It blinking rained like billy-o all the way up to Newcastle (I was reminded of a pathetically heavy thunderslashlightning storm a few years ago while driving between Son Of Beast and Shivering Timbers). Naturally it stopped as we drove up to our destination. Tom was delivered to The North and I sped through the Tyne Tunnel towards my parents in Northumberland before they departed to play bingo. I arrived just as my Mum was putting a key under the bin. Pease pudding and ham baps were on a plate under a tea towel (but not for long).
The next day I drove cross country, East to West along the A69. This surely must be one of the most stunning drives in England; forests, hills, sheep, cattle, picturesque villages, glimpses of trains clinging to cliffs, Hadrians Wall, market towns and muck spreading (I took on extra petrol in gorgeous Hexham, birthplace of Pete Doherty and Robson Green). The sun was shining, the world was green and Closer was on the car stereo and at exactly 3pm on Saturday afternoon I was delivered a non-religious religious experience due to the awe inspiring music/scenery combination. Magic.
I spent the evening strolling along the prom at Blackpool oooing and ahhhing at the illuminations before ordering Chinese food and settling down to watch la Mirren in Elizabeth I. Then Saturday Night Fever started and I’d forgotten what gritty fun it was so I watched that too.
Dave Ball from Soft Cell and Chris Lowe from The Pet Shop Boys were both born in Blackpool you know.