And to think Andy, just a couple of miles of golden sand down the road is St. Annes on Sea! I hope you waved in my direction. I'm absolutely thrilled at the idea of you, or indeed anyone, in The Syndicate for opening, or close. What a horror show.
Haha. The Syndicate was definitely once and never again. Ah, of course, it's your neck of the woods, isn't it? I'm sure we will be back to visit my auntie and uncle at some point, so we will pop in and buy some books!
Never been to Blackpool, but used to go to Great Yarmouth as a kid (mid-80s) and if I went now, I can't imagine what it would be like.
It pales in comparison, but my sister and I would go to Bangor quite often as kids with our Granny, and there were amusements, and it was by the sea and all, we'd get our fish and chips. I went back for the first time in in 16 years (in 2022) and my goodness was it grim. A far cry from its heyday, and so sad to see.
Yeh, the demise of the British seaside town is really sad. A mate of mine went to Bangor Uni and visited him there circa 2008ish. The town was down at heel by that point but some really stunning scenery in that part of Wales.
It's funny, the last time I mentioned Bangor, my [American] friend thought I was talking about Bangor, Maine. I often forget how many Bangors there are - the one I used to visit was in Northern Ireland (it was made into a city by the Queen as well, shortly before her passing).
Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone, we've all done this, but when I was at uni I was terrible for drinking leftover pints at the end of the night, it was the only way I could afford a night out in London!
Ah Blackpool for a teenage girl used to be heaven! I had a Saturday job in the Woolies next to the Tower, we girls got first dibs on the make-up counter, end of shift we were straight into the staff loos, wonky eyeliner on, changing into our very unsuitable dresses and heels, and off to whatever night-club would let 16- year-old girls in (I now realise that was in fact ALL of them, the clubs needed "bait" for the male clubbers, but we mostly survived unpawed). Happy days. Sorry it wasn't so cool for out-of-town teenage boys though!
Every time I’m in New a York with the kids, I feel the profound ways that my life has changed. The last time we were there, we spent the entire time in a touristy shopping complex. The kind of place I would’ve avoided in my younger days. But it was car-free and safe and there were bright flashy advertisements, which the kids loved.
These are the sacrifices we have to make, eh?! I’ve still never been to the States but we’re thinking - maybe - for my 40th next year. Would love to visit NY. Might need tips on car free/safe touristy hotspots!
I have fond memories of Blackpool as a child, and coloured sand in glass bottles I think? Glad to hear there's still something strangely magical about it, even for the modern child! (PS love your new logo Andy!).
Only been to Blackpool once. When I was about 17, my mum went to Australia to visit her brother. She took the youngest, my brother, and left me and my sister at home with dad. I think he wanted a holiday, because no sooner had he dropped mum at the airport he announced that we were off to Blackpool. We could each bring a friend too.
I was already well versed at underage drinking in sketchy backstreet boozers, but I had never had a 'darts freeze in midair' moment until that trip. "Not this one, dad." When we finally settled in a nicer establishment, he told me I was a man of sound judgement.
Haha. Excellent. Nice to get some kudos from your old man! Wonder if it was the same establishment where we were humbled by the drag queen? Thanks for reading, mate!
oh I absolutely hate amusement parks, especially since I managed to lose one of my stepdaughters.... this in Mexico City. Found her eventually, of course, but the trauma stayed with me forever. Thanks for the laughs Andy, I love your escapades.
I wrote about my Blackpool experience a couple of weeks ago and I think the word "derelict" was used when describing it.
Always keen to emphasize that if it floats someone's boat and doesn't rock mine, it's fine by me. But I wasn't a fan. And why do those flashy wand sellers show up at the most inconvenient times?!
Oh I have had many unsuccessful visits to Blackpool with my daughter. But it has redeemed itself on occasion too. Those cinderella carriages are something else. I have always avoided the biggest water park though.
And to think Andy, just a couple of miles of golden sand down the road is St. Annes on Sea! I hope you waved in my direction. I'm absolutely thrilled at the idea of you, or indeed anyone, in The Syndicate for opening, or close. What a horror show.
Haha. The Syndicate was definitely once and never again. Ah, of course, it's your neck of the woods, isn't it? I'm sure we will be back to visit my auntie and uncle at some point, so we will pop in and buy some books!
Thanks for reading, Katie.
I have glum memories of the place. I fractured my arm on the Grand National ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach when I was nine. Not impressed!
Ouch, that’s rough. Think an injury like that can forever tarnish a place. The Grand National is still going strong!
Thanks for reading, Wendy.
Ouch, that’s rough. Think an injury like that can forever tarnish a place. The Grand National is still going strong!
Thanks for reading, Wendy.
I’ve never been to Blackpool!! I really want to go 😁
Can't believe you wasted those pints of Carling!
Never been to Blackpool, but used to go to Great Yarmouth as a kid (mid-80s) and if I went now, I can't imagine what it would be like.
It pales in comparison, but my sister and I would go to Bangor quite often as kids with our Granny, and there were amusements, and it was by the sea and all, we'd get our fish and chips. I went back for the first time in in 16 years (in 2022) and my goodness was it grim. A far cry from its heyday, and so sad to see.
Haha, sure somebody snapped up the free Carlings.
Yeh, the demise of the British seaside town is really sad. A mate of mine went to Bangor Uni and visited him there circa 2008ish. The town was down at heel by that point but some really stunning scenery in that part of Wales.
Thanks for reading, man!
It's funny, the last time I mentioned Bangor, my [American] friend thought I was talking about Bangor, Maine. I often forget how many Bangors there are - the one I used to visit was in Northern Ireland (it was made into a city by the Queen as well, shortly before her passing).
Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone, we've all done this, but when I was at uni I was terrible for drinking leftover pints at the end of the night, it was the only way I could afford a night out in London!
Ah Blackpool for a teenage girl used to be heaven! I had a Saturday job in the Woolies next to the Tower, we girls got first dibs on the make-up counter, end of shift we were straight into the staff loos, wonky eyeliner on, changing into our very unsuitable dresses and heels, and off to whatever night-club would let 16- year-old girls in (I now realise that was in fact ALL of them, the clubs needed "bait" for the male clubbers, but we mostly survived unpawed). Happy days. Sorry it wasn't so cool for out-of-town teenage boys though!
Ah, sounds like very fond memories! Haha - I think it was us that were the uncool ones tbf!
Thanks for reading, Billy.
Every time I’m in New a York with the kids, I feel the profound ways that my life has changed. The last time we were there, we spent the entire time in a touristy shopping complex. The kind of place I would’ve avoided in my younger days. But it was car-free and safe and there were bright flashy advertisements, which the kids loved.
These are the sacrifices we have to make, eh?! I’ve still never been to the States but we’re thinking - maybe - for my 40th next year. Would love to visit NY. Might need tips on car free/safe touristy hotspots!
Thanks for reading, man.
Let me know if you decide to make the trip. I can recommend all the bland kid-friendly spots. 😉
I have fond memories of Blackpool as a child, and coloured sand in glass bottles I think? Glad to hear there's still something strangely magical about it, even for the modern child! (PS love your new logo Andy!).
Cheers, Faith! Yep, it’s definitely seen better days but the kids still loved it.
Only been to Blackpool once. When I was about 17, my mum went to Australia to visit her brother. She took the youngest, my brother, and left me and my sister at home with dad. I think he wanted a holiday, because no sooner had he dropped mum at the airport he announced that we were off to Blackpool. We could each bring a friend too.
I was already well versed at underage drinking in sketchy backstreet boozers, but I had never had a 'darts freeze in midair' moment until that trip. "Not this one, dad." When we finally settled in a nicer establishment, he told me I was a man of sound judgement.
Haha. Excellent. Nice to get some kudos from your old man! Wonder if it was the same establishment where we were humbled by the drag queen? Thanks for reading, mate!
oh I absolutely hate amusement parks, especially since I managed to lose one of my stepdaughters.... this in Mexico City. Found her eventually, of course, but the trauma stayed with me forever. Thanks for the laughs Andy, I love your escapades.
Oh, God, that must’ve been awful. Abroad as well, jeez… glad everything was ok!
Thanks, Rosalind - very kind!
well, yes, I do live here still, Mexican husband then, not now. Imagine what he would have said and done, oh boy…
I wrote about my Blackpool experience a couple of weeks ago and I think the word "derelict" was used when describing it.
Always keen to emphasize that if it floats someone's boat and doesn't rock mine, it's fine by me. But I wasn't a fan. And why do those flashy wand sellers show up at the most inconvenient times?!
Haha, fair enough! It’s definitely a little rough around the edges but I do enjoy a seaside town. Not read that post of yours - will check it out. 👍
Oh I have had many unsuccessful visits to Blackpool with my daughter. But it has redeemed itself on occasion too. Those cinderella carriages are something else. I have always avoided the biggest water park though.
Haha, yeh, the water park was a lot, especially after a late night!
Agree. I do think Blackpool has a certain charm.
Thanks for reading!