Studying Saturdays: Attending Ards Tech 2002 – 2003, Northern Ireland

“He wanted Lebensraum in every Polish town” The quote is about Hitler, this blog post is all about my random time at Ards Tech and how the fuck I ended up in England…   It was basically by total fluke that I moved to England in 2003. In fact it was because we ran out Read more about Studying Saturdays: Attending Ards Tech 2002 – 2003, Northern Ireland[…]

Watching AFC Bournemouth win at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium

Wednesday Night Fever…Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 AFC Bournemouth (17.03.2004)

I had been longing for a Cherries away match since my first visit to Dean Court. It was not a case of picking out a fixture list and hand picking an away match to go to. Everything had to be right. We hadn’t won an away match in 6 months (I think 1-0 at Notts Read more about Wednesday Night Fever…Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 AFC Bournemouth (17.03.2004)[…]

the waves great rock band 2006

“The script will write itself…” – Ben Paulley

‘Multiples’ is the title of the brand new 6 track E.P. from Bournemouth singer-songwriter Ben Paulley. I’m always intrigued when I hear local music and this is an excellent debut from Paulley, a member of former Bournemouth band ‘The Waves’. Taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan and Embrace, Paulley’s E.P. features half a Read more about “The script will write itself…” – Ben Paulley[…]

Jonny Blair in Bangor in the 1980s wearing a vintage Northern Ireland kit - he now lives a lifestyle of travel

Bangor Amateurs FC…and just any football team really…and Joe Blair…

While growing up I just loved football. And ANY football really. It was my Dad who got me into it to start with, but if he hadn’t I’d have got into it anyway through the friends I made whilst growing up in Bangor. My first real football memory was watching Algeria versus Northern Ireland with Read more about Bangor Amateurs FC…and just any football team really…and Joe Blair…[…]

Happy New Year! Southend United 2-1 AFC Bournemouth (31.12.2005)

We sang “going up you’re having a laugh” at the Southend fans that day. They were just sitting in a play-off place at the time, and indeed inspired by Freddy Eastwood, that season the Shrimpers did eventually go up, winning the league and taking their Essex rivals Colchester United with them. I went to the Read more about Happy New Year! Southend United 2-1 AFC Bournemouth (31.12.2005)[…]

South of England Northern Ireland Supporters Club: Good Times Never Seemed So Good!

I am currently the chairman of the South of England Northern Ireland Supporters Club and have been since 2005. Here is a bit of information on who and what we are and how exciting this makes my life at present. The South of England Northern Ireland Supporters Club was officially formed in Weymouth at 11.17 Read more about South of England Northern Ireland Supporters Club: Good Times Never Seemed So Good![…]

Last Train To Somewhere (Come Take A Ride) – Wee Blue Folk

Music is one of those things in life. You need it. You buzz off it. You get emotion from it. You pay for it. You love it. BUT only if its good. That’s the general rule. Good in music could mean anything. It could be good because of a good singer, clever lyrics, it reminds Read more about Last Train To Somewhere (Come Take A Ride) – Wee Blue Folk[…]

Working Wednesdays: The Silence of The Lambs...Life As a Butcher At Steenson's Ballyholme

Working Wednesdays: The Silence of The Lambs…Life As a Butcher At Steenson’s Ballyholme

“I am an architect, they call me a butcher” – Nicky Wire. If I ever owned a butcher’s shop, I’d call it ‘The Silence of The Lambs’. Literally thats what it is, and plus I love that sort of comedy. If you don’t get it you need to catch yerself on for fuck’s sake. My Read more about Working Wednesdays: The Silence of The Lambs…Life As a Butcher At Steenson’s Ballyholme[…]

Backpacking in the USA: The White Stripes Trip to Staten Island, New York

While staying at Hostelling International at New York City (incidently the largest hostel in the USA), I had put my name down for a few of the hostel’s organised tours. One of these was a weekly Wednesday night free trip and tour of Staten Island. The ferry across was free after 6 pm I think. Read more about Backpacking in the USA: The White Stripes Trip to Staten Island, New York[…]

the waves great rock band 2006

That Time I Managed a Rock Band Called The Waves

“I can’t belong here; alone inside of you…” – Ben Paulley, 2005 The era of music I grew up with was Britpop. I loved Oasis and that’s the sort of music that makes me tick. I love it. Guys with proper tunes, proper enthusiasm, guitars, melodies, catchy choruses etc. In 2005 I was working for Read more about That Time I Managed a Rock Band Called The Waves[…]