time where he was. A first we suspect

Fleetwood Fettle 23 April 2005
St George's Day Celebration

Substitute venue for Manchester in view of Train cancellations

Weather Hot and Sunny (as ordered)
Route identical to all other Fleetwood Fettles.

Apologies: Smith and Beck

Late: Beddows as usual

Itinerary

Mount No spare cash in cash machine unlike last time

Wyre Lounge £1 per pint St Georges Flag (Lager still £2.10 per pint (Reader subsidised by all others). Ran out of St Georges Flag Had to go on to some at £1.50

Tripp arranges to bring in some younger blood, but arranges to meet at the wrong pub! Joined by Adam Tripp potential new member as soon as he comes of age!

Compromise move on to North Euston for one (£2 per pint so move on swiftly) Not before Mike has the first ever Fettlers Gin and Tonic. We are definitely going up market with our new membership criteria

Welcomed at the bowling club, sit outside and talked about Nathan's Trumpet.

Dansons for Tea. Traditional Fish and Chips but sadly not the best this time. Atkinson want Wetherspoons, Bootsie and Tripp actually eat there.

Beer Garden top up the sun tan.

Bennett goes home

Then to the Steamer. Entertainer goes in the Taps. After plenty of encouragement plays Amarillo, we all join in.

Reader Junior also joins us together with Tripp junior, who had gone home to freshen up and take Kirsty out to a surprise venue!

Fleetwood Arms with the Fettlers. Ben Reader must of been proud of his dad's singing voice. Sweet Caroline good times never seen so good!

Beddows falls asleep

Singleton is asked (politely to get off the table)

If the day sounds familiar go back a few pages, it is

Nothing changes in Fleetwood

The venues are excellent, the food is usually good and the beer is excellent and good value (even better this time). Also despite the fact that we were earlier in the year than normal the weather was on form

Already looking forward to next year.

Finally, it may only seem like two years since the 20th anniversary do, so the mathematicians amongst you will raise a few eyebrows at the thought of a 25th anniversary in 2006 (25 years after the real first fettle if we include the t ime when Nat West contributed £50 from the sport club for one of our first outings. Done to encourage team work, I think we have done them proud over the years so a little celebration could be on the cards sooner than we all thought

Lancaster 19 February 2005

Weather cold 5 degrees but sunny and clear

The place one pub was selling a pint of soup (£3.20) for less than a pint of beer (£4)

Absentees - apology from John Reader. Apparently he doesn't do two nights on the run any more!
(No apologies)

• Bennett (working and playing a gig)
• Smith (Not back from Las Vegas) Pity only reason in Lancaster was for Smith and Beck

Meeting place The Three Mariners: Closed! Looks terminal

Contingency Yee Olde John O' Gaunt (Groats) Excellent choice Black Sheep and Tetleys Cask ( a bit pricey though at £2.15 a pint (or so we thought!!!!)

Next stop Green Ayre (Wetherspoons) Cheap but the Marstons Pedigree was poor/off and the Burton was not much better Then Last Orders (formerly Knags Head) An amazing round £9.90 for 9 drinks. John Smiths at £1.10 per pint Recommended Mrs Pauline Joyce (nice to see her fittingly outside the bank) Now they qualify for future fettlers celebrations. The Sun. The giveaway was the quality of the sign outside. Must have cost a fortune. Inside the excitement of seeing Belgium beer on draft was too much for some people, and the bill for 9 drinks? Just short of £27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. We had gone from £9.90 to £27 in just 200 yards or so. No doubt about the quality though, but couldn't stop for more than one on our budget. We need more Smiths and Bennetts to go back here.

Round the corner Kings Arms (I think didn't serve cask) so on to Sir Richard Owen. Where do these Wethersponns get their names from? This is some size ,with as much again at a lower level, but there is still something about these places even though they are cheap and good value I can't put my finger on.

Up the Road Past the Yellow door (we don't do yellow doors) to old faithful Penny Bank with the TV. Pity about the match.

Think I missed the Farmers Arms Out but past caring by them

Home courtesy of those nice people form Stage Coach who seemed happy to put a whole Bus on purely for our convenience and one other chap who slept all the way to Poulton!

Right to the door of the Thatched House where it would have been rude not to drop in and renew old friendships for some.

Finally to Doogles where you can have Fish Chips and Peas, Tea and Bread and Butter, enough to keep one man alive for two days, all for the price of a Pint (in The Sun)!!

Croston Fettle November 20th

Croston... Have we died and gone to heaven....... Its Gorgeous and we'll be back!!! In the summer though.

With a warm welcome to a new official member (standing order set up) Mike Wilding, is it a coincidence that perhaps the last two outings will rank amongst the best for many a year. In addition we were pleased to see country member Gerald joining us. Apologies from Richard Smith and Mike Beck, together with a no show from Mr Beddows, who later offered his apologies from the steps of the Sting concert, our first stop was Preston early start.

A fettlers first and will not be the last, some of us had a malted coffee at Bruceianis (stet) on Fishergate. What an experience and are we getting on a bit.

And so to Croston. The train packed with similar groups, did we have competition?, no they were off to Aintree. Off the train 11.41a.m. The Trafford Inn closed, but make a note for Premiership plus later. Fortunately not too far to walk and a warm welcome from Siobhan and her log fire and two regulars at TheCrown who were on hand to explain the best places to go in Croston. Not that difficult it was all going to be good and get better.

Off for the football to The Trafford and the big screen and the big freeze. No hand pumps here, so half time sharp exit to The Black Horse. Log fire and another friendly welcome by Geordie staff and local customers. Keep to the specials and you will not be disappointed, confusion though as to what meat is in a Black 'Horse' burger.

Off to the Lord Nelson another fire more friendly locals and also the village dog. No 8ft snowman in site yet although one was purchased on the day (in Fleetwood). Penultimate pub The Wheatsheaf and then back to the Crown for a last look.

Train back to Preston and a quick change to Kirkham with the Scouser girls and we were back home at the Royal Oak, Wheatsheaf again and the Railway.

12 hours and Billy Elliot (Singleton)_ was still up to up to tap dancing endlessly until the delayed 11.00 Blackpool South Train saw us home.

A quick burger/kebab and a sing song to put anyone to sleep and another milestone completed. a new venue and one to be back to soon.

Tripp's Bowling Fettle

Fleetwood (just like the Mediterranean again). Beautiful autumnal weather provided a backcloth for another memorable Fettle at what is turning out to be our prodigal home. Indeed the people of Fleetwood were so welcoming they provided live entertainment in virtually every public house we visited. Well it was a folk festival and what a festival! And with 4 months kitty it was almost £30 per head

All present save Smith and Beck. Apologies to Nathan for saying he wasn't there last time, he was and was here in some style this time.

Possible Fettler Wilding (presently on loan from Preesall made a stunning debut. Lasted the whole day although he is clearly not match fit. looking for a permanent deal, we have his standing order form, he could be one for the future

Tripp's bowling trip is always a winner and it was nice to visit the club and be made so welcome again. The bleach smell in the Gents is something else.

For the well educated, they had Fish and Chips at Hampsons. Singleton had a small tea the rest a large. No tartar sauce. Must remember to take our own next time. Mr Avery can hold the sachets!

For the stupid they eat at Wetherspoons. Now I grant you it is good value, but I ask you , when you go to Fleetwood you have fish, end of story.

Not quite, the evenings just get better and better and none more so than the Fleetwood Arms. (out type of pub) Keith was first up to dance, Bootsy first to Karaoke. Watch out pop idol for the popped up.

No problems getting home this year, taxi was perfect.

Reckon we walked 5 miles on the day, so all in all some good exercise. £7 left in the kitty. Not bad considering spent legally within the rules on liquid not food.

Next stop Croston. Where I hear you say. Well it is a little village near Preston with 6 pubs and on the train route. Will let people know nearer the date the details but as usual just be there for 12.00. You wont miss us its not much bigger than Great Eccleston. I can hear the locals planning to move out now!

Garstang Fettle
8 May 2004

Almost a full house with only Mr Drover missing, so needless to say the kitty did not strech much beyond the first pub, The Church INN. This is a first for us and we will return. A trip round the old faithfuls, The Royal Oak, Wheatsheaf and Crown filled the day before a return to familiar grounds at the Thatched in Poulton.

No real flash points, but plenty of highlights in the form of good beer expecially at the Royal Oak and the Thatched.

Manchester Fettle

Manchester and the predictable number of city centre venues on offer we decided to benefit from some previous research and visit the Queens Arms a pub some 15 minutes walk out of the town centre, but because of the specialism of Belgium beer well worth the treck. Not sure about the outside barbeque or the children's play area but just up our street. Other notable pubs included the old favourite Eagle Inn which did not disappoint. Top land ladies are born not trained and they have one there. Beddows to la Tasca to order tea, we all eat in Wetherspoons (say no more) Train home all in all a good day.

Next one for the northern boys

Xmas Fettle
6 Dec 2003

Short and Sweet this one as feedback would suggest nobody reads this anyway. Met at the Blue room central Blackpool, almost a full turn out, absentees Beck and Smith from Lancaster and apologies also from Avery. Other than that all present and correct and indeed two very smartly turned out in suit and ties. (Big day out for the Fleetwood boys).

Lethargy, the match on live, good beer etc meant that we only moved on after 5.00 heading for a Chinese, but stopping off for one at the Washington, while we argued where next.

Quick Chimese at the Mayflower, recommended and soon in O Neils returning to tradition at Xmas. Ausi white in Yates and off to Schofields, some there longer than others and a break away to Churchills(ex Criterian) which has potential for a future HQ.

Beddows traditional party piece if not women is going AWOL, but not to worry, he knew we would end up at the Music Hall Tavern and he was not wrong. Pity not one of saw him fast asleep in the corner with 10 empty places close to him.

A few carols and karioki and our christmas prayers were complete.

Happy Days and see you all in the Smoke in February.

Happy New Year to all our followers

'Mixed Grill Special'

Kirkham almost a home Fettle for most, so we know the rounds, but surprisingly it is some 7 years since we last went to the Lane Ends in Wesham. Lets hope it is not seven years again, as it still is a good pub, although we suspect it has been done up since Euro 96. Black Horse in Kirkham next, Smith had gone to watch Burnley by then, although his driver is not to be recommended, having sat outside the Lane Ends in Ashton (8 miles away) for 15 minutes for Richard. Fortunately he only missed one goal.

Again the Black Horse remains an excellent watering hole as does the The Queens Arms. Passing swiftly the Swan and St Georges we almost passed the Derby. How fortunate for those carnivores amongst us that we did. Having booked the Chinese for 6.30pm the Derby's marketing machine got to work and plonked a stooge in our midst who had ordered dinner. What arrived had to be seen to be believed, suffice to say probably the best mixed grill ever on a sizzler so the whole pub would be tempted. Still we had a Chinese booked for 10, yes still 10 on one of the best recoded turnouts in a long time, so surely no one was tempted. That is until we were told the price. £3.99!!!!!!. Must be a loss leader, because it certainly looked the best value meal since Bolton 10 years ago when we had a pint and Egg and Chips for £1. (some had it three times).

At first there was Bennett. (only 9 for the Chinese now), then Tripp and Boots, down to 7, Atkinson soon followed suit, with Beck and Nathen (5). Then Elliott fell to the temptation. Avery was concerned there appeared to be no salad cream!.....................

And then there was one. Beddows refused the temptation, his heart was on a Chinese and to his credit he never wavered. Never mind, for what he paid, he could have had 5 Mixed grills (Steak, Sausages, Gammon Chops Blackpudding and the rest), so it was fortunate he had a full table of 10 to himself.

It is becoming a regular feature at night on the way through to stop in Wesham at the Royal Oak and the Stanley Arms. Both our types of pub, friendly, welcoming good beer and cheap. They also have a juke box with songs we know on it, so we will be back again and again.

Last stop the Railway, probably always will be in view of its amazing proximity to ......The Railway, so most of us could not miss the train. This time it was Avery's turn not to use his return ticket. At least he had the foresight to get a cab and not walk home like some we could mention in the past.

Anyway the next time we meet will be Xmas. Soon comes round again and with an early start 2 months funds and an xmas club pay out for some members it looks like being a good do with some new pubs (to us)on the agenda, followed by some old favourites

Happy Days folks

Sun Sea, Sangria and Salad Cream
Fleetwood August 2003

After a potential change of venue at the last minute in view of Trippy's enforced absence, the prospect of a large turnout and free home grown entertainment later at night, prompted the majority vote to agree to retain Fleetwood on the 2003 calendar .

We were not disappointed and whilst those of you may recognise a familiar story again, this annual event was far from 'the norm'.

Starting at The Mount (What's new I hear you say) we soon moved on , but not to another pub, but to view the sail past in the estuary, sample the delights of the local market and enjoy the entertainment in the park. Boy was it hot, so we needed a long cool beer in the North Euston, before covering our tracks back to the Wyre Lounge.

Delighted to meet up with Nathan and friends not so delighted to hear the time bell at 4.00. This must be one of the few pubs in the county that still closes for the afternoon.

Perhaps a blessing in disguise, particularly for Avery, whose new party piece is to open a sachet of salad cream with his own bare fist. O K it took four attempts, but he was lucky the guy in the red tee shirt was stood where he was, otherwise a number of day trippers on the promenade, would have been caught in the cross fire, such was the force of the explosion.

Dear reader you will not be too surprised to learn that we made a hurried exit as we all valued our lives and at this stage, the man in red, was not fully aware of the magnitude of Avery's stunt. Save to say that he became the man in the red and white tee shirt.

The John Drummond again outside, then the best Fish and Chips in many a year £4.50 special, was followed by 3 hours in The Steamer, waiting for the band to warm up. There was only two of them , it turned out they didn't start 'til 9.30. It was probably worth waiting for, but we couldn't as we had a prior engagement, to finish off the RNLI fund raising day.

Through the back door we were guests of our very own in house band Soul Mates who it seems were last minute substitutes for another band who cried off . Not a bad replacement, they didn't let us down. Bennett looks more like a younger Bill Wyman every day.

Were able to take advantage of a bar extension, before a short walk (3 miles) to catch the bus home.

Apologies from Messrs Tripp, Reeder, Smith and Beck

Wigan Fettle

S Club 6

A fine number to spend 3 months funds totalling £183, for our first and possibly last trip to Wigan.

As with many places now, we are finding less and less places to suit our requirements and Wigan pubs appear to be no exception to this sad rule.

That said the trusty Wetherspoons chain never let you down and our first port of call (after a train stop in Preston at the Railway for the St Annes contingent) was the Moon under the Water.

Beddows affirmation at St Annes station that he was not going to drink alcohol before 5.30 p.m. had already been a distant memory in Preston and we were treated to a feast of real ales at 1.35 a pint. A certain absurdity claimed Singleton that rounds were costing less than a tenner, with so much kitty clearly paying back into the account was a real possibility. A quick phone call from Bennett, sadly working was welcomed to cheer us on our merry way, and we even had lunch break there too.

Moving on to the Anvil, winner of Camra pub of the year in 2002 and it was clear why. From the outside , just up our street (a back street) inside to our surprise the place had clearly had the better homes team and Carol Vordeman in. Fortunately they had not lost out on the beers which were truly magnificent. Out in the beer garden until it started spitting and then we moved on. we shouldn't have with hindsight as we spent a wasted half hour in club land (in Wigan I kid you not). One more beer garden a reasonable Juke Box and a happy bar maid with OK beer (Tetleys) we made our way back to the closest pub to the station, where we met (Sceptic Throat) Mary and watched the rugby. Via Preston and back on trusted territory we hit Wesham. A fantastic Chinese and then evensong in the Stanley. Cannot think of a better way to end the evening. OK so Singleton hadn't had a dance We put that right at Kittys on Clifton Drive, long after our bed time. Even longer after our bed time, Atkinson and Tripp got home. Two cancelled trains, taxis as available as they were in Fleetwood two weeks ago, what were the other options. Walk back to Poulton of course. Only took three hours, but they felt better for the exercise no doubt. Pity they didn't ring Sue who was awake and sober for a change and would have picked them up. Can understand why they didn't ring Deborah after the last time!

Anyway for those who didn't make it and are wondering how much was left in the kitty. Nothing. Never mind if you cant come next time there is only one month in so not the end of the world..

Get your bowling shoes ready, it is that rare occasion where it really will be the more the merrier.

Blackpool Fettle

Apologies

Name	Excuse
Beddows	In Spain, no phone call on the day to wish us all the best
Beck	Mothers Day the next day! With excuses like that you are contender for Fettler of Year 2003

Again a good turnout meeting at the Dunes with kind weather. Good to see Richard Smith driving again, we should make more use of that. Bennett made it also after an early start. Nathan caught up with us at the next stop Farmers Arms, with the good news that he was going early. we need more members like him. 7 out of 9 went to the match. Atkinson couldn't offload his ticket, those of us who really wanted to go wish we had by the end. In true fettler tradition, the two left behind were left behind had the kitty. Not a major problem as Bennett was going at tea, had to work early next day so couldn't drink too much. How wrong he was. Substitute couldn't drink more, or even couldn't stand . Worse still no kitty left. Nathan was fine though, especially as another Fettlers first, he went swimming afterwards. The day must have been too much for him ending up in a fight in the pool with an 8 year old. Nathan with the first bloody nose on a fettle for many a year.

Anyway, they both missed a superb evening, which started at the Waterloo, before finishing at our confirmed home pub the Lane Ends for a quick sing song and a dance. No Amarillo though.

Anyway another bright spot was the rehabilitation of Trippy with the Kitty. He was a credit to his wife, not putting a foot wrong and even offering to buy drinks with the kitty. Welcome home lad.

Not so good at chucking out time though. even though there was a bus outside to take home to his door, he would much prefer to get home the hard way. fortunately Keith saved Debs another rescue mission.

On one sad note, we had the first burns victim late on. Well he assumes it was late on as he doesn't remember doing it. Mr Singleton fell asleep on the bus (tired after a hard day) with a Chinese perched on his knee. The only explanation he can come up with for what was quite a serious burn on his hand is that the foil tray must have been resting on his hand for the whole journey. The boy needs help.

Anyway next time is a new venue for us all. Just remember the less the merrier, although I suspect with £20 each in there will be a full turnout for the Longest day Fettle

Ladies Night

All the hype and was it worth it. Definitely was the conclusion and roll on the Silver Jubilee.

More than 70 revellers, members, wives, former members and partners, together with those that had been touched (not literally) by us over the years.

Apologies received, from Brown, Lee, Smith, Martin, Hughes, Graham and Walton (who donated £20 to an excellent cause) were posted, but fortunately most could make and were not disappointed.

We were treated to an evening of laughter, reminiscing and entertained for two stints of 45 minutes by the excellent 7 of the usual 8 piece band Soul Mates.

Ian (Elvis) Singleton saved his best ever All Shook up for the night. (Just enough beer Ian).

Laila didn't disappoint with the food: Well it all went and the Cricket Club was just the perfect venue

As they say a picture is worth a 1000 words, (well I think they do), Click Here readers and enjoy at your leisure. You will feel like you were there with us, even if you weren't. What's more you will not want to miss the next one. So now's your chance to sign your standing order. £5 per month for a good cause and sometimes you are even welcome to turn up!

Lancaster
29/1/2003

For the first time in many a year we are proud to report a full attendance on the day, even if Mr Bennett left it late in the day to turn up, we were all there to feast on 4 months subs and there was enough for all to go round all day, which must mean that we are getting old.

Yet again we need to report a deterioration in the beer quality in another once metropolis of Ale. The opening pub did not let us down. Indeed The Three Mariners remains something special and the Bods was on excellent form. Down hill from then on I am afraid, with pubs that have satisfied in the past, no longer performing, The Brown Cow and the Penny Bank were both a disappointment this year and even the Wetherspoons whilst packed out (price may have something to do with it) the fact that 3 fettlers shared a bottle of wine each round says something. Either that or future fettles maybe going out for a meal only or even a night at the pictures.

The trouble is , with the odd exception, we are all getting old and the time is fast approaching where we will need to pick and choose our bus and train times to take advantage of the senior citizen prices.

Anyway back to Poulton at night, some on the bus, some on the train and a couple in the Thatched and back to reality. Fish and Chips at the Poulton chippy filled a hole, but a 10.00pm home time demonstrates that there was probably too much in the kitty. That said Beddows was almost on his way to Barcelona by the time some of us got home.

Singleton fell asleep in the taxi. No change there. The surprise would have been if he'd have stayed awake.

There are that many of us retired now we could have the fettles on a Wednesday (unless that is the 10% discount day at B & Q for Senior citizens)

Xmas/AGM Fettle

With only Beck and Smith missing at the meeting and with former fettler Phil Wignell making a guest appearance (before being politely asked to leave Yates) AGM matters were soon disposed of before serious fettling began. Congratulations are in order for Phil is to be married 25/1/02.

Surprise Surprise except it wasn't when Richard Smith was unanimously voted Fettler of the Year for the second successive year. Ian was voted as Treasurer and John 'the boots' after promising to complete a standing order form looks likely to be inducted at the next Fettle in Manchester.

South Shore Lights Fettle

Little to tell save to say that unfortunately there were only two missing hence the kitty needed to be stretched by extending a stay at the Wetherspoons (Auctioneer) where beer and food was at its cheapest. Country member Gerald Brown made a rare appearance and threatened to become more of a regular. Had a word with him about the need to increase his standing order if this turning up job is going to be more regular(he only pays a £1 retainer). Also John (the boots) Reeder is falling into a nasty habit of turning up regularly, but has still to return a standing order form. The committee will have to consider what action to take next meeting. Nice to see Mr. Beck who does not turn up often. Don't get into the nasty habit. Nice also to see Mr Bennett for a short time before work on the trains. Long may his timetable clash continue

We started at the Dunes, before 5 of us attended the Blackpool Colchester match, then onto the The Dog and Partridge and then the Auctioneer before giving the Albert a miss (no proper beer) straight on to The Old Bridge Inn. No beer there really but the Guinness was Ok. Paid £2 to go into the concert room to see a comedian. Not our scene really but passed the night.

Later Russ and Ian were welcomed by Mr. Choudhury at the Bilash Balti House where he didn't disappoint.

Tripp's Fleetwood Bowling Fettle

The annual Tripp's Fleetwood Bowling Fettle was held last Saturday, starting at the Mount at noon on a blazing hot summer day. Fettlers in attendance were John Archer, John Atkinson, Steve Avery, Russell Dawson, Keith Elliot, John Tripp, Nathan Drover and 'Guest' John the Boots.

The pubs visited included the Wyre Lounge, North Euston, Fleetwood Bowling Club, a pause for solids at the Fish and Chip shop, then in the evening, The Steamer, The Victoria, the quietest pub in Fleetwood (until we put the jukebox on) and then finally The Fleetwood Arms.

A record of the event was recorded on digital camera although not all the photos were appropriate for a world-wide audience. We made the most of the sunshine and Fettled outside . . .

. . . and we fettled inside too as can be seen as we Fettle at the Fleetwood Arms.

We also made some new friends - although we don't know who this friendly lady was with us outside The Steamer

And on the way home someone had a problem with a tram - and these could have been the headlines!!