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David Byrne Will Offer Some Free 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' at New Museum's Ideas City
David Byrne of Talking Heads, Comedian Eddie Izzard to play UPAC
David Byrne to play Solo Show at Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre
Via The Morning Call
Written by John J. Moser
David Byrne, the musical auteur who helped transition punk rock to new wave with the seminal band Talking Heads, then expanded to world music and other genres, will play F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, it was just announced.
Byrne, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Talking Heads in 2002 and has received Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe awards, will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 4.
Tickets, at $59.50-$89.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at www.kirbycenter.org and 570-826-1100.
Byrne was the founder, principal songwriter, lead singer and guitarist for Talking Heads, who with The Ramones were early stalwarts of the New York punk rock scene.
Talking Heads released its debut album, "Talking Heads '77," in 1977, with its song "Psycho Killer," but didn't become a commercial hit until its 1978 sophomore disc "More Songs About Buildings and Food," with the single, "Take Me to the River," a cover of an Al Green song that gave the group a Top 30 hit.
That album went gold, starting a string of eight gold and platinum discs, including 1979's "Fear of Music," which produced the single "Life During Wartime"; 1980's "Remain in the Light," with its popular single "Once in a Lifetime; and 1983's platinum "Speaking in Tongues," which was the group's top-charting disc (No. 15) and produced its best-selling single, "Burning Down the House" (No. 9).
"Burning Down the House" gave the group a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
But the group's best-selling discs were 1985's "Little Creatures," with the hit "And She Was," and 1984's live album "Stop Making Sense," the soundtrack to a concert movie of the same name. Both those discs sold gold.
After eight studio albums, Talking Heads broke up in 1991. The band was listed in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, with four of its discs on the magazine's list of Greatest Albums of All Time.
Byrne went on to a solo career in which he has produced eight studio albums, two live albums, nine compilation albums, a remix album and a video album.
His most recent solo release was 2012's "Love This Giant" with singer St. Vincent. It peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Albums chart – Byrne's highest-charting sol disc.
His work the soundtrack for the 1987 film "The Last Emperor" won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.
He's been nominated for three Grammy Awards for his solo work, starting with Best Concept Storytelling Video for "Storytelling Giants" in 1988, and won that year for Best Album of Original Background Score for "The Last Emperor."
His most recent Grammy nomination was in 2009 for Best Alternative Music Album for "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today."
Byrne played his only Lehigh Valley date ever in 2008 at Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center.


Imperial's guidance around preparation for each ward as part of the ePMA planning stage.
This pack helps identify Service Leads and outlines their responsibilities. These Service Leeds will undertake risk identification and an assessment of current clinical workflows. The following guidance is to help with this.
This pack helps identify Service Leads, as well as points of contact. These Service Leads will undertake risk identification and an assessment of current clinical workflows alongside other responsibilities.
Hardware needs to be available for wards at go-live. The following guidance helps understand the necessary infrastructural requirements for wards as well as information on contingency stock and infrastructure and hardware exclusions.
Some elements of the patient record will need to be transcribed into the electronic patient record (EPR) prior to going live. The following guidance provides help with this.
Understanding the benefits of ePMA implementation and how these benefits can be measured enables effective communication and engagement all the involved stakeholders.


10am–4pm each Sat; 12–5pm each Sun; 10am–4pm on select holidays.
Price: $5 adults. Children 17 and younger: $10 at the door; $8 if purchased 24 hours in advance. Free for SPARK! members.
Enjoy creative fun for the whole family and explore the 6,000-ft. Climb, Crawl, Slide Sculpture during SPARK!'s public open hours. Pop-up activities include: Giant Light Bright, Recycled Art, Chalk Art, Poetry Magnets and Percussion. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Look online for additional pop-up activities.
Recommended for children in second grade through high school. Younger children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Toddlers are not allowed in the Climb, Crawl, Slide sculpture. Strollers and baby carriers of any kind are not permitted inside SPARK! For more visitor guidelines, go to sparkdallas.org/visitor-guidelines.


300+ healthy, delicious, mouth-watering dessert & treat recipes created by Amy Layne. The best healthy recipes available online now in one awesome app!
All of the recipes in the Healthy Rebel App are made with all-natural, whole food ingredients. There are a variety of raw, baked & cooked recipes all either vegetarian or vegan. Our app is heavy on desserts & treats but also includes snacks, smoothies and unique meal ideas.
*Introducing The Healthy Rebel - The Healthy Rebel has a lot of meaning for us here at DAMY Health. On one level I, Amy Layne, am a "bad girl gone good". Being a rebel runs in my blood and embodies who I am. The irony of that is I am extremely focused on health.
When I set out on my journey to lose body fat, gain muscle, be happy, healthy and successful in life I knew out of the gate I would always be a rebel. Every diet book I read told me I couldn't have desserts. I didn't believe it and I wouldn't accept it. So, I set out on a journey to create natural, whole ingredient, real food dessert and treat recipes that I could have once a week or to serve during occasions while still losing body fat.
This is how I became The Healthy Rebel. I wanted cake and to fit in my skinny jeans.
***Creating healthy dupes of your favorite dessert and treat recipes is one of our passions and our app delivers over 300 unique recipes to satisfy any craving.
Our mission here is to move away from the packaged and boxed foods and bring eating back to foods that come from the ground.
Yes, you can enjoy desserts and treats when they are made from whole, real ingredients.
Shock your family, shock yourself and enjoy the succulent flavors of real food again. Enjoy our recipes, enjoy vibrant health, join us in celebrating a healthy life and become your own Healthy Rebel.
Help us spread the Healthy Rebel Movement by giving us a wonderful review in the App Store!
*Over 300+ unique healthy dessert, treat, snack and meal recipes created by Amy Layne.
*Separate categories for raw, vegan, vegetarian, desserts & treats, entertaining & holiday, healthy snacks, healthy meals, smoothies & juices, dips, sauces & spreads.
*All recipes are gluten free.
*Save your favourite recipes for quick viewing.
*Estimated cooking time for each recipe.
*Recipes are labeled if raw, vegan, vegetarian or gluten free.
*App can be used on both on iPhone and iPad.
Join our community of over 160,000+ members and growing!
***When you make our recipes please tag us @damyhealth and use #healthyrebel so we can see your awesome creations!
***Backend updates. Speed and service improvements. Crash fixes.


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Home/Windows 11/Windows 11 OS reveals new UI Start Menu etc…
Windows 11 OS reveals new UI Start Menu etc…
Tuts Send an email June 18, 2021
Microsoft has already announced that Windows 11 will be coming by the end of this year. They have an event on June 24. Here you can learn more about Windows 11 Operating System.
Join us June 24th at 11 am ET for the #MicrosoftEvent to see what's next. https://t.co/kSQYIDZSyi pic.twitter.com/Emb5GPHOf0
— Windows (@Windows) June 2, 2021
Microsoft has already started teasing the new fresh and refreshing smooth UI of Windows 11 to build up the hype.
File Explorer in Windows 11
Search in Windows 11
You can even watch the first look of Windows 11 on the following video which has been shared on Twitter.
here's a first look at Windows 11. There's a new Start menu, rounded corners, a new startup sound, and more https://t.co/VDS08QPsl5 pic.twitter.com/OkCyX3TtmI
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
That new UI/Skin of Windows 11 looks very appealing as compared to Windows 10/8/7. It is a blend of every operating system that they have released. They have transformed every section of Windows and we hope for the best and it should be lighter with the apps and processing this time. They shouldn't push more apps and processes in the background to make it more effcient.
Why Content Writing is Important in Digital Marketing?
How to Install Windows 11, New UI, Start Menu etc...
Turn off Windows Updates – Windows 10/Windows 11
Install Oracle VM VirtualBox on Windows 10/11
Microsoft Edge Bar is Cool with Its Features on Windows 11
How to Resize an Image on New Microsoft Paint

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Facebook Just Made Tourism Advertising Easier Open mobile menu
Facebook Just Made Tourism Advertising Easier
In case you haven't heard, yesterday Facebook made it a lot easier for tourism companies to advertise to travelers. They just rolled out a new program called Trip Consideration to help travel companies target Facebook users from the very moment they decide to travel in the future, even before they've decided on their destination.
Facebook has concluded that there is an average of 43 days between the time that someone decides on traveling and when they decide on a destination, so during these 43 days, Facebook is making it easier for travel brands to influence Facebook users on where they should go.
68% of millennials found ideas for their most recent trip on Facebook, so Facebook knows it is the perfect advertising platform for those in the travel industry. In their mission to compete with Google, Facebook is optimizing their platform to make it as easy as possible for travel brands to target travelers.
Here's how Trip Consideration works.
Let's think of the huge number of people all over the United States that are dreaming of doing some hiking over summer. They've seen photos on Facebook of their friends having amazing trips in the lush forests of Oregon and Washington, but they are still exploring other options for a destination.
Facebook is able to identify these people who are considering traveling, even before they've settled on a destination.
And, it'll let tour operators, hotels, cruises, destinations, and airlines target them with Facebook ads to influence their decision in the very early stages of planning a trip. As Facebook said, it's an opportunity to turn travel intent into bookings!
So in this case, it's a great opportunity for a Washington state whale watching tour operator to target this traveler to influence their decision to go to Washington. The Facebook user sees this ad and realizes that if they go to Washington, they can do some great hiking and also book a tour to see some whales. Or, it's an opportunity for an airline to advertise a great deal on flights to the Blue Ridge Mountains to someone in New York for the dates that they've considered for their trip. Like everything in social media, tour operators want to make sure their content is stunning and alluring. You want to stand out against the other travel brands that are trying to attract the same travelers.
Get some great ad content ready, and start competing to lure travelers on Facebook. Here's how your tour and activity company can take advantage of Trip Consideration.
By submitting this form you agree to Tourism Tiger contacting you via email.
Margaret Shuttleworth


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Category Archives: West Lancashire League Clubs
Result: Fulwood Amateurs 5-0 Coppull United (West Lancashire League Premier Division)
Venue: Lightfoot Lane/'The Green' (Saturday 11th May 2019, 3pm)
Att: ~250
My penultimate weekend of groundhopping saw another double-header which would begin with this very visit to the outskirts of Preston. Having looked local for Saturday's game with a trip down to the south coast and Southampton coming up the following day, this contest saw hosts Fulwood looking to take the West Lancashire League title, whilst their rivals Slyne-with-Hest also looked to home advantage to pay dividends for them as they looked to overturn the slight advantage Fulwood held going into the final day.
Both teams welcomed sides from the other end of the table – Fulwood entertaining Coppull United, whilst Slyne took on Southport Hesketh. As for myself, I took full advantage of a later than usual start to a trip before heading via Warrington up to Preston whereupon I was finally able to pay a visit to the city's famous bus station where I'd catch a service onwards to Fulwood. But it wouldn't just be Fulwood I'd be heading too, oh no – it would be a very specific bus stop which, perhaps unsurprisingly, had a pub just a few steps away by the name of the Sherwood.
Preston's Famed Bus Station
The Sherwood
The pub gains its name from the road it is located upon and I watched the majority of the first half of the play-off between Aston Villa and West Brom before finishing off my pint of Boddington's (£2.60) and grabbing one of the regular services back down the road and past the hospital, getting off just before the dual-carriageway, which was crossed over to reach the Black Bull where I partook in an Estrella (£4.25) whilst wasting away some time before grabbing another bus up the way towards to foot of Light….erm, foot Lane which the ground sits not too far along. Before heading ground-wards, however, I paid a visit to the, slightly hidden from roadside, Phantom Winger – a Hungry Horse hostelry – for a pint of Coors (£3.50) and took advantage of their charging points before finally heading for the ground.
Fulwood is a town in the unparished northern area of Preston and has remained separate largely due to the fact the town in encompassed within the Fulwood Conservation Area. It has been governed independently since 1974. Noted in 1199 as Fulewide, it has since gone through name changes of Fulewude in 1228 and Fulwode in 1297 and was part of the ancient forest of Fulwood where Preston race ground was located. In Victorian times, said to be a township-chapelry in Lancaster parish on the railway linking Preston and Lancaster with its own station which closed in 1930. The vicarage was noted as being in the diocese of Manchester.
Fulwood-entrance to Preston
Way to the Phantom Winger….
Inside the Phantom Winger
I arrived after a fifteen minute walk and struggled to make up £2 in change for admission/programme (inclusive) and didn't want to hand over a tenner just due to ease more than anything. However, this did prompt the guys on the gate (well, table to be more exact) to say that they'd take whatever if I was struggling for it (on account they apparently take some grief for charging) which was nice, though I assured them I was fine and that I was more than happy to hand over the couple of quid. I eventually got some silver together and handed over my dues and headed through the gate (an actual one this time) and into the ground itself before immediately paying a visit to the cozy clubhouse/food bar at the rear of the stand/equipment store/former driving range behind the goal for a hot-dog, which was decent enough for a quid, which you can't exactly complain about now, can you?!
With all this out of the way, the teams were out on the field and ready to go. As for the remainder of the ground, a small covered standing area sits back away from the pitch somewhat and houses the dressing rooms and toilets and is flanked by a raised grass banking that separates it from the entrance area. The majority of the rest of the standing is all open, hard standing with just the far side being a little hard to get through due to the overhang of trees near the far side of the "driving range" stand. So that's "The Green" in a nutshell and this is the story of Fulwood Amateurs….
Fulwood Amateurs Football Club was founded in 1924 and originally played on a field behind a local pub by the name of the Black Bull before moving over onto a pitch on Watling Street and making use of another pub's facilities for changing instead. Fulwood joined the Lancashire Amateur League in 1928 though would have to wait almost a decade for their first silverware – this arriving in the form of the (not at all long-winded) Manchester and Salford Medical Charities Hospital Cup, defeating South Salford to achieve the honour. The following year saw success continue for the pre-WWII team, the club winning the Lancashire Amateur League Aggregate Trophy, Lancashire Amateur Cup and also winning the league (though all three divisions are listed as this honour, so no idea which is correct.).
After the war, Fulwood would win the 1950 Division 2 title back in the Lancashire Amateur League, though after seemingly being relegated after a sole season in the top tier, they returned back to Division 2 which was won again in 1952 along with a second Aggregate Trophy. Moving to a plot of land in Grimsargh in 1955, things seemed to go awry and Fulwood ended up in the 3rd Division North of the LAL, though did win this in 1960 along with promotion to the Division 2 once again which was then won in 1971 though their rise back up to the top division was again seemingly short-lived with the club back in the 3rd Division North by the time this was won again in 1975.
FAFC
The next season saw the Second Division again won, but again the visit to the top division was brief and the drop rather alarming, though the move to land alongside the ground of Preston Grasshoppers proved fruitful with the 3rd Division North again having to be lifted in 1983 and the Second Division title once again following immediately afterwards, alongside the third and final Aggregate Trophy and the LAL's Norman Archer Trophy. 1987 saw Fulwood win the "Premier Division" title and this was followed with a move into the West Lancashire League in 1993 – whereupon things are a little easier to follow.
After immediately being promoted from the West Lancs League's Division 2 as runners-up, they then went on to win the First Division at the first attempt, becoming West Lancs League champions in the process. After lifting the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield in 1998, re-organisation in 1999 saw the First Division become the Premier Division – which Fulwood won in its first season under the new title and retained the LFA Amateur Shield too. The club remained in the top flight right through until 2015, winning various cup silverware in the form of three WLL Houston Cups (2005, 2007 & 2008), another Richardson Cup (2010), though rarely looked like repeating their title wins of the '90's and their best was a runners-up spot in 2010 before relegation to Division 1 was suffered in 2014.
In the clubhouse
However, their stay there was brief, as Fulwood won the Division 1 title at the first attempt, as well as lifting the West Lancs League President's Cup and Wilf Carr Memorial Trophy, and returned back to the top-flight in strong fashion – finishing their first two seasons in 3rd before dropping away slightly to 6th last season, though they did win the LFA Amateur Shield for a third time that year. However, this season has been strong and Fulwood had this very game today to win their third West Lancashire League title but the first under the "Premier Division" banner.
We got underway with Fulwood being slightly sluggish and indeed it was the visitors who made most of the early running, though didn't make too much despite their dominance during the first fifteen – however they should have been one up just moments into the contest. A good touch and through ball by #11 released #9 who just beat the 'keeper to the ball but his poke crawled wide of the far post. Fulwood responded with a flick-on testing the visiting 'keeper's handling, which faltered at first, but was recovered quickly.
The "sort-of-a-stand" Stand
Opener flies in from the spot
#11 then had a chance for himself but his shot on the turn was hit straight at the home 'keeper, but Fulwood gradually began to gain a foothold and impose themselves upon their visitors and soon after #4, Sam Braithwaite, had fired over the bar from the edge of the area, a pull-back in the box was given as a spot-kick (just about right from my viewpoint behind the goal) and #11, Adam Stammers, duly dispatched from the spot to begin the quell the nerves of the home support and players themselves. The jubilant celebrations showed as much; half-time 1-0.
A rather uneventful break came and went and we were soon back playing with Fulwood this time coming out and looking like champions-elect. They dominated from the outset with Stammers and #7, Jonty McDonald playing a good one-two to allow the former a shot on goal that forced a good stop, before the resulting corner was headed wide. #12, Jake Connolly, then almost netted when found unmarked at the back-post, only to be denied by a fine goal-line block by #4, but the second was finally recorded soon after. Connolly again got in and after his initial drive was spilt by the GK, #9, Hugo Rodriguez, was sharp in following up and gleefully dispatched the loose ball.
First goal celebrations!
AAAAAANNNNDD 2!!
Connolly continued to give the Coppull defence all sorts of problems to think about and after he'd again forced the GK into action down low, a fairly obvious second penalty was awarded after a trip and McDonald sent the 'keeper the wrong way from the spot. This began an absolute siege of the Coppull goal and the fourth arrived shortly afterwards when good hold-up play and lay-off by Rodriguez gave #5, Dan Cooper, the chance to shoot from 20 yards, he unleashed a fine drive that left the 'keeper helpless. A great goal.
AAAAAANNNNDD 3!!!
Fulwood lift the title
That wouldn't be it on the goal-front though and a third Fulwood penalty soon came around, this one being converted in carbon-copy fashion to the previous one only this time it was Rodriguez who was given the task of netting from 12 yards with the other takers having been subbed (I think) by this point in the play. Fair play to Coppull, they came on strong late-on and ought to have grabbed a consolation as #5 headed just wide and they then hit the post with the last-kick of the game, but they would end with ten men as #4 was sent-off for a second yellow which, let's be honest, didn't really need to be given out. Anyway, it was and full-time arrived with Fulwood's title win being confirmed and the celebrations could begin! Congrats to them.
Post-match, I figured out that buses weren't all that great in terms of helping me get back to the pub trail and instead I opted for a swift walk back down some back-roads which eventually had me passing over a small stream and eventually back at the bus stops on the route I'd taken to get there, having seen that I could just about get there in time to jump back aboard a service up to the three close by (sort of) public houses I passed nearby en route. As such, I travelled the few stops along to the interestingly named Plungington Hotel where I took advantage of the warm sunshine that was now enveloping this part of Lancashire and the walled garden the pub played host to.
A strangely grand looking bus-stop
Plungington Hotel
Withy Hotel
Brook Tavern
The garden – basically just an old bowling green area – was nice enough for a swift Amstel (£3.85) before I headed along the road for a quick Strongbow (£3.50) in the Withy Arms as I'd just about calculated I could squeeze in the last watering hole nearby, the Brook Tavern, and upon finishing my cider in here I duly did make it for a Dark Fruits (£3.95) which was most enjoyable, though I was put off by the straw like bubble formation inside my glass. I thought this some strange coincidence until I got down to a low-enough point to see a small straw protruding from the liquid. Ah….there we go. Whatever the case, I quickly headed back for yet another bus (Preston Bus Service, you served me well) and was quickly back in the station in good time for the train home.
The remainder of the journey passed very smoothly indeed and I was home nice and early ahead of my long trip down south the following morning. As for the day at hand first, though, and it had been a very decent one indeed. The game was tight enough for long enough as to keep me interested before becoming something of a slaughter and the crowd number added to the occasion too. The ground is decent for the level (though I have heard a murmur it may not be about all too much longer, though this may be just some hearsay) and the programme/food at Step 7 is always a nice little aside too. Travel simple enough and only a little rushed due to the self-imposed constraints and Fulwood was, on the whole, worth the trip. On to Southampton we roll for my penultimate "hop" of the season….
Leave a comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Adam Stammers, Coppull United, Dan Cooper, Football, Fulwood Amateurs, Hugo Rodriguez, Jonty McDonald, Non-League, Preston, West Lancashire League
Manchopper in….Lytham
Result: Lytham Town 1-3 Longridge Town (Pre-Season Friendly)
Venue: Ballam Road (Saturday 21st July 2018, 3pm)
Att: 35 (approx.)
As teams' pre-season preparations and schedules continue to roll on as the season gets ever closer, I decided that a trip to the seaside was in order. However, I wasn't heading there for sun, sea or sand nor any other beachy paraphernalia that you may come across once there – I was instead headed for Lytham Town, the West Lancashire coastal town famed for its windmill, nearby golf course….and brewery, of course! So, having enticed Gibbo into joining me on this venture, I set off into Piccadilly to meet up with him, via a £226 stop-off at the ticket office for trips that will become apparent over the next month or so. I need my head testing, I swear.
Anyway, I digress. Having sorted all the above out in good time, I found Gibbo amongst the crowds on the platform before we managed to scout out the better carriage option for seating. This went well for once (it wouldn't if it was me alone) and a pair of Brewdog's Pale Ale's were soon being supped at as we headed off towards Preston where we would have a ten minute changeover before the train to Lytham. Well, that was how it was supposed to go down anyway but, alas, Northern's classic failings decided to rear its ugly head once more and we were subjected to a further twenty-minute delay. Why? Because the planned four-car train arrived with only two and another pair had to be sourced from elsewhere and, just to add insult to the injury, the two then struggled to attach together. I was forced into a second Brewdog as this was going, just to get me by!
Finally in Lytham
Eventually the two stopped butting heads like a pair of angry rhinos and we were finally en route to the coast. Arriving at around 12.30pm, we were greeted by a number of Northern staff and police who were on guard at the station due to the expected crowds for the ongoing Lytham Festival which was today featuring the likes of Bananarama. Gibbo was highly excited for this and even more so by the Lytham sign up on the station wall, with one of the aforementioned staff being roped into taking a pic of the couple of us in front of it before we headed off into the centre of town for a bit of a peruse of the area, prior to continuing on towards the front and a look around the festival area itself. Much to Gibbo's disappointment, the windmill was off-limits due to it being within the festival's grounds and so had to make do with a further pic in front of more signage. Then, it was finally onwards to the most important part: pubs!
Lytham dates back to around the Bronze Age and 900AD saw a village by the name of Kilgrimol or Kilgromhow established by, who are believed to be, expelled Vikings from Ireland. The Fylde area, known as Amounderness by the Anglo-Saxons, where Lytham is situated saw the town named in the Domesday Book as Lidun. It was later handed over to the Benedictine monks of Durham in 1199 and later became part of the crown after the dissolution of their home. The Cliftons took over in 1606 and built Lytham Hall, a new house replacing the former one, in 1757. For many centuries, relied on the fishing and shrimping trades prior to the advent and rise of tourism, along with the arrival of wealthy industrialists spreading out from the nearby strongholds of Manchester, Liverpool and Preston. Its most famous landmarks include 'The Green', a strip of grass running between the shore and main road, the aforementioned windmill and the neighbouring old Lifeboat House – now a museum.
The Clifton name resonates around Lytham, the former leading family giving their name to numerous streets and buildings. Their estate on the outskirts of Lytham and Ansdell originally occupied a large area, with Lytham Hall playing host to the family seat. This remained in the family until 1963 when it was passed onto the Guardian Royal Exchange Insurance and later, the Lytham Town Trust in 1997. This plays host to open-air plays and car shows etc and several gates and walls of the original estate still survive. Lytham is also home to the Foulnaze cockle factory, though this has only been opened thrice in the last twenty years, the last time being in 2013. The town's station lies on the single line between Blackpool South and Preston, with two other stations:- Station Road, Lytham and near to the Old Links Golf Course having shut in 1874 & 1949 respectively.
The Lytham Festival not quite at capacity….yet
Lifeboat Museum & the famed windmill
Ship & Royal
First up was the Ship & Royal, which was eventually located after I'd forgotten where it was. It wasn't quite worth the effort as it turned out, the place being very disorganised. The two staff were having to do all things out front, serving, changing barrels and serving and collecting dishes. They were doing their best to keep up, so no blame on them per se, but they desperately needed more help, which eventually did arrive after a good fifteen to twenty minutes and a few people having left after waiting a fair while. Anyway, after Gibbo had something resembling a half (served in a pint glass for some reason) of Lytham Ale and I played it safe with an Amstel – the round costing £5.30.
Next up was a far more serene experience in the small bar known simply as "The Craft House". In a weird happening, the guy in front of me turned round to enquire what his partner "George" was having. She'd already left, though, leaving me to be the only person there. Of course, I'd unfortunately just ordered mine in, so couldn't take advantage of his kind, yet unintentional, offer! Now on first name terms with half the people in the Craft House and the barman, I grabbed an outdoor table on Gibbo's orders (who, being an Atherton native, had just returned from a pie shop), the pint of the Lancaster Ale going down nicely and, at £2.80, was just as good on the pocket as it tasted.
Strange indoor roadway
Gibbo's happy with his Jaeger decision
With kick-off time approaching, we crossed over the way and to the town's Spoons, the Railway. It was a different kind of 'Spoons from outdoor appearance, with its covered outdoor seating seeming more akin to the bistros in the town centre. After a pair of Jägers were consumed (courtesy of Gibbo as it was his idea, honestly) a pint of the Windermere Ale was consumed at the always cost-effective Spoons price of £2.19 before setting off on the few minute's walk back over the railway and to the ground, passing through the adjacent park to get there, entrance gained through a gateway in the perimeter fencing, Gibbo being the model for this below…
Into the ground we go
Lytham's Ballam Road ground is a fairly simple one, but is also one that has its fair share of character. The pitch is fully railed off, but has no hard standing immediately around it. However, a raised patioed area behind the goal at the Ballam Road end does give a bit of an alternative, with a few park benches upon it too, with a covered area alongside it hosting a barbecue today. The clubhouse stands to the rear of this and the walls feature pictures and the like from through the years, but it is only a small, narrow room though does have a few tables within too, should the weather not be too great. That's Ballam Road in a nutshell and this is the story of Lytham Town….
A Lytham F.C. was first formed around the turn of the 20th century and joined the Lancashire Combination in 1904. However, they competed here for just the one season, finishing bottom, before departing for parts unknown. They would enter the FA Cup for the first time in 1925, reaching the First Round prior to being knocked out in convincing fashion by Oldham Athletic 10-1.
They re-joined the Combination in 1929 and this time remained there until 1936. After the war, the club again returned to the Lancashire Combination, playing in its second division. Here, they finished in the top half in every season through to 1959 and eventually then gained promotion to Division One. They remained there until 1963 when they were relegated back. However, 1968 would see both divisions merged.
Lytham clubhouse
LTFC
Lytham were again relegated from the Combination in 1971, but were absent for only four years prior to returning once again. The period of the late '70's also saw the club reach the FA Vase Third Round on two occasions, prior to the Combination's merger with the Cheshire County League to create the North West Counties League in 1982. Lytham thusly became a founder member of the league, but would soon depart it. After being relegated from their founding placing in Division Two in 1984, they competed for one sole season in Division Three, finishing 6th, before folding at the end of the 1984-'85 season.
Somewhere in the meantime, the current Lytham Town club came into being and played in the Preston & District League prior to their move into the West Lancashire League in 2007. They joined the league's Second Division and spent four campaigns there before achieving promotion to the Division One in 2011 as champions. They have remained there to this day, finishing up last season in ninth out of the sixteen teams competing.
The game had just gotten underway as we were heading over the road bridge across the railway and it didn't take all that long for the first goal to arrive. As we were talking to one of the few Longridge officials who had made the short trip out, Longridge's new signing Jay Hart finished nicely from the edge of the area to open the scoring for the day after around eight minutes and so it looked as though there could be more to follow. Unfortunately, the game became a fairly sedate one with little in the way of chances coming at either end.
As such, Gibbo and I continued on up to the clubhouse to indulge in Lytham's self-proclaimed "famous(ish)" 3 for £5 Budweiser offers, though this almost became something else, with the lad behind the bar having to be told in panicked tones that it was only the Bud that was on offer and nothing more. Anyway all was sorted out in this regard and the game had largely been sorted out on the pitch too, with Hart skilfully keeping the ball up in the air and under control, nodding it up before laying it off for Stuart Vasey to fire home for two-nil. That was largely that for the half as the BBQ became the more interesting thing on the go for the next half-hour or so. Cheeseburger in for just a quid. Can't complain with that, can you?
Having now set up shop on the opposite side of the ground for a while and listening in on the Lytham side's half-time team-talk, the second half was soon underway. I guess the manager's words did get to them as they got tighter at the back and thus the game became an even more turgid affair than the first half. I honestly can't remember all that much going on up until the usual raft of substitutes after around an hour's play began to liven it up a little. But, to be honest, it didn't have much to improve on.
Good save, but he'll be beaten by the rebound
Ainsworth buries the pen
Either way, further goals were to eventually follow late on. After Lytham had created and spurned a few decent opportunities, Longridge would net a third goal via a rebound that James Sloane capitalised upon, the 'keeper rather unfortunate in this as he had pulled off a good save from the initial effort from outside the area. However, Lytham continued to battle on and were awarded a pretty stonewall penalty in the last-minute of the game, the spot-kick duly converted with confidence by Ross Ainsworth.
So that was that and it was back into town for another couple of hours before the train back, in the hope of catching some of Bananarama's set, of course. As I alluded to earlier, this would sadly not come to pass for one reason or another, so Lytham's watering holes would continue to be a more than decent substitute. The Taps was the first up post match, the nicely decorated pub offering up a decent pint of Hop House (that just managed to survive me elbowing over) whilst Gibbo opted for an ale with some kind of 'punnage' to it that I can't remember right now. I don't think I was too impressed as it was certainly no Obi-hops Kenobi, that's for sure.
The Taps
Back at the Station to round off the day
After leaving Gibbo to finish up his pint in there, I made the solo trip over to the Queen's on the front which was packed with festival-goers unsurprisingly, who were still waiting on crossing over the way to the gates. As such, I was actually held at the door for a while on account of the numbers, before getting in after a short wait. Sadly, this trip wasn't too worth it, Dark Fruits in a plastic glass coming in at the inflated sum of £4.85. Four…eighty-five…
The trip ended with a brief sojourn in the Station bar, located in the station building which was definitely a little more cost-effective with a bottle of Sol costing £3.35. Gibbo soon joined me once again in here for a final helping of putting cash into the local economy before grabbing the train back out of the ever more crowded town, on account that the Bananarama fans would soon be going bananas I'm sure. Upon getting back into Preston, we went on our separate ways, with going via Warrington a far better option for myself, whilst Gibbo still had to endure the long trip around the houses to return to Atherton at some point next year.
So there ends off the penultimate weekend of pre-season for me. It had been a good one, Lytham's a great little town and the ground was decent too. The game was a bit 'meh', but I'm not too fussed when its free (bar £1 on the football card!). Onto the final weekend then and a bit of a double is in the offing. A Cheshire League side, a former Cheshire League side, a newly reformed team and an old Merseyside non-league powerhouse all feature. It should be pretty good….
Programme: N/A
2 Comments Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Ballam Road, Football, James Sloane, Jay Hart, Longridge Town, Lytham, Lytham Town, Non-League, Pre-Season Friendly, Ross Ainsworth, Stuart Vasey
Manchopper in….Leyland
Result: Leyland United 1-3 Longridge Town (Pre-Season Friendly)
Venue: Centurion Park (Saturday 30th June 2018, 3pm)
With the possibility of England reaching the World Cup quarter-finals the following Saturday, I duly decided to start off the season a week early to make up for it. Also, it would have been silly to miss out on the glorious weather that the UK was experiencing during the latter part of June, as it certainly isn't anything to rely on year-on-year, as many of you will know! Anyway, fixtures were threadbare for the weekend locally, but a couple stood out. Airbus UK had an early kick-off which would enable me to catch the France-Argentina game later in the afternoon, whilst Leyland United's game with North West Counties new-boys Longridge Town provided an easier travel option.
As it was, Airbus proved to be too difficult to bother with on this day (despite the allure of the Red Arrows and Beluga movements at the neighbouring Hawarden Airfield) and so, come the mid-morning of the final Saturday of June, I caught the train from Manchester up to the Lancastrian town – also famed for its transport-making heritage, hoping for a nice, comfortable journey. Alas, the bloody thing was packed out and it was standing room only once again, with many obviously taking the chance to head to the seaside on this rarest of days. I eventually escaped the sweat box and continued into the town centre of Leyland, all the while in the shadow of the smoke emanating from the wildfire from the nearby Winter Hill.
A five-minute-or-so walk later and I found myself outside the town's Wetherspoon's outlet, the Leyland Lion, not far from the town's British Commercial Vehicle museum – which celebrates the famed truck and bus maker Leyland Motors (later British Leyland Motor Corporation) which later grew to include the likes of car and motorcycle constructors Triumph, Rover (duly taking hold of the Land Rover and Jaguar brands too) and became British Leyland. It would latterly become the Rover Group and lives on as part of Jaguar-Land Rover and MINI, whilst the Leyland name is still carried by the original Leyland Trucks company and survives as part of an American heavy-duty company. Also, a marker point nearby marks the half-way point between London and Glasgow (some 198 miles in either direction).
Prior to becoming industrialised in the more recent past, Leyland was an area of fields and a meeting point of Roman Roads from Wigan to Walton-le-Dale. For a long while, the area fell into disuse prior to being rediscovered after the Battle of Hastings and was duly named in the Domesday Book. It is home to a late 12th or early 13th century church and is home to a Saxon cross.
Once at the bar, I decided to go a little more adventurous and opted for a pint of the Windermere Brewery's Pale Ale, which set me back just the £2.29. Not too bad but, as it turned out, this wouldn't even be the cheapest drink I'd find today! Anyway, after enjoying some sunshine in the pub's beer garden which, interestingly, featured a derelict phone box, which was seemingly serving as an extension of the smoking area, I continued on Northwards and off towards a Morrison's supermarket where I was told I would come across the Old Leyland Gates hostelry, one of the more up-to-date foodie pubs.
The information was good and having navigated my way through a rather tidy group of bungalows, I was more than happy to set eyes on it and headed within. My eyes were again drawn towards the pumps of real ale and, as a result, I couldn't resist opting for a pint of the Chris Kamara-inspired Un-beer-lievable World Cup special beer and supped away whilst slightly in awe of the fact the pub had gone out-of-the-way to invest in, not only World Cup competitor bunting, but also full-sized flags from each of the 32 nations. I found this brilliant, as I've always had a fascination with World flags for some reason….no you're weird! Back onto Un-beer-lievable – it tasted strangely close to the Greene King IPA which, come to think of it, was also on offer. Hmmmmm…..
The Leyland Lion & its phone box
The Leyland Gates
Leylandhosen!
Luckily, I quite enjoy that anyway so wasn't bothered at all, especially as it only cost a further £2.89 and after finishing up here, I carried on down the main road and back towards the station where I had previously seen the Queen's pub. It didn't seem to be Liz's own place though, sadly. This seemed far more of that traditional type of establishment and, much to my delight, also displayed full-size flags! Sorcery, where the hell are Leyland's pubs sourcing them? I've not seen any anywhere else, so fair play to them for digging them up. Also a pleasant surprise was the appearance of McEwan's Lager (no idea why either) as was its price – £2.10. Magic.
After debating whether or not to watch the F1 qualifying on the small, distant screen in here or risk dipping into one of the two pubs en route to the ground, I opted for the latter option and headed up and over the road-bridge that crosses above the station. I bypassed the Railway pub for now, thinking it would be a better stop-off after the game, and instead carried on just around the bend where the Rose of Farington, named after the nearby area of the town, was located. The Rose also had the lovely alcoholic version of Dandelion and Burdock in stock, which is bloody lovely in the hotter weather especially, and they kindly switched over one of the TV's to accommodate me, having given me the option of any number to pick from. Really nice place too, and with the bottle setting me back a very fair price of around the mid £3 mark, I settled in to see where Kimi would end up on the Austrian grid (by the way, screw those fans who booed at Silverstone and the salty Merc lads!).
Rose of Farington
Farington Mill monument
After watching him end up a decent 4th, the clock was approaching 3pm and therefore kick-off. Centurion Park lay around a ten-minute walk away, and I arrived just outside the gates of the ground as the referee's shrill whistle rang out over the nearby area to signal the game was underway. Upon entering past the sign bearing today's opposition, you are immediately within the ground's car park which is located right behind the goal and also extends round onto the grass to the right-hand side, so watch your cars! There is little to speak of with regard to Centurion Park which is a simple West Lancashire League home. Along the left-hand side of the ground, there is a cabin which houses the dressing rooms, a closed-up food trailer (which may be used at other points), another building of some description whilst a pair of dugouts are located at pitch-side, to the front of them. The ground is all open standing, with the vast majority of it on grass, apart from the area immediately between the dressing rooms and dugouts, though there are a couple of benches outside the cabin upon the paved area, and another in the corner of ground on the same side near the car-park area which provide somewhere to rest up if required. So that's Centurion Park, and this is the story of Leyland United F.C….
Leyland United Football Club was formed in 2011 after the merger of Leyland Football Club and Leyland Red Rose, with the feeling being it was better to put the resources of two good teams in the town into one joint effort going forward. After a sole season in the Preston & District League's Premier Division (now the Mid-Lancashire League) where they won both the Premier Division (First Team) and Division One (Reserves), Leyland joined the West Lancashire League, taking a spot in Division 2 and winning the early season 2012 Guild Cup via a penalty-shootout win over Mid-Lancs League side Blessed Sacrament after a 4-4 draw.
Their first season saw them finish a highly respectable third, with a six-point deduction putting paid to their promotion hopes, before finishing 6th, 4th, then dropping to second-bottom prior to recovering to 3rd once again in 2017. Last season, the club won the West Lancs League Division 2 title and were duly promoted to the Division One for the coming season.
Arriving at Centurion Park
With the game at the second venue in Leyland I've seen a game at (after the Lancs FA HQ) underway, let's get straight into it. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the visitors, making the step up from the West Lancashire League this season, who began the stronger with regular raids on the Leyland goal undertaken. They went close early on, the Leyland 'keeper's original save being headed back towards goal but, fortunately for the hosts, bouncing back off the woodwork. Both wingers then went close, with #11 seeing his headed effort saved comfortably by the GK, before #7 saw a shot whistle narrowly past the post.
The first half continued to be dominated by Longridge Town, with #10 seeing his effort cleared off the line with the resultant follow-up effort by #11 saved, and the former then went close once more, a free-kick from a fair way out drifting narrowly off-target. Eventually their pressure told and it was the player wearing the #14 shirt who grabbed the opener, converging onto a through ball before turning well and finishing nicely. One-nil to the visitors and they continued to press forward, with #3 firing wastefully over from a good position before Leyland finally began to gain something of an attacking threat towards the end of the half, #10 being thwarted when one-on-one with the Longridge GK and just before the whistle, the gloveman was forced into a good stop from a free-kick.
'Keeper keeps out the FK
After making acquaintance with Buddy the dog and his Dad, the half-time whistle duly blew whilst a Longridge player was stricken on the floor, with the early part of the half being taken up by him receiving his due treatment, before trudging off with a little help. The sides and officials quickly returned to the pitch from their dressing rooms within the cabin within ten minutes and we were swiftly back underway.
Unfortunately, as so often happens in friendly contests – especially those at the start of the programmes, it became a bit of a stop-start affair, with subs a plenty featuring throughout the 45. However, goals were more prevalent despite the lack of overall action, with #9 latching onto a through ball and sliding the ball across the Leyland 'keeper early on in proceedings to increase the visitors' lead. He then presented the #11 with a chance following a tidy 1-2, but he shanked the ball well wide of the mark.
Leyland get one back
Centurion Park looking resplendant
As the substitutions began to make more of an effect on the game, along with occasional water breaks that were being afforded to the players, things quietened down for a while before #10 sealed the win for Longridge, firing in a free-kick. Leyland were able to respond late on, their own #10 seeing his initial shot well-kept out by the 'keeper, but he was powerless to deny the rebound which was forced over the line.
#7 had a late chance to add further gloss to proceedings for Longridge, but his shot ended up hitting the side-netting and the game ended up three-one to the visitors come the full-time whistle. As for me, I bid a quick exit and re-traced my steps back down the main road, passing by the Rose of Farington on the occasion and instead popping into the aforementioned Railway. A Coors was had in here (£3.65), just before an influx of players and staff from both sides swiftly followed, all in time to watch the Argies bow out.
The Railway
Golden Tap
Upon finishing and giving my table to a few managers and players, I remembered that I hadn't seen the small real ale place that was apparently near the station and opposite the Queen's. This despite having been there twice. Even then, upon returning, I originally walked past it before eventually seeking it out within the row of shops! It was worth the (self-imposed) trouble too, the Golden Tap was a nice little place and the Euchre Pale Ale was lovely and, for just the £2.80, you can't complain too much, can you?!
After nursing the pint for just less than an hour, it was time to head the short distance back to the station where, I hoped, the train would be far more conducive to comfort than the one I had on the outbound trip. I was wrong. It was standing room only once again, though at least this time there was room to breathe! The journey was spent bemoaning the fortunes of Northern's service with a lady who at least had a holiday to look forward to at the end of the experience, whilst I had to make do with more drink. It could be worse, I guess. We could have been stopped by the line-side fire we passed near Wigan!
Anyway, that ends the first trip of the new 2018/'19 season (despite it still strictly being 2017-'18 still, but it's close enough). It'd been a good one, Leyland was decent and very cheap, the game was ok and was also free so you can't really go wrong and the journey was easy, albeit not too comfortable. As they say, two out of three ain't bad. Onto the next game, wherever that may be….
Food: N/A
1 Comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Football, Leyland, Leyland United, Longridge Town, Non-League, Pre-Season Friendly
Manchopper in….Mill Hill (Mill Hill St. Peter's FC)
Result: Mill Hill St. Peter's 1-13 (Thirteen) Padiham (Pre-Season Friendly)
Venue: Queen Victoria Street (Saturday 15th July 2017, 2pm)
Att: 52 (hc)
With a 5am start beckoning on Sunday morning and a 4 hour coach ride down to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, I'd already decided to be sensible for once and not travel too far for a pre-season game. Even alcohol intake was being put on the back-burner and, as such, I was looking for somewhere to perfectly ally the two, whilst also hosting a pretty decent game and, wouldn't you know it, Mill Hill offered up such an opportunity.
Arriving in Mill Hill
The Bull's Head's back passage
Heading off towards Blackburn via the interim of Preston, I eventually arrived in the dank and drizzly suburb of Blackburn at just before 1pm, ahead of kick-off an hour later. Upon having a quick check down at the ground that the game was definitely on (nets up seemed to say this was the case), I continued towards the far end of town and the first stop of the day, the Bull's Head. It was very quiet in here, though the beginning of the qualifying session for the aforementioned race kept me entertained enough,though the Peroni definitely seemed somewhat out of place in a very traditional and cosy pub. Eventually though, a stoppage in the session gave me an out and so I headed off down the high street to what seemed to be the more popular pub of the two, the Witton Inn.
After being kindly granted my request of having the quali put on in here as well, a pint of Moretti (they like their Italian lager around here it seems) along with the thrill of a McLaren going fastest (still wrong that that's the case) would keep me there up until around ten minutes to kick-off, by which time the drizzle had abated and I could leave. It was a well-timed leave too, as one punter asked if it was ok to turn over to watch a race he had a bet on. With all the times aligning nicely, it was back over to the ground.
The Witton Inn
I arrived within sight of Queen Victoria Street to find both teams still going through their warm-ups. With me not too fond of hanging around in the mizzle, I instead headed into the Mill Hill Hotel that I originally planned on leaving until post-match. The Hotel stands opposite the ground and provides a sight of the pitch and so I settled on a Carlsberg in here, what with the Italian stuff seemingly not reaching this end of town yet to keep an eye on when the warm-ups were at an end. Before long, I headed upstairs to the toilet declaring "Gents" upon the door. Upon my grand descent, I was accosted by the lady behind the bar for using a private loo rather than the public ones downstairs. Apparently I wasn't the only one who's done this, probably due to it not being very obvious to us unschooled visitors!
Mill Hill Hotel
Faux pas done, it was soon time to head over to the ground. The entrance is found at the end a small access road down the side of a block of terraced houses, with the pitch located within the confines of the river on one side and factories/yards opposite and at the far end (beyond which the town's other club, Mill Hill FC is located). The ground is a pretty smart one for the level, with a nice clubhouse/tea bar/dressing room building sitting atop the grass mound at the end from which you enter and a small covered terrace stand located in the near corner. The pitch is barred off at both sides, though this is not the case behind the goals. Bar the small covered terrace, the ground is open standing, with the sides featuring some hard standing but both ends are just grass though the mounds here do give a slightly raised view of the action. So, that's the Queen Vic and this is Mill Hill St. Peter's…
Mill Hill St. Peter's were formed in 1898 on the back of a church-related instruction to improve the working and social conditions for the working class of the parish area. The current pitch was used as a butcher's stall prior to it becoming the home of the club soon after its creation, with one of the founding priests having played against Real Madrid (apparently) whilst studying in Valladolid.
After originally competing in local leagues (mostly the Blackburn Combination), 1927 saw the club win the Blackburn and Darwen Catholic League and numerous other local competitions, whilst being under threat of having the priest/fellow player knock on the door of team-mates (and anyone else in the town it seems) if they'd been absent from mass!
MHSPFC
1937 saw the side win the Livesey Cup, which they followed up with the following season prior to the outbreak of WWII. Post-war, the club saw a few players make the step up to the professional game, with its school team arms including Jimmy Baldwin who'd go on to play for Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City in his career. The club also brought through other future pros such as Fred Pickering, another Rovers player and an England international in his time amongst others.
Following the loss of the club's new(ish) pavilion in the early 1970's, money was raised via means to replace it including a match that was kicked-off by (latterly Sir) Tom Finney, though that was his only kick! After a long stay in the Blackburn Combination, the club would leave for the West Lancashire League for 1987, though their stay was a short one, with St. Peter's soon returning to the Combination after just one season away. With more success here in a short spell, the club's application to the East Lancashire League was accepted in the early '90's, where they won the Division 2 in 1993, being promoted to Division 1 as a result. This was then won for the next two seasons.
Guess the player?
After passing the club centenary, St. Peter's re-joined the West Lancashire League in 2001, playing the next eight seasons in Division 2, before being promoted to Division 1 in 2009 as runners-up. They remained in the league's top-flight until last season, when they were relegated back to Division 2 after finishing up second-bottom out of the fifteen teams.
The game was soon underway as I arrived just as the whistle was blown. Now, when people say there is an all-action goal-fest, they probably don't usually mean it in quite the literal way that I do! The other problem is that there is no signs of any names of scorers or pretty much anything to do with the game, so let's just jump into the action shall we?
First off, the Storks almost took the lead as early as the second minute, a rising shot clattering back off the crossbar, before the deadlock was broken soon after, a good move seeing the ball pulled back within the area and a low shot dispatched into the bottom corner by Connor Loftus. There was no sign of what was to come, though, as the hosts struck back fairly quickly. A corner was awarded on the left flank and the resultant ball was nodded down by #9 and, as Padiham appealed in vain for a foul, #8 knocked the ball in at the back post.
From then on in, though, it was pretty much all one-way traffic. Padiham re-took the lead after around 20 minutes, a high cross being knocked back into a dangerous area where the ball was converted by Jay Hart and the visitors would add a further three goals before the interval, Alex Murphy beat the offside trap to fire in for number three, Loftus pounced upon a poor defensive header to convert the fourth before Hart added to his personal tally by heading home to leave the score-line reading 1-5 at the break. It could have been even more, considering the visitors had hit the post on another two occasions! Half-Time and the early part of the second half consisted of a visit to the bar for a bottle of Desperados, what with me having to give something to the club, of course.
Whilst in the clubhouse I, somewhat unsurprisingly by this point, saw another close range chance for Padiham taken by Jake Townsend and it then became clear to me that my first ever double-figure win might just be on the cards. The home-keeper was doing his best to stop this happening, though, and pulled off a number of impressive stops within the siege of his net, including a fine double-stop around the hour mark.
Alas for him, the goals soon began to rain down once more, just as the weather began to do the same. After Padiham's #4 saw his car get hit by a ball (allowing us all to know this by exclaiming "That's my car as well!!") and James Walker hit the woodwork again, Townsend netted the seventh away goal, Dom Craig netted in an instant replay of the former, slotting home a pull-back, before Kieran Pickup added his name to the score-sheet as double-figures loomed.
View from the clubhouse
New stand at QVS
Another good save by the Mill Hill 'keeper saw him tip a low shot onto the post and get some much deserved luck with the ball rebounding into his hands, but he was powerless to eventually concede the tenth as #15 released Pickup to net for yet another brace on the day.
That effervescent A Trialist – wearing #11 today – then somehow drove into the bottom corner with a decent strike, before the ref then inexplicably gave a penalty to Padiham, for handball, with five minutes left and the score at 1-11. Skipper Chris Turner did the job, before Pickup secured his hat-trick (in only 40 minutes of play) with the last kick of the game for 1-13 and to round off what is probably the most difficult "match report" I've ever had to do. Back to the bog-standard one-nils please guys!
Penalty goes in for twelve
A quick exit from the ground saw me back at Mill Hill station within a few minutes and I was in Preston station's Hero bar within a half-hour and sipping a Heineken as it seems Moretti has disappeared from its pumps. The price certainly wasn't a welcome one at around the £4 mark, but it beats sitting on the platform for 40 minutes. Eventually, though, it was time to head off and back home to round off a nice, easy journey and all sights were set on Silverstone.
Preston Hero
So what to make of the game. Well, once it gets past the eight mark, I always get a little uncomfortable as a neutral (in a thrashing anyway), though at least they didn't have "Can You Feel The Force" blaring out as the ninth went in! Padiham did look highly impressive in converting as many chances as they did, though, and you wouldn't bet against them having a good campaign. As for the hosts, well, it's hard to gauge much from a game like that. It can't get any worse that's for certain and they'll be hoping that that's their thrashing done for the season. As for next week, it's all up in the air…
Food: N/A (seems they do have some usually though, going by comments)
1 Comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Alex Murphy, Chris Turner, Connor Loftus, Dom Craig, Football, Jake Townsend, Jay Hart, Kieran Pickup, Mill Hill St. Peter's, Non-League, Padiham, Pre-Season Friendly, Queen Victoria Street, West Lancashire League
Manchopper in….Turton
Result: Turton 3-0 Eagley (West Lancashire League Premier Division)
Venue: Thomason Fold (Saturday 13th May 2017, 3pm)
Att: 105 (approx.)
So it arrives. The final day of my 2016-'17 season dawned and it was a pretty dull and dank morning. Why change the habit of a lifetime, eh British weather? Anyway, avoiding a rant on that subject let's get back onto the actual subject at hand; the football, for the final time this season.
Having had a random draw decide my destination for the final day's play, fate said I'd be off to West Lancashire League side Turton and their Thomason Fold ground. Now, I'd only heard good things about both club and ground from various other hoppers etc., and so my hopes were set high.
Having headed off at just after 10am, I arrived into Bromley Cross station at just after eleven, with a 2.5 mile walk ahead to reach the town of Edgworth where, strictly, the ground is located. So, I set off on the largely uphill trek, stopping off only to visit Turton Tower (exterior only, as it cost a princely £6 to get in), a "historic" manor house and give a guy some bad directions. Sorry…
Heading into Turton
Turton Hall
To be honest, by the time I'd headed through the woods from Turton Tower up to Chapeltown, I was feeling a bit parched. Luckily (or not so as it was planned), there be a pub by the name of the Chetham Arms. Almost a great name there. Anyway, the Chetham dates from the 18th century but has been modernised somewhat within, but not to the extent to lose its whole character. It also sits at the foot of the road to Old Boltonians' ground, so I may just be back rather soon!
After a pint of Amstel in here, I got some affirmation of directions round to Turton before heading slightly back on myself to reach the town as outlined by the bar staff. However, I probably should have said I was on foot, as a cut-through over the reservoir was blatantly there and would have saved a good ten minutes that I could have spent in the next stop, the Black Bull.
Chetham Arms
Edgworth
This was your quintessential small town pub, traditional in its build. It was, however, the home of my joint priciest pint of the day (I think), with the Kronenbourg setting me back £3.50. Again, though, it seemed the people of Turton/Edgworth weren't too forward in coming out to play so early and so I bid goodbye to those at the bar and headed up the road to Edgworth's town centre, bypassing the cricket club for now to reach the pub at the far end of town, the Rose & Crown.
Unfortunately, this was shut until two, so a quick backtrack to the White Horse was made, with me deciding to venture into the local ales of Bolton. The one I tried had a cricket-themed name (I can't remember it off the top of my head) but didn't settle too well on me. Neither did the lager pint I had in the cricket club of Resolution or Revolution…or something-ution. Maybe it wasn't anything to do with "-ution".
After spending a good half-hour watching the City-Leicester game plus a bit of the leather and willow boys braving out a heavy shower, I saw the time had just passed two and, with my pint nearing its end, I thought it'd be something of a shame not to head back to the Rose & Crown and finish off there. So, I did just that, ending off on a pint of the fine Aspall cider, bringing back memories (what I can recall anyway) of the station bar in Sheffield after visiting Millmoor at the start of the year!
White Horse and Rose & Crown
A quick one at the cricket
With the clock now approaching kick-off rapidly, I made the short five minute walk back around the corner and down a couple of alleyways, with a couple of locals to help guide my way, otherwise I'd likely have got lost somewhere. Obviously. I headed through the small gateway which gives entry to Thomason Fold to find a pretty decent attendance on for the Tigers' derby clash with near-neighbours Eagley. I've seen it termed as "The Oldest Derby" and with Turton being the oldest club in Lancashire and Eagley themselves not too far behind, it's probably true!
Thomason Fold itself is a nice enough little ground. It features a little hard standing, some raised, on the near touch-line from where you enter, with the remainder of the ground being grassy, uneven standing, which I discovered to my peril when, after retrieving a ball ahead of a corner, bailed over some of that very ground down near the changing rooms!
Danger! Trip hazard!
Thankfully, no-one bar the Eagley right-back seemed to notice, or maybe they were just being kind. Or shaking their heads in disappointment… Other than that, there is a clubhouse/food hut down in the corner, sandwiched between the terracing and the changing rooms, with a large grass mound giving great views over the pitch, despite actually being outside the ground, but a small mesh fence doesn't hinder access to it too much. So, what about Lancashire's oldest club? Well….
Turton FC was formed in 1871, thusly becoming the oldest club in Lancashire. Originally playing at Tower Street in Chapeltown (now host to Old Boltonians and possible oldest ground in the world), the club can hold a claim to having been Lancashire's leading club through the early years of their formation and Lancastrian football with 1878 seeing the Tigers be a force in forming the Lancashire Football Association. Turton also entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1879, reaching the Third Round on two occasions (1881 & '82) and competing against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday.
There is also the belief that Turton's kit influenced Bolton Wanderers' colours with a former player of Turton, John Bentley, being a key player in forming BWFC.
Turton's old home from the new(ish) one!
The latter part of the decade saw Turton compete in the Lancashire Combination, largely finishing in mid-table, relegated to the recently formed Second Division in 1904 before taking a season out in 1906-'07 prior to a three season return until 1912, where the club maintained a place in the Combination's second tier. However, with the growth of professional football in the 1880's, Turton's influence faded. They did, though, lift four Lancashire Junior Cups (1900, '02, '03 & '05) and also triumphed in the 1913 Lancashire Amateur Shield.
However, since that time, the club has folded twice for lengthy periods, not reappearing until 1987 in the West Lancashire League's Division 2. As such, the club's next major success came in the form of the 1988 West Lancashire League Division 2 title, before they became runners-up in the First Division in 1994.
Relegated back to Division 2 in 1999, Turton were promoted as runners-up the next year returning to Division 1 which they again finished second in two seasons later, maintaining a spot in the newly named Premier Division. Relegation in 2010 saw Turton back in the second tier of the league, and 2015 saw the club finish as runners-up once more, only to see the club refused promotion due to ground grading issues.
Thankfully for the Tigers, they soon put those right and were promoted at the close of the next season as champions to take up a spot in the Premier Division for this season, where they finished up a solid ninth.
Cornered Tiger
The game got underway with Turton being the largely dominant force against their already relegated opponents. However there is a case, you'd at least admit, that this game shouldn't have been happening on this very day, what with the original game at the end of March being abandoned for "bad light" with three minutes left on the clock & Eagley 3-0 up. Apparently, the league confirmed the result only to reverse the decision the next day and decide a replay should happen. So, here we all were.
Eagley, under the stewardship of ex-football league player Simon Whaley, never really got going, though with nothing to play for, it wasn't too surprising. The hosts took the lead just before the break, with a loose ball falling to Steve Fitton who clipped a chip from at least 25 yards into the net. A fine finish.
Turton saw the rest of the half out while I took refuge in the bar sampling some soup before moving on to a hot dog, both priced at a quid. The game had been a real end of season, run of the mill game, with little to get anyone going. But, there had at least been a goal and the sides headed in, separated by that solitary strike.
The second half was a more open contest and, after my trip, Turton doubled their advantage. The visiting right-back did well to clear an initial effort off the line, but saw the clearance fall to Luke Bradbury who took the second chance. The result was all but confirmed soon after, with Eagley's #4 seeing red for a second bookable offence.
Celebrating the third
The Tigers added a third with around five or so to play, Matt Warburton nodding home from a corner to well and truly wrap up the derby success and they even could afford to miss a penalty shortly afterwards (which looked fairly fortunate to be given in the first place), with #6 seeing his kick saved pretty comfortably.
Penalty save
That was pretty much that in terms of action and Turton saw out the win, ironically managing the same score-line as Eagley had registered in the original, abandoned contest. However, this did enable their defender Richard Battersby (I think ex-FC United & Trafford from my memory) to bow out of football on a win. I was bowing out of football too, but only for this season of course, so don't get too worried…or celebrate too hard.
The long walk back was punctuated by a stop-off in the King William pub which is about a fifteen minute walk from the station at Bromley Cross. So, having wasted a good forty-five minutes in here, I headed onwards back to the station and it's one of those where you have to cross the tracks to get to the other platform, which is always a rare quirk for me!
Over the reservoir
The King William
An eventful trip home followed to end off my footballing year. For the next month and a bit, cricket returns to these pages (which is always a welcome way to recoup some funds!). As for Turton, it was all pretty good. The ground was nice and scenic and the area around it was decent too. The game itself was a bit meh, but it certainly could have been worse and I didn't expect too much more. Plus, it being the "oldest derby" definitely added some allure to it! So, I'll leave off there and sign off for 2016-'17. 2017-'18, can you beat that?!
Leave a comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Eagley, Football, Luke Bradbury, Matt Warburton, Non-League, Richard Battersby, Simon Whaley, Steve Fitton, Thomason Fold, Turton, West Lancashire League
Manchopper in….Lostock (Tempest United FC)
Result: Tempest United 1-4 Lostock St. Gerards (West Lancashire League Richardson Cup 3rd Round)
Venue: Tempest Road (Saturday 3rd December 2016, 1.30pm)
As the final month of the year begins, so the run towards 200 grounds nears its conclusion. Yes, with Tempest United chosen as venue 198, the bicentennial ground has been chosen (no spoilers as yet) with Port Vale filling the 199th spot the following day. But, for this Saturday, it was a local trip to just past Bolton and the small town of Lostock for some West Lancashire League cup action. Let's hope there were no STORMS brewing. Ah, tempest..storms..? Ah, go away.
After setting off on a much delayed Northern train (shock, horror), it soon became apparent that delays and on-train crushes would be the order of the day. Having disembarked at Deansgate station off one sweat-inducing service, I imagined my ordeal may be over. This dream was shattered, however, when the Blackpool-bound connection arrived with just two carriages, both full to the brim and with people with pushchairs forced to stand within the toilet just to get on. Great service.
Mercifully, my journey was only a 20-minute further hop from town and I was quick to make my exit, careful to not stand on any of the kids around the doorway. Safety at a premium here! Anyway, this was to be my last train-related issues for a couple of hours at least as thoughts turned towards football and the second of three clubs along Tempest Road.
Tempest Rd
Chew Moor
Duke of Wellington
Indeed, having already visited the closest of the three to the station, Ladybridge FC, for my first game of this season, Tempest are the furthest down. But in being situated there, it gave me the chance to visit the only pub in the town, as far as I'm aware anyway, the Duke of Wellington.
It only takes around 15 minutes to walk there, with the ground a further two minutes on. Not too taxing, though the slice of lime I received in my Corona was the driest I've ever seen and so was not utilised on this occasion. After watching the remainder of the first half of Manchester City-Chelsea in here, it was soon time to head over to the ground.
Arriving at Tempest Road
Today's Game
Tempest Road is a simple ground. The pitch is barred off on two-and-a-half sides with only the clubhouse side having open, hard standing. The far side of the pitch is home to a very small mound, which gives a slightly raised view of the ground, as does the extreme ends of the clubhouse side. The road end of the ground is just an open expanse of grass, with the occasional ball striking cars as it clears the hedge. That's pretty much it for the ground, so here's a bit about the history of Tempest Utd…
Tempest United FC was formed in 1946 in the village of Chew Moor in Lostock and had a good initial existence before disbanding. During their first form, the club were nomadic playing on "various farmer's fields" in and around the village, though they did manage to lift their, to date, only Westhoughton Charity Cup.
During the late 1950's, the current ground was converted by Bolton Council from allotments to a football pitch and funds from the previous incarnation of the club went towards reforming it. The changing rooms at the ground have seen some…different locations, namely a garage and cottages, the latter with tin baths and coal fires as upgraded facilities!
The Famous Shed
Initially playing in the Bolton Combination, Tempest won both the Second and First Divisions within the first three years of joining the league, but silverware soon became hard to come by. However, they soon came by a timber chicken shed to be used as a clubroom/changing rooms from 1979, with a bar added some time later. The late 80's saw the club given funding to build a brick extension for the clubhouse, enabling the shed to become changing only facilities.
Following a further Bolton Combination divisional win, the club also lifted the league's Open Cup in 1991. The following year, the club applied for the West Lancashire League and were subsequently elected, with Tempest having remained there ever since. After joining the 'old' Division 2 initially, they were promoted to Division 1 in 1996, but were relegated after one season in the top division. They did, however, go on to win two Bolton Hospitals Cups after this in 1998 & 2000.
TUAFC
Following re-organisation in 2000, Tempest were promoted to the new "Premier Division" but were immediately relegated once more. It took another six seasons for the club to return, but they did as 2009 Division One Champions. But, after a further five seasons of struggling away in the top-tier, they returned to Division One for 2014-'15, but were promoted again last season after finishing up in 2nd place behind champions Turton.
After the away side were made to walk over to the "tunnel" (two ropes and some cones) through the car park and make their way onto the pitch from this side and following the usual pre-match pleasantries the "different Lostocks derby"(not its actual name, unsurprisingly) was underway. The home side looked to be on top through the early stages, but it was to be the visitors who would strike first, Joey Mullen doing well to beat two Tempest defenders before firing past the 'keeper.
The game continued in the same vein, with Lostock being put under pressure by the home side, but Tempest were wasteful in good areas and struggled to test the Lostock GK. Their misery was being compounded by some questionable officiating from the assistants especially, who had pretty poor days it has to be said. Both sides were affected by this, though it seemed to get to Tempest and affect their performance as, just before the half hour, Adam Clare found the ball at his feet following an advantage in the area and he finished unerringly. A plus for the ref, who I felt had a decent game, but was affected by his assistants overall.
The home side found themselves further behind at the break, Clare netting his second after beating the offside trap and finishing off confidently and it looked all over bar the shouting. A small shock was on the cards in the Richardson Cup, with the Divisions 5th-placed side trailing to its 14th.
For the break it was to the smart clubhouse with the "Famous Shed" changing area behind, which is referred to numerous times around its location. In here is to be found the bar and the small food hut where I purchased chips for a £1. Not too bad either and most welcome on a fairly chilly day.
Soon enough, the sides were back out on the field and the second half was underway, with questionable offsides being the order of the day still (there was at least three I was completely in line with that were given off when they weren't for both teams). Despite this, the home side continued to be the more dominant force overall, but just couldn't create in front of goal. However, they were given the chance to get something of a lifeline when a blatant trip in the area was awarded with a rightful penalty. #3, Sean Rothwell, stepped up only to see his pen kept out, fairly comfortably, by the Lostock GK. But only the home team will know how they failed to net from the rebound!
Patio viewing
Then came the goal of the game and what a cracker it was. With the away side getting forward, the ball was half cleared out to Jon Wilding a full 35 yards out. There looked to be little danger, until Wilding unleashed a fizzing, rising drive from all of 30 yards which flew past the despairing 'keeper and into the top corner. A great strike and that, without any doubt, sealed St. Gerards' place in the next round.
There was still time for Tempest to press on and force another penalty, #11 this time taking responsibility, but again the Lostock 'keeper guessed correctly to keep out the shot. Just as it looked like he'd earn a deserved clean sheet, Rothwell received the ball just outside the area and hit an effort into the far bottom corner. 1-4 and full-time arrived not too long after.
Pen save #2!
Having seen a really entertaining game, I left Tempest Road pretty pleased, considering the whole day had cost less than £8, which is crazy really! Alas, the train services had not improved and after further delays and crushes, I arrived at Deansgate just in time for my connection home which was, in another shocking twist, delayed and full to the door where I was situated. Ah Northern, after Sunday, that's me done with you for the year, methinks. Let's hope 2017 is a much improved year. As for Tempest: it's a nice little ground and a decent all-round club which is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the Bolton area and are looking for a cheap game option. Just CMB to go to complete the trinity of Tempest Road….
Leave a comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Adam Clare, Joey Mullen, Jon Wilding, Lostock, Lostock St. Gerards, Tempest Road, Tempest United
Manchopper in….Lostock (Ladybridge FC)
Result: Ladybridge 4-2 Bedians (Pre-Season Friendly)
Venue: St.John's Park (Saturday 2nd July 2016, 3pm)
Football is back. Yes, the day after the official FIFA recognised beginning of the 2016-'17 season, I was back in the throws of the pre-season friendly games. Though, to be honest, it was a bit of a struggle to find a local game that I could be bothered to go to. Initially the plan had been to visit the new club AFC Denton, but then came up the chance to visit Ladybridge.
I'd only found out about this game after seeing Bedians' twitter account tweet out their pre-season friendly list, otherwise I'd have had no inkling there was a game here, as was rather apparent with the lack of spectators. Anyway. after having it confirmed that the game was all set (after the AFC Denton game was off), I began the journey towards the area of Lostock, which sits just to the west of Bolton.
I'd previously intended to visit Ladybridge once before, at the start of the 2014/'15 season, but due to a non-updated Maps app, I decided against it, having had it still appear that it was a field with little going on. Having been assured otherwise after pointing it out, it's always been on my list since, but the opportunity had never truly risen again. That is until today, of course.
The journey was to be on the train, but with the added annoyance of a rail replacement service from Bolton to Lostock and again on the return journey. However, the train times seemed to give enough of a buffer that a short delay wouldn't be too much of an issue. Remember this statement.
The Spinning Mule
So, after heading through Manchester and onwards to Bolton, I decided I may as well visit to Spoons in the town centre, what with Lostock looking rather devoid of any drinking holes, at least on the way towards the ground. Indeed, it turned out the only pub I saw was slightly dilapidated and had its roof caving in. Luckily, it wasn't open so no-one needs to call Health & Safety out on this occasion.
I arrived into the Spinning Mule at shortly after 1.30, but then remembered that the replacement bus was leaving at two, and I'd not taken into account the fact I'd arrived later than I'd originally intended, as I had a usual thick moment. So, after quickly necking my bottle of Punk IPA, I undertook the short walk back to the station, where I then had to walk the length of a platform, to an out of the way car park, where the bus would be departing from. With just seconds to spare, I hopped on and was soon being whisked away to Lostock. Ooh, the glamour of it.
Now, as I said earlier, Lostock isn't the most rocking of places. But, it is a pretty picturesque sort of area, which definitely surprised me. There are rows of pricey-looking houses nearby the ground and there is also a reservoir behind the clubhouse end. There are also views away over the adjacent fields and lots of trees. But the highlight, on arriving at the ground, had to be the retractable floodlights, which have been recently installed, I understand after an unintended ear-wig.
Anyway, I arrived at St. John's Park at around half-two, and found a yellow sign directing me up a dirt track which ran through a wooded area. The ground sits just off Tempest Road, which has the strange honour of being home to three different clubs on three different venues (the others being CMB & Tempest Utd. Any other instances of this?). Eventually, the Ladybridge FC clubhouse came into view and with half an hour to kick-off, I thought it rude not to go in and sample the delights of the club.
This way…it seems.
Ladybridge FC
The clubhouse still seemed in a state of re-decorating, with awards, pennants and other general memorabilia piled up in a corner of the room. There was also a rather full trophy cabinet under the 4Music blaring TV in another corner of the room, which was providing today's pre-match entertainment. The refreshment hut sits here too and so I headed there and purchased a Coke, before realising the pasties baking away and so this was joined by a meat and potato offering, which gave a strong start to the food season. Decent.
By the time I'd finished up my culinary delights, I reckoned it was time to head back outside with about 15 minutes to kick off. The ground is a fully barred off 3G-pitch, along with dugouts but little else bar this to be found. It's a smart enough ground for the level that Ladybridge play at, however, which is currently in the West Lancashire League Division 1 (second division). With this being their current standing, here's a bit of history about Ladybridge FC…
Ladybridge FC were formed in 1989, when the recently retired Steve Hill created a side for his sons & their mates to play for. They played at Ladybridge Lane originally, hence the name of the club, their first strip coming fresh from Bolton market.
After a quiet period of just steadily building the club through the years of the '90's, the club secured the land on Tempest Road from 2000 onwards, where they remain to this day on the, recently installed, 3G surface. The club initially played in the Lancashire Amateur League from the '07-'08 season, having made the step up, but struggled, being relegated from Division 2 in 2008.
After a third place finish in their one season in Division 3, Ladybridge joined the West Lancashire League in 2011. After, again, initially struggling at their new level (technically the same but the standard is, arguably, better in my opinion), they became a lower mid-table outfit before achieving promotion from Division 2 to Division 1 last season as runners-up.
In the "tunnel"
The game was soon underway and the kick-off wasn't without incident in itself, as it was the first instance of a single-player kick-off that I've seen at a live game. Uncharted territory was entered. The Ladybridge official was also exceptionally fair with regards to offside, clearly making sure his defence are as sharp as possible come the season and having no easy starts!
This was also the second season in a row that my first game has featured Bedians, having travelled the short distance over to Didsbury for their home friendly with Abbey Hey last July. That game ended in defeat for them and they fell behind within 15 minutes in this contest too, A ball across the area was flapped at uncertainly by the visiting 'keeper and the unfortunate centre-half behind him could only slide the ball into his own net. My first goal of the season was an oggie.
Bedians, though, were in a mood to attack themselves and they struck back with around 10 minutes left in the first half, a long ball over the top forced a defensive error and the impressive Bedians #7 slotted home with composure. 1-1 and that was that until the break, a break I was hoping would take the full 15, as to spare me a fairly lengthy wait back at the train station after the game.
The half-time was only 10 minutes, but this was better than the 5 I feared and we were back underway with another one man kick. Still not used to it. Anyway, regardless of what kick-off technique was being used, it didn't hinder the visitors as they netted soon after the restart, #7 again, this time breaking free and again slotting past the advancing 'keeper. 1-2 and the game was seemingly just getting going.
What is this??
Goin' in
It certainly seemed even more so that this was the case when, 10 minutes or so later, Ladybridge's own #7 showed he could find the net, though his effort had a bit of help from a defenders anatomy on the way over the Bedians custodian and into the net.
Two-a-piece it stood but it seemed that, as the substitutions began to take more of a hold, Ladybridge were becoming by far the stronger of the sides. This seemed to be proven as they retook the lead, the #10 curling a seemingly tame shot which the 'keeper left, seemingly of the opinion it was going wide. It wasn't and found its way in off the post. 3-2 'Bridge.
Ladybridge level it up
After a decent save to deny Bedians a further leveller, the scoring was complete towards the end of the game when Ladybridge's #8 had all the time in the world to control the ball of his chest, pick his spot and slot in neatly. 4-2, full time and an entertaining start to my season. As it was, I still had a good 40 minutes until the bus back to Bolton and so I decided to wait out half of it in the clubhouse, still being entertained by 4Music, that is until a group of home players came in with the ending of Djokovic-Querrey.
As soon as that ended, it was time to take my leave as well, though it seemed I was trying to fit in with the 'Bridge players as I left at the exact time they did too. I can assure them all that their places are comfortably safe, and would be even if they were 90-odd! Anyway, after making my way back through the wood on a Little Red Riding Hood-like quest (just devoid of Wolves or Grannies), I was back at Lostock after a leisurely 10-minute stroll. There I waited….and waited…and waited. And waited some more. Eventually, the white elephant bus came into view and we arrived into Bolton with two minutes until my train left.
No problems right? Good timing? Well, it would have been, had I and one other guy had to not run down one whole platform, go up two flights, over a bridge, down more stairs and a further platform to reach it. Luckily, we both must have a decent level of fitness, as we both made it with seconds to spare. Well done, sir. Those runs are worth it at times, you see. The connection through Manchester Deansgate was far more serene, and thus I headed home for a few drinks around Urmston with my parents to end the day. Next up…..
Game: 7- Good goal fest to kick-off 2016-'17. Hope it continues!
Ground: 5- Ok for the level, nice clubhouse and pitch plays well, in my opinion.
Food: 7- Meat & Potato pasty was pretty good, worth the £1.50
Value For Money: 9- Only £7.50-ish for the whole day. Can't complain at that.
1 Comment Posted in West Lancashire League Clubs Tagged Bedians, Football, Ladybridge FC, Lostock, Non-League, Pre-Season Friendly, St.John's Park, West Lancashire League


Time: We'll meet at 8 am for a planting demonstration, then keep going to various parts of the neighborhood. Check the blackboard on the porch at the meeting spot if you want to join in later in the morning—we'll leave a note with an idea of the morning's planting route. End time of noon is approximate.
Come help us plant native shade trees within water-harvesting earthworks in neighbors' yards and along the neighborhood streets. The idea is to plant food-producing, flood-controlling, wildlife-habitat-producing, beautiful, air- and water-filtering, living air conditioners. Mature shade trees on the east, west, and north sides of a home can reduce summer temperatures around the building by up to 20ºF compared to homes without such shade trees. In addition, street trees shading up to 75% of the street's surface can cool summer neighborhood temperatures by up to 10ºF. If we harvest street runoff to irrigate the street trees we also reduce water consumption as we reduce downstream flooding. Thus far this annual event has resulted in over 1,300 trees being planted in our neighborhood—let's keep going!
For more information: Contact Rocky Yosek at rocky@treesfortucson.org or (520) 250-8220. Orders for fig, pomegranate, and/or hackberry trees must be turned in to Rocky by December 11. Orders for all other trees must be turned in to Rocky by December 12.


text:
package com.queirozf

import org.apache.spark._
import org.apache.spark.SparkContext._
import org.apache.spark.sql.{SQLContext, Row, Column}
import org.apache.spark.sql.functions.{udf, col, max, min, concat}
import org.apache.spark.ml.feature._

import org.joda.time.{DateTime, LocalTime}

import utils.UDF

/**
 * Script to clean our dataset.
 *
 * input dataset shape:
 *
 * |-- asin: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- helpful: array (nullable = true)
 * |    |-- element: long (containsNull = true)
 * |-- overall: double (nullable = true)
 * |-- reviewText: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- reviewTime: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- reviewerID: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- reviewerName: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- summary: string (nullable = true)
 * |-- unixReviewTime: long (nullable = true)
 *
 *
 */
object Preprocess {

  def main(args: Array[String]) {

    if (args.length < 1) {
      System.err.println("Please set arguments for <s3_input_dir> <s3_output_dir>")
      System.exit(1)
    }

    val inputDir = args(0)
    val outputDir = args(1) // in case we want to output the preprocessed data

    val cnf = new SparkConf()
      .setAppName("Cleaning and Featurizing Amazon Review Data")

    val sc = new SparkContext(cnf)

    val sqlContext = new SQLContext(sc)

    // initializing the dataframe from json file
    val reviewsDF = sqlContext.read.json(inputDir)

    // schema is inferred automatically
    val schema = reviewsDF.schema

    // transform dataframe into RDD so that we can call filter
    // to remove any rows with Null values
    val cleanRDD = reviewsDF.rdd.filter { row: Row => !row.anyNull && row.getSeq[Option[Long]](row.fieldIndex("helpful")).forall( num => num.isDefined) }

    // then recreate the dataframe
    val df = sqlContext.createDataFrame(cleanRDD, schema)

    // add a column containing the length of the review text
    val df1 = df.withColumn("reviewLen", UDF.len(df("reviewText")))

    // add a column containing the length of the summary
    val df2 = df1.withColumn("summaryLen", UDF.len(df1("summary")))

    // merge the two text attributes into a single one
    val df3 = df2.withColumn("text", concat(df2("reviewText"), df2("summary"))).drop("reviewText").drop("summary")

    // lowercase
    val df4 = df3.withColumn("textlc",UDF.toLower(df3("text"))).drop("text")

    val tokenizer = new RegexTokenizer()
      .setInputCol("textlc")
      .setOutputCol("tokens")
      .setPattern("\\s+|,|\\\\.|-")

    val df5 = tokenizer.transform(df4).drop("textlc")

    // transform tokens into frequency vectors using the hashing trick
    val hashingTF = new HashingTF().setInputCol("tokens").setOutputCol("freqs")

    val df6 = hashingTF.transform(df5).drop("tokens")

    val df7 = df6.withColumn("AM",UDF.timestampIsAM(df6("unixReviewTime")))

    val df8 = df7.withColumn("PM",UDF.timestampIsPM(df7("unixReviewTime")))

    val df9 = df8.withColumn("weekday",UDF.timestampIsWeekDay(df8("unixReviewTime")))

    val df10 = df9.withColumn("weekend",UDF.timestampIsWeekend(df9("unixReviewTime")))

    val df11 = df10.withColumn("ratioHelpful",UDF.getRatio(df10("helpful")))

    // need to assemble values into a vector before i can normalize them
    val assembler = new VectorAssembler()
      .setInputCols(Array("ratioHelpful","overall"))
      .setOutputCol("vec")

    val df12 = assembler.transform(df11)

    val scalerModel = new MinMaxScaler()
      .setInputCol("vec")
      .setOutputCol("vecNorm")
      .fit(df12)

    val df13 = scalerModel.transform(df12)

    val ex = df13.take(1) // just to force an action

    // at this point we would either write the resulting df to disk/S3/HDFS or start performing the actual
    // machine learning task

    sc.stop()

  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This time Kate is a story teller.
"Imagine there's a wall and a man. The man dressed up like a Superman. He thought by dressing up like Superman, he could be a Superman. So he climbed up a wall and jumped. But instead of flying up, he fell down.
I think he is a Sillyman, not a Superman."
By the way, today Kate likes to run, bends her body a little bit, straights her hand forward and says "Super...girl".


One of the main reasons for duplication of legal information is lack of awareness of available resources. Raising awareness of a new legal resource is key to avoiding duplication. This includes both completed projects and those in development. Using these steps not only improves the effectiveness of your resource, but it also reduces the chance of duplication.
Making use of marketing and participation in information-sharing forums, such as those run by VLAF and the Foundation.