We'll never know for sure, but I would probably have killed in order to get to this gig. Fortunately a cheque and stamped, addressed envelope did the trick and the ticket duly arrived. It makes a change for a village-dwelling fan to have these rural surroundings. I managed to get booked in at the White Horse in Washford, the next dot on the map, which provided for a pleasant stroll at the start of the evening. HMHB gigs on the Parish notice board is not something you see every day, mingled in with church news. Of course finding the village is one thing. Finding the village hall is quite another. Thanks to the guy who was fixing his car for pointing me in the right direction.
Pausing only to take in the rather informal game on the cricket field outside, I was at the hall in good time. A quick chat with Howie from Warrington and Gomez from Widnes and the three of us shuffled politely towards the front. A fine selection of music coming out over the PA - including OMD's Red Frame White Light which I haven't heard for years.
There didn't seem to be as much banter as usual, although Nigel did mutter something about the Tour De France, and Tranmere's chances in the new season. And he said that any moment he was expecting Mainwaring and Wilson to walk through the door at the back of the hall. I suppose there was only one song that was going to end the night. But I'm definitely losing my touch. It was the second time in succession that I had to consult over the cover version.
Hedley Verityesque
Lock Up Your Mountain Bikes
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Tending The Wrong Grave
Bad Losers On Yahoo Chess
1966 And All That
Took Problem Chimp To The Ideal Home Show
Blue Badge Abuser
Restless Legs
Petty Sessions
Bob Wilson Anchor Man
If I Had Possession Over Pancake Day
Everything's AOR
For What Is Chatteris
Trumpton Riots
Paintball's Coming Home
National Shite Day
The Bastard Son Of Dean Friedman
Vatican Broadside
Sealclubbing
Running Order Squabble Fest
Totnes Bickering Fair
Gouranga
Joy Division Oven Gloves
and then
Kissing Cousins
Dukla Prague Away Kit
We Built This Village On A Trad Arr Tune
And that was that. Definitely more village gigs required in the future, please. And thanks to Pat and Finn for giving me a lift back to the White Horse at the end of the night.