Blog Tracker
13-02-2022, 21:20
Visit The BRAPA site (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/02/sgt-brapas-only-herts-club-banned.html)
It had been a promising start to southern 2022 pub ticking, with Stoke Newington 'Spoons and Benington both receiving their BRAPA gold stars. But as 17th century pub ticker Issac Newton said, what goes up must come down. Ready for the inevitable descent into mediocrity?
With Daddy Dewhurst behind the wheel, we parked beside a pretty little church in the village of Puckeridge, which reminded me of a beer I'd ordered in a Thai restaurant for Daddy BRAPA's birthday the previous weekend ......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5U7HGiUeQqVubRWSweTmAZOApzMMdaciYNX7L5Low5f FaeFUkk57cq-iv0fZN8jrF4KiETupWk4uNqgJgBgoVAnInVBXgP29cN99Sq2yc MyS6pG3jGHU8Tu3bWt6iLw5vvm_pwLDOKHFzlUqgUrHJtN6R9-lbrJmF9F48q7frrissp_wdh5oqj1dOWw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5U7HGiUeQqVubRWSweTmAZOApzMMdaciYNX7L5Low5f FaeFUkk57cq-iv0fZN8jrF4KiETupWk4uNqgJgBgoVAnInVBXgP29cN99Sq2yc MyS6pG3jGHU8Tu3bWt6iLw5vvm_pwLDOKHFzlUqgUrHJtN6R9-lbrJmF9F48q7frrissp_wdh5oqj1dOWw=s4032)
Midsummer Night's Dream & Indian Premier League Cricket?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5ExAQwxTgtiNRaZn1WnsS9xX3nibW4hHv9VUm_GDJg CfrfjwwMXbIgL24kj6wbGO1my6cLSL1M323V4MkAxF8EODfWci 84mD7sD2GXF4XD3CCY93oD30-6Z0keTbW65c-FdWMFwvog63fIuBhjRs3SUl_E2aX47KSzScDxqeTy_3oylVgnX PVIahlw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5ExAQwxTgtiNRaZn1WnsS9xX3nibW4hHv9VUm_GDJg CfrfjwwMXbIgL24kj6wbGO1my6cLSL1M323V4MkAxF8EODfWci 84mD7sD2GXF4XD3CCY93oD30-6Z0keTbW65c-FdWMFwvog63fIuBhjRs3SUl_E2aX47KSzScDxqeTy_3oylVgnX PVIahlw=s4032)
The Dewhurst's are ready for ale / non alcoholic beer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFHxGoKNlATiCPX7CMDzXrATMh71YDxq0I8nEoDF0aDs 9Hi3vl1TIKgCeUCzdoQKnKs-aqVQ7UWKNGJulm-6SNqOdSB8XvE-bIYB9E4QAvML8wSV1FNfd5livyxZaClh6uOU9keTaV75kVc9nh ATxquAyTGjnKhmxNQeNecQ-YM2UucWLIRAfmpXwrXw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFHxGoKNlATiCPX7CMDzXrATMh71YDxq0I8nEoDF0aDs 9Hi3vl1TIKgCeUCzdoQKnKs-aqVQ7UWKNGJulm-6SNqOdSB8XvE-bIYB9E4QAvML8wSV1FNfd5livyxZaClh6uOU9keTaV75kVc9nh ATxquAyTGjnKhmxNQeNecQ-YM2UucWLIRAfmpXwrXw=s4032)
One of the prettier covered smoking areas you'll witness
Frustrating. That would be my one word assessment of White Hart, Puckeridge (2037 / 3600). How you manage to make an ancient 14th century pub quite drab is, I suppose, almost an achievement. With McMullen's ales left, right and centre, I got a positive reaction off the barmaid for mentioning the Old Bank of England in London, that most ornate of McMullen's pubs. Both that, and the Great Eastern Tavern in Hertford (the other McMullen's I could bring to mind) are lovelier than this. The ingredients were there. A cracking fireplace with a beam you are supposed to ask about, plush carpets and some nice windows, it promised a lot. But the shape of the pub combined with the almost total lack of pubby furniture, plus a huge space given up to dining, meant that we found ourselves tucked around a tight corner on a huge circular table. Having said that, the atmosphere was conducive to conversation, I remember our chats in here being particularly zippy (and no, I don't mean we were discussing Rainbow). The Mild (which I hear is the beer style 'on trend' at present) drank well, though in the case of McMullen's, they've been continuing to do Mild throughout its uncool period too.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsjpNFhE8dVxugAwMcJ18sjT7bOT550GptXAta4jVWpK 1vXrzr07v-5XSHyi4iHbnM4llHIRby1k0g2vGEPSdQX9gM9GCrWXWoLciLVK p4hZw7q1HY_fGeOUMzhKJuSwoc-lleGkFPoTJF2EGHYc2Cr96Zp2qV-eDrvZGlANOTkseRhr17COsuJNv10Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsjpNFhE8dVxugAwMcJ18sjT7bOT550GptXAta4jVWpK 1vXrzr07v-5XSHyi4iHbnM4llHIRby1k0g2vGEPSdQX9gM9GCrWXWoLciLVK p4hZw7q1HY_fGeOUMzhKJuSwoc-lleGkFPoTJF2EGHYc2Cr96Zp2qV-eDrvZGlANOTkseRhr17COsuJNv10Q=s4032)
Didn't even remember to photograph the beam!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjidO82zZAhqgchHPbBr9SkUY0gMkaNQ2sCy6TH4PiMil 8BhYYEg8Px7EqYG-ENDJLmexxzaOPWoisgu0uwF5sFzsbs4CQ_JebIfos8kjJpMFo_ sEoozwrdPIuuSgkofG2rmiK1UHUVF31X92fXdinSDTrUqngKS_ LqKRKIRKHDj9tkx0bCsCkHRzkz2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjidO82zZAhqgchHPbBr9SkUY0gMkaNQ2sCy6TH4PiMil 8BhYYEg8Px7EqYG-ENDJLmexxzaOPWoisgu0uwF5sFzsbs4CQ_JebIfos8kjJpMFo_ sEoozwrdPIuuSgkofG2rmiK1UHUVF31X92fXdinSDTrUqngKS_ LqKRKIRKHDj9tkx0bCsCkHRzkz2Q=s4032)
Much promise, little actual delivery
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5eT6MJl-vXDsVx3UDSOc4imzoyR0N-Tp7ZVjy-oasrRKr8zhs6GNygW1Xvt-0tUMlj46LXspbUUgiuPx4vfIEzD1TlwiAsjf9SQjMkiGGi6hDw kPI2sMsgW776Z-T5lrovQblToDgyLw9d70S8pZg9DXsjc-JqR50zbNS2A204ertGiU-7uC4Eg7ohA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5eT6MJl-vXDsVx3UDSOc4imzoyR0N-Tp7ZVjy-oasrRKr8zhs6GNygW1Xvt-0tUMlj46LXspbUUgiuPx4vfIEzD1TlwiAsjf9SQjMkiGGi6hDw kPI2sMsgW776Z-T5lrovQblToDgyLw9d70S8pZg9DXsjc-JqR50zbNS2A204ertGiU-7uC4Eg7ohA=s4032)
Simon D gets his first highlighting of 2022 done, ably assisted by that cauliflower
We started our gradual southern progress towards Hertford in the nearby village of Standon.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3NOcxyK2h5ZT6kWK-ANz-2XzDzkHKoArN48WP8WrgoxLgyNNlHsPuYXz6mxw-M6QUWDFMvemMykPv9C0S_IGuHtaLM0i_AxYB5XfRlBsy8mdpYU xNgu5qxbcIOjt6Jw7QaBegHa0zD7WpoBVF4bF0tmRFhr1hKptu t14XBf5BGmLhNRliXMYXniFuA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3NOcxyK2h5ZT6kWK-ANz-2XzDzkHKoArN48WP8WrgoxLgyNNlHsPuYXz6mxw-M6QUWDFMvemMykPv9C0S_IGuHtaLM0i_AxYB5XfRlBsy8mdpYU xNgu5qxbcIOjt6Jw7QaBegHa0zD7WpoBVF4bF0tmRFhr1hKptu t14XBf5BGmLhNRliXMYXniFuA=s4032)
'Same old mediocrity, but done in a very different way' would be my wordier assessment of Star, Standon (2038 / 3601) . The staff had gone AWOL, giving us ample time to decide Crouch Vale Brewers Gold was the ale to go for, if I needed it. When the landlord did appear, he acknowledged us with a 'bear with me lads' and then disappeared again, to look after his locals first. One was a Ted, one was a Geoff, there may've been a Jeff too. Someone got done out of 20p, that's all I can remember, nearly sparking an international incident. This GK boozer was 17th century, but again seating wasn't really conducive to a relaxed drinking experience, not in this right hand side at least, and we had to perch by posing pillars facing a wall, and read about 4 year old lads dressed for the first world war. Even though this felt marginally pubbier than Puckridge, its overall atmosphere felt even more lacking, which is a strange contradiction now I think about it with a more sober mind! To it's credit, the Brewers Gold was the best quality beer today, and their ambitious listing of a 'pint of mixed' which I associate more with that Colchester/Manningtree part of the world, (Abbot/ GK IPA) was intriguing, but not quite enticing enough. Now half Tribute, half Brewers Gold, hmmm then we could be talking(!)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp32YiF4dOV13ASNs7cuGiqQKOQiMD2P2Jc96LMV6SO-a_cbONot8gZ27Z31027M9cZlLQCoDdbM4XmqIfVGZW4CPaNdQS pELYuIPnyB7S6mwHWXKbSqh6j2w_osOt4LmpwTa7grHLtMgeez OLn-ELVmPlqVwhkEOgtjr9BtzwlOBp-z70p0xwW_8AA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp32YiF4dOV13ASNs7cuGiqQKOQiMD2P2Jc96LMV6SO-a_cbONot8gZ27Z31027M9cZlLQCoDdbM4XmqIfVGZW4CPaNdQS pELYuIPnyB7S6mwHWXKbSqh6j2w_osOt4LmpwTa7grHLtMgeez OLn-ELVmPlqVwhkEOgtjr9BtzwlOBp-z70p0xwW_8AA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiytQzpK_HdZ6ykUjPvDGMt1BstWzGqoy8EO3q_SiqkE 6gmhFLMcEIx26o1ZrBfUOuBUio3i5k9N1NvrEYY6gVsEKSfEc2 sZNPZg9Z1jmr4cW3P_gt6FGMdIDIGtX0le3ys4yp_sHBrldc6F 5CflYXN6dLLwYHlRdpGdi5t7qth_C2e6r7cj8kg3GoRA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiytQzpK_HdZ6ykUjPvDGMt1BstWzGqoy8EO3q_SiqkE 6gmhFLMcEIx26o1ZrBfUOuBUio3i5k9N1NvrEYY6gVsEKSfEc2 sZNPZg9Z1jmr4cW3P_gt6FGMdIDIGtX0le3ys4yp_sHBrldc6F 5CflYXN6dLLwYHlRdpGdi5t7qth_C2e6r7cj8kg3GoRA=s4032 )
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfzDlNIxEtTPJQ6DrxnVQPsKSRB3n57jq3t9OmUtGp2C UtSkweCr6IbdBavpd1qoJ7pVz5NQv1YtigEni2xl4Gz4j04LIO hfJVDg1nS67C4-j9fBUJj5aba3JVXv08T_nEayR5wgZRaCXl7IIO_j-nC37TINEY9utla79ag1oKgwcVsqkZBKMTbvnHZA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfzDlNIxEtTPJQ6DrxnVQPsKSRB3n57jq3t9OmUtGp2C UtSkweCr6IbdBavpd1qoJ7pVz5NQv1YtigEni2xl4Gz4j04LIO hfJVDg1nS67C4-j9fBUJj5aba3JVXv08T_nEayR5wgZRaCXl7IIO_j-nC37TINEY9utla79ag1oKgwcVsqkZBKMTbvnHZA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OVBXs0rcjP64aKZI52AjZLuM-Fj71hlqsyzEHVUlwpJZtZN97Eosym7p96aLi5cMeB3SPJKFm8b kG4_z1V7dLmeEpADH7TTBBX5uJJIy2FODvLQIuJGsezmHSJmHu 8CAQl1QgtMq4VatXlSTt_s4geZmBZ0sClRuk_ulWmtb419-wpBKPHdTPNlTHw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OVBXs0rcjP64aKZI52AjZLuM-Fj71hlqsyzEHVUlwpJZtZN97Eosym7p96aLi5cMeB3SPJKFm8b kG4_z1V7dLmeEpADH7TTBBX5uJJIy2FODvLQIuJGsezmHSJmHu 8CAQl1QgtMq4VatXlSTt_s4geZmBZ0sClRuk_ulWmtb419-wpBKPHdTPNlTHw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtYDv_ZQYQUU371p3S_S-RoWLYnrdKfL3_tMtEojmNkIlW7krlgNVn3INjybvvShk9BuHGn ysH1v3tJgQ9NZoyIeftHJjPyMI0LUFfFzA-C-teWlmH-FGMJCC4c1YWEPYrAEa3FoPhAGDYIuEGtzaLuOXFp-jj0Ffm-ArBi7TgAwBElj27bTQed3tK-g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtYDv_ZQYQUU371p3S_S-RoWLYnrdKfL3_tMtEojmNkIlW7krlgNVn3INjybvvShk9BuHGn ysH1v3tJgQ9NZoyIeftHJjPyMI0LUFfFzA-C-teWlmH-FGMJCC4c1YWEPYrAEa3FoPhAGDYIuEGtzaLuOXFp-jj0Ffm-ArBi7TgAwBElj27bTQed3tK-g=s3309)
Hertfordshire eh, it has its moments of wonder, but it is no Essex if we are taking the county as a whole when discussing the strength of its GBG suite. When I finish Herts, which is looking likely to be mid May now , I think a Top 10 Herts GBG entries would be something I could manage quite easily.
Back in the moment, and back at the Daddy D Mobile, I broke the news to this pair of so far unhappy Hammers that they could smile again, the threat of a Kidderminster upset had been averted! Phew.
I was back in optimistic mood myself, for now it was off to the town of Ware. 'Beware, but don't be Ware', as they say in the trade (okay, I made that up), as more online pornography is viewed here than anywhere else in the UK, though I read that stat about ten years ago now so I guess they could've found other hobbies by now.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzJG_KvRi8zB9bfElW_v41A7RaohdwnV-izqmLZQdzDcfd1xCn5x9NP0L73DwRfX2geBhbNk5IyHjcFG1pn dXydooiR-vD-dmLz8lvEagNUTmqLX9HaSdyx439K94F30WVrNdzDwPxEz6LeFd tdNR4Ptzy1MUpcarOxofexs1I2DX6MesPPAYV0V4sA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzJG_KvRi8zB9bfElW_v41A7RaohdwnV-izqmLZQdzDcfd1xCn5x9NP0L73DwRfX2geBhbNk5IyHjcFG1pn dXydooiR-vD-dmLz8lvEagNUTmqLX9HaSdyx439K94F30WVrNdzDwPxEz6LeFd tdNR4Ptzy1MUpcarOxofexs1I2DX6MesPPAYV0V4sA=s4032)
The lively (some might saw bawdy) atmosphere was a blessed relief after our recent pub duo. The Crooked Billet, Ware (2039 / 3602) felt a lot more how it should be. Though, knowing what I know about the locals, eye contact was always going to be tricky. A fabulously fringed lady with a dry sense of humour verging on 'bored of the world'), announced that our wait at the bar would be prolonged when she had to go and change the barrel of HPA. Daddy D made the life-saving shout to get some snacks in. I'd been feeling a bit wobbly for the last two pubs, felt it was going to be one of those 'can't handle my booze' days, but these scampi fries sure sorted me out. The larger than life Six Nations loving men behind us were jiggling around in the centre of the pub like they were possessed. I was relieved when we finally got to retire to a seat in the far corner with our drinks, though not relieved enough, as I had to walk through the (probable) bunch of wankers to get to the gents. A leaky tap was being protected by a pink flannel. Everything felt rude in here. On the way back, I realised there were actually only 4 or 5 blokes, it felt like about 50. A second 'Blind Sooty' in three days confirms that we are in a proper boozer. Simon points out the pub WiFi password is particularly complex, no doubt to discourage the locals from going online, we know what they are like. Daddy D highlighted with aplomb, and much as I'd enjoyed this pub, was kinda glad to release myself from its sticky grip.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCTilOifuDcrHsl_MZ_7YdwYOW-aPu9h7rhLX9y0ZiBBpqsptnpRtCqr_t1TqgxdZ-ECGKk8CKSqFjD0nU5oXYJcCCnOnsrKeozumGOjam3gv-wC3XzNTy0jYDAAeGZ-m5QItgrfqISm9TJMMi9IkkB2mPoNndi4KOxd3L7CkXWCR_4jrf Io3648EiMw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCTilOifuDcrHsl_MZ_7YdwYOW-aPu9h7rhLX9y0ZiBBpqsptnpRtCqr_t1TqgxdZ-ECGKk8CKSqFjD0nU5oXYJcCCnOnsrKeozumGOjam3gv-wC3XzNTy0jYDAAeGZ-m5QItgrfqISm9TJMMi9IkkB2mPoNndi4KOxd3L7CkXWCR_4jrf Io3648EiMw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfS2UudmJnluQcTqar-wlcf_YUgTJI_SgLXy5Och-lxbAgsPoFNdmLiz6utB8XxVJWoM3PW5cbh34biKiIhvfHKEFN_ eOzqSdElUJpq0n7xAu71fVPX9ZSUFmPKPOlBsWEbfbpqoapIJD f-Z4ZyN_X9tmq_SXvwnVveHFFL9xBYYX31rJ_lFQaNfYebw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfS2UudmJnluQcTqar-wlcf_YUgTJI_SgLXy5Och-lxbAgsPoFNdmLiz6utB8XxVJWoM3PW5cbh34biKiIhvfHKEFN_ eOzqSdElUJpq0n7xAu71fVPX9ZSUFmPKPOlBsWEbfbpqoapIJD f-Z4ZyN_X9tmq_SXvwnVveHFFL9xBYYX31rJ_lFQaNfYebw=s403 2)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHxxYJL1QyMe3lJffthn8E1CvrWk5r9UTVHIpj6FEin jszqxLA3wDfdF5UgWTq6hLcjezkwadin0ik56aVH5h1QWaD8Hu U9z5LxAli5romTiMSN7k0gGVKKxwEoQVxE-Lyer0VN4aoc2qShRsMxDNHHkg16Mhshyu4Vx4uYvYIoSogsSeD CQc2rt7Xw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHxxYJL1QyMe3lJffthn8E1CvrWk5r9UTVHIpj6FEin jszqxLA3wDfdF5UgWTq6hLcjezkwadin0ik56aVH5h1QWaD8Hu U9z5LxAli5romTiMSN7k0gGVKKxwEoQVxE-Lyer0VN4aoc2qShRsMxDNHHkg16Mhshyu4Vx4uYvYIoSogsSeD CQc2rt7Xw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEEvBHBCu4QkFtV2nZWGq4QlYp1xl3pKSzkMTNRIncED bTaxallSJTmPoLV5qdfseuFXfIW5Dx1Q-G6obrhDdYmHq00FdUkC-HfRQgFarJOmFTH_2hofDog1Q9EbkrousJVwEqh6ctGrPaFdF5U gxg9A76UbMoD68xpA_GFsSmpJR16PuPdZ7J8kDCYg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEEvBHBCu4QkFtV2nZWGq4QlYp1xl3pKSzkMTNRIncED bTaxallSJTmPoLV5qdfseuFXfIW5Dx1Q-G6obrhDdYmHq00FdUkC-HfRQgFarJOmFTH_2hofDog1Q9EbkrousJVwEqh6ctGrPaFdF5U gxg9A76UbMoD68xpA_GFsSmpJR16PuPdZ7J8kDCYg=s4032)
Slutty Sooty
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7M79WWoQAZWetjhqwsSxjR5pFFOI9Xk3uhxLn8iMof9 cOokrxC9ZlKGJp_MwnpUKIxc1A7PhigA9tpiDbMe8mh-zpr40UyCvyyEfIaSY2LkeHFUQAHv2WGPmXAOpzUC37Mp4odUNg 4E6EEKK1TiSpp9uezdnC0aWZrBH6qEktHTniZ_tNhLHlTK3_LQ =s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7M79WWoQAZWetjhqwsSxjR5pFFOI9Xk3uhxLn8iMof9 cOokrxC9ZlKGJp_MwnpUKIxc1A7PhigA9tpiDbMe8mh-zpr40UyCvyyEfIaSY2LkeHFUQAHv2WGPmXAOpzUC37Mp4odUNg 4E6EEKK1TiSpp9uezdnC0aWZrBH6qEktHTniZ_tNhLHlTK3_LQ =s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBAXP_4NLQPd_mJRzCR6YoIfdoNo55a9KMGhPsNhbP9A C5VlmTWg9kP-Y1OvjbyYp3GWG1l-JYamK6K4XC4yzI_HhGHJELlKrKqlQSFfMyS6EltSQnUgnrxU7u hBMJKf1rcRxC7xPVpYGchh35NQae65wDlGebk9phSdCUaM5gXU WVlRn4UqaaBnBSvg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBAXP_4NLQPd_mJRzCR6YoIfdoNo55a9KMGhPsNhbP9A C5VlmTWg9kP-Y1OvjbyYp3GWG1l-JYamK6K4XC4yzI_HhGHJELlKrKqlQSFfMyS6EltSQnUgnrxU7u hBMJKf1rcRxC7xPVpYGchh35NQae65wDlGebk9phSdCUaM5gXU WVlRn4UqaaBnBSvg=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLxd9TaFUmBpPArMd1Na2NEQlfB__HSBX1jJ2hhpVqB 2OnaAKXF3RGRok-rFWCv8PutCG9lHmlIcmuWkO-3O2fOmCngFRw7_zm4GjCb8h2GHsSVD2Kzc13QwN8g8aYe-IkcOQV-kzpcICWayJtxCajfWuo0-6BVyyMErgXHZX9CmDoKQzCFj--tvwIQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLxd9TaFUmBpPArMd1Na2NEQlfB__HSBX1jJ2hhpVqB 2OnaAKXF3RGRok-rFWCv8PutCG9lHmlIcmuWkO-3O2fOmCngFRw7_zm4GjCb8h2GHsSVD2Kzc13QwN8g8aYe-IkcOQV-kzpcICWayJtxCajfWuo0-6BVyyMErgXHZX9CmDoKQzCFj--tvwIQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixAfwlMrh81Ogrl5ZwNUcS-tEEctmJFD8CJSI_dMAT-GdehDOFtARoCVTJ9rhhqoNEh8vqOZoGPGvfxOxQ1kcyt4nkoFl zCF9bHBCZ-vaPaBQoU4xDQCeZPcN5IXIQ-RAR_7rAwB1oM947SUqir5hb-UbkI3yLS-TGaHZkD2_r6JY7jVjotzPYCS_Aiw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixAfwlMrh81Ogrl5ZwNUcS-tEEctmJFD8CJSI_dMAT-GdehDOFtARoCVTJ9rhhqoNEh8vqOZoGPGvfxOxQ1kcyt4nkoFl zCF9bHBCZ-vaPaBQoU4xDQCeZPcN5IXIQ-RAR_7rAwB1oM947SUqir5hb-UbkI3yLS-TGaHZkD2_r6JY7jVjotzPYCS_Aiw=s3241)
Back to the backseat of the Daddy D mobile, where the Dewhurst's copy of the 2021 GBG kept me company as we drove to our final tick of the day.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwXNE_hDU2sO3KNtGTXXWtYcp91tmtZq1S_HiEUOnCL sBQyL5GcGFp14m5DU8WhYqz-puz5-wmoFH6KXSIR6kp36v6FTYWX6kh5ZxNnUdTLvTX63C0Dh1xG_9-NjNXXzkwECp66BqexOqZUwPt4QoYnxrwPdo51c_Vf0qgAPvqX0 9x0sLLhrAhjGSqw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwXNE_hDU2sO3KNtGTXXWtYcp91tmtZq1S_HiEUOnCL sBQyL5GcGFp14m5DU8WhYqz-puz5-wmoFH6KXSIR6kp36v6FTYWX6kh5ZxNnUdTLvTX63C0Dh1xG_9-NjNXXzkwECp66BqexOqZUwPt4QoYnxrwPdo51c_Vf0qgAPvqX0 9x0sLLhrAhjGSqw=s4032)
I was cursing last summer, when a wedding stopped me gaining entrance to Hertford Club. John Depeche Modem, who I was with that day, tried to argue with a beardie man that I only wanted a quick pint and a walk around to take some photos, and that me and Colin wouldn't ruin TOO MANY of the bride and groom's photos.
But young beardo wasn't having it. In fact, I could tell he was getting cross, so I told John to leave it alone.
And as it transpired, it had all worked out for the best. With the Stansted train line being hampered by replacement buses, the Dewhurst's had kindly agreed to take me back to Hertford North, despite it being well out of their way. So the fact that I had a Hertford tick just added a nice kind of symmetry to proceedings.
No wedding signs up, phew! And the place looked a hell of a lot nicer without any pink balloons encircling it .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53Ry5A5rZk5MGCiq4qA5TiBgFpjGREli9GfVxbo-Tv1EimkVQe3jUVKoUBYw9HLdbK7l1DZ_BYkOwCeVxg6VlZ4mbE DaaD-KMVyd6iL6D4dGEQgRT1UlyzKFOJxi9qe8tAB8BcwUNmr9NYYT3 R0vKWU4NGC9Gm_SbysBFXwCN0BaxAr27lWpyGPaW2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53Ry5A5rZk5MGCiq4qA5TiBgFpjGREli9GfVxbo-Tv1EimkVQe3jUVKoUBYw9HLdbK7l1DZ_BYkOwCeVxg6VlZ4mbE DaaD-KMVyd6iL6D4dGEQgRT1UlyzKFOJxi9qe8tAB8BcwUNmr9NYYT3 R0vKWU4NGC9Gm_SbysBFXwCN0BaxAr27lWpyGPaW2Q=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllBleyU60DE3yAM9BoEbvedqL7gPpNfdd5oU4FM5rOO 03UYi1L91o1i1KSBlu3k0ZX0DZvfR8avV6Kd_81tYkZIMSi9Xl H-C-BTKcweMA9EH1iOHSGNVHQzx1bE1ydirPE5zJPupmWb5PGZPOr0 HjKOafO5FWM0ERc9bQpyd8vA7ITW0o-mtiEI16EQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllBleyU60DE3yAM9BoEbvedqL7gPpNfdd5oU4FM5rOO 03UYi1L91o1i1KSBlu3k0ZX0DZvfR8avV6Kd_81tYkZIMSi9Xl H-C-BTKcweMA9EH1iOHSGNVHQzx1bE1ydirPE5zJPupmWb5PGZPOr0 HjKOafO5FWM0ERc9bQpyd8vA7ITW0o-mtiEI16EQ=s4032)
I think we're all taken aback by the sheer volume of folk inside this tight 15th century space, as we run the gauntlet to the bar at Hertford Club, Hertford (2040 / 3603). The bloke eyes us appraisingly and hesitates and I'm thinking 'oh no, beardie man has tipped him off about me, and I'm gonna be barred'. But don't panic, it's just Hertfordshire CAMRA clubs are stricter than most (see also Welham Green). He sends us back to the entrance to sign in. Simon grasps the red clipboard of acceptance, and back at the bar, the same guy (we'll call him Slicked Back Rick on account of his hair) who is a real 'presence' btw, got a lot of time for him, much better than beardo, provides us with much top quality ale. Yakima Gold in a Theakston's glass, what a time to be alive! I'd been expecting to sneer at this place as a couple of people had previously told me it was a bit crummy, but I found a delightful building with a friendly atmosphere of people pretending to enjoy Rugby Union but actually just chatting. This is definitely second only to Benington in the 'pub of the day' stakes. I'm all happy, warm & fuzzy, handling my ale a lot better now, thanking the Dewhurst's for a top day. But BRAPA being BRAPA, you can't relax for long without something going wrong .......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8XDzW71PSwiz0zUjVY6fs9AvHT2cIswoRaecPnVSo0 oc8H9h6lV93tHaft2MhZctUqvvCZVC8CmG3xfybV1SBOVqCMuh sbgk8EepTP4hoyO2GxojrU6TyShsGMdmS0s4CdAkD8jSvI14sf aYbbj-jkvVdVcf8FUoq5DZRvGVMa0y-3EKyWjn34i2Ow=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8XDzW71PSwiz0zUjVY6fs9AvHT2cIswoRaecPnVSo0 oc8H9h6lV93tHaft2MhZctUqvvCZVC8CmG3xfybV1SBOVqCMuh sbgk8EepTP4hoyO2GxojrU6TyShsGMdmS0s4CdAkD8jSvI14sf aYbbj-jkvVdVcf8FUoq5DZRvGVMa0y-3EKyWjn34i2Ow=s2425)
"Simon Everitt ..... CAMRA"
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Omzb1F0yQ6jr5zjemMw4r4cZcMDDJpGR7I9g_o_CuL NQl3ApMnN7ZUvpmH6EDTjtAH-S4VzZ1wZK4DJYGB0XzVPMS46d56vo8KHyLKe6jtazCQb3IzCXz SopYHv-tljLcCv8_LIKSv2cq2w5NDv2mcfpWz07kfF7OcouN7gYWpoXRg 5TAaF5vOc_LQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Omzb1F0yQ6jr5zjemMw4r4cZcMDDJpGR7I9g_o_CuL NQl3ApMnN7ZUvpmH6EDTjtAH-S4VzZ1wZK4DJYGB0XzVPMS46d56vo8KHyLKe6jtazCQb3IzCXz SopYHv-tljLcCv8_LIKSv2cq2w5NDv2mcfpWz07kfF7OcouN7gYWpoXRg 5TAaF5vOc_LQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7rlztSBHM3EuvF1ask7BwFj1wRXm-PruGuW1jHAOAALE4IqNqzVyLw8GCmDeGcyo-ksrGe9xoRf3rLAGqM8_ZTdNdSnJuS31FR4W6_xZjagFrzQw1D3 Qo112ifTNCedsv87CtE5WuMtFtLtso5OtCyfnUw3IQvoww9Iqv x6Y-UI8UhSbrAAKrmx-9Ww=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7rlztSBHM3EuvF1ask7BwFj1wRXm-PruGuW1jHAOAALE4IqNqzVyLw8GCmDeGcyo-ksrGe9xoRf3rLAGqM8_ZTdNdSnJuS31FR4W6_xZjagFrzQw1D3 Qo112ifTNCedsv87CtE5WuMtFtLtso5OtCyfnUw3IQvoww9Iqv x6Y-UI8UhSbrAAKrmx-9Ww=s4032)
8.5/10 for SD's tick, losing 1.5 for forgetting to highlight the word 'Hertford'
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQF_eszCPBRMfuorok-zBYH_7nJ9SwG9j3fPZarAGLPgTVk0WQPzknjIcV533fuDI3dC8 lqaD15_jscj2NH67LbITTnE6ArE3gtx0l0f4ygf5rgR25xlnLv zvfsCa6VN6oH59AkUYTY5wi1v1EesRwNe_YjjnfgbtFNifb246 nX_Fgj64KPLaKrgV6RQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQF_eszCPBRMfuorok-zBYH_7nJ9SwG9j3fPZarAGLPgTVk0WQPzknjIcV533fuDI3dC8 lqaD15_jscj2NH67LbITTnE6ArE3gtx0l0f4ygf5rgR25xlnLv zvfsCa6VN6oH59AkUYTY5wi1v1EesRwNe_YjjnfgbtFNifb246 nX_Fgj64KPLaKrgV6RQ=s4032)
Love this pic
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-8uS7lhYlbnm37R8S_ORKjHv7G3Kt3N2vcrhNpGTU8nn66pKeaz 6pO9VEW2XNs59PPXVvbwQbK28OPtkJSgeTv7hqoCR8Uuuafzc8 lACBcrXp1VwSIyd86caA127SuBFHueWdnrits7arxh8ShUboLc xrnGhY6prWXt2HoZhZ5oL0iuHiOpgDSG_7w=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-8uS7lhYlbnm37R8S_ORKjHv7G3Kt3N2vcrhNpGTU8nn66pKeaz 6pO9VEW2XNs59PPXVvbwQbK28OPtkJSgeTv7hqoCR8Uuuafzc8 lACBcrXp1VwSIyd86caA127SuBFHueWdnrits7arxh8ShUboLc xrnGhY6prWXt2HoZhZ5oL0iuHiOpgDSG_7w=s4032)
One of us looks up train times, and everything is showing CANCELLED. What the 'eck is going on? My phone however, seems to think trains might be starting from Hertford North rather than stations further north, but is this too good to be true?
The Dewhurst's let me jump out at the station to assess the situation, where an overworked man in hi-vis not called Eddie is dealing with many queries. I walk in, and to my delight, trains on time all going to London! Hurrah, I tell the Dewhurst's they can stand down, I'm on my way, phew, I was envisaging booking into a Hertford Travelodge for the night.
But if I thought my train problems were over, far from it! King's Cross concourse is a heaving mass of confusion. Everything north says cancelled. A lady of blousey qualities tells me someone has jumepd on the line. Only one thing for it ......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxRc3kK7pmuGF8U8e48nGaCMiUlVUzKnVvcfSJP_YfvK snV8h0fWuDZDYo_jUcSp3AobN4u8FCizEYrt_e0c1QHmFR7lTK 4PvDqyvi4dl6yH8K7GbX9iRD5es_VxknqbBHcIEyWGqo0HVTwf 1VbHmkb1jG8Vd0ZCgimh5S-FpIXpOT6ktR0r9zhQfiAw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxRc3kK7pmuGF8U8e48nGaCMiUlVUzKnVvcfSJP_YfvK snV8h0fWuDZDYo_jUcSp3AobN4u8FCizEYrt_e0c1QHmFR7lTK 4PvDqyvi4dl6yH8K7GbX9iRD5es_VxknqbBHcIEyWGqo0HVTwf 1VbHmkb1jG8Vd0ZCgimh5S-FpIXpOT6ktR0r9zhQfiAw=s4032)
I grab an ESB, and just at the right moment, a seat in that rubbish central area is vacated. A Parcel Yard style geography teacher has wheeled in a TV so we can watch Six Nations. Seeing as I'm in prime position, I have to feign some interest, sharing a table with some posh London boys.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3XauQtGviWjBPTY77flzn08Bs6_ctEaUWiBedPxhPoA 9IerqRLNNMsBEBpOd5CyM82kRb2VOK6dphgI-j5Bu4OMjYU3AZ8T4ojV5QXD-7pyhqnQ2IYjnGWXjU6hTP3uHpqkKsys2jdwyKFtH1QygMgXB8Z RKrzQCE1BKys9GlIx94Lxot39nf1caI-g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3XauQtGviWjBPTY77flzn08Bs6_ctEaUWiBedPxhPoA 9IerqRLNNMsBEBpOd5CyM82kRb2VOK6dphgI-j5Bu4OMjYU3AZ8T4ojV5QXD-7pyhqnQ2IYjnGWXjU6hTP3uHpqkKsys2jdwyKFtH1QygMgXB8Z RKrzQCE1BKys9GlIx94Lxot39nf1caI-g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjQg_uaxTPK5XZhmlsAzKyehog1pRrLuqbeSyGIsdU3 FacPCPj3uWJssMkIHhA1dCxHfy3pjbzcsOSSsEVltHsu6JaIXh Gcux8Dsk7CrgMOepeAW1Owk5mRoyMgYPpDPvVfIqrK4mhhr_iR rqIwib29PSHTvj8CUnAwHU9tCNFGNcBUm41ZOYiwJOjw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjQg_uaxTPK5XZhmlsAzKyehog1pRrLuqbeSyGIsdU3 FacPCPj3uWJssMkIHhA1dCxHfy3pjbzcsOSSsEVltHsu6JaIXh Gcux8Dsk7CrgMOepeAW1Owk5mRoyMgYPpDPvVfIqrK4mhhr_iR rqIwib29PSHTvj8CUnAwHU9tCNFGNcBUm41ZOYiwJOjw=s4032 )
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNmE3GcIc-82hLwvXax0pfsIj_aJpXk8jAj915miRph0ys1Rq5sVxfce2gG9 lWAyVnjZgHVSLNNMWq6UKQQpg7opJk8VLxWaPM768HTlCxOAJ5 69LP9EPEJ2LhbpHuI62AuOwRze2C_wsJUShrV7UljiWiIeqV65 C-ZZ4imRf3mKMgdQbdvomMHwIzcA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNmE3GcIc-82hLwvXax0pfsIj_aJpXk8jAj915miRph0ys1Rq5sVxfce2gG9 lWAyVnjZgHVSLNNMWq6UKQQpg7opJk8VLxWaPM768HTlCxOAJ5 69LP9EPEJ2LhbpHuI62AuOwRze2C_wsJUShrV7UljiWiIeqV65 C-ZZ4imRf3mKMgdQbdvomMHwIzcA=s4032)
Pint finished, but still no movement, I go up for a second one, which at the time, seemed a good idea!
But at the bar, I'm stunned when she says it's gone off. I stand there open mouthed. "Okay, I've have a Pride" I eventually tell her after composing myself and wiping away the tears. "Sorry, all the cask ale has gone off" she tells me. I stand there open mouthed again. She's starting to look impatient, but I don't have any words. Thankfully, a male colleague has overheard despite juggling five glasses of prosecco to our right, and recommends me a bottle of 1845, which he assures me is like ESB. Saviour! Not sure who is more relieved, barmaid or me.
Back at my table, I must've been gone a while, the rugby has finished, and the young lads have been replaced by TEN men with north eastern accents. Colin looks bloody terrified. "That cauliflower yours?" says closest bloke, as though it is the most normal thing in the world.
I ask where they are from. Hartlepool! Had to be. Spent the whole season following me around the country so why would they stop now? From London to Manchester to Burslem to London, and back again, it's been uncanny! But these lads are canny, I recommend the 1845 which is drinking well cos they all seem to be drinking less good drinks, and they seem impressed I can name a load of Hartlepool pubs without looking in my GBG.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqjl8CNw0MGuBqi_SvLRLRl03DjswuwVmdrNzN22Hg86 FSrJaNrs7-d42MfPlEA12z6uYQHIEODuKdkfzdDLFNh_N1wfGqKVgIU-VvE27ZobaS6z3I2ieVaDBSJh5ckEEEqxZErdzeMLO7dEaabkw3-sC6w8MOhnjuO-JjvTZyksDZ3ag90PQxz6wW9g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqjl8CNw0MGuBqi_SvLRLRl03DjswuwVmdrNzN22Hg86 FSrJaNrs7-d42MfPlEA12z6uYQHIEODuKdkfzdDLFNh_N1wfGqKVgIU-VvE27ZobaS6z3I2ieVaDBSJh5ckEEEqxZErdzeMLO7dEaabkw3-sC6w8MOhnjuO-JjvTZyksDZ3ag90PQxz6wW9g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5E65e3-xdt-dntA4PeFKg7_tYY3-I7GAPK9WEvxH6Ul9-wRMi8dCgEHg5Rd9DvhG0Wi2PpbipY-7wm8v6TwWYclhQLOKBDkhBqFYocPd-s9IdlrFlCuH7flREPuo-qd6zfB1agUvdxe5hSvG2ijRzvjYx4iYERvpxBMDaNjFjsZjcA0 T9azn9jr1CLQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5E65e3-xdt-dntA4PeFKg7_tYY3-I7GAPK9WEvxH6Ul9-wRMi8dCgEHg5Rd9DvhG0Wi2PpbipY-7wm8v6TwWYclhQLOKBDkhBqFYocPd-s9IdlrFlCuH7flREPuo-qd6zfB1agUvdxe5hSvG2ijRzvjYx4iYERvpxBMDaNjFjsZjcA0 T9azn9jr1CLQ=s4032)
Someone's had too much 1845!
I decide that to brave the station concourse, it's not telling me a great deal, so I go down to the trains and finding an LNER one that looks open and perhaps gearing up for the journey north, I hop on, have a wee and try and find someone to ask.
I'm eventually joined by a group trying to get to Newark. They're a bit fraught about it all, but one of the ladies cracks open the Haribo to make it all better. Probably a sign I was drunk, I stuck my hand in the bag and got a few! Think she only meant for me to have one.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4syNU6bJVvRNtlWlaUFTh5gMJHdm9BZoy-akoSl6beiuAaeGemDTRtYf_04BSSBcVfbqO8--w0rIChE1-x7P51483lThPanPMupWTWRTyevoNuVssUmiNzHy_f9bkRrOnh-4rShxn6AoNSU7RKSav4QZxhZZBgkEf3mBF8oMOwA0MtiCiLHCc Un6k8Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4syNU6bJVvRNtlWlaUFTh5gMJHdm9BZoy-akoSl6beiuAaeGemDTRtYf_04BSSBcVfbqO8--w0rIChE1-x7P51483lThPanPMupWTWRTyevoNuVssUmiNzHy_f9bkRrOnh-4rShxn6AoNSU7RKSav4QZxhZZBgkEf3mBF8oMOwA0MtiCiLHCc Un6k8Q=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6mruleEqUoKGO6sa7nBRGtgGYjgle76cenvlA0XJHvt MKCd1SwSCflbAMNXKtBWlMxDJzfS4HQdAopRzmI3GPc3yfZGI7 B1qY8_6deEqmeMTvWBDfVtGORN3RxCcKg_TYVafslrhYvAGJ-xQgwlu_n-Ij1Bzcs-8LGCbgU4QAnRc8U91haEhc-yK5xg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6mruleEqUoKGO6sa7nBRGtgGYjgle76cenvlA0XJHvt MKCd1SwSCflbAMNXKtBWlMxDJzfS4HQdAopRzmI3GPc3yfZGI7 B1qY8_6deEqmeMTvWBDfVtGORN3RxCcKg_TYVafslrhYvAGJ-xQgwlu_n-Ij1Bzcs-8LGCbgU4QAnRc8U91haEhc-yK5xg=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipI57U-8IaL_6vmoEC6V3rA2DR-bZBMGxLyAdHRyd9ULsBKCIVQzr9mcOe2uslDDuHBa4dpHFVm6N RDhr2P025G8pCqiMH7E5p6tptgTMVfG0BJkLD3CgzH8_ffxpk8 5wSrfTh5qmcRXfGtzf4ZiObc2iG9B1lJwHTKPUjgmsRc6AWxf2-e2tEZqGlyQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipI57U-8IaL_6vmoEC6V3rA2DR-bZBMGxLyAdHRyd9ULsBKCIVQzr9mcOe2uslDDuHBa4dpHFVm6N RDhr2P025G8pCqiMH7E5p6tptgTMVfG0BJkLD3CgzH8_ffxpk8 5wSrfTh5qmcRXfGtzf4ZiObc2iG9B1lJwHTKPUjgmsRc6AWxf2-e2tEZqGlyQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZN3YmIxxpDGx31HzLnPGBZa4O7bhT2A-Eu3UXZ091j-Pg_YavEootqBUxtYlu9QE_cSgRX8stQkWX70t5VgirE-7l_28jAJ9vsR_EZpYOnrYTngisKOPsov3WoNQseDPgXksiGxmb YOvNcQlFZA-jXdnkGkILqMYAgBWLgowygZ_BQ-ohNMfY2qCQ8A=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZN3YmIxxpDGx31HzLnPGBZa4O7bhT2A-Eu3UXZ091j-Pg_YavEootqBUxtYlu9QE_cSgRX8stQkWX70t5VgirE-7l_28jAJ9vsR_EZpYOnrYTngisKOPsov3WoNQseDPgXksiGxmb YOvNcQlFZA-jXdnkGkILqMYAgBWLgowygZ_BQ-ohNMfY2qCQ8A=s4032)
Finally, they ascertain this train is setting off soon, stopping at York but not Newark so I thank them and wish them good luck for getting home! Late trundle up to York, home about midnight/1am.
That started a run of irritating/depressing events. Neighbours cancelled. Nooooo! My WiFi down for over 24 hrs, engineer didn't have a clue. A couple of bad bits of work news. Hull City woeful at Derby. It can all be traced back to this journey home!
But all was back to normal the following Thirsty Thursday, which I'll tell you about tomorrow evening.
Tek care and thanks for reading, Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/02/sgt-brapas-only-herts-club-banned.html)
It had been a promising start to southern 2022 pub ticking, with Stoke Newington 'Spoons and Benington both receiving their BRAPA gold stars. But as 17th century pub ticker Issac Newton said, what goes up must come down. Ready for the inevitable descent into mediocrity?
With Daddy Dewhurst behind the wheel, we parked beside a pretty little church in the village of Puckeridge, which reminded me of a beer I'd ordered in a Thai restaurant for Daddy BRAPA's birthday the previous weekend ......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5U7HGiUeQqVubRWSweTmAZOApzMMdaciYNX7L5Low5f FaeFUkk57cq-iv0fZN8jrF4KiETupWk4uNqgJgBgoVAnInVBXgP29cN99Sq2yc MyS6pG3jGHU8Tu3bWt6iLw5vvm_pwLDOKHFzlUqgUrHJtN6R9-lbrJmF9F48q7frrissp_wdh5oqj1dOWw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5U7HGiUeQqVubRWSweTmAZOApzMMdaciYNX7L5Low5f FaeFUkk57cq-iv0fZN8jrF4KiETupWk4uNqgJgBgoVAnInVBXgP29cN99Sq2yc MyS6pG3jGHU8Tu3bWt6iLw5vvm_pwLDOKHFzlUqgUrHJtN6R9-lbrJmF9F48q7frrissp_wdh5oqj1dOWw=s4032)
Midsummer Night's Dream & Indian Premier League Cricket?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5ExAQwxTgtiNRaZn1WnsS9xX3nibW4hHv9VUm_GDJg CfrfjwwMXbIgL24kj6wbGO1my6cLSL1M323V4MkAxF8EODfWci 84mD7sD2GXF4XD3CCY93oD30-6Z0keTbW65c-FdWMFwvog63fIuBhjRs3SUl_E2aX47KSzScDxqeTy_3oylVgnX PVIahlw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5ExAQwxTgtiNRaZn1WnsS9xX3nibW4hHv9VUm_GDJg CfrfjwwMXbIgL24kj6wbGO1my6cLSL1M323V4MkAxF8EODfWci 84mD7sD2GXF4XD3CCY93oD30-6Z0keTbW65c-FdWMFwvog63fIuBhjRs3SUl_E2aX47KSzScDxqeTy_3oylVgnX PVIahlw=s4032)
The Dewhurst's are ready for ale / non alcoholic beer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFHxGoKNlATiCPX7CMDzXrATMh71YDxq0I8nEoDF0aDs 9Hi3vl1TIKgCeUCzdoQKnKs-aqVQ7UWKNGJulm-6SNqOdSB8XvE-bIYB9E4QAvML8wSV1FNfd5livyxZaClh6uOU9keTaV75kVc9nh ATxquAyTGjnKhmxNQeNecQ-YM2UucWLIRAfmpXwrXw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFHxGoKNlATiCPX7CMDzXrATMh71YDxq0I8nEoDF0aDs 9Hi3vl1TIKgCeUCzdoQKnKs-aqVQ7UWKNGJulm-6SNqOdSB8XvE-bIYB9E4QAvML8wSV1FNfd5livyxZaClh6uOU9keTaV75kVc9nh ATxquAyTGjnKhmxNQeNecQ-YM2UucWLIRAfmpXwrXw=s4032)
One of the prettier covered smoking areas you'll witness
Frustrating. That would be my one word assessment of White Hart, Puckeridge (2037 / 3600). How you manage to make an ancient 14th century pub quite drab is, I suppose, almost an achievement. With McMullen's ales left, right and centre, I got a positive reaction off the barmaid for mentioning the Old Bank of England in London, that most ornate of McMullen's pubs. Both that, and the Great Eastern Tavern in Hertford (the other McMullen's I could bring to mind) are lovelier than this. The ingredients were there. A cracking fireplace with a beam you are supposed to ask about, plush carpets and some nice windows, it promised a lot. But the shape of the pub combined with the almost total lack of pubby furniture, plus a huge space given up to dining, meant that we found ourselves tucked around a tight corner on a huge circular table. Having said that, the atmosphere was conducive to conversation, I remember our chats in here being particularly zippy (and no, I don't mean we were discussing Rainbow). The Mild (which I hear is the beer style 'on trend' at present) drank well, though in the case of McMullen's, they've been continuing to do Mild throughout its uncool period too.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsjpNFhE8dVxugAwMcJ18sjT7bOT550GptXAta4jVWpK 1vXrzr07v-5XSHyi4iHbnM4llHIRby1k0g2vGEPSdQX9gM9GCrWXWoLciLVK p4hZw7q1HY_fGeOUMzhKJuSwoc-lleGkFPoTJF2EGHYc2Cr96Zp2qV-eDrvZGlANOTkseRhr17COsuJNv10Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsjpNFhE8dVxugAwMcJ18sjT7bOT550GptXAta4jVWpK 1vXrzr07v-5XSHyi4iHbnM4llHIRby1k0g2vGEPSdQX9gM9GCrWXWoLciLVK p4hZw7q1HY_fGeOUMzhKJuSwoc-lleGkFPoTJF2EGHYc2Cr96Zp2qV-eDrvZGlANOTkseRhr17COsuJNv10Q=s4032)
Didn't even remember to photograph the beam!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjidO82zZAhqgchHPbBr9SkUY0gMkaNQ2sCy6TH4PiMil 8BhYYEg8Px7EqYG-ENDJLmexxzaOPWoisgu0uwF5sFzsbs4CQ_JebIfos8kjJpMFo_ sEoozwrdPIuuSgkofG2rmiK1UHUVF31X92fXdinSDTrUqngKS_ LqKRKIRKHDj9tkx0bCsCkHRzkz2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjidO82zZAhqgchHPbBr9SkUY0gMkaNQ2sCy6TH4PiMil 8BhYYEg8Px7EqYG-ENDJLmexxzaOPWoisgu0uwF5sFzsbs4CQ_JebIfos8kjJpMFo_ sEoozwrdPIuuSgkofG2rmiK1UHUVF31X92fXdinSDTrUqngKS_ LqKRKIRKHDj9tkx0bCsCkHRzkz2Q=s4032)
Much promise, little actual delivery
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5eT6MJl-vXDsVx3UDSOc4imzoyR0N-Tp7ZVjy-oasrRKr8zhs6GNygW1Xvt-0tUMlj46LXspbUUgiuPx4vfIEzD1TlwiAsjf9SQjMkiGGi6hDw kPI2sMsgW776Z-T5lrovQblToDgyLw9d70S8pZg9DXsjc-JqR50zbNS2A204ertGiU-7uC4Eg7ohA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5eT6MJl-vXDsVx3UDSOc4imzoyR0N-Tp7ZVjy-oasrRKr8zhs6GNygW1Xvt-0tUMlj46LXspbUUgiuPx4vfIEzD1TlwiAsjf9SQjMkiGGi6hDw kPI2sMsgW776Z-T5lrovQblToDgyLw9d70S8pZg9DXsjc-JqR50zbNS2A204ertGiU-7uC4Eg7ohA=s4032)
Simon D gets his first highlighting of 2022 done, ably assisted by that cauliflower
We started our gradual southern progress towards Hertford in the nearby village of Standon.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3NOcxyK2h5ZT6kWK-ANz-2XzDzkHKoArN48WP8WrgoxLgyNNlHsPuYXz6mxw-M6QUWDFMvemMykPv9C0S_IGuHtaLM0i_AxYB5XfRlBsy8mdpYU xNgu5qxbcIOjt6Jw7QaBegHa0zD7WpoBVF4bF0tmRFhr1hKptu t14XBf5BGmLhNRliXMYXniFuA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3NOcxyK2h5ZT6kWK-ANz-2XzDzkHKoArN48WP8WrgoxLgyNNlHsPuYXz6mxw-M6QUWDFMvemMykPv9C0S_IGuHtaLM0i_AxYB5XfRlBsy8mdpYU xNgu5qxbcIOjt6Jw7QaBegHa0zD7WpoBVF4bF0tmRFhr1hKptu t14XBf5BGmLhNRliXMYXniFuA=s4032)
'Same old mediocrity, but done in a very different way' would be my wordier assessment of Star, Standon (2038 / 3601) . The staff had gone AWOL, giving us ample time to decide Crouch Vale Brewers Gold was the ale to go for, if I needed it. When the landlord did appear, he acknowledged us with a 'bear with me lads' and then disappeared again, to look after his locals first. One was a Ted, one was a Geoff, there may've been a Jeff too. Someone got done out of 20p, that's all I can remember, nearly sparking an international incident. This GK boozer was 17th century, but again seating wasn't really conducive to a relaxed drinking experience, not in this right hand side at least, and we had to perch by posing pillars facing a wall, and read about 4 year old lads dressed for the first world war. Even though this felt marginally pubbier than Puckridge, its overall atmosphere felt even more lacking, which is a strange contradiction now I think about it with a more sober mind! To it's credit, the Brewers Gold was the best quality beer today, and their ambitious listing of a 'pint of mixed' which I associate more with that Colchester/Manningtree part of the world, (Abbot/ GK IPA) was intriguing, but not quite enticing enough. Now half Tribute, half Brewers Gold, hmmm then we could be talking(!)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp32YiF4dOV13ASNs7cuGiqQKOQiMD2P2Jc96LMV6SO-a_cbONot8gZ27Z31027M9cZlLQCoDdbM4XmqIfVGZW4CPaNdQS pELYuIPnyB7S6mwHWXKbSqh6j2w_osOt4LmpwTa7grHLtMgeez OLn-ELVmPlqVwhkEOgtjr9BtzwlOBp-z70p0xwW_8AA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp32YiF4dOV13ASNs7cuGiqQKOQiMD2P2Jc96LMV6SO-a_cbONot8gZ27Z31027M9cZlLQCoDdbM4XmqIfVGZW4CPaNdQS pELYuIPnyB7S6mwHWXKbSqh6j2w_osOt4LmpwTa7grHLtMgeez OLn-ELVmPlqVwhkEOgtjr9BtzwlOBp-z70p0xwW_8AA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiytQzpK_HdZ6ykUjPvDGMt1BstWzGqoy8EO3q_SiqkE 6gmhFLMcEIx26o1ZrBfUOuBUio3i5k9N1NvrEYY6gVsEKSfEc2 sZNPZg9Z1jmr4cW3P_gt6FGMdIDIGtX0le3ys4yp_sHBrldc6F 5CflYXN6dLLwYHlRdpGdi5t7qth_C2e6r7cj8kg3GoRA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiytQzpK_HdZ6ykUjPvDGMt1BstWzGqoy8EO3q_SiqkE 6gmhFLMcEIx26o1ZrBfUOuBUio3i5k9N1NvrEYY6gVsEKSfEc2 sZNPZg9Z1jmr4cW3P_gt6FGMdIDIGtX0le3ys4yp_sHBrldc6F 5CflYXN6dLLwYHlRdpGdi5t7qth_C2e6r7cj8kg3GoRA=s4032 )
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfzDlNIxEtTPJQ6DrxnVQPsKSRB3n57jq3t9OmUtGp2C UtSkweCr6IbdBavpd1qoJ7pVz5NQv1YtigEni2xl4Gz4j04LIO hfJVDg1nS67C4-j9fBUJj5aba3JVXv08T_nEayR5wgZRaCXl7IIO_j-nC37TINEY9utla79ag1oKgwcVsqkZBKMTbvnHZA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfzDlNIxEtTPJQ6DrxnVQPsKSRB3n57jq3t9OmUtGp2C UtSkweCr6IbdBavpd1qoJ7pVz5NQv1YtigEni2xl4Gz4j04LIO hfJVDg1nS67C4-j9fBUJj5aba3JVXv08T_nEayR5wgZRaCXl7IIO_j-nC37TINEY9utla79ag1oKgwcVsqkZBKMTbvnHZA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OVBXs0rcjP64aKZI52AjZLuM-Fj71hlqsyzEHVUlwpJZtZN97Eosym7p96aLi5cMeB3SPJKFm8b kG4_z1V7dLmeEpADH7TTBBX5uJJIy2FODvLQIuJGsezmHSJmHu 8CAQl1QgtMq4VatXlSTt_s4geZmBZ0sClRuk_ulWmtb419-wpBKPHdTPNlTHw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OVBXs0rcjP64aKZI52AjZLuM-Fj71hlqsyzEHVUlwpJZtZN97Eosym7p96aLi5cMeB3SPJKFm8b kG4_z1V7dLmeEpADH7TTBBX5uJJIy2FODvLQIuJGsezmHSJmHu 8CAQl1QgtMq4VatXlSTt_s4geZmBZ0sClRuk_ulWmtb419-wpBKPHdTPNlTHw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtYDv_ZQYQUU371p3S_S-RoWLYnrdKfL3_tMtEojmNkIlW7krlgNVn3INjybvvShk9BuHGn ysH1v3tJgQ9NZoyIeftHJjPyMI0LUFfFzA-C-teWlmH-FGMJCC4c1YWEPYrAEa3FoPhAGDYIuEGtzaLuOXFp-jj0Ffm-ArBi7TgAwBElj27bTQed3tK-g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtYDv_ZQYQUU371p3S_S-RoWLYnrdKfL3_tMtEojmNkIlW7krlgNVn3INjybvvShk9BuHGn ysH1v3tJgQ9NZoyIeftHJjPyMI0LUFfFzA-C-teWlmH-FGMJCC4c1YWEPYrAEa3FoPhAGDYIuEGtzaLuOXFp-jj0Ffm-ArBi7TgAwBElj27bTQed3tK-g=s3309)
Hertfordshire eh, it has its moments of wonder, but it is no Essex if we are taking the county as a whole when discussing the strength of its GBG suite. When I finish Herts, which is looking likely to be mid May now , I think a Top 10 Herts GBG entries would be something I could manage quite easily.
Back in the moment, and back at the Daddy D Mobile, I broke the news to this pair of so far unhappy Hammers that they could smile again, the threat of a Kidderminster upset had been averted! Phew.
I was back in optimistic mood myself, for now it was off to the town of Ware. 'Beware, but don't be Ware', as they say in the trade (okay, I made that up), as more online pornography is viewed here than anywhere else in the UK, though I read that stat about ten years ago now so I guess they could've found other hobbies by now.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzJG_KvRi8zB9bfElW_v41A7RaohdwnV-izqmLZQdzDcfd1xCn5x9NP0L73DwRfX2geBhbNk5IyHjcFG1pn dXydooiR-vD-dmLz8lvEagNUTmqLX9HaSdyx439K94F30WVrNdzDwPxEz6LeFd tdNR4Ptzy1MUpcarOxofexs1I2DX6MesPPAYV0V4sA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzJG_KvRi8zB9bfElW_v41A7RaohdwnV-izqmLZQdzDcfd1xCn5x9NP0L73DwRfX2geBhbNk5IyHjcFG1pn dXydooiR-vD-dmLz8lvEagNUTmqLX9HaSdyx439K94F30WVrNdzDwPxEz6LeFd tdNR4Ptzy1MUpcarOxofexs1I2DX6MesPPAYV0V4sA=s4032)
The lively (some might saw bawdy) atmosphere was a blessed relief after our recent pub duo. The Crooked Billet, Ware (2039 / 3602) felt a lot more how it should be. Though, knowing what I know about the locals, eye contact was always going to be tricky. A fabulously fringed lady with a dry sense of humour verging on 'bored of the world'), announced that our wait at the bar would be prolonged when she had to go and change the barrel of HPA. Daddy D made the life-saving shout to get some snacks in. I'd been feeling a bit wobbly for the last two pubs, felt it was going to be one of those 'can't handle my booze' days, but these scampi fries sure sorted me out. The larger than life Six Nations loving men behind us were jiggling around in the centre of the pub like they were possessed. I was relieved when we finally got to retire to a seat in the far corner with our drinks, though not relieved enough, as I had to walk through the (probable) bunch of wankers to get to the gents. A leaky tap was being protected by a pink flannel. Everything felt rude in here. On the way back, I realised there were actually only 4 or 5 blokes, it felt like about 50. A second 'Blind Sooty' in three days confirms that we are in a proper boozer. Simon points out the pub WiFi password is particularly complex, no doubt to discourage the locals from going online, we know what they are like. Daddy D highlighted with aplomb, and much as I'd enjoyed this pub, was kinda glad to release myself from its sticky grip.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCTilOifuDcrHsl_MZ_7YdwYOW-aPu9h7rhLX9y0ZiBBpqsptnpRtCqr_t1TqgxdZ-ECGKk8CKSqFjD0nU5oXYJcCCnOnsrKeozumGOjam3gv-wC3XzNTy0jYDAAeGZ-m5QItgrfqISm9TJMMi9IkkB2mPoNndi4KOxd3L7CkXWCR_4jrf Io3648EiMw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCTilOifuDcrHsl_MZ_7YdwYOW-aPu9h7rhLX9y0ZiBBpqsptnpRtCqr_t1TqgxdZ-ECGKk8CKSqFjD0nU5oXYJcCCnOnsrKeozumGOjam3gv-wC3XzNTy0jYDAAeGZ-m5QItgrfqISm9TJMMi9IkkB2mPoNndi4KOxd3L7CkXWCR_4jrf Io3648EiMw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfS2UudmJnluQcTqar-wlcf_YUgTJI_SgLXy5Och-lxbAgsPoFNdmLiz6utB8XxVJWoM3PW5cbh34biKiIhvfHKEFN_ eOzqSdElUJpq0n7xAu71fVPX9ZSUFmPKPOlBsWEbfbpqoapIJD f-Z4ZyN_X9tmq_SXvwnVveHFFL9xBYYX31rJ_lFQaNfYebw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfS2UudmJnluQcTqar-wlcf_YUgTJI_SgLXy5Och-lxbAgsPoFNdmLiz6utB8XxVJWoM3PW5cbh34biKiIhvfHKEFN_ eOzqSdElUJpq0n7xAu71fVPX9ZSUFmPKPOlBsWEbfbpqoapIJD f-Z4ZyN_X9tmq_SXvwnVveHFFL9xBYYX31rJ_lFQaNfYebw=s403 2)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHxxYJL1QyMe3lJffthn8E1CvrWk5r9UTVHIpj6FEin jszqxLA3wDfdF5UgWTq6hLcjezkwadin0ik56aVH5h1QWaD8Hu U9z5LxAli5romTiMSN7k0gGVKKxwEoQVxE-Lyer0VN4aoc2qShRsMxDNHHkg16Mhshyu4Vx4uYvYIoSogsSeD CQc2rt7Xw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHxxYJL1QyMe3lJffthn8E1CvrWk5r9UTVHIpj6FEin jszqxLA3wDfdF5UgWTq6hLcjezkwadin0ik56aVH5h1QWaD8Hu U9z5LxAli5romTiMSN7k0gGVKKxwEoQVxE-Lyer0VN4aoc2qShRsMxDNHHkg16Mhshyu4Vx4uYvYIoSogsSeD CQc2rt7Xw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEEvBHBCu4QkFtV2nZWGq4QlYp1xl3pKSzkMTNRIncED bTaxallSJTmPoLV5qdfseuFXfIW5Dx1Q-G6obrhDdYmHq00FdUkC-HfRQgFarJOmFTH_2hofDog1Q9EbkrousJVwEqh6ctGrPaFdF5U gxg9A76UbMoD68xpA_GFsSmpJR16PuPdZ7J8kDCYg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEEvBHBCu4QkFtV2nZWGq4QlYp1xl3pKSzkMTNRIncED bTaxallSJTmPoLV5qdfseuFXfIW5Dx1Q-G6obrhDdYmHq00FdUkC-HfRQgFarJOmFTH_2hofDog1Q9EbkrousJVwEqh6ctGrPaFdF5U gxg9A76UbMoD68xpA_GFsSmpJR16PuPdZ7J8kDCYg=s4032)
Slutty Sooty
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7M79WWoQAZWetjhqwsSxjR5pFFOI9Xk3uhxLn8iMof9 cOokrxC9ZlKGJp_MwnpUKIxc1A7PhigA9tpiDbMe8mh-zpr40UyCvyyEfIaSY2LkeHFUQAHv2WGPmXAOpzUC37Mp4odUNg 4E6EEKK1TiSpp9uezdnC0aWZrBH6qEktHTniZ_tNhLHlTK3_LQ =s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7M79WWoQAZWetjhqwsSxjR5pFFOI9Xk3uhxLn8iMof9 cOokrxC9ZlKGJp_MwnpUKIxc1A7PhigA9tpiDbMe8mh-zpr40UyCvyyEfIaSY2LkeHFUQAHv2WGPmXAOpzUC37Mp4odUNg 4E6EEKK1TiSpp9uezdnC0aWZrBH6qEktHTniZ_tNhLHlTK3_LQ =s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBAXP_4NLQPd_mJRzCR6YoIfdoNo55a9KMGhPsNhbP9A C5VlmTWg9kP-Y1OvjbyYp3GWG1l-JYamK6K4XC4yzI_HhGHJELlKrKqlQSFfMyS6EltSQnUgnrxU7u hBMJKf1rcRxC7xPVpYGchh35NQae65wDlGebk9phSdCUaM5gXU WVlRn4UqaaBnBSvg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBAXP_4NLQPd_mJRzCR6YoIfdoNo55a9KMGhPsNhbP9A C5VlmTWg9kP-Y1OvjbyYp3GWG1l-JYamK6K4XC4yzI_HhGHJELlKrKqlQSFfMyS6EltSQnUgnrxU7u hBMJKf1rcRxC7xPVpYGchh35NQae65wDlGebk9phSdCUaM5gXU WVlRn4UqaaBnBSvg=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLxd9TaFUmBpPArMd1Na2NEQlfB__HSBX1jJ2hhpVqB 2OnaAKXF3RGRok-rFWCv8PutCG9lHmlIcmuWkO-3O2fOmCngFRw7_zm4GjCb8h2GHsSVD2Kzc13QwN8g8aYe-IkcOQV-kzpcICWayJtxCajfWuo0-6BVyyMErgXHZX9CmDoKQzCFj--tvwIQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLxd9TaFUmBpPArMd1Na2NEQlfB__HSBX1jJ2hhpVqB 2OnaAKXF3RGRok-rFWCv8PutCG9lHmlIcmuWkO-3O2fOmCngFRw7_zm4GjCb8h2GHsSVD2Kzc13QwN8g8aYe-IkcOQV-kzpcICWayJtxCajfWuo0-6BVyyMErgXHZX9CmDoKQzCFj--tvwIQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixAfwlMrh81Ogrl5ZwNUcS-tEEctmJFD8CJSI_dMAT-GdehDOFtARoCVTJ9rhhqoNEh8vqOZoGPGvfxOxQ1kcyt4nkoFl zCF9bHBCZ-vaPaBQoU4xDQCeZPcN5IXIQ-RAR_7rAwB1oM947SUqir5hb-UbkI3yLS-TGaHZkD2_r6JY7jVjotzPYCS_Aiw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixAfwlMrh81Ogrl5ZwNUcS-tEEctmJFD8CJSI_dMAT-GdehDOFtARoCVTJ9rhhqoNEh8vqOZoGPGvfxOxQ1kcyt4nkoFl zCF9bHBCZ-vaPaBQoU4xDQCeZPcN5IXIQ-RAR_7rAwB1oM947SUqir5hb-UbkI3yLS-TGaHZkD2_r6JY7jVjotzPYCS_Aiw=s3241)
Back to the backseat of the Daddy D mobile, where the Dewhurst's copy of the 2021 GBG kept me company as we drove to our final tick of the day.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwXNE_hDU2sO3KNtGTXXWtYcp91tmtZq1S_HiEUOnCL sBQyL5GcGFp14m5DU8WhYqz-puz5-wmoFH6KXSIR6kp36v6FTYWX6kh5ZxNnUdTLvTX63C0Dh1xG_9-NjNXXzkwECp66BqexOqZUwPt4QoYnxrwPdo51c_Vf0qgAPvqX0 9x0sLLhrAhjGSqw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwXNE_hDU2sO3KNtGTXXWtYcp91tmtZq1S_HiEUOnCL sBQyL5GcGFp14m5DU8WhYqz-puz5-wmoFH6KXSIR6kp36v6FTYWX6kh5ZxNnUdTLvTX63C0Dh1xG_9-NjNXXzkwECp66BqexOqZUwPt4QoYnxrwPdo51c_Vf0qgAPvqX0 9x0sLLhrAhjGSqw=s4032)
I was cursing last summer, when a wedding stopped me gaining entrance to Hertford Club. John Depeche Modem, who I was with that day, tried to argue with a beardie man that I only wanted a quick pint and a walk around to take some photos, and that me and Colin wouldn't ruin TOO MANY of the bride and groom's photos.
But young beardo wasn't having it. In fact, I could tell he was getting cross, so I told John to leave it alone.
And as it transpired, it had all worked out for the best. With the Stansted train line being hampered by replacement buses, the Dewhurst's had kindly agreed to take me back to Hertford North, despite it being well out of their way. So the fact that I had a Hertford tick just added a nice kind of symmetry to proceedings.
No wedding signs up, phew! And the place looked a hell of a lot nicer without any pink balloons encircling it .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53Ry5A5rZk5MGCiq4qA5TiBgFpjGREli9GfVxbo-Tv1EimkVQe3jUVKoUBYw9HLdbK7l1DZ_BYkOwCeVxg6VlZ4mbE DaaD-KMVyd6iL6D4dGEQgRT1UlyzKFOJxi9qe8tAB8BcwUNmr9NYYT3 R0vKWU4NGC9Gm_SbysBFXwCN0BaxAr27lWpyGPaW2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53Ry5A5rZk5MGCiq4qA5TiBgFpjGREli9GfVxbo-Tv1EimkVQe3jUVKoUBYw9HLdbK7l1DZ_BYkOwCeVxg6VlZ4mbE DaaD-KMVyd6iL6D4dGEQgRT1UlyzKFOJxi9qe8tAB8BcwUNmr9NYYT3 R0vKWU4NGC9Gm_SbysBFXwCN0BaxAr27lWpyGPaW2Q=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllBleyU60DE3yAM9BoEbvedqL7gPpNfdd5oU4FM5rOO 03UYi1L91o1i1KSBlu3k0ZX0DZvfR8avV6Kd_81tYkZIMSi9Xl H-C-BTKcweMA9EH1iOHSGNVHQzx1bE1ydirPE5zJPupmWb5PGZPOr0 HjKOafO5FWM0ERc9bQpyd8vA7ITW0o-mtiEI16EQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllBleyU60DE3yAM9BoEbvedqL7gPpNfdd5oU4FM5rOO 03UYi1L91o1i1KSBlu3k0ZX0DZvfR8avV6Kd_81tYkZIMSi9Xl H-C-BTKcweMA9EH1iOHSGNVHQzx1bE1ydirPE5zJPupmWb5PGZPOr0 HjKOafO5FWM0ERc9bQpyd8vA7ITW0o-mtiEI16EQ=s4032)
I think we're all taken aback by the sheer volume of folk inside this tight 15th century space, as we run the gauntlet to the bar at Hertford Club, Hertford (2040 / 3603). The bloke eyes us appraisingly and hesitates and I'm thinking 'oh no, beardie man has tipped him off about me, and I'm gonna be barred'. But don't panic, it's just Hertfordshire CAMRA clubs are stricter than most (see also Welham Green). He sends us back to the entrance to sign in. Simon grasps the red clipboard of acceptance, and back at the bar, the same guy (we'll call him Slicked Back Rick on account of his hair) who is a real 'presence' btw, got a lot of time for him, much better than beardo, provides us with much top quality ale. Yakima Gold in a Theakston's glass, what a time to be alive! I'd been expecting to sneer at this place as a couple of people had previously told me it was a bit crummy, but I found a delightful building with a friendly atmosphere of people pretending to enjoy Rugby Union but actually just chatting. This is definitely second only to Benington in the 'pub of the day' stakes. I'm all happy, warm & fuzzy, handling my ale a lot better now, thanking the Dewhurst's for a top day. But BRAPA being BRAPA, you can't relax for long without something going wrong .......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8XDzW71PSwiz0zUjVY6fs9AvHT2cIswoRaecPnVSo0 oc8H9h6lV93tHaft2MhZctUqvvCZVC8CmG3xfybV1SBOVqCMuh sbgk8EepTP4hoyO2GxojrU6TyShsGMdmS0s4CdAkD8jSvI14sf aYbbj-jkvVdVcf8FUoq5DZRvGVMa0y-3EKyWjn34i2Ow=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8XDzW71PSwiz0zUjVY6fs9AvHT2cIswoRaecPnVSo0 oc8H9h6lV93tHaft2MhZctUqvvCZVC8CmG3xfybV1SBOVqCMuh sbgk8EepTP4hoyO2GxojrU6TyShsGMdmS0s4CdAkD8jSvI14sf aYbbj-jkvVdVcf8FUoq5DZRvGVMa0y-3EKyWjn34i2Ow=s2425)
"Simon Everitt ..... CAMRA"
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Omzb1F0yQ6jr5zjemMw4r4cZcMDDJpGR7I9g_o_CuL NQl3ApMnN7ZUvpmH6EDTjtAH-S4VzZ1wZK4DJYGB0XzVPMS46d56vo8KHyLKe6jtazCQb3IzCXz SopYHv-tljLcCv8_LIKSv2cq2w5NDv2mcfpWz07kfF7OcouN7gYWpoXRg 5TAaF5vOc_LQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Omzb1F0yQ6jr5zjemMw4r4cZcMDDJpGR7I9g_o_CuL NQl3ApMnN7ZUvpmH6EDTjtAH-S4VzZ1wZK4DJYGB0XzVPMS46d56vo8KHyLKe6jtazCQb3IzCXz SopYHv-tljLcCv8_LIKSv2cq2w5NDv2mcfpWz07kfF7OcouN7gYWpoXRg 5TAaF5vOc_LQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7rlztSBHM3EuvF1ask7BwFj1wRXm-PruGuW1jHAOAALE4IqNqzVyLw8GCmDeGcyo-ksrGe9xoRf3rLAGqM8_ZTdNdSnJuS31FR4W6_xZjagFrzQw1D3 Qo112ifTNCedsv87CtE5WuMtFtLtso5OtCyfnUw3IQvoww9Iqv x6Y-UI8UhSbrAAKrmx-9Ww=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7rlztSBHM3EuvF1ask7BwFj1wRXm-PruGuW1jHAOAALE4IqNqzVyLw8GCmDeGcyo-ksrGe9xoRf3rLAGqM8_ZTdNdSnJuS31FR4W6_xZjagFrzQw1D3 Qo112ifTNCedsv87CtE5WuMtFtLtso5OtCyfnUw3IQvoww9Iqv x6Y-UI8UhSbrAAKrmx-9Ww=s4032)
8.5/10 for SD's tick, losing 1.5 for forgetting to highlight the word 'Hertford'
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQF_eszCPBRMfuorok-zBYH_7nJ9SwG9j3fPZarAGLPgTVk0WQPzknjIcV533fuDI3dC8 lqaD15_jscj2NH67LbITTnE6ArE3gtx0l0f4ygf5rgR25xlnLv zvfsCa6VN6oH59AkUYTY5wi1v1EesRwNe_YjjnfgbtFNifb246 nX_Fgj64KPLaKrgV6RQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQF_eszCPBRMfuorok-zBYH_7nJ9SwG9j3fPZarAGLPgTVk0WQPzknjIcV533fuDI3dC8 lqaD15_jscj2NH67LbITTnE6ArE3gtx0l0f4ygf5rgR25xlnLv zvfsCa6VN6oH59AkUYTY5wi1v1EesRwNe_YjjnfgbtFNifb246 nX_Fgj64KPLaKrgV6RQ=s4032)
Love this pic
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-8uS7lhYlbnm37R8S_ORKjHv7G3Kt3N2vcrhNpGTU8nn66pKeaz 6pO9VEW2XNs59PPXVvbwQbK28OPtkJSgeTv7hqoCR8Uuuafzc8 lACBcrXp1VwSIyd86caA127SuBFHueWdnrits7arxh8ShUboLc xrnGhY6prWXt2HoZhZ5oL0iuHiOpgDSG_7w=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-8uS7lhYlbnm37R8S_ORKjHv7G3Kt3N2vcrhNpGTU8nn66pKeaz 6pO9VEW2XNs59PPXVvbwQbK28OPtkJSgeTv7hqoCR8Uuuafzc8 lACBcrXp1VwSIyd86caA127SuBFHueWdnrits7arxh8ShUboLc xrnGhY6prWXt2HoZhZ5oL0iuHiOpgDSG_7w=s4032)
One of us looks up train times, and everything is showing CANCELLED. What the 'eck is going on? My phone however, seems to think trains might be starting from Hertford North rather than stations further north, but is this too good to be true?
The Dewhurst's let me jump out at the station to assess the situation, where an overworked man in hi-vis not called Eddie is dealing with many queries. I walk in, and to my delight, trains on time all going to London! Hurrah, I tell the Dewhurst's they can stand down, I'm on my way, phew, I was envisaging booking into a Hertford Travelodge for the night.
But if I thought my train problems were over, far from it! King's Cross concourse is a heaving mass of confusion. Everything north says cancelled. A lady of blousey qualities tells me someone has jumepd on the line. Only one thing for it ......
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxRc3kK7pmuGF8U8e48nGaCMiUlVUzKnVvcfSJP_YfvK snV8h0fWuDZDYo_jUcSp3AobN4u8FCizEYrt_e0c1QHmFR7lTK 4PvDqyvi4dl6yH8K7GbX9iRD5es_VxknqbBHcIEyWGqo0HVTwf 1VbHmkb1jG8Vd0ZCgimh5S-FpIXpOT6ktR0r9zhQfiAw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxRc3kK7pmuGF8U8e48nGaCMiUlVUzKnVvcfSJP_YfvK snV8h0fWuDZDYo_jUcSp3AobN4u8FCizEYrt_e0c1QHmFR7lTK 4PvDqyvi4dl6yH8K7GbX9iRD5es_VxknqbBHcIEyWGqo0HVTwf 1VbHmkb1jG8Vd0ZCgimh5S-FpIXpOT6ktR0r9zhQfiAw=s4032)
I grab an ESB, and just at the right moment, a seat in that rubbish central area is vacated. A Parcel Yard style geography teacher has wheeled in a TV so we can watch Six Nations. Seeing as I'm in prime position, I have to feign some interest, sharing a table with some posh London boys.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3XauQtGviWjBPTY77flzn08Bs6_ctEaUWiBedPxhPoA 9IerqRLNNMsBEBpOd5CyM82kRb2VOK6dphgI-j5Bu4OMjYU3AZ8T4ojV5QXD-7pyhqnQ2IYjnGWXjU6hTP3uHpqkKsys2jdwyKFtH1QygMgXB8Z RKrzQCE1BKys9GlIx94Lxot39nf1caI-g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3XauQtGviWjBPTY77flzn08Bs6_ctEaUWiBedPxhPoA 9IerqRLNNMsBEBpOd5CyM82kRb2VOK6dphgI-j5Bu4OMjYU3AZ8T4ojV5QXD-7pyhqnQ2IYjnGWXjU6hTP3uHpqkKsys2jdwyKFtH1QygMgXB8Z RKrzQCE1BKys9GlIx94Lxot39nf1caI-g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjQg_uaxTPK5XZhmlsAzKyehog1pRrLuqbeSyGIsdU3 FacPCPj3uWJssMkIHhA1dCxHfy3pjbzcsOSSsEVltHsu6JaIXh Gcux8Dsk7CrgMOepeAW1Owk5mRoyMgYPpDPvVfIqrK4mhhr_iR rqIwib29PSHTvj8CUnAwHU9tCNFGNcBUm41ZOYiwJOjw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjQg_uaxTPK5XZhmlsAzKyehog1pRrLuqbeSyGIsdU3 FacPCPj3uWJssMkIHhA1dCxHfy3pjbzcsOSSsEVltHsu6JaIXh Gcux8Dsk7CrgMOepeAW1Owk5mRoyMgYPpDPvVfIqrK4mhhr_iR rqIwib29PSHTvj8CUnAwHU9tCNFGNcBUm41ZOYiwJOjw=s4032 )
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNmE3GcIc-82hLwvXax0pfsIj_aJpXk8jAj915miRph0ys1Rq5sVxfce2gG9 lWAyVnjZgHVSLNNMWq6UKQQpg7opJk8VLxWaPM768HTlCxOAJ5 69LP9EPEJ2LhbpHuI62AuOwRze2C_wsJUShrV7UljiWiIeqV65 C-ZZ4imRf3mKMgdQbdvomMHwIzcA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNmE3GcIc-82hLwvXax0pfsIj_aJpXk8jAj915miRph0ys1Rq5sVxfce2gG9 lWAyVnjZgHVSLNNMWq6UKQQpg7opJk8VLxWaPM768HTlCxOAJ5 69LP9EPEJ2LhbpHuI62AuOwRze2C_wsJUShrV7UljiWiIeqV65 C-ZZ4imRf3mKMgdQbdvomMHwIzcA=s4032)
Pint finished, but still no movement, I go up for a second one, which at the time, seemed a good idea!
But at the bar, I'm stunned when she says it's gone off. I stand there open mouthed. "Okay, I've have a Pride" I eventually tell her after composing myself and wiping away the tears. "Sorry, all the cask ale has gone off" she tells me. I stand there open mouthed again. She's starting to look impatient, but I don't have any words. Thankfully, a male colleague has overheard despite juggling five glasses of prosecco to our right, and recommends me a bottle of 1845, which he assures me is like ESB. Saviour! Not sure who is more relieved, barmaid or me.
Back at my table, I must've been gone a while, the rugby has finished, and the young lads have been replaced by TEN men with north eastern accents. Colin looks bloody terrified. "That cauliflower yours?" says closest bloke, as though it is the most normal thing in the world.
I ask where they are from. Hartlepool! Had to be. Spent the whole season following me around the country so why would they stop now? From London to Manchester to Burslem to London, and back again, it's been uncanny! But these lads are canny, I recommend the 1845 which is drinking well cos they all seem to be drinking less good drinks, and they seem impressed I can name a load of Hartlepool pubs without looking in my GBG.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqjl8CNw0MGuBqi_SvLRLRl03DjswuwVmdrNzN22Hg86 FSrJaNrs7-d42MfPlEA12z6uYQHIEODuKdkfzdDLFNh_N1wfGqKVgIU-VvE27ZobaS6z3I2ieVaDBSJh5ckEEEqxZErdzeMLO7dEaabkw3-sC6w8MOhnjuO-JjvTZyksDZ3ag90PQxz6wW9g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqjl8CNw0MGuBqi_SvLRLRl03DjswuwVmdrNzN22Hg86 FSrJaNrs7-d42MfPlEA12z6uYQHIEODuKdkfzdDLFNh_N1wfGqKVgIU-VvE27ZobaS6z3I2ieVaDBSJh5ckEEEqxZErdzeMLO7dEaabkw3-sC6w8MOhnjuO-JjvTZyksDZ3ag90PQxz6wW9g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5E65e3-xdt-dntA4PeFKg7_tYY3-I7GAPK9WEvxH6Ul9-wRMi8dCgEHg5Rd9DvhG0Wi2PpbipY-7wm8v6TwWYclhQLOKBDkhBqFYocPd-s9IdlrFlCuH7flREPuo-qd6zfB1agUvdxe5hSvG2ijRzvjYx4iYERvpxBMDaNjFjsZjcA0 T9azn9jr1CLQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5E65e3-xdt-dntA4PeFKg7_tYY3-I7GAPK9WEvxH6Ul9-wRMi8dCgEHg5Rd9DvhG0Wi2PpbipY-7wm8v6TwWYclhQLOKBDkhBqFYocPd-s9IdlrFlCuH7flREPuo-qd6zfB1agUvdxe5hSvG2ijRzvjYx4iYERvpxBMDaNjFjsZjcA0 T9azn9jr1CLQ=s4032)
Someone's had too much 1845!
I decide that to brave the station concourse, it's not telling me a great deal, so I go down to the trains and finding an LNER one that looks open and perhaps gearing up for the journey north, I hop on, have a wee and try and find someone to ask.
I'm eventually joined by a group trying to get to Newark. They're a bit fraught about it all, but one of the ladies cracks open the Haribo to make it all better. Probably a sign I was drunk, I stuck my hand in the bag and got a few! Think she only meant for me to have one.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4syNU6bJVvRNtlWlaUFTh5gMJHdm9BZoy-akoSl6beiuAaeGemDTRtYf_04BSSBcVfbqO8--w0rIChE1-x7P51483lThPanPMupWTWRTyevoNuVssUmiNzHy_f9bkRrOnh-4rShxn6AoNSU7RKSav4QZxhZZBgkEf3mBF8oMOwA0MtiCiLHCc Un6k8Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4syNU6bJVvRNtlWlaUFTh5gMJHdm9BZoy-akoSl6beiuAaeGemDTRtYf_04BSSBcVfbqO8--w0rIChE1-x7P51483lThPanPMupWTWRTyevoNuVssUmiNzHy_f9bkRrOnh-4rShxn6AoNSU7RKSav4QZxhZZBgkEf3mBF8oMOwA0MtiCiLHCc Un6k8Q=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6mruleEqUoKGO6sa7nBRGtgGYjgle76cenvlA0XJHvt MKCd1SwSCflbAMNXKtBWlMxDJzfS4HQdAopRzmI3GPc3yfZGI7 B1qY8_6deEqmeMTvWBDfVtGORN3RxCcKg_TYVafslrhYvAGJ-xQgwlu_n-Ij1Bzcs-8LGCbgU4QAnRc8U91haEhc-yK5xg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6mruleEqUoKGO6sa7nBRGtgGYjgle76cenvlA0XJHvt MKCd1SwSCflbAMNXKtBWlMxDJzfS4HQdAopRzmI3GPc3yfZGI7 B1qY8_6deEqmeMTvWBDfVtGORN3RxCcKg_TYVafslrhYvAGJ-xQgwlu_n-Ij1Bzcs-8LGCbgU4QAnRc8U91haEhc-yK5xg=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipI57U-8IaL_6vmoEC6V3rA2DR-bZBMGxLyAdHRyd9ULsBKCIVQzr9mcOe2uslDDuHBa4dpHFVm6N RDhr2P025G8pCqiMH7E5p6tptgTMVfG0BJkLD3CgzH8_ffxpk8 5wSrfTh5qmcRXfGtzf4ZiObc2iG9B1lJwHTKPUjgmsRc6AWxf2-e2tEZqGlyQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipI57U-8IaL_6vmoEC6V3rA2DR-bZBMGxLyAdHRyd9ULsBKCIVQzr9mcOe2uslDDuHBa4dpHFVm6N RDhr2P025G8pCqiMH7E5p6tptgTMVfG0BJkLD3CgzH8_ffxpk8 5wSrfTh5qmcRXfGtzf4ZiObc2iG9B1lJwHTKPUjgmsRc6AWxf2-e2tEZqGlyQ=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZN3YmIxxpDGx31HzLnPGBZa4O7bhT2A-Eu3UXZ091j-Pg_YavEootqBUxtYlu9QE_cSgRX8stQkWX70t5VgirE-7l_28jAJ9vsR_EZpYOnrYTngisKOPsov3WoNQseDPgXksiGxmb YOvNcQlFZA-jXdnkGkILqMYAgBWLgowygZ_BQ-ohNMfY2qCQ8A=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZN3YmIxxpDGx31HzLnPGBZa4O7bhT2A-Eu3UXZ091j-Pg_YavEootqBUxtYlu9QE_cSgRX8stQkWX70t5VgirE-7l_28jAJ9vsR_EZpYOnrYTngisKOPsov3WoNQseDPgXksiGxmb YOvNcQlFZA-jXdnkGkILqMYAgBWLgowygZ_BQ-ohNMfY2qCQ8A=s4032)
Finally, they ascertain this train is setting off soon, stopping at York but not Newark so I thank them and wish them good luck for getting home! Late trundle up to York, home about midnight/1am.
That started a run of irritating/depressing events. Neighbours cancelled. Nooooo! My WiFi down for over 24 hrs, engineer didn't have a clue. A couple of bad bits of work news. Hull City woeful at Derby. It can all be traced back to this journey home!
But all was back to normal the following Thirsty Thursday, which I'll tell you about tomorrow evening.
Tek care and thanks for reading, Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/02/sgt-brapas-only-herts-club-banned.html)