hey everyone, this is the first time i've put anything on here.But thought i would give it a go. Thought it might help me remember where i've played and what the gig was like,  i have a terrible memory, someone might  ask me about a gig somewhere we did a year ago and i can't even remember being there, it may be something to do with the alcahol, but thats not going to stop so thought this could be a solution.

   Travelled up to outskirts of Manchester, Ashton Under Lyne, to play in The Tameside Hippodrome, last Staurday.Took about six hours in our noisy, cramped, old van, but it got us there without any mechanical disasters. Found the place quite easily(thank god for sat nav's, well not god actually the U.S millatary, who said war was good for nothing) and had plenty of time to set up. The theatre itself was great, had a huge stage , which we only used a small part of.The venue seated about 1200 people.Had a few hours to kill before we had to play so thought we would go for a wander, didn't get very far as it was pretty cold, infact we probably got about a hudred yards before deciding to frequent the nearest public house. We didn't have to go far, there must have been 6 pubs within 200 yards of the venue,got the feeling from the pubs and the people in them that this area wasn't flourishing with an abundance of jobs or prosperity, the faces looked warn and aged beyond their years, but had plenty of lively characters.Had a few drinks then headed back to the venue. We knew we were likely to get around 250 people to see us and were a bit worried they would be scatterd around the theatre in small groups making the place look deserted but sensibly they all came and sat right at the front and created a great atmoshphere.Went down pretty well with the crowd i think, called us back for an encore which was cool.As we packed up our gear we found out from the very helpful technician that the theatre was going to be shutting down in a few weeks due to the local council, even though it has been  making a profit. Its over a hundred years old and will no doubt be sorly missed by the the local people.So another venue will be lost, probably knocked down and sold to tesco's or something, a quick buck for the council to squander at the publics expense. 

We headed off to a travel lodge we had booked for a stop on our way home. Thought we would get there have a few drinks at the bar and just relax for an hour or so, only to find they had no bar!!Jules, who was driving and hadn't had a drink all night was particularly peeved. Thought we might be in luck as across the road was a 24 hour garage, more disapointment,it was open but only the type where you tell they guy through a little window what you want and he wasn't serving alcahol.So crashed out and made an early morning start for home. Got back to Devon by 1pm without mishap, so overall a pretty successful trip.Thats all for now, will try and do this on a regular basis.But wouldn't count on it. Delmar xx