On Monday evening my girlfriend and I spent a very pleasant 3 hours on the East Lancashire Railway special Valentine diner service. The train left Bury in Greater Manchester around 7:30PM and returned in plenty of time to allow for a couple of drinks in the Trackside bar which can be found just off the platform at the Bolton Street Station.
The Valentine Dinner menu served abord was: Melon & Pineapple Cocktail with Malibu & Coconut Syrup, Fillet of Sole with Shrimp Sauce, Leg of Lamb with Sun-dried Tomato Tart Served with a selection of vegetables and potatoes, Passion Fruit Tart with Fresh Cream, After Dinner Mints & Love Hearts and coffee etc.
We stayed overnight on Monday in Bury at the 14-room Rostrevor Hotel on Manchester Road. This small family run establishment was welcoming, and Pete and his family were very helpful.
Tuesday was a bit of a right-off work wise, just as well I’d prepared for this possibility. The day started right enough with a splendid full English breakfast at the Rostrevor. We then took a cab, followed by the Metrolink tram service into Manchester and then a train back to Preston where we went to the pub for a drink … And another drink … And another drink. Oh dear, oh dear. A liquid lunch turned into a 12 hour session culminating in one of the regulars admiting he was bi-sexual at around midnight!
I managed to get Main Menu to air for it’s usual time of 1AM, but I am obviously slurring through the introduction. Not good at all. Feeling much better after getting some lunch in me today. Also got on top of 2 days email.
I’m supposed to be going to Epsom to see Martin tomorrow, but my funds are starting to dry up. The chieve financial officer sadly passed away this week after being ill for a long time, so no clue who will be processing my invoices.
I should now be going to Glasgow next Thursday for a meeting. I am hoping to meet up with John after he and his wife put me up for the night around a year ago when I got stuck up there after missing my train home.