Landlord’s Diary
Summer 2011
The trepidation for the weather forecast in the last blog proved to be unfounded as the May BH Beer fest enjoyed the most fantastic of weekends. The Friday started quietly, with the promised arrival of punters for a Royal Wedding breakfast party just a wild rumour. It continued quiet, so quiet that I nipped for a shower whilst we waited for the party to start. The Party on the Green opposite the pub was in full swing – the fantastic sight of so many hundreds of children and their parents milling around enjoying the BBQ was as good an advert for village life as I've ever seen. Well the serene atmosphere was short lived. As I came down from my shower, I was greeted by what seemed to be the whole population of the village crammed into the pub. We didn't get on top of cleaning the used glasses until 3pm that night, and then some were left for the morning. The day turned into night and the band who had struck up late afternoon, rocked (or maybe gently rolled) through till last orders. The next day we were braced for a deterioration in the weather, but that held up and continued all weekend. A busy afternoon made way for the evenings entertainment. We had booked a guy Davi Chris, who billed himself as the true voice of Wales. Well a true voice he had – and entertaining! He had the Peal dancing and singing like I've never seen it. I had to drag him off in order to keep the neighbours from complaining! Sunday saw our resident Festival Band returning and they did their stuff from early afternoon till late Sunday – great stuff. They even dragged me up for a bit of a performance! Monday is always a chill out day and only the kids got excited on the Bouncy Castle. All together, a highly successful festival and another grand celebration of village life.
Back to the more standard pub activities. April and May proved to be the busiest months the pub has seen, with the Quiz packing in more Eggheads than the seating could cope with. Greg has to be congratulated in keeping everyone interested and entertained. Darts and pool continue to be popular and the Poker league is still packing them in. One new future member of one of the pubs team arrived in June. My daughter Sarah gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl Maisy. She's now a regular in the bar – only drinking milk though.
In July the Peal got invited to participate in the Farndon Primary School Football knockout, at their Open Day. Along with 16 other teams mainly from other businesses in the area, we put together a team of Dads and Granddads (me), plus the odd youngster! Our team of me, Mark Hibbert, Bernard Fildes, Gareth Davies, Mark Jarvis, Lee Burke and Matty Morgan. We wore the orange of Holland, were called PSV hangover, and nicknamed The Orange Pealers – I thought it was funny anyway! Some spectators actually commented that they saw some total football from our veterans that day – memories of Cruff etc. Starting as rank outsiders, the favourites being Jeff Nevitt and the Parrys, our first game pitted us against probably second favourites, with an ex–Welsh International in their midst. After a nervous start, and a few close calls, our supersub Bernard entered the fray. Following a neat one two with Hibbo, the ball was swept into the opposition net. 1–0. The next game we drew Holt old boys– Pritch, Jack, Gibb, Bunge, etc., who were tossed aside 4–0, Hibbo leading the goal fest. He also doubles as an excellent web page creator – ours was his first effort and an excellent example it is. Through to the quarter final, which was won 2–0 and we were pitched against the Parrys. A goalless 1st half, with tempers simmering, erupted in the second half when their younger legs took over and we ended up loosing 2–0. The Parrys deservedly won the final against a Nathan Gaade led team. Overall a great day out. We have been invited to the Tilston Wakes competition on August BH, but our own busy BH itinery, and still aching limbs, means we will decline this challenge
Winter 2010
Well the daffodils are starting to peep through the soil, and the snow drops are well in bloom in the pubs garden, so I’m hoping we’ve seen the last of Winter. Somehow, I don’t think so, perhaps the last of the snow will show itself Beer Festival week at the beginning of May, stranger things have happened. Well we’re well over Christmas, though I’ve only just sent my last prezzies – that’s how disorganised I am.
The pub was really busy over the Christmas period, and into the New Year. The week before Christmas was really good, with people enjoying the festivities and supporting their local, which we really appreciate. With January and February being traditionally the quietest time for the trade, we were expecting a bit of respite, but we’ve been blessed with some good football fixtures, and now the 6 Nations rugby. Kicking off with a massive Wales v England game on Friday night, it produced a cracking atmosphere, the pub being right on the Border, and the game lived up to expectations. I won’t gloat as to the result, not that I saw any of the game, being pretty tied up on the bar!
Talking of sport, we’ve had our own sporting events over the past few months. First the inaugural darts tournament, then the Christmas knockout. The pre-tournament favourite Terry Burke won the first competition, beating Bod in the final. The second competition was full of surprises, with Gary Jones beating Bod in one semi–final, and Dave Dodds beating Terry in the other. Gary Jones was the eventual winner – racking up an impressive 4–1 score. We recently had a challenge from the Greyhound for a darts game. Two Wednesdays ago we made the trip to England, however, the threat of a good tonking was so great, that most of their team were in hiding. We won all our games against the few bravehearts that turned up, and eagerly awaited the return with promises of drafting in the cavalry or whatever. They could have done with calling the archers, cause we beat them 6–2 in the return. I believe they are practising like hell now with a picture of Chris’s gob as the target!
The poker league is still going strong, however interest in a pool team hasn’t exactly taken off. I’m glad the football challenges have subsided for the time being, seeing as my legs have finally ‘gone’! They’d been going for years anyway, but they’ve finally given up the ghost! I should concentrate on the darts, but I’m no good at that either!
The quiz has blossomed in the past few months. It had been gradually been building up numbers, and at Christmas we filled every table in the pub with budding Eggheads. We thought January would take a dip, but that was busy as well and Februarys brain teaser was choca block again : standing room only. All the credit goes to Greg, whose unstinting effort at producing and reciting the quiz have paid dividends. Well done Greg, much appreciated, and the Only Fools and Horses round was a cracker. Look out for the next specialist round – it’ll be posted on our facebook page. And talking of the facebook page, we’ve just created a Friends of Peal O’ Bells – check it out for the latest news, and hints as to the next specialist round in the quiz. Next quiz 10th March – an extra Charity quiz in aid of Dominic’s London Marathon run, who will be ably assisted by his wife Veronica Cubbit, who used to work behind the bar here. Next regular quiznight is 31st March – look forward to seeing you all then. Cheers!
Summer 2010
Well, the 3rd Annual Peal O’ Bells Beer Festival was a rip roaring success, despite the best the British weather could throw at us. This year, it started off ‘Wintery’, but finally managed to brighten up by the Monday– when the kids enjoyed a cracking day on the Bouncy castle. The village also prospered – with donations from barrel sponsorship and t–shirt sales reaching £351, shared between Holt Church, Holt Bellringers, who kindly treated us to a ringing to start proceedings on the Saturday, and the Keynon Hall, who lent us the tables and chairs for the Marquee. Many thanks to the sponsors listed below, and especially to Mark Ford of Farndon Reprographics, who donated the t–shirts free of charge and also provided a large wall poster. Special thanks also to the corporate sponsors, Martin Wright of MWA flood management, and James Plant of James Plant Construction.
On the subject of thankyou’s, the festival couldn’t have been possible without our loyal staff, Kath Dave and Katy, plus Chris back from a nasty operation, who made sure everyone was kept well served in drinks and ice cream. Finally a Big Big thankyou to our volunteers, Ken Betney, Hughie,Mark Lea and Caroline, who helped staff the Marquee and provide the beer tokens, plus the two Cheryls – Cheryl Jones who kept Ann company whilst serving the marquee beers and Robbie Braisdell and Cheryl Burke, who endured a baptisim of fire in the bar. To cap the community spirit theme, we offered free use of the BBQ to any local group who wished to man it. Holt Junior School PTA took on Saturdays slot and Holt Under 5’S play group did the Monday. Because the Saturday as such a washout, Olly and Liz efforts were a little in vain, so on the Sunday I volunteered to don the Chefs apron with Martin Wright kindly offering to lend a hand (well it turn out the other way round really – I was the ‘commie’! Over the 2 days we raised about £250, whilst on the Sunday the Under 5’s operating a highly efficient relay system, raised £300. Donning the mathematicians hat, the local Community groups gained £900 through everyone’s efforts. Tremendous. Please everyone, make sure we are still around next year and support your local pub through the coming months – despite what the new government or our Pub Company landlords may throw at us both – we need YOUR support – it’s YOUR pub after all, I’m just the custodian.
As well as the Beer Festival, there’s been plenty happening down at the Peal lately. On Thursday 17th June we had a Charity Race Night – and what a night that was. Vying for attention against the footie, and Oh dear, how sad, the French got beat, it was damn sight more exciting. 8 Horse races, followed by 2 pig races, what a giggle seeing them little prokers trundle round the course. Again, this was a great success, with £314 being raised for Cancer Research. A great effort.
Other events coming up are a Karaoke night early July, and the return of the Peal O’ Bells Quiz after a short absence. Check the Notice Board for details.
I touched on the footie – and despite a tame start to the tournament, the pub is still buzzing when the games are shown. Most people have opened their World Cup envelopes, and to me and Robbie’s pleasure, have pulled out most of the ‘donkeys’. Then again the way the results are panning out, it could be a highly unfancied team that does the business – I’m tipping the Koreans or Japan to progress further than most people think – but coming from a Tranmere fan, I usually talk through my hat. Briefly on the Tranmere subject, what a fine effort to stay up on the last game of the season. The Gresford boys were very pleased for me, just as they are behind England in the World Cup. The fact that they wore the Stars and Stripes on Saturday didn’t detract from their deep down support for Red and Whites! NOT!
After the success of the BBQ at the Beer Fest, we plan to have regular BBQ at the weekend. Interest has been shown by the local groups, and failing that we will ‘man’ it ourselves, when the staffing problem resolves itself. In fact, the under 5’s are on the griddle this Saturday 19th June for James Plant and Sarah Davies post Wedding reception. Best wishes to Jim and Sarah for a crackin’ couple of days, lets hope the Davies’s and Jones’s have another good do.
Next diary update to follow after the World Cup – England crowned as champions, and Tranmere appoint Sven Goran Ericson as manager after the F.A. offer Cappello £50M a year to carry on, so he turns down the £5K salary for the Prenton Park hot seat
End of Year Update 2009
Well, the festivities are well and truly over – the pine needles are dropping all over the carpet, the only remnant of the celebrations are a stinking cold (or in the blokes case, man flu) and the turkey bones since meat has gone into every recipe that Delia (or Nigella if you're posh), could knock up. We hope Father Christmas brought you everything you wanted, plus all those gawdy jumpers and joke socks you didn’t really want but were grateful anyway. We’ve had a good two weeks – Christmas Eve and New Years Eve were much quieter than previous years, but the spread of the festive season has ensured the pub has been busy for a great deal of the time. Many, many thanks to all our regulars who have supported us loyally through the past year, and the five years previous. If it wasn’t for them the place would be boarded up like the hundreds you see if you pop to town, or take a country drive. Pub closures and the role of our owners, Admiral Pub Company, the Government and others in the destruction of both our National heritage and local communities hub, is something I haven’t preached on the website, but maybe it’s time to mention it and try to explain a few myths surrounding the trade – see Bar room Bawl.
The traditional Boxing Day charity football game against the Greyhound went ahead despite the freezing cold, and that’s the only excuse for the Peal getting beat for the first time. The old knees of the Peal veterans were seizing up in such conditions, though in a keenly fought contest, it ended up all square at 3-3, only for the Greyhound to suggest a penalty shoot out. We managed to worry the pigeons more than the goalkeeper and ended up loosing in a tense finale. In another challenge, our newly formed pool team took on the Greyhound home and away in December. having got tonked in the home leg, with only Young Doggy winning, we avenged this humiliation by winning 5-2 away - with only me and Doggy loosing. I think I'll be hanging up my pool cue as well as my footie boots this year!
MZ owners club (apologies chaps for previous spelling mistake). The meet has been going well, with a good turn up every month. Tim the very active secretary and Fred have a very well oiled machine (pun) LOL, and there is a fair array of bikes outside the pub on the second Sunday of the month. I dare say that when the weather improves, even more will don their Belstaff’s, helmets and gauntlets and travel from as far as the Midlands and Yorkshire to swap stories and parts with fellow like minded enthusiasts.
One New Years resolution I must uphold is to update the website regularly – many apologies to the two readers who log in and are disappointed to find we’re still in a time warp – back in the Summer. Talking of time warps – thought Doctor Who was the only decent programme on the telly this Xmas – and I only saw one episode. What happened to the world – did we or didn’t we survive - is that why the website is stuck at August? And is that why Dave our barman looks uncannily like Dr Who? Then again, he doesn’t look like the Master, so maybe we did survive – though Barry Davies looks very familiar and you see his face a lot, then again Gareth is nearer the Masters age. Spooky!
Back to the Summer, we had the most fantastic wedding on August bank holiday – Dave Jones and Cheryl Cooke, two of our regulars and Dave being one of the Jones clan, ensured it was a crackin’ knees up. We really enjoyed hosting the event, the King Bees band played the Peal for the first time, and I think everyone had a good time. It was fantastic to see the Jones’s and extended family here for a real celebration rather than saying farewell to loved ones.
The Wedding was virtually Chef Chris’s last supper – she left us shortly after and we decided to finish with meals. It had become increasingly difficult to make a profit with the meals, and with ever increasing overheads, we decided it was time to concentrate on traditional pub fayre – beer! We now have a pool table installed in the restaurant, and a darts board. We have entered teams for pool and dart competitions, and it’s nice to see the pub vibrant again. It could be a struggle in 2010, but we’ll be doing our best to provide our customers with what they want. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Also in the Summer we hosted an impromtu gatering of the Rhos male Voice Choir - what a fantastic sound to hear these men at full throttle, whilst enjoying a pint of our ale. Truly brilliant. Equally brilliant was the visit of the Icelandic Girls choir who were performing at the Llangollen Eistedffod. With angelic voices equally more than matched by angelic faces, these girls had us spellbound, not to mention the effect they had on the local lads. I've never seen so many young men in our pub in all the time I've been here - the girls seem to appreciate it as well! The reception for these North Pole ladies was far from Frosty!
Summer Ramblings 2009
Well the Beer Festival is now over for another year, and what a cracker it was – even though I say it myself. Over 20 Real Ales, 3 ciders, and lots of lager for the non – purists. Many thanks to Harvey Nurse of Admiral Taverns for allowing me to choose my own beers for the Marquee – and man, did we have some interesting and excellent brews. Many were from the Lake District, gathered by my own fair hand (and long suffering Van) – Ulverston, Cumbria Legendary Ales, Keswick, Foxfield, Hawkshead, Barngates, Dent and Loweswater. The last two mentioned were voted Brewery of the Festival (joint) for Aviator, Porter, and the fantastic Rambrau lager; and Beer of the Festival (for Loweswater Gold – outstanding – quaffed in 4 hours). Lancashire was represented in small numbers but in excellent quality by Bowland and Hart Breweries. Local brewers were very ably represented by Weetwood, Woodlands, Facers, Plassey, Stonehouse and Sandstone, the latter coming joint 1st in the Brewery of the Festival for it’s two offerings Edge and Postman Prat. I am confident in saying there wasn’t one poor beer over the whole weekend – in fact some were truly outstanding. Two of our favourites, Loweswater Gold and Dent Rambrau have since won regional top prizes nominated by CAMRA – so look out for them being named National Best Beer 2009.
The entertainment topped last year, though a bit less ‘ad hoc’ . The folk band played every evening and gave some excellent renditions in various parts of the premises dependent on the weather. The Farndon and District Brass Band were their usual professional self – looking and sounding the part – top marks. And to top it all off, the proceeds raised for St Chad’s Church, Holt totaled £123 – £100 in barrel sponsorship, £23 from the raffle, plus £30 from programme sales, which was donated to the Keynon Hall for the kind loan of their tables and chairs. Nowhere near the heady amount amassed last year, but good in the present economic climate. It was noticeable that Corporate sponsorship was very sparse, with so many firms struggling at the moment. Stil many thanks to the following kind sponsors: Martin Wright Assosiates, David Rudd of Walker Smith Way, Clive Mason, Peter Duerdon, Hilary Betney, Tony Frawley, Dave Morris, James Plant and ‘Young Doggy’ Jones of Plant and Jones Builders, and Francis Illing .
Also many thanks to Mike Burke for his hard (unpaid) work setting up the beer stillage scaffolding, and ‘Bunge’ and their firm MACOB scaffolding for the loan of the scaffold and transport. Cheers too, to Bod and Frosty in helping set up the marquee, and to all our staff (and family) who worked hard through the weekend to keep the beer flowing and the food hot!
Spring Ramblings 2009
For all you SAD’s (seasonal adjusted disorder), it’s Spring again – British Summer Time is with us and those dark nights and miserable mornings are behind us. Those of you SAD’os will be happy again – if you’re like me and hate getting up in the dark every morning, you’ll be glad to see the back of Christmas and Winter.
And now’s the time when Christmas’s excesses have hopefully been paid for, and it’s time to look forward to sitting in the beer garden supping a cold lager or a local light refreshing Sandstone Edge or Plassey beer. And are the kitchen glad Christmas is over? It’s the busiest time of year, but those manning the cooker and washing the dishes don’t get to enjoy the ‘trimmings’ of Christmas until it’s nearly over.
And talking of trimmings, that’s what makes Christmas more work! All those pigs in blankets (who thought up that expression), roasties and stuffing – I nearly got stuffed a couple of times for booking in too many tables.
Now it’s time to look forward to the British Summer – no wonder the Country’s in depression – looking forward to a rainy day sat on the beach in Anglesey or wherever. Oh, sorry it’s monetary depression isn’t it! Well stuff whatever depression there may be – get out to the pub, sit in the beer garden and let the worries drift over you.
Don’t forget there’s the Beer Festival coming up on 2, 3, 4th May, all sponsors very welcome – all drinkers even more welcome. Hopefully they’ll be a few new brews for everyone to try, and a cracking atmosphere as last year, with the Farndon and District band and the folk band or bands because it was a real rolling line up, that made it so enjoyable. I’ll have to dust down the marquee, and get the garden ship shape – oh dear, that’s a big job, I’d better get out there and do a bit. Hey Hoe!
Autumn Ramblings 2008
The annual football Challenge took place recently – The Peala v The Greyhound. Has beens versus the Pups. Well the Peala ran out (well hobbled out) 3 – 1 winners, though the real winners were Claire House and Hope House who received £55 each in donations. Talking of Charity donations, our running total of collections for Claire House stands at £196.60, and even more for Nightingale House – I’ll post their totals at a later date.
Well, Summer has come and gone – more like Winter though and now that’s started, so the beer garden hasn’t had quite the hammering that it did last year. Looks like I’ll have to fire up the log burner to keep everyone warm and cosy in the bar. There’s nothing like sitting in front of a real roaring fire – just don’t be around when Phil lights it up – it can be quite spectacular at times. Puffing Billy had nothing on the smoke that billows out occasionally. Still, it adds to the atmosphere, and the poor old smokers who are banished to the outside, can get a bit of indoor passive fumes to remind them of bygone times. It’s a wonder HM Government don’t ban open fires – danger of burning, passive smoke, etc., etc. They’re already on the case of drinkers – so look out everyone. Keep to your units – 20 a day isn’t it?
Summer 2008
Sorry for the long spell waiting for an update – too much to do, too little time – I’m sure you all know the score!
The Beer Festival – well what a resounding success. So much so that some of our rivals from surrounding villages have copied the idea. The more the merrier for you ale loving buffs. 20 odd cask ales were sold over the weekend, along with copious amounts of lager and cider, and wine, soft drinks and crisps. And as for the BBQ’s – I’ll be glad never to see a sausage again! Ann’s been saying that for ages!
You all raised £470 shared between the Farndon and District Brass Band and St Chad’s Church, Holt, with your contributions to the raffles, barrel sponsorship (see below), t-shirt purchases "I’ve survived the POB Beer Festival" complete with a rather forlorn figure looking like he’d drunk every barrel – courtesy of Mark Ford of Repro Grafix (01829 271575). A photo of one of our young locals asleep in the beer garden at 3 pm in the afternoon, proudly bearing the shirt, made everybody laugh. Cheers Callum!
Funniest event – other than Phil singing with the band and the throng of spoon playing and dancing which generated itself on Sunday night, was the lost property auction which raised about £50. Half of the players from Holt Nomads ended up with a multitude of clothing and accessories left behind in the pup over the past few years. These included, various hats, scarves, jumpers, brollies, knickers and bra (allegedly). They didn’t half look funny walking down the road with their new ‘designer’ wear.
And thanks to the bands – the Farndon Band, with special thanks to the hastily assembled, eclectic folk band, with various line ups during the weekend, who kept us entertained. Impresario Bill Innes, Accordion George, Mark, Dale, Jeff and guests including ‘Cockney Olly’ on drums.
February 2008
Holt Nomads are back. Having fund raised and arranged for improvements to the ‘home’ changing rooms, Holt’s football team return to their home pitch and re–acquaint themselves with the Peala’s chip butties and sausages. Judging by the recent results, it’ll be pasta and salad for the next game!
St Valentine’s day arrives, and a full restaurant of courting couples. So what does Phil do in preparation for a busy night – impale himself on the Pub’s wheelie bins. Not wishing to go into gory (and embarassing) details, suffice to say he skived off for a week having spent Valentines night in hospital. Thanks to all the staff and especially Ann, his long suffering wife for covering his absence, and that of Chris the Chef, and not laughing (too much) at his predicament.
Plenty of stick was given in the bar, and dry roasted nuts, Plum pudding and crunchy nut cornflakes were definitely OFF the menu. Luckily he recovered for the big night – Richards Birthday. Hic!
January 2008
Post Christmas blues – well not really, as there are plenty of belated Christmas Do’s, or possibly well advanced 2008 Christmas do’s. The Bell ringers, Peal O’ Bells ‘B’ quiz team and the History Society all enjoy a night and a meal in the restaurant. Plans start formulating for Big Richard’s and little Phil’s joint Birthday bash
December 2007
Turkeys, Stuffing and more stuffing – and that’s just Tranmere I’m talking about. The Brian Little prediction goes pear shaped as Wrexham ship goals to order. Never mind, to change the subject, plenty of cooking going on this month – booked up solidly for Christmas Dinners – Chris says she’ll find something other than the turkey to stuff if I take anymore bookings. The girls in the kitchen are at full pelt – all those pigs in blankets, sage and onion, cranberry sauce, xmas puds and everything festive. Good job the brandy’s at hand and not just for the brandy sauce.
Holt Nomads hold a raffle to raise funds for repair to their changing rooms. On Saturday they paraded around all the pubs in Holt and Farndon in their kit – some better filled than others, some better oiled than others as well.
On Sunday they held the draw for the raffle – the Peal donated lunch for two at Yours Truly’s establishment. Mr Stenson’s mystery prize is the one that kept everyone guessing. No-one knows even now. Could have been an Aston Villa season ticket now Mike has given up – last time he went he asked for directions to the Holt end, and ended up living here.
Well, as we always say at Christmas – I hope yours is moist – the Turkey that is.
November
Wet,wet wet: the weather reflecting Tranmere’s slide down the table. Wrexham appoint Tranmere reject Brian Little and I predict that Mr Little will halt the regular shipping of goals. However, again on the football front things go from bad to worse – one weekend and the world falls apart – well the Euro Championship anyway! The World Cup disaster will be next year. England get dumped from the Finals, Tranmere get beat (again) and Wrexham start winning.
Must have upset Himself again! In a master stroke, I called my twin brother from Croatia to cover for me on the Saturday night, so that the Gresford Boys – Aussie, Barry, Peter, Dixie and Dirty Den couldn’t give me 5 hours of earache. Good move.
October
Rugby World Cup – disappointment for Wales, but after a dodgy start, England come up with the goods. The French get a good tonking – well not really, but it’s always good to beat them – there was plenty of interest at the bar, and a few meals went cold with blokes leaving the table to check the scores.
All this and Tranmere went top of the league! There is a God after all! Ultimate disappointment on the rugby front as the best team wins in the final. Still, plenty to talk about, loads of grit and determination with a bit of flair thrown in, and plenty of beefy legs for the girls to ogle at. Much better than watching those poncy footballers rolling around in apparent agony, just because their shoelace has slipped. Well, I’m talking about Man U players of course!
September
Never much to report in September – kids back at school, garden winding down, football season beginning to gather pace. Talking of football, my ears have been un–bashed for quite a few weeks. Tranmere top of the league and Wrexham struggling, which is bad news, even for me, honest! And there are not enough Chester fans in the village to give me any stick (nor are they big enough Mick)!
August
Sun, sun, sun. It’s Garden Party Time!! Well as much sun as normal for a British Summer.
We’ve been helping celebrate a number of occasions – utilizing the beer garden and marquee to great effect. The Christenings of Thomas Mossom, amongst others, Alfie’s 1st Birthday along with Mum Sarah.
Plus Birthdays of slightly older customers Mark and Lewis (and Hypo), with some being more sober affairs than others! One ended in a garden Olympics with Nathan causing the biggest laughs, his tall frame hurtling around the marquee poles before careering to the ground in a heap.
Some new faces will have been spotted behind the bar recently. Our resident West Ham supporter, Cody has left for pastures new, as have Cat and Kenza. In have come Chris, Big Phil (makes Cody look like a midget) and Dave.
All have helped with various jobs around the place – marquee erecting one of them. Middle daughter Sarah has defected to ’Maccies’, and Katy and James are sharing waiting on duties.
Along with Ann and our ever reliable Kath, Nicky and Chris are still working hard in the kitchen – you don’t often see them as they are always slaving away cooking your meals – though you may be entertained by their tales if you listen hard enough (or hear the giggles). Their dedication has been very much appreciated during the busy Summer.
July
Come on Down! Quiz nights start on the first and third Wednesday of the month – prizes of beer or wine, plus a cash accumulator.
Good turnout for the first few. Come down and have a laugh – even if you’re lesser educated like me, you still have a chance in the music or picture rounds, which carry a separate prize, or even in the cash accumulator (play your cards right), entered by draw ticket. So come on down.
It’s Children’s holiday time and still it pours down. Still it’s dry in the pub (well wet inside if you see what I mean) – plenty of beer from local breweries and plenty in to drink it.
I have to go missing the odd day to help daughter Jennifer to move out of student digs in Preston, and into a house in Preston. I see what people mean when they say even when kids leave home you still end up running around them all the time.
’Dad will you decorate’, ’Dad will you move some furniture’, ’Dad lend us some money!’. Actually Jenny’s very good on the last score – she works in the pub to earn her keep! And she can keep in practice with her pudding hassling techniques – oh you must have a pudding, they’re all home made, all low calorie of course etc.etc.
June
Rain, Rain, Rain, and more rain.
The predicted Summer of Sun has evaporated in a deluge of downpours - luckily we’ve had no floods or damage (touch wood). I haven’t even managed to cut the grass for three weeks, it’s been that wet!
The restaurant has been very busy - plenty of Birthday bashes, retirement do’s and Stag nights. We must be due a Christening soon. The girls in the kitchen have been working their socks off during the last two months, much appreciated!
The smoking ban has come and gone in Wales - now it’s England’s time. There’s drastic moves afoot in some pubs to get the shelters ready - we know the feeling! And there’s been ten times the publicity in the press - you’d think England were the only Country affected.
We are now into Shelter Mark II. Shelter Mark1 has bitten the dust following heavy rain and winds - it’s twisted shell looks like it’s been in a Formula 1 crash. No offers from the smokers to erect their shelter, though! Still, me and non-smoking John boy will put it up - what a fine chap he is!
May
Sorry for the lack of updates - despite being closed Mondays and Tuesdays, there still seems to be more to do than I have time to do it. Catching up with all the maintenance jobs has kept Ann and I busy.
The kitchen has been painted, carpets repaired and we’ve just had delivery of the second piece of furniture from Acorn Arborcare. Part of the Northern Marches Cymru, we have contributed a part of the cost for this beautifully crafted solid oak table and stools which have been located in the bar.
They are exhibition pieces which show the skills of our local craftsmen and women, so if you like them, take a business card from the bar and get in touch with Nick Lumb of Acorn Furniture. Otherwise check out the web link on the Garden page of the website.
Well, May started with high hopes of Liverpool being crowned European Champs. It all seems a distant memory now - and the new season is due to start again (all too soon for us Tranmere fans).
There was a cracking night at the start of May for the Liverpool Chelsea game - Holt Nomads came straight from their home game and everyone enjoyed the drama that was to ensue. Pritch couldn’t watch the penalties and went missing for the duration - he came back pretty sharpish when he knew they’d won. I’d hate to see him in a cup final penalty shoot out with the Nomads!
The Final by comparison was a real let down - less said. The F.A. Cup Final brought a few hardy Man U fans - we won’t say much about the result of that either! We spent half of the game pranking Barry with the scoreline - every time he went out for a fag, we altered the score on the TV screen, or cheered as if United had scored.
Cracking weather brought loads of people into the beer garden - the kitchen was on overload coping with the extra tables outside. I’m sure they’ve been praying for rain in June!
April
Week 4I miss a busy Saturday lunchtime to go and watch my team Tranmere at nearby Crewe Alex. I wouldn’t usually be that stupid, but my God Son Lewis and his brother Cameron have their first trip to see the Rovers.
Considering their Dad Ally was introduced to Tranmere by me many years before, they were being initiated (the poor lads) much to the disgust of Grand Dad Archie. Good job they can’t tell a good game from a bad one - and Cameron and I coloured a whole Scooby Doo book to relieve the boredom.
Anyway at least the Gresford ‘lads’ couldn’t give me too much stick as Wrexham won and we drew. And especially as we had a Scouser look alike in the pub :‘Big Aussie’ in his tracksuit who kept shouting "calm down, calm down". Not a pretty sight even at the best of times.
Week 3Another busy weekend - weather beautiful, garden buzzing and not just with Charles’s bees. Saturday surpasses even the week before - thank goodness it’s not just Ann and I being away that made people celebrate!
Week 2Return from hols on the Tuesday up early to clean the pub. Nicely brought down to earth.
Excellent job done by Marco, Cody, Chris and all our staff - so much so that Saturday is the busiest since we’ve been here. So busy that the beer runs out Monday - so much for all my planning!
Week 1Easter Weekend: Trying desperately to get the garden in a fit state for families to enjoy. A fit state isn’t what I ended up being in! Tidied up a fair bit (not that anyone noticed) and managed to mount the Pixie Chairs on a decking area.
Next job is preparing for our Annual Holiday. Making sure provisions are ordered (beer most important), staff are in place and everything is sorted in order for a smooth ride when we’re away. Never happens though!!
Marco (ex Greyhound officianardo and excellent keeper of beers) comes to ‘babysit’ the pub. News gets round and it‘s party time at the Peal ! All night parties, free beer etc. etc., well that’s what the regulars will have us believe.
March
Week 4Nothing to report!
Week 3 Thurs: The Four Musketeers don’t turn up so I’m left stuffing my face with scratching and jellied eels - uurrghhhhh.
Sat: Oh No. England, (yes I Am English ) get stuffed by Wales in the Six Nations, roared on by our fervent Welsh supporters Barry, James, Norman, quite a few others and most vociferous Sarah, and I have to take the stick all night - yes Englanders Stu and Cliff make a quick getaway on full time. Never mind by the time Pete and Aussie the Wrexham-boys get in at least the Rovers salvaged a last minute win at Port Vale. I can feel slightly smug at least.
Sunday Mothers Day: Ann - wife and Mother of our three children gets up at 8.00am (having finished at 2am that morning) to get the Yorkshire Puds and Roasties in the oven for the diners booked in for Sunday Lunch. It’s going to be a busy day.
Week 2: Thurs: Peanut (and pork scratching) delivery late so the three amigos from Farndon, having bluffed their way past checkpoint Charlie on the Holt Bridge, arrive to find none of their favourite snacks available. To make up for their disappointment and as a reward for their efforts to meet the fourth musketeer from Holt on Welsh soil, I succumb to their demands for pickled eggs and jellied eels. The things you do to keep the customers satisfied. They’ll be breaking into ‘Roll out the barrel’ in a Cockney singalong on the Wurlitzer next.
Fri: Golfers led by ‘swinger in chief’ Barry make for noisy late night. Lorra, lorra laughs as Cilla might say
Sat: Boys are back - the Rovers lost again. Matters made worse that Wrexham draw with only 10 men. We can’t beat 10 South Walian men. Ear plugs in order!
Wed: Suddenly April 2nd is looming very fast - try and draw up some plans and measure it all up. Could be just a ‘pipe’ dream.
Week 1: Thurs: Month starts with a bang, it’s Big Rich’s Birthday Bash. Free buffet courtesy of Rich and plenty of beer (or more accurate whisky) flowing. The Golden Girls come to the party looking very elegant.
Fri: Nice but Dim, the salesman with nothing worth selling, popped round with more useless business ideas. Sent him packing.
Sat: Loads of stick from the Gresford boys - Tranmere have lost again. Haven’t seen them since we went on a winning spree. Still, nice to see them, to see them nice.
Wed: Take delivery of the ‘pixie chairs’ for the garden - knacker back humping them around garden for photos for the web site.