England – Page 2 – Don't Stop Living

Backpacking In England: Playing Footgolf⚽️⛳ In Whitley Bay

Posted on October 25, 2022September 24, 2024 by Jonny Blair

Backpacking In England: Playing Footgolf⚽️⛳ In Whitley Bay

Have you ever heard of Footgolf? Now you have. It’s a mixture of football and golf. 😂⚽️⛳And I played it in Whitley Bay with famous Rafał Kowalczyk aka Big Bird. We were backpacking and overlanding here and we came across this by accident! On the same trip, we backpacked in Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland in England! This included watching AFC Bournemouth draw 1-1 away at Newcastle United. It also included a visit to The Angel of The North and Hadrian’s Wall, at Birdoswald.

What Is Footgolf?

Exactly as its name suggests! It’s a mixture of football and golf! But instead of using golf clubs, a golf ball, a football pitch and football nets, roles are reversed. Footgolf entails kicking off with a proper size 5 football and trying to get it in the hole, which obviously is bigger than a normal golf hole!

Where To Play Footgolf?

Many places have it but the first time I ever saw it was in the seaside resort of Whitley Bay, England. But let me tell you this is as spontaneous as life gets. I was backpacking northern England and Scotland in September. This trip encompassed Hadrian’s Wall, Edinburgh, Sunderland, Dundee and Loch Ness. I was here with two Polish friends, Rafał and Kamil.

We had not planned to play Footgolf. In fact, the only reason we went to Whitley Bay was to see the crushing waters of the English North East coast in a famous seaside town on route to a potential reunion with my former flatmate, Clare Tweedy. Due to logistics and bad organisation on my part, the reunion didn’t occur but as a bonus ball, we got to play footgolf!

We parked by the coast in Whitley Bay and we saw the lighthouse, beach and golf course. I thought it was a normal golf course but as we walked across it, we noticed the holes were bigger. We also noticed a group of 4 people with footballs in front of us. They were footballs but this group were not playing football, I asked them wildly, ” Are you guys playing Footgolf?” The answer was yes.

Prices of Footgolf in 2022

It was a 9 hole course but realistically you could go round twice as they won’t check. We just did the 9 holes. It’s £4.50 each and card payment only. The kiosk also sells some drinks and snacks and you can also play pitch and putt or putting golf.

We did the 9 holes and in the end Rafal beat me by ONE shot. I was the only one to get a birdie though and it was an even game in gusty north east winds. It was really good fun, I recommend it!

Details of the Legendary Footgolf at Whitley Bay:

Address: The Links, Whitley Bay NE26 1TQ, England.

Hours: Opens 10a.m. till dark.

Phone: +44 191 643 7470

Appointments: clubspark.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitleyBayMiniGolfandFootGolf/

Here are a brace of videos of the Footgolf in Whitley Bay, England:

My Cosy Night In Shakespeare’s Town: The Queen’s Head, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Posted on August 15, 2022November 4, 2022 by Jonny Blair

“Is this a dagger which I see before me?” – Macbeth.

Years later than billed, far too late in my life I finally ended up in Shakespeare’s Town! Here I was in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

One aspect to backpacking in England that I enjoy is the traditionalness of it all. I love a good old style English pub, an Inn where you can sleep and architecture on the streets that dates back centuries. It turns out that Shakespeare’s Town, Stratford-upon-Avon has all of that. I’d even go as far to say that I prefer to sleep in a room above a pub than in a hostel when I backpack in England. And actually in 2022, I did that in a few places in England, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Here is the poetric dreamscale of Shakespere’s Town, I went royal, loyal and local. I’d stay in The Queen’s Head which of course is above a pub, of the same name and this was my abode in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This pub and sleepery is owned by a local couple – Abbie and Wayne and I met both of them. Wayne is a Sunderland fan and of course live sports is shown in the main downstairs bar here – The Queen’s Head itself. I was only staying one night – it’s a busy life, but luckily I was here to actually watch Shakespeare in Shakespeare’s Town. I attended Much Ado About Nothing in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre!

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Watching Shakespeare in William Shakespeare’s Town

On arrival in The Queen’s Head, I ordered a pint of local ale and was then checked into my room. I was to be in Room 5, upstairs. This is the budget, single room so perfect for me!

The bar at The Queen’s Head, Stratford-upon-Avon

My room was cosy and perfect and I had Wi-Fi and an ensuite. It was a busy time here. I was in Shakespeare’s Town for around 27 hours in total, so in fact, sleep was only 6 hours of that.

I was here in February 2022 which was the year that my fourth printed book was released. I brought my own books on this trip and I was also writing a new book and releasing poetry.

My first four books in my room in Shakespeare’s Town

The third volume of Backpacking Centurion is called “Taints And Honours” and of course is a nod and homage to William Shakespeare. That line appears in Antony and Cleopatra. That book adorned my bed and room at college for inspiration and in respect to a writing legend. Now, my book had gone full circle and was also in my bedroom here in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“Taints and Honours” – William Shakespeare.

I had tea and coffee here too and water which I made use of in the short time.

Out my window was into the rear courtyard and I did write some poetry here in this room. It will be released at some point. Here are some more photos from my night at The Queen’s Head in Stratford-upon-Avon in England.

Here are the details for booking a room at The Queen’s Head, Stratford-upon-Avon, England:
The Queen’s Head
Ely Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6LN, United Kingdom
01789204914 [email protected]
https://queensheadstratford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Thequeensheadstratford/

Sadly I lost my photos and videos from this trip and while I made a video in my bedroom, it didn’t survive sadly.

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England🏴: Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare’s Town

Posted on August 10, 2022June 16, 2024 by Jonny Blair

“Much Ado About Nothing” – William Shakespeare.

When I finally rolled by train into Stratford Upon Avon, I was in for a treat. I was actually in Shakespeare’s Town finally. It was February 2022 and I attempted to put the past behind me. The first thing you should know is that Shakespeare’s Town, Stratford Upon Avon totally befits the man himself. I was also here on the 22.02.2022 and that evening at 22.02 I was watching a William Shakespeare play. Plus, 22 is my lucky number in life. I will need to write about the number 22 and how it influences my life someday. But Shakespeare in Shakespeare Town? This is living the dream.

“Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience” – Don Pedro (Much Ado About Nothing).

It’s a pretty town. The streets are old and traditional, there are William Shakespeare references everywhere, there are sights aplenty – both related to William and unrelated to him too!

Arrival by train into Shakespeare's Town - Stratford Upon Avon, England — Arrival by train into Shakespeare’s Town – Stratford Upon Avon, England

Oh, and it’s decent for a pub crawl, too. Remarkably brilliant.

“There is not chastity enough in language without offence to utter them” – Don John (Much Ado About Nothing).

I checked into a cool little pub/inn called The Queen’s Head and I was in room 5, a perfect headrest place for my time in this famous town.

I was here on a night when the town’s exquisite Royal Shakespeare Theatre had a Shakespeare play on. I mean, in the circle of life, this is actually as good as it gets. I was actually quite lucky with it all as I only set aside one night here, Tuesday 22nd February 2022. On that night, there was a live casting of Much Ado About Nothing.

“Better a witty fool than a foolish wit” – William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night).

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare's Town — Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare’s Town

In my youth, at school and tech, I had studied Billy S. The plays that were most vivid and memorable in my mind were A Winter’s Tale, Macbeth, Hamlet and Anthony and Cleopatra. Tonight though, Much Ado About Nothing was a new one on me and the this befitted the journey just that little bit more. A new Shakespeare for me, here in the town where it all began. There was a magical quality on the air here, I had so many inspiring moments here and it will have to feature in a future book.

“There’s something magic in the air” – Tim Wheeler (Ash).

Before the play started, I had already done my purchasing. I bought a ticket for the play – stalls seat, near the front, well priced at £30. I bought some souvenirs – postcards, badges, plus the programme for the play and the revised text of Much Ado About Nothing. I started to read the play before it even began – reading it in a pub!

On the day, I actually toured a lot of the town, from early doors. I stayed at the Queen’s Head Inn, in downtown Stratford Upon Avon and I visited Shakespeare’s birthplace, his school, his house, his museum, his statue, his church and his grave.

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Statue of William Shakespeare

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Former Residence of William Shakespeare

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Oldest Pub in Shakespeare’s Town

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Breakfast in Shakespeare's Town — Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Breakfast in Shakespeare’s Town

I arrived at the venue about 20 minutes before the play began. COVID restrictions had begun to ease so I didn’t have to be mask loyal. The theatre was packed. It’s also the finest theatre I’ve been in, even though I’ve backpacked a lot of theatres and even worked in one. Reminders of friend, former classmate, partner in crime (“The Great Exam Heist“) and professional playwright Paddy Campbell flashed back as I scanned my ticket to get in.

Sadly I was alone. I wasn’t elegantly dressed or with a young damsel. This would have been a date of dates.

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: All Alone Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare’s Town

On the way to taking my seat, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that not only was crafted ale for sale but I could take it in with me. I say.

When I took my seats, I was close to a fine young couple who I had met earlier on my heritage trail, and again on the pub crawl – Stanley and Emma. I drank Longhorn Unfiltered IPA.

Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Crafted Ale Whilst Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare's Town — Backpacking in Stratford Upon Avon, England: Crafted Ale Whilst Watching Much Ado About Nothing in William Shakespeare’s Town

The scene was all set and the flamboyant play began. The venue was packed, hardly any empty seats. This is Shakespeare in Shakespeare Town. It reminded me of…some of this magic…

My Tour of The Beatles Museum in Liverpool, England
My Tour The Football Museum in Montevideo, Uruguay
My Trip To The Greenwich Time Centre Where Time All Began, England (unwritten yet)
My Visit To The home of the Penalty Kick in Milford, Northern Ireland
My Trip to the Solidarność centre in Gdańsk, Poland (unwritten yet)
The Paddy Campbell Reunion in Newcastle, England

Reunion with the famous Millwall Neil and his daighter Sophie, the same week!

It’s always nice to experience something in the place which is home to that something. On interval, the bar queue was surprisingly short so I purchased another crafted ale to consume for the culmination.

After the play, I headed with Stanley and Emma for beers at The Dirty Duck. Some of the cast came in here post-play. We thanked them for their star performance but didn’t dwell for autographs and photos.

All that’s left to say is do it. This was a high. This was the dream. To watch a Shakespeare in Shakespeare Town? Give me a call if life gets any better than that.

“We’re an all time high” – Rita Coolidge.

“All’s well that ends well” – William Shakespeare.

Here are the details for booking a Shakespeare play in Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare Town, England:

You can contact the Box Office team on 01789 331111, from midday to 6pm (UK time) Monday to Friday. You can also email the Box Office at [email protected]
Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6BB
England
Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/
Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Social media

Here are some videos of my time in Stratford Upon Avon, England:

15 Years Ago This Month: Front Page Of The Times – I Work In Bite Communications

Posted on June 26, 2022June 26, 2022 by Jonny Blair

“You’re getting off at Ravenscourt Park for Bite Communications” – Jonny Blair (2007).

Whether the high flying life of London city and the world of PR was for me or not is history’s garbage tin. It was 15 years ago this month, I softly slipped away from the world of office work and the bright lights of the city. June 2007 is when I left London behind. I really lived and worked in London. I really did PR for Apple, Sonos, Iomega, Yahoo, CPP and Zopa. That’s all gone. It was all fun and for sure was a pivotal point in my life’s cannon.

“He got the action, he got the motion. Hand me down my walking shoes” – Mark Knopfler.

15 Years Ago This Month: Front Page Of The Times - I Work In Bite Communications — 15 Years Ago This Month: Front Page Of The Times – I Work In Bite Communications

PR standigates for Public Relations, hey here in London Town, it’s not Proportional Representation…there was no time to be once again that dissident Ulster Unionist in a 1997ly wacaday world. I worked for the trendy PR firm Bite Communications.

“In the blink of a young girl’s eye, glory days” – Bruce.

It was always a dream to live in London. I loved the thrill of it all. Tube station travel is an experience in itself especially for a quiet city boy from Bangor on the Northern Irish seaside. It was 15 years ago this month, June 2007 that I told the managers at Bite Communications that I would be leaving the job to backpack the world and finally complete my degree. I managed to do both, eventually.

Before that adventure, so 15 years ago today –
– I had NEVER been further east than Warszawa in Poland.
– I had NEVER been further south than The Mediterranean Sea.
– I had NEVER been further north than Glasgow in Scotland.
– I had NEVER been further west than Orlando in USA.

“Go west, life is peaceful there / 1-0 in yer cup final” – Pet Shop Boys.

Then my best mate Millwall Neil (“the famous”) decided to go and work in the USA and he had a leaving party. The theme of that leaving party was Stateside – USA vibe. The same week, I booked a cheap flight to Toronto for £99 at the time – Canadian Affair had a special offer. My plan was to backpack Canada, USA and then…well I wasn’t sure!

At that point in my life, I was a novice traveller that had been to a grand total of 19 countries, at the time the most recent of those was actually Liechtenstein (I visited in March 2007 to watch Northern Ireland). It’s staggering to think that since that day, 15 years later, I have now been to over 200 countries that I recognise, over 150 of them have FIFA football teams. Wee Beef Island/British Virgin Islands smiled its way into number 200.

“When there’s no coverage due, you’ve got to find more. They’re looking at you. All the journalists you’ve called, trying to secure front page of The Times. Front Page of The Times” – Jonny Blair via Robbie Williams

My days in London Town – the novice backpacker

My last day in Bite was memorable as every Bite leaver is given dares/tasks to do on their last day for fun. I completed all 8 dares assigned to me by the bosses – becoming the first person in company history to do that. And I did it with aplomb too. I showed my ass to the whole company from the boardroom, I took a shower and walked back to my desk with only a towel on and a can of beer in my hand during work. I was hoping one of the girls (like Rhi, Sally Plant or Andrea Christopherson) would pull the towel off, but they were too shy. I also had to make an announcement over the tannoy system, email the whole company to say I was in the bogside doing a shite and a few other dares…

(Over) Crowded London - Bite Communications — Showing my bum bum from the boardroom – just a bit of craic

In the last hour of working there, the entire office crowded unexpectedly around my desk and got into a speech to talk to me and wish me a fond farewell. It was one of the most emotional moments of my entire life. They had liked me there and I was shocked. But I was off out to see the world and to this day, I haven’t been back to an “office job” since. In that time, I worked as a teacher, tutor, app designer, author, writer, blogger, editor, copywriter, farmer, barman, PR rep, welcome host, ferry steward, waiter amongst other jobs. Here are some photo memories from my time at Bite Communications.

Bite PR was one of the UK’s best companies in 2007

When I worked at Bite, we were listed in the UK’s top 100 companies. Some prestige. I also got to attend some special events such as Apple launches and the Shiny Shiny parties.

Working at Bite was meant to be – it was a signal and another of my life’s “fool circles”. Basically exactly 10 years earlier, I had been studying Journalism and Radio Techniqies at Belvoir Tech in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Belvoir is pronounced “Beavor” and guess what – Bite was located on “Beavor Lane”!

My football club in Belfast, Glentoran also had a supporters club called Raven GSC and my Dad Joe, grew up on Glentoran Street off the Ravenhill Road.

Bite Communications, The Character Building, Beavor Lane, Ravensourt Park, London Town

The below photo was actually taken in 2015, 8 years after I left Bite and 8 days before I landed in Tunisia – my 100th country! It was a coincidence as I met up with Charlottle Hurst by accident in Ravenscourt Park. Charlotte had worked with me in Steenson’s Meat Counter in my home city, Bangor. Later I also met up with Zara Steele who once worked opposite that shop and on this night, it was 17th March 2015 and Saint Patrick’s night. Zara and I met in Hammersmith – the stop down from Ravi C P – Ravenscourt Park!

Office Frog worker – fancy dress day at Bite in December 2006

Staff Christmas party on a boat on The Thames, December 2006

Sexy Rhi and I got pretty close – she was a great girl.

I dressed up as a frog in the office in December 2006

My farewell book from the staff at Bite – a treasured possession!

My well organised desk at Bite Communications!

One of our nice clients – an event for SONOS!

Mexican Restaurant night in London Town, 2006

From my desk on the final day, I played two songs to the company – I had doctored the lyrics to these classic to reflect life at Bite –

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication (became Red Hot Media Sellers – Bite Communications)
Robbie Williams – A Love Supreme (became Jonny Blair – Front Page of The Times)

You might only get this, or find it funny if you have been a PR agent in London –

There was love on many corners too, but a weekend away with Liza was only that…

Oh Liz, I never got my merry way with you…

“I followed the stars and I sailed to the sun.

I held it in my fingers.

Alone on the beach, on my own, out of reach.

But you just passed me by” – Noel Gallagher.

“Jonny, you put a lot in to life. Don’t ever lose that passion for life, it is truly inspired” – Katy Cook.

Red Hot Media Sellers – Bite Communications

Posted on June 26, 2022June 26, 2022 by Jonny Blair

Here is the song I wrote and sang to the tune of The Red Hot Chili Peppers song ‘Californication’ in June 2007, just before leaving my PR job in Bite Communications.

Red Hot Media Sellers – Bite Communications(lyrics Jonny Scott Blair 2007)

Moving up to London to the world of Public Relations
Journalists from papers will want your best quotations
But if you want your brand in print its Bite Communications

Its the market of consumer tech it excels in innovations
The journalist from the BBC will want to hear your statement
If you’ve got a lot to say its Bite Communications

Looking for your coverage it’s a world of constant scanning
Once you’ve done your brand report you’ll need some forward planning
Front page in The Sun
Feature in The Guardian
You work in Bite Communications
You work in Bite Communications

Selling in an old product with no new information
You can get a front page if you use your imagination
You’re getting off at Ravenscourt Park for Bite Communications

Journalists to briefings – youve a target you’re not making
It’s time to prove you’re good enough – the client would be raging
You’re fearless and you’re boundless – you’re in Bite Communications

More dead lines than Belfast news
It’s high on expectation
Once you’ve worked your ass off
You can have your celebration

Front cover of FHM
You’re on the News at Ten
You work in Bite Communications
You work in Bite Communications

Now you’ve got a client call and you’re still on probation
Pretend you’ve got them in your heart in every conversation
These are not designs for life – they’re Bite Communications
I think you’ll find you’re the one to solve someone else’s equation
This is why you’re working at Bite Communications

Front page in The Sun
Feature in The Guardian
You work in Bite Communications
You work in Bite Communications
I work in Bite Communications
I work in Bite Communications

(It is not available on iTunes)

Friday's Featured Food: The Office Themed Night In - Every Episode And Food To Match

Friday’s Featured Food: Organising A “The Office Themed Night In” – Watch Every Episode, Related Food And Drink

Posted on May 20, 2022September 24, 2024 by Jonny Blair

“So what becomes of you, my love?” – The Stereophonics.

While studying at Bournemouth University, me and a few university mates were addicted to the pure fire humour of BBC sitcom/documentary called “The Office“. I find it absolutely hilarious – if you have never watched it – give it a try – and the UK version, based in Slough in Berkshire! There is also a US version which is also funny, but the UK one came first – original and best.

The Office on Netflix

Step Away From The Cookie Jar – The Office!

Along with Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers, The Office is my favourite comedy show in history. I’d watch it with my old flatmates – Austin, Steve, Jody and the famous Millwall Neil. It was Austin that got me into The Office, while Steve, Australian Emma and Jody got me into Alan Partridge. My catch phrase long before the “Don’t Stop Living” mantra and blog, was “Jurassic Park!” from Alan Partridge, but it was “The Office” that excelled at the turn of the 21st Century while I studied Public Relations at Bournemouth University.

“Jurassic Park!” – Alan Partridge.

Backpacking days in Chiayi, Taiwan. Jurassic Park!

Austin and I lived together in two different flats down the years and of a night in we’d often watch The Office! He had the Box Sets on DVD but we watched a few of them on BBC. Incidentally in my life, I have never bought a Television! At university we had a shared TV in our flats, always owned by someone else. And the only TV I ever had was bought to me by my parents.

“Oi! Monkey! Some of the laughs we have in here” – Brenty

Some of the phrases and jokes used in the series “The Office” worked their way into my real life. I often shreiked “monkey!” at university and while working as a DJ on radio, I’d fire in some of the quotes as a joke on live radio, some of them even working their way onto Nerve FM. Stepping away from the cookie jar being one of many comedy moments while the odd Brenty dance was danced on manys a night out in that there iconic Dorset seaside town. The tears were saved, for failed romances…

“Free love on a free love highway” – David Brent.

jonny blair on the air nerve — DJ-ing during my days on Nerve Radio in Bournemouth…Monkey!

It was later on in life, on my return to Bournemouth that Austin and I decided to watch The Office again. I was back in Austin’s flat in April – May 2015 where I attended two AFC Bournemouth matches on route to promotion to the Premier League.

austin sheppard — Austin and I at the AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Hartlepool match in 2003

travelodge manchester with austin — Me and my mate Austin lounging in Manchester, England.

On this trip back to Bournemouth, I had taken ill, I had a boil on my head and I was on medication after a night of screaming. As such I was on no alcohol so I stuck to milkshake, but my mate Austin was on the cider. We decided on a night in like old times watching The Office – every episiode in order. Series 1, then Series 2, then the Christmas Special and any out-takes! But what to eat and drink? We decided to do an Office themed food and drink night too. While Austin went to work, I headed to Tesco in Westbourne to do “The Office night-in” shopping…

In Tesco, Westbourne doing “The Office” night-in shopping

As I walked through Tesco, every item I chose had to represent something related to The Office. I may have missed a few of the ideas, but you get the jist and here is what I bought for this random night and what you need for it.

The Office Box Set

Series 1, Series 2, The Christmas Special

First of all get the DVDs, videos, downloads or Netflix lined up and ready to go. We start on Series 1, Episode 1. We watch every episode in order right through to the last Christmas Special. After which we have time to watch some out-takes.

Before that, I prepare a starter, main course and dessert as well as all the following food and rink, ready to go. Make sure it’s all ready before you press play on the first episode! We are glued to the screen!

“That’s the real quiz” – David Brent.

General idea –

The Menu for The Office Night-In

Starter – Keef’s Scotch egg and an Indian Worker Bombay Pot Noodle. Dawn’s Brie and granary bread rolls.
Main course – Keenan’s Hunter’s chicken dish with chicken satay sticks.
Dessert – Tim’s Jelly with Garreff’s stapler in it. Black Forest Gateaux.
Drinks – “Wernham Hogg’s” Stowford Press Cider, “The Dead Parrots” Yazoo Milkshakes.
Other snacks used – Brent’s Monkey sweets & Midget Gems, Swindon bananas, Finchy’s Wotsits, Garreff’s cookies, Fox’s Slough biscuits.

Wotsits

Wotsits are mentioned in the series and Garreff eats them, so I buy a six pack. It will be three packets each for after the meal.

Brenty’s Pot Noodle

A Pot Noodle is mentioned and seen in the series. This acts as a potential starter to accompany the Scotch egg. We opt for Bombay Bad Boy flavoured based on Brent talking about the warehouse worker with an Indian impression. No the other one.

Stowford Press (Cider)

We drank Stowford Press cider for two reasons. Firstly, the word “press” – in The Office, Wernham Hogg is a printing/press company. Secondly when Brenty, Finchy and Garreff go down Chaser’s, one of them has a “lager pint” and one a “cider pint”.

Garreff’s Stapler in Tim’s Jelly

This is an essential part of the evening! In one of the episodes, Tim has put Garreff’s stapler into jelly! So I bought two types of jelly and two staplers! Lemon and Orange. We had the bowls ready – you need a bit of time to prepare this.

Mix the jelly granules with water in a bowl, stir it and then add the stapler. Put it in the fridge so that it sets and goes hard, with the epic Keenan-esque stapler inside!

The end result was classic – we would be eating jelly for dessert out of a bowl and with a stapler in it. I washed the staplers first.

Luckily in the series, the jelly episode is in Series 2! This allows you to eat the starter and main course of Hunter’s Chicken during Series 1. Then when Series 2 starts, get tore intill the jelly in a stapler, or vice versa!

Yazz! (Yazoo!)

During the pub quiz episode, David Brent incorrectly guesses one of the answers as “Yazoo”! The correct answer was actually “Yazz”, connected to the song “The Only Way Is Up”. So we go with the milkshake brand Yazoo! We buy one large banana Yazoo, and two small bottles – a strawberry and a chocolate! As I’m on medication and not drinking alcohol that time, these act as my drinks.

“The only way is up for you and me now” – Yazz.

Scotch Eggs

In the series, Keef munches a Scotch egg in a meeting room in one of the episodes whilst chatting to receptionist Dawn. During this chat he mentions the word “minge” as he gulps the Scotch egg. We had a scotch egg each as a starter. We also have it with granary bread rolls and brie – both of which are seen or mentioned in a different episode.

Keef munches a Scotch egg while using the word “minge” in conversation with Dawn.

Fox’s Crinkle Crunch Biscuits

A fox is mentioned in an episode (about the fox, the chicken and the grain), therefore another snack of Fox’s biscuits was bought, biscuits are also mentioned by Garreff Keenan as he invites Brenty over to his desk to get a biscuit from the famous “cookie jar”!

Cookies (Chocolate Chip)

“Stop!! Get away from the cookie jar” – Cookie Jar Geek.

Cookies had to be one of the snacks! At the start of Series 2 Episode 1, Garreff has accumulated a “cookie jar” on his desk, which shouts “STOP! Get Away from the cookie jar!” everytime you open it and try to grab a cookie!

Brie

I slice some brie and we have it also as a starter with granary bread. Dawn was eating Brie in an episode when Brent came over and checked his testicles.

Chicken Skewers and Keenan’s Hunter’s Chicken

Chicken satay skewers are used to accompany the main course of Keenan’s Hunter’s Chicken, sourced by Garreff Keenan when he was in the territorials. When talking about his time in the territorials, Garreff refers to hunting. Chicken is also referenced in relation to the fox, the chicken and the grain.

Cheeky Monkey Sweets

“Monkey!” – David Brent.

At the start of Series 2, when walking Sarah through The Office, Brent has a cuddly toy monkey hanging on a wall. He points to it and in classic style, preaches “Mooong Kay!” So a packet of cheeky monkey sweets it was!

Bananas are also bought as a snack due to the monkey reference.

Midget Gems

There is a debate in one of the episodes over a dwarf or a midget so I buy these also for sweets after the meal.

Black Forest Gateaux

As an alternative to the stapler in jelly, we also bought Black Forest Gateaux, again referenced in an episode.

Lager and Doritos (not pictured, not consumed)

As we get towards the end of Series 2 and the Christmas special, another option would have been lager and crisps! Doritos were mentioned in an episode and lager is mentioned in the same discussion about Finchy and Garreff’s tipple down Chasers.

It was a great themed night – hope to try it again sometime and maybe uncover some other food and drink that could be used. I’d imagine the stapler in jelly is a non-mover!

Here’s a Video I made from our The Office Night-In including the famous “stapler in jelly”.

JURASTIC PARK!! (not a typo ya munkei!)

Backpacking In England: Lookman and Touring West Bromwich, Halesowen and Shell Corner

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Jonny Blair

“Lookman anytime goal” – Jonny Blair and Lock In Lee Adams (20/02/2022).

I was recently back backpacking in England and I added a brand new quintet to my settlement count. A hattrick of them will be included here in one post. The fourth would fall on Solihull, the fifth and final piece of that jigsaw will be William Shakespeare Town Stratford Upon Avon, which was my fifth new settlement to backpack on this short jaunt to England. I will get round to covering my magical Shakespeare Town visit one day, his very words inspired the third book in my “Backpacking Centurion” trilogy, “Taints and Honours“.

First of all, there was a hiccup on route. I was delayed on route from Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street, via Crewe, (without Alexandra). Northern Ireland once played Qatar in Crewe. My longest stint here was a twenty five minute train delay. Caused ironically as someone was hit by a train. I was also hit by a train back in June 2020 and this happened bang in the middle of my train journey between seeing my brother Daniel, nephew George and the famous Lock in Lee Adams. It was the first time I’d seen the hattrick of them this decade, or indeed after COVID all began. As with stories of yesteryear (Nicky Barmby, Jonny Evans and Grodig Bet), Lee and I put a bet on and watched Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Leicester City that day. Weirdly, my train passed through Wolverhampton on route. As with days gone by, we WON the bet!! We bet on “Lookman anytime goal” and there is a freaky reason why we banked on that. It will be in a book someday.

My previous meetings with Lock In Lee Adams were usually in Birmingham (where Lee is from), Nottingham (a brace of visits to the City Ground to watch the famous Nottingham Forest FC), London (crazy days) or Bournemouth (where we first met and both lived). Here in February 2022, Lee had now relocated to Halesowen in England and so this is where I slept. With Lee, his girlfriend and the two cats Chester and Forest in their flat. There will be more crazy stories in the Lock In Lee cannon but they’re spared for my books to come. Now onto the hattrick of places we backpacked.

Rowley Regis train station, Halesowen, England

1.Halesowen

First up we arrived by train into Halesowen, well specifically Rowley Regis station. The top sights here were Chester and Forest, the cats, followed by £1 shots in the local pub, itself a freak as it is called The Clock Inn. Almost “The Lock In”.😂🔐

The Clock Inn (Almost "The Lock In"), Halesowen, England — The Clock Inn (Almost “The Lock In”), Halesowen, England

There was a Belfast boy in The Clock Inn and we drank shots for £1 in here! This was reminiscent of Manic Mondays at Inferno in Bournemouth with the Yellow Card some 19 (count them) years ago. I got my photo taken with the real Elvis Presley and we drank away.

Elvis in The Clock Inn (Almost "The Lock In"), Halesowen, England — Elvis in The Clock Inn (Almost “The Lock In”), Halesowen, England

2.Shell Corner

The next morning, we head for a greasy spoon in Shelly C, Shell Corner which is next to Halesowen. It’s only a few streets away from where Lee lives.

Here there is a curious war memorial and a shell from a bullet. The history goes that the area got its name after a World War I Memorial that stood here between 1924 and 1937, before the Second World War. Sadly, two days after my visit, Russia invaded Ukraine.

The main street in Shell Corner had a few random sights, an Indian restaurant called Balti Towers. The weekend before my visit, duo Ant and Dec were in here (PJ and Duncan).

Plus an ironing shop with a textbook pun. Decrease.

Decrease Ironing Shop in Shelly C, England

The local greasy spoon cafe was called Frankie’s Cafe and I had an egg and bacon sarnie in here with HP Sauce and a cup of tea.

Greasy spoon - bacon and egg sarnie in Frankie's Cafe, Halesowen, England — Greasy spoon – bacon and egg sarnie in Frankie’s Cafe, Halesowen, England

3.West Bromwich

From Shell Corner we walked to train station and caught a train to The Hawthorns. The Hawthorns is the name of both the train station and the West Bromwich Albion football stadium. This completed the hat-trick.

Arrival at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England

Our first stop was the football stadium. As an AFC Bournemouth fan, we have played West Bromwich Albion a lot recently but I had never been to their stadium before. In 2014 I did attend a 2-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion at Dean Court.

The stadium has a statue of club legend Tony “Bomber” Brown. This man played a staggering 720 matches for WBA, registering 279 goals and winning both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Touring The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England

Tony Bomber Brown at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England

At the stadium, we could smell hot cross buns, we noticed that there is a huge bakery here. It’s a sweet bread smell round the Albion!

The Bakery by Arrival at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England

Next we walked back to The Hawthorns station, this time to get a tram into the city centre – only a few stops from The Hawthorns.

West Bromwich Albion city centre has a few curiosities. There is a Phil Lynott statue, the guy from Thin Lizzy! This was my second city to get my photo taken beside a Phil Lynott statue. I previously saw one in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The below photo was taken by Lock In Lee on his phone, as my phone broke at this point, though in the pub a while later, we got it fixed!

Phil Lynott Statue (Thin Lizzy) in West Bromwich, England

There is a random elephant statue in West Bromwich and a cool looking Wetherspoons Bar in an old Billiard Hall, near the tram stop.

Random Elephant Statue in West Bromwich, England

Billiard Hall Wetherspoons in West Bromwich, England

Backpacking in West Bromwich, there was a Polish shop and restaurant plus a shop window mural which included comedian Frank Skinner – a local celebrity and a West Bromwich Albion fan.

There was a funky sixth form college in the pedestrian precinct in the town centre. There is also the famous The Celebration Statue – Brendon Batson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis – famous footballers for WBA in West Bromwich, England. These players were non-white in an era when not many teams in England fielded non-white players.

The Celebration Statue – Brendon Batson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis – famous footballers for WBA in West Bromwich, England

We headed to the local pub for a pint as the plan was to have Indian food for dinner nearby. On route, there was also a church, a mosque, a central market and a Madeleine Carroll tribute. Not to mention the afforementioned Polish shop, Polish restaurant and a street called Ireland Green Street where the street sign was actually GREEN!! Backpacking in West Bromwich certainly could make a top 10+ sights.

Madeleine Carroll tribute in West Bromwich, England

The Pub was called The Interceptor and I had a traditional English Bitter – an Old Speckled Hen.

Pint loyal in downtown West Bromwich - The Interceptor Pub — Pint loyal in downtown West Bromwich – The Interceptor Pub

Ireland Green Road!!! West Bromwich, England!

A Polish Restaurant in West Bromwich, England!

A Polish Shop in West Bromwich, England!

As it was getting dark we walked past a bookies and decided to pop in to do a spontaneous £2 accumulator football bet. As Lock In Lee Adams and I always do, we betted based on our own lives…

We banked on Glentoran reserves to win.
We banked on Nottingham Forest under 23s to win.
We banked on a team called The Albion to win.
We banked on a team called St Andrew’s to win.
And a few others…

The best that Lock In Lee and I almost cracked!

Later on, as we waited remarkably we got all the results spot on except for ONE – the St. Andrew’s one! And we were in West Bromwich. As darkness fell, we headed to the Yew Tree Pub in West Bromwich which is a great bar and used to be Lee and Billie’s local. In here we watched a random Danish league match, drank Caffrey’s and ate top notch Indian Food! Billie joined us after work and it was a super night!

Indian Food and Northern Irish Caffrey's Beer at the Yew Tree Pub, West Bromwich, England — Indian Food and Northern Irish Caffrey’s Beer at the Yew Tree Pub, West Bromwich, England

To top it all off, we ordered an Uber taxi to get home and the driver was Polish!! This was another truly crazy Lock In Lee and Jonny Blair adventure.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham - perfect date in England's oldest pub?!

Are You Aware of the Perks and Benefits of Moving to England?

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by Jonny Blair

Moving to England from the United States to study, work, or settle permanently is not difficult anymore, and if you are one of them, this article can help you a lot. International shipping is available to any destination in the world, and SDC international provides the best of all. They can be utilized as agents for any carrier serving the goal you’re delivering to, or as a carrier to take advantage of reductions offered by carriers owing to our volume of shipments, or by using our consolidation service. Any size/weight of the load, from door to port, port to door, and door to door. Flexible yet Reliable with Low Rates and Faster Transit Pickup/Delivery. Moving abroad with SDC makes a difference through its expertise.

Life of movers in England

Eating in England: In England, good food is easy to come by and has some of the world’s best restaurants. There are numerous inexpensive restaurants and grocery shops for students on a budget. Even in small communities, you may sample cuisine from worldwide.

Weather in England: Is it always raining in England? Normally, no! The climate in England varies greatly; sometimes it rains, and other times it is sunny and gorgeous.

Money in England: The pound (£) is the currency of England. ATMs are widely available and usually free to use.

The population of England is currently projected to be about 68 million people. It now has over 3.9 million ex-pats, with around 200,000 from the United States. London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Bristol are all temperate cities in Scotland or England.

Shipping Services: England is one of SDC International Shipping’s primary operating areas.

Cross country: SDC gives quick delivery. They make the cross-country relocation simple.

Student movers: Allow SDC to transport your items to college so you can concentrate on your new experience.

Household movers: SDC Shipping can handle all of your international relocation shipping needs, whether you’re relocating overseas from the United States or purchasing furniture in the United States, and You’ll have to send it back to your native country.

Pet travel: Pets are important members of our families. As a result, SDC specializes in offering pet travel choices to its customers. They’re committed to assisting you in bringing your dogs with you wherever you go.

Car shipment: SDC Shipping can handle all of your international automobile shipping needs, whether you’re moving overseas from the United States or purchasing a vehicle in the United States and need to bring it back to your native country. No matter where your final destination is, they can arrange all shipping and logistics details at a reasonable cost and manage all essential papers and Customs paperwork.

Requirements for moving from the USA to England:

Many people want to go to England to work, study, or adventure. Whether you’re moving to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, moving might be a daunting task; moving to england from us can be a pretty straightforward procedure if you have the appropriate knowledge.

Figure out the legal requirements: Americans who wish to relocate to England must follow a more structured procedure and get a visa. UK work visas and family visas are the most prevalent types of visas. If neither of these conditions applies to you, migrating to England from the United States will be tough.
Student moving to England: Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can apply for a student visa in England. You can apply for a Tier 4 (generic) student visa or a short-term study visa. The short-term Visa is for students who want to take a short course in England or who are studying overseas and need to research in England for a short length of time.
Can you afford to live in England: If you’re not sure how far your money will stretch in England, then make a list of some typical prices for common things, which you may compare to where you now live. These average expenditures can also be used to estimate how much money you’ll need to immigrate to England.

Conclusion: England is one of the major areas of operation that SDC International Shipping has. They handle the shipping needs of hundreds of Americans who seek to relocate to England each year. SDC International Shipping now offers all the services to give them what they deserve.