Cleverest Pub In Britain

It's that time of the year.

2011-10-14T11:14:00.000+01:00

Yes folks, the annual carol concert is being organised. Anyone wishing to participate should contact Kevin at the Angel this year.

That is all.

Dogs of the Angel: Gibson

2011-10-14T11:08:00.001+01:00

This cheeky, hairy little chap is Kevin.

Held in his arms is new pub dog Gibson, who is seven weeks old and the latest brood from Jackie The Dog Trainer.

Paula reports that this time round they're doing the puppy training thing 'the proper way' in order to avoid some of the more unfortunate habits of delinquent older brother Jackson. CPiB is looking forward to the little fella scrounging crisps from him as soon as his jabs are all up to date.

Absolution-ly Fabulous

2011-10-14T11:04:00.000+01:00

The arse end of September saw the first visit of Absolution, a combo also known locally as 'Ben's other band'.

A rock trio with a distinctly AC/DC/ZZTop/Bonamassa edge to their sound they played a fabulous blend of their own material from their debut album 'Issues', which CPiB recommends you spend ACTUAL MONEY on*, along with the usual covers, which included a roaring Hendrix medley, to bulk out the set the band comprise Two Legged Bass Thing Ben Gardner, drummer Doug Lang and ace guitarist Joe Fawcett.
The group have a fabulously 'full' sound(trios can sometime sound a bit threadbare I find) with the solid rhythm section laying down rock-steady foundations for Joe's laid-back-yet-nifty guitar work and vocals.
The night was notable for three things:
1) The discovery of a new 'how good are the band' index. Which basically goes as follows - the quality of the band laying is directly proportion to how much grumbling The Fat Guitarist does about them. This particular night, he was yellow carded after shouting some distinctly rude things at the band.
2) The Lovely Sam's birthday. Many glasses of Bailey's were consumed.
3) What a smashing night, cheers fellas, hope to see you again soon.

* - You can purchase Absolution's album 'Issues' either at their gigs or through their website.

It takes a whole lotta guts to play the Angel and other stories.

2011-10-14T10:40:00.001+01:00

Coming up on November is yet ANOTHER debut by a band in the Angel.

Yes, the 25th sees the first date on the very exclusive 'world tour of Glemsford' tour by Beergut 100.

Comprising Steve 'Laz' Lazarus(guitar), Steve 'Jock' Allen'(guitars), Gav 'Gavin Mills, Gavin Mills, riding through the glen, Gavin Mills, Gavin Mills, with his band of men' Mills(bass), Lisa 'impressive range' Uren(vocals) and Danny 'drummer' Piper(drums) this lot came together in the wake of this years's Lazfest as the at-the-time bandless musicians decided that they'd missed the fun of rehearsing and generally dicking about in studios and decided to do something to remedy this situation. So here they are, having settled on a name after toying with gems such as 'Will Sing For Beer And Crisps', 'Four Midlife Crises And A Fat Lass' and 'Free Beer From The Landlord Tonight' and as noted above, will be debuting on the 25th of November. You know you want to.

In other news following a long campaign which at one point made the national press, CPiB is able to report that the bulb in the replacement lamppost (which was erected rather than change the previous, outdated light on the same pole as power cables) opposite Porous Mansions has failed. Chairman Steve has been informed and the clock is ticking to see how long THIS replacement takes.

The Crown is now open again for business. In the interests of research a number of Glemsford drinkers have made the long trip(for some, anyway) up to Brook Street. What they found was a smartly decorated pub, with a well-kept pint of Adnam's plus Guest Ale(currently Mauldon's Mole Trap), a simple menu of affordable meals with special 'event nights' planned with a welcoming and friendly landlord and lady in the shape of new licensees Ian and Amanda. CPiB recommends the occasional Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday visit(if you can live with the huge amounts of Up Hill you have to walk on the way home). There's even a website which can be found HERE.

Midlife Krysis For Tommo(and his chums)

2011-10-14T09:57:00.001+01:00

September saw a world-exclusive first outing for Stanstead renaissance man Tommo in his role as Bass Thing for his new band Krysis.

Formed from the ashes of his previous band Exigent around the nucleus of Tommo(bass and van driving) and Lisa 'the other Lisa who sings' Cook with drummer Nick Neale and guitarist Matt they turned out to knock out some tunes.

Knocking out a wide variety of tunes from the usual Pub Classics to some more off-the-wall numbers such as Focus' yodelrock classic 'Hocus Pocus'(featuring Eddie 'is yer name down? Then yer not comin' in' Crichton providing vocals) and a blistering rendition of 'Little Piece Of My Heart' with Lisa's effortless power and range really doing the song justice Krysis were a fun addition to the Angel music calender and will be back for the annual Hallowe'en bash. It'll be scarily good.

CPiB: furthering the musical careers of regulars.

2011-10-10T13:13:00.001+01:00

Here at CPiB we are only too happy to help any regulars with a leg-up or a bit of promotion wherever possible.
So, I'd therefore like to request that all of you go out there and vote for musical Scotsman Alan Toner(pictured) after this weekend's episode of 'The X-Factor'.
That is all.

And not to be outdone.....

2011-09-24T18:15:00.000+01:00

Anyway. The annual Glemsford Angels Sinatra night took place at the arse end of July(yes, I KNOW), with the wonderful Ben Jenkins providing the entertainment, which I am assured was of top-notch standard.

However, this was not the high point of the evening. Halfway through proceedings Hazel's daughter Charlene was amazed when at-the-time partner Chris took the mic to request her hand in marriage. I'm told the place erupted and no-one actually heard her answer. So, congratulations to the pair of you if she said yes ;).
Also, many thanks to Alan for the scan of the Free Press article, which, if you click on it, will allow you to view at non-eye straining size.

In other news Work Experience Barman Ryan and Holly are no longer resident at the Angel, having saved enough for a deposit on a rental property just over the road. Oh, and Ryan will soon be taking up a new role at the Swan in Lavenham as head barman. If you're over that neck of the woods mention my name and I'm sure he'll ~~tell you to piss off~~ offer you a drink on the house.

And here's a glimpse of what awaited the happy couple on their honeymoon..

2011-09-20T12:45:00.001+01:00

...at Little Bodieve Campsite, Cornwall.

Just be grateful there's no pictures of the interior of the owner's bungalow.

All I'm saying here is 'Diana and Jesus'.

August 6th - The Wedding of Mr and Mrs Gardner.

2011-09-20T12:35:00.000+01:00

What a lovely day this was. Starting out with a ceremony for close friends and family at Kentwell Hall where the Egremont Street Bass Thing and The Lovely Sam formally agreed to share names, the happy couple then retired to the paddock at the top of Angel Lane to celebrate the occasion.

Starting with Pimm's and Speeches and followed by a magnificent hog roast washed down with several pints of Mauldon's ales all to the musical accompaniment of Bob-With-The-Harmonica's Beat Combo Sticky Fingers this was a near-perfect village celebrating with guests coming from as far and wide as Long Melford and Cavendish(oh and some of Sam's family from Up North too).

Other highlights? Tommo looking like a particularly dapper geography teacher. The kids building sandcastles and making 'gunpowder' with the 'natural fertiliser' provided by the horses resident at the paddock. The toilets(honestly, I was quite tempted to head out to Stars n' Jars for a paper just so I could use them one more time the morning after they were that good). Ben looking the smartest he ever will in his whole life(barring court appearances). Sam looking stunning. Tony Ward, resplendent in striped blazer, checked shirt and salmon trousers and CARRYING IT OFF. Guest vocals with The Turn from Lisa and Julie. The cheese cake. Made of actual cheese. The wonderful sense of community and goodwill from all attending.
CPiB wishes the Gardners every future happiness.

From The Archives

2011-09-17T18:53:00.000+01:00

I thought it time to add some more snippets from the Angel Archives.
This dates back 10 years. Only the facts have been changed to protect the innocent.

Jonathan and Robert and friend have been to France.
They went with the specific intention of visiting Jonathan's grandfather's grave in Normandy. Wilf Farrance (senior) died on 6 June 1944, during the first assaults of Operation Overlord. The story of the Farrance family since then is almost worthy of a 21st Century Thomas Hardy. But I digress.

The trio set out not only to visit the grave, but also to see some of the memorials and museums dedicated to that crucial piece of History, and to enjoy a beautiful piece of country.
They stayed in Cabourg, and returned with enthusiastic reports of their few days there.

They were apparently a little fazed to start with by the continental interpretation of a triple room: one double, one single. The English tradition of drawing lots soon solved that problem, if not the nocturnal habits of the pair who lost. I had better draw a duvet over that story.
None of the party speaks French, but they didn't let that get in the way, although it did cause some amusement at meal times.

Take, for instance, the problem of asking for water. (Quite why hardened Angel regulars should be asking for water is beyond me, but they must have had a reason).
One would think that a request for EAU would get them somewhere, but it took several minutes of gestures and repetition of Oh - you know - Oh, Oh, before Jonathan, in desperation said "Oh bugger it, ask for some Perrier, then." At which the ever-so-friendly waitress cottoned on, and produced the required beverage.

Our intrepid voyagers met even more linguistic intrigue when visiting one of the museums. By this time heartened by their success with la langue francaise, one of the trio was emboldened to approach le guichet to ask for "Trois billets, s'il vous plait."
Blank look.
Repeat: "Trois billets - that's right isn't it? Trois - three, billets - tickets."
Blank look.
Repeat the process, and so on.
Eventually, the face of the very French looking guardian of the turnstile cracked just a little, and in broad Norfolk declared: "Oh, you want three tickets, do you mate?"
Unblank looks, and a few mild expletives at having been "had" by a fellow countryman - well, someone from north of the Great Divide of the Waveney, anyway.

You couldn't make it up.
Tootle pip.
SC

As the hunt for Colonel Gadaffi intensifies...

2011-08-31T11:30:00.000+01:00

An anonymous tip-off points Interpol in the direction of West Suffolk.

23/7/11 - LAZFEST!

2011-08-30T15:02:00.000+01:00

Just look at that silly grin on the face of Gav 'Gavin Mills, Gavin Mills, riding through the glen, Gavin Mills, Gavin Mills, with his band of men' Mills' face.
Go on.
LOOK AT IT.
That's Lazfest summed up in one picture. Here's lifelong Iron Maiden fan Gav, playing bass ON A MAIDEN song with the singer from the official tribute act.
Fun, some unexpected musical team-ups and some very LOUD tunes.
After the roaring success of last year's event Steve 'Laz' Lazarus undertook to repeat the occasion. Only bigger, harder, faster and longer.

Whilst last year's bash was an extended birthday party for wife Sue this year's do was a charity affair for Marie Curie Cancer care and after getting on for 12 hours music(the afternoon session from 2 to 6 was an outdoors acoustic affair) the show had raised getting on for £2000 for the good cause. Well done to all involved.
Here's some pictures.

Steve was furious when he discovered that the printers had left the word 'piss' off of the official t-shirts.

I wanted to go to the gents when Eddie was singing but didn't dare.

And then, at the end of thenight this bloke come up to me and he says...

23/7/11 - Glemfest

2011-08-30T14:20:00.002+01:00

Despite what the picture suggests, it DIDN'T piss it down.
The third(?) annual Glemfest(that's a 'fete' to me and you) was a quiet success with lots of good stuff happening through the day, from the displays by the Morris and Las Ovedos Negras(The Black Sheep) Flamenco to 'have a go' sessions with Sudbury Archery Club, a club DJ and the local constabulary(an experience not unique to this event for some Glemsford residents) to the rather tasty barbecue cooked up by Patrick The Vicar and his team, this was a rather smashing day warming up for the main event....

More plugs than Currys.

2011-07-17T20:22:00.000+01:00

Regular CPiB readers will doubtless be aware of Angel house band The Fallen. What they may not be aware of is that they're busy chaps. Long haired bass thing Ben Gardner has, for the last year or so, been busily beavering away on his 'other' band, the blues based Absolution. Their album 'Issues' is now out for you to buy and comes with the CPiB seal of approval, a bluesy collection of solid playing, crunchy riffs and great songs, it's well worth paying actual money for. You know you want to.

And whilst we're on the subject of the everyone's favourite four-stringer in need of a haircut, Ben is also proud co-proprietor of Farmyard Studios, located at Pentlow, just outside Sudbury, the place is offering rehearsal space, kit hire, storage and a very good cuppa, all at reasonable rates. Contact details can be found on the link to the facebook page.

Oh, and Ben is marrying the lovely Sam on August 6th. CPiB has dry-cleaned its suit, bought a new hat and stocked up on tissues in preparation for the big day and wishes the happy couple all the best for the future.

Lazfest exclusive.

2011-07-17T20:10:00.000+01:00

It's less than a week to go to Lazfest the big charity concert day at the Angel. Final rehearsals are happening this week. CPiB was on the scene to take some EXCLUSIVE pictures of preparations.

It's not just the Noisy Boys practising, the acoustic crowd are working on getting it right too.

Doug From The Greyhound and Lisa, crying us a river.

Mine Host, trying to remember the words.

Laz is plugged in, tuned up and ready to go.

Gav and Adam. Smokin' on the water.

Your fifteen minutes starts here...

2011-07-04T14:54:00.000+01:00

Glemsford residents are usually on seen in the Pages of the Free Press in the 'In Court' section, so it's nice to be able to link to this article here featuring crib player and X-Factor enthusiast Jeni. If anyone wants to furnish me with a suitable joke about the lads from 'Antiques Road Trip' in the photo picking up something of considerable vintage but extremely well preserved please pass them on.

In a related daytime-TV-based note, newly elected Parish Councillor Steve Plumb was recently sighted in Tesco's looking rather dapper and purchasing a bunch of flowers and some rather fancy looking foodstuffs. Does an appearance on 'Come Dine With Me' beckon?

Snack To The Future

2011-06-23T20:39:00.000+01:00

CPiB is never backwards in coming forward about bigging up its mates so, it with great pleasure that I'm going to recommend a couple of musical treats to you.

First up are A National Snack, a rather smashing scuzzy garagey hard-rockin' act centred around the double act of Gemma Storr and former Boxted resident and Bloke-CPiB-Went-To-School-With Joe Carlo. ANS have some tunes available for download that you can find HERE and I thoroughly recommend them all.

On a somewhat calmer note former Glemsford resident, Angel resident and CPiB contributor Steve Clarke is now playing tunes of a considerably more relaxed nature over at Cuillin FM every Friday night between 6 and 7PM which, thanks to some Internet Magic, you too can listen to.
CPiB is yet to listen to Steve's show, but the track listings are pretty darn impressive.

Give all these links a click, you know you want to.

Strange Days at The Angel

2011-06-22T21:19:00.000+01:00

Further ferreting in the archives has taken me back to 1998, when The Angel was still in the safe hands of her Mo-ship.
At that time, as before and since, there were rumours of supernatural activity in the old place.In April 1998, the page reports:

"We have it on very good authority - none less than Mo herself - that there is a ghost at The Angel.

Since the house is late medieval, and is rumoured to have belonged at one stage to John Golding, secretary to Cardinal Wolsey, and himself a wealthy and important clothier in the village, most of us feel that a spirit of haunting may come from that period.

The "presence" takes several forms. Mo saw a figure moving about the upper floors of the pub (in the residential part). On one occasion, the figure stood watching her as she woke up, but disappeared when she challenged it. Only the uncharitable have dared suggest that it might have been the spirit of Tia Maria.

Other evidence of the existence of the ghost focuses on one particular room upstairs, used by guests. Several normally sane and (relatively) sober people have reported, independently, the malfunction of mechanical and electrical equipment in that room. Watches and clocks, for instance, fail to work there. Trying to set up a PC is a nightmare. There is a feeling about the room, they report.

Manifestations downstairs are less common, but there have been occasions when, particularly at quiet times, those present have had the impression that someone else has come into the pub, but on looking have seen no-one."

and then:

10 July 1998

"Angel House (the left hand part of the Angel hall house) has recently acquired new occupants. As soon as they moved in, they were reporting to Mo that strange noises and movements had been heard during the night. The cynics would say that this was an indication that some guests in the pub might have outstayed their welcome, but we regulars know different. Watch this space for further updates on the activities of Glemsford's oldest resident."

And when Peter and Marilyn Thorogood took over in October 2001:

"Is there a guiding spirit?

Established clients of Angel hospitality will recall that, on the last two occasions of a tenancy change, the new régime has encountered strange problems with the quality of the IPA. Within days of Mo taking over in 1988, the ale assumed the flavour of TCP. When Jan 'n' Dave came on board, they immediately encountered a "no head" problem.

Although both problems were later identified as the product of poor quality control on the part of the brewer, there were those who cast doubts upon the cellar work of the new management.
It was really no surprise, then, that in the middle of the last week of October, the beer went flat. Again, certain cynics began to wonder whether it was a sign of lowering standards.
Of course, we who really know about these things realise that the problems are tests set by the long-term resident of the pub, he who has been here for several hundred years keeping a paternal eye on the place.

It was a cause for cynical amusement to hear that, when Peter called in the brewer to check the reason for poor quality ale, said representative's first question was "Where are your pumps?". That really says a lot for the way some of these conglomerates keep an eye on their outlets.
His next suggestion was to turn off the cooler: so we not only had flat beer, sometimes cloudy beer, we also had warm beer. John Major may like it. We don't.
The Angel cellar is renowned for maintaining a perfect temperature for the dispensing of the wonder stuff.
Anyway, the answer, in the end, seems to have been (surprise, surprise) a bad batch and nothing to do with the skill of the publican: all has now returned to normal, the cooler is back on, and the regulars are happy again.

We also hope the Spirit of The Angel has had enough fun and jolly japes for the moment."

Spooky, or what?

Paula and Kevin handed their cards.

2011-06-18T13:51:00.001+01:00

The Angel recently moved into the back end of the 20th century with the news that K n' P have installed a debit card machine in the bar not only taking payments, but offering cashback too.

CPiB is only grateful that former landlady Mo 'Aunty Wainwright' Frost never had one of these. She'd have asked to see your bank statements before letting you leave as oppose to merely vetting your wallet for unspent fivers before grating egress.

Angel's first ever LGBT* night a success.

2011-06-13T20:00:00.002+01:00

Now let's see the Black Lion steal THAT idea.

* Google it, like I had to.

Summer Is Icumen In Loude Play Out Of Tune

2011-06-13T19:58:00.001+01:00

Lazfest is returning on the 23rd of July.

I've been requested to spam this event by Glemsford's Most Genial Man Steve Lazarus and I'm more than happy to do this.

Featuring the creme-de-la-creme of local musicians belting out a selection of hard-rockin' tunes this is an all-day event with an acoustic flavour in the afternoon from 12(ish) and going full-on electric in the evening.

It's all in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and promises to be a cracking night.

Be there.

Dogs of the Angel - Ki

2011-06-13T19:45:00.000+01:00

This handsome chap is Ki, Bill and Sharon Porter's dog. Despite what this photo may lead you to believe, he's a non-stop blur and quite possibly a Perpetual Motion device.

He has no time for bar snacks.

Angel Over Broadway Stores

2011-06-13T19:38:00.003+01:00

There's a certain cruel irony in the choice of image used for this latest news update, given that Jackson is pictured here enjoying two of his favourite toys.
Male readers may wish to cross their legs in sympathy at this point as Jackson has recently had a visit to the vet to be 'done' and with Ki Porter also scheduled for the Unkindest Cut Of All this week CPiB will be closely watching the level in the pickled onion jar.

Kevin recently celebrated his 47th birthday. Kevin, Paula and a motley collection of regulars went off to see Status Quo who, Kevin informs me were 'very good and played some old songs and some new songs too'. New songs from The Quo? Someone must have taught them a new chord..

Tony Ward is rumoured to be joining Slimming World. In Melford. I have no punchline to this.

And finally, Lisa's efforts to reach the second round of the Avon Voices contest were sadly fell through. This means three things: 1 - We would like to thank everyone for their support and praise 2 - no chance of a trip to Hollywood this year and 2 - she's not auditioning for bloody X-Tremely Predictable Factor or Britain's Got Attention Seekers. Now stop asking Jeni.

Carrying on with the vaguely historical theme..

2011-06-06T12:41:00.001+01:00

It is sixty-seven years today since the Normandy Beach Landings.

That is all.

From the Archives

2011-06-05T20:08:00.002+01:00

Having been invited to contribute, I thought "What with?", and then it struck me that the stored wisdom of the years might be a fruitful source from which to add some interesting views of The Angel of yore.
So I did, and here is what I found stored (roughly) ten years ago. Even some of the names remain the same:

The Angel: Cosmopolitan Melting Pot of East Anglia

Regular readers of these pages will be familiar with tales of international meanderings and peregrinations.

People really do flock from far and near, and even Essex, to revel in the atmosphere of this most traditional of hostelries. Residents of the place are also renowned through this medium for their efforts to emulate the exploits of Raleigh, Drake and Ranulph Fiennes.

You only have to scroll down this update to find out about Old Salty's imminent translation to the land of Calvin and Heidi and gnomes.

We should not have been surprised therefore when a group of long lost ne'er-do-wells and imbibers of copious quantities of Messrs Greene, King's finest, suddenly descended on the unsuspecting clientele on Good Friday and Easter Saturday (13/14 April 2001). But this group really did prove the point (and the pint). And the reason for their gathering re-opens previous tale largely untold, even here.

First of all, who were they? Well, Tony Ward, for a start. He's been keeping a low profile lately ("Impossible", say those who know him) but returned for another dismal weekend of liver-thrashing.

Sitting demurely at the bar on Friday night was none other than Mo. Yes, that Mo, around whom these pages first took life. With Mo on Friday and Wardy on Saturday was a character of large physique, more-than-large personality, a beard to challenge the Dubliners and an accent born of frequent and rapid migration between Florida, Glemsford, Munich and the Gaeltacht of the Republic of Ireland. This was Drew, of whom more tales have been told than there have been confirmed sightings. Wardy reckons it must be 10 years since last Drew washed up on these shores. "Falstaffian" is not an apposite description, but at the moment it will have to do. Then, late on Saturday night, the lights dimmed as the latch rattled, and a cold draught skipped chillingly and mockingly along the cider and Guinness taps. Two figures paused briefly in the doorway: one a figure of utter loveliness, the other a crouched and weather-beaten manifestation, a walking warning to those of us who might be tempted to another pint. Yes: it was Bryan Morgan and Andrea, blown in all the way from Bavaria. I'll let you decide which was which, and return to them later.

And rumour even has it that Bruce Rudd has appeared.

Now: why were they here?

Notes:

Tony Ward: needs little introduction.

Mo: Maureen Frost - previously landlady of the establishment, aka Aunty Wainwright, with a taste for the odd Tia Maria

Bryan and Andrea: Bryan previously resided on Angel Lane, until he met Andrea and moved to Munich

Bruce Rudd: a Glemsford emigrant to New Zealand, believed to be the son of a previous Glemsford policeman. Those indeed were the days.

I shall delve further into the archives soon, and put these strange visits into context.

SC

From where I sit

2011-05-20T14:30:00.006+01:00

(editor's note - Every so often I like to shake things up and bring in new people. So with that it in mind - it's welcome aboard to former regular Mr Stephen Clarke)

Since that nice Mr Porter has invited me to contribute to these esteemed pages, I thought I'd better take advantage of the offer.

Since leaving The Angel and seeking Hebridean asylum nearly 8 years ago, the thought has sometimes crossed my mind "Well, really, what's the difference?"

Apart from the accents which, in all honesty, are nearly as impenetrable as each other, two things spring to mind immediately:

1) What comes to the bird feeders?

and

2) What can you see from the window (when it's not raining and blowing Force 7, which it has been for the last 2 weeks):

Do you see what I mean?
I'll have a pint of IPA.
What do you mean, you don't sell Deuchars?

Tootle pip, and "Slainte mhath."
Clarke o' th'Isles

What's Jackson been eating? (part two of an occasional series)

2011-05-20T11:15:00.000+01:00

A lump of tarmac, a selection of Amy's cuddly toys and a whole plate of spaghetti bolognase intended for Paula's tea.

Great pubs of our times - The Brewery Tap, Sudbury.

2011-05-20T11:06:00.000+01:00

For years now, Sudbury has been a bit of a real ale desert for anyone wanting a taste of something that WASN'T brewed in Bury St Edmunds by the verdant monarchs.

This has changed somewhat in recent times with the opening of the echoing atmosphere-void that is the Wetherspoon's on North Street, the a-great-pint-to-drink-if-you're-constipated Silkworm('affectionately' known to locals as the 'Tapeworm') on East Street and, standing clear of the others the Mauldon's owned Brewery Tap, also of East Street.

CPiB and Work Experience Ryan recently undertook a trip into the Sudbury fleshpots for a few drinks and this place, honourable mention of the Black Boy aside, is definitely the pick of a very average bunch(I realise that this sounds like damning with faint praise here, but I'm not, honest), serving at least three different ales of varying strengths alongside some fantastic guest ales, a magnificent selection of malt whiskies and top-notch crisps from Tyrell's. Highly recommended if you're stranded in Sudbury and unable to get back to Glemsford.

Two good

2011-05-20T10:39:00.001+01:00

There's been a lot of significant birthdays at the Angel down the years. Wardie's 65th, Bill Porter's 60th, Paula's 30th a year back but this one is the big one.

Many happy returns to The Angel's smiliest(after Jackson), most popular(after Jackson), best dressed(after Jackson) and best looking resident Amy on her 2nd birthday.

As an added bonus, those of you in the area between 2 and 6 PM Saturday(that's the 21st to you lot) you can help the L'Estrange/Dawson clan celebrate Amy's birthday with a barbecue, cake and party games. Best frocks only.

Some time in April - The Lucanz..

2011-05-20T10:20:00.000+01:00

Yes, I Know. One day I will realise that 'getting off one's arse and actually doing it when fresh' might mean that I can remember dates, but where's the fun in that?

So anyway. The return to the Angel of anorexia survivor 'big' Cliff Brown and his merry men was, as always with these boys, a massively entertaining night of hard-rocking fun. Great banter, some wonderfully expressive and tight musicianship(notably from lead guitarist Richard Stocker) and charismatic front-manning from singer Steve Hale.

I'll make no mention of the lack of a closing 'Stairway To Heaven' due to Steve's relapsing into dirty habits and just mention that the payment guaranteeing 'Freebird' was not just present, it was so correct it HURT.

I normally steer well clear of politics on here, but....

2011-04-27T18:26:00.001+01:00

*not my own work

What's Jackson been eating? (part one of an occasional series)

2011-04-22T13:50:00.000+01:00

Apprentice pub dog Jackson has a number of Habits.

Some of them amusing, some of them less so, on that subject we'll say no more.

However one of his more printable(or whatever the internet equivalent of 'printable' is) is his penchant for eating anything he can wrap his jaws around.

This week Paula reports he has eaten a pair of either D'Arcy or Freya's undies.
They emerged whole and have, despite Kevin's desire to save costs wherever possible, been consigned to the bin.

New Arrivals(slight return)

2011-04-22T13:42:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Angel regular Nick Langdon and lovely wife Lesley who became grandparents on the 30th of March with the birth of granddaughter Charlotte.

CPiB understands that family and baby are in fantastic form and that Nick has a job lot of Werther's Originals on order.

AV: The REAL vote.

2011-04-22T13:24:00.001+01:00

Regular readers and Angel attenders will no doubt be aware of Lisa's recent trip to Paris to take part in the Avon Voices contest thingy. The attentive amongst you will recall that when voting was opened CPiB would be mercilessly spamming it.

That time has arrived. Tell your friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
And gents, I'm sure you're all secure enough in your sexuality to register with Avon and vote too.
If I have to, so can you.

LISA'S VIDEO CAN BE SEEN HERE. REGISTER TO VOTE AND CLICK LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS UPON IT.

Also, the artwork on this page was very kindly supplied by occasional Angel drinker, Young Cartoonist Of The Year(2003), writer of on-going football webcomic Shit Shot Mungo and all round good egg Edward 'the idiot nephew we never wanted but got anyway and now no-one can find the receipt' Carter who is willing and able to take any and all commissions from YOU. He has very little sense of decency and no shame, so the sky is the limit. He lives in Brighton so you'll have to view his work and contact him HERE.

New Arrivals

2011-04-22T13:11:00.000+01:00

This dog is not far away, she is VERY small.

This, ladies and gentlemen is Dave Hill's new puppy Lily, who is a (we think) Staffie/Boxer cross.
She is roughly 12 weeks old and thus, not old enough to have a favourite bar snack.

Yet.

Avon Crooning

2011-04-18T13:34:00.000+01:00

CPiB's very own Lisa recently took a trip over to Paris as part of the Avon Voices contest for singers. This is what she got up to..

Well. Seeing as I came home from work to find this post open on the laptop, along with rather pointed instructions to 'insert words here', I should probably let everyone know what I have been up to.

About two/three months ago I read about a singing competition in the Avon catalogue.* I had a quick look at their website, got scared and decided it was not for me. I enjoy a good warble, but a lot of excellent singers had already entered and I didn't think there was much point in entering as I didn't stand a cat in hell's chance of getting anywhere.

To cut a very long story short, a couple of weeks later I got bored on a Sunday and recorded a 30 second clip of me singing 'Over The Rainbow' and uploaded it to the Avon Voices website. I spammed it briefly on Facebook, then forgot about it. Then a month later I got an email telling me I was through to the first round and asking would I like to go to Paris?

HELL. YES.

On 27th March, Mr CPiB dropped me off at Heathrow Airport. Scared and alone, with only a medium sized suitcase, a reasonable selection of cosmetics and three pairs of shoes, I faced the prospect of 3 days trying not to be socially awkward in a foreign country. There would be Actual Talented People there. People who knew how microphones worked. People who could wear hareem pants without looking like idiots. You know - young people.

I landed in Paris and was whisked off with 11 other girls to the Hilton Arc De Triomphe for three days of gossiping, laughing, make-up, singing, drinking and other tortures. In other words, it was brilliant. I cannot stress enough how awesome Emma Franco (one of the incredibly talented make-up artists) is, and how much fun I had in Pigalle getting more than a little bit drunk and doing some ridiculous air guitar posing to AC/DC. Leanne and Becky both can dance up a storm after a few shots, and Louise made me feel slightly better about being groped by a French cab driver who insisted on calling me 'Le Poulet'. Jen also provided much support by being as terrified as me, and making me feel much much better about everything in general. Sophie was lovely - they ALL were. And annoyingly, they all are very talented and deserve to go through to the semi-finals.

During all the fun and games, I recorded two videos, one for round one and the second for round two. I had my hair done and everything. You can see a little snippet in this clip. The first video will go up on the 22nd April, and then public voting begins. The actual shoot was hard work, and I have never been so scared. Ever. I think I did ok. I hope I did ok. I won't know until April 22nd.

This is where YOU come in. Your vote will count. It really will, I need all the help I can get.

Go HERE and register to vote. Then go HERE and click on the Round One video submission on April 22nd.

VOTE.

You have approximately 75 votes, so you can spread the votes around the contenders (and they are very bloody brilliant), or you can use all 75 on one person. It's up to you - but please, please please vote. If I can get through round one and two, I go to bloody HOLLYWOOD.

Thanks for listening and letting me ramble.

* For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of Avon, it began as a way of enabling women to earn their own money and manage a business whilst fitting it in around raising a family. Nowadays it serves as a way of distracting bored office-workers from their work as they peruse the catalogue searching for yet more nail-polish and moisturiser to clutter up the bathroom cabinets, as well as providing women with a way to run their own business whilst raising a family.

If you like the image that accompanies this post you may be interested to know that the Artiste responsible, one Edward 'beaky lid' Carter has a website which can be found HERE. He is willing, able and happy to accept any and all commissions you might wish to send his way, is very reasonably priced and is almost housetrained.

Cribbage is in tha house

2011-03-30T15:12:00.000+01:00

The Angel crib team recently came up against a blank week in their fixture list as a result of one of the league's teams dropping out.

So, as a means of ~~getting a few bums on seats on traditionally otherwise slow Wednesday night~~ keeping the crib team sharp, the in-house cup was scheduled for the Angel's players.

With nine players eventually showing a daw was held with out-of-form Richard Wells losing out to the Patrick 'Porous' Currie's streetwise London wiles.

The first round proper saw Clive, Yours Truly(in an epic clash with Martin Cole), Long Will and Jeni(in another clash that proved epic mainly because they were gassing) fall by the wayside.
The Semi final round saw an intriguing match-up between Patrick and cunning (relative) newcomer Steve Plumb triumph to face the winner of the other semi between husband-and-wife combatants Martin and Fiona.
Playing not only for a place in the final, but a night sleeping on the sofa for the winner, the stakes were high but eventually saw Martin win through to face perennial choker Steve.

The tension was on. Would Steve throw the label 'the crib South Africa' back in the faces of the critics.
Well, no. Martin trounced him and will go on to see his name engraved on one of the shiny shields on the big trophy and will be able to come into the Angel and view his prize any time he likes.
As long as it's opening hours.

An Ode To Beer

2011-03-30T14:50:00.009+01:00

Always of excellent quality, the beer in the Angel has been of astoundingly good quality throughout the month of March.
Crystal clear, a wonderfully frothy, yet non-gassy head that clings on right until you've downed the glass and perfect bitter, hoppy, sharp flavour.
Top stuff.
And so, in honour of this fact, I've ~~tossed off a load of old doggerel in five minutes flat~~ composed a Pome in recognition of Kevin and Paula's ongoing efforts to provide Quality Real Ale.

*clears throat*

Of the Angel's beer today I could drink a lake
which is no mean feat for plain old Greene King IPA
so, for Glemford's finest way your thirst to slake
let out loud a-cry of 'hip-hip-hooray'

If anyone has any further verses to add, leave 'em in the comments, write 'em down and pass them to me at the bar and I'll publish them here and think about buying you a pint.

Spring arrives in West Suffolk(slight return).

2011-03-30T14:37:00.003+01:00

Regular email correspondents to Pauline 'Mrs Porous' Currie will be aware of her irregular Small Cat Diary bulletins, containing news of the Ongoing Escapades of Mitzi The Cat.

So, imagine my genuine delight when a week or so back, this message landed in my inbox, practically purring.

Spring is here! The Furry One is happy!

Enjoy your beer Patrick.

It all happens in Glemsford...Redux

2011-03-11T18:19:00.000Z

Exciting noises from the world of revived cheesey old sci-fi with the news that 'Big' Jim Chandler is to be working as a director on the new series of 'Doctor Who'.

You can make your own joke about the time-distorting effects of Abbot/Gin/Whiskey/etc in the comments, I've just come off nights and am STUCK.

Spring arrives in West Suffolk

2011-02-28T18:32:00.002Z

Patrick 'I'm not drinking until the first daffodil of the year is sighted' Currie was sighted sipping on a pint on the 16th of February.

And there are STILL people out there who deny the existence of climate change...

Mad Dogs and Bluesmen

2011-02-28T15:15:00.002Z

A well known saying about music, amplified music on general is 'if it's too loud then, you're too old'.

If that's the case, then a sizable proportion of the Angel's drinkers must be officially past it as they took refuge in he Eyrie from the (it has to be said) rather noisy assault taking place from the Essex-based Mad Dog Blues Band on February 26th.

Making their third visit to the Angel now, we knew what to expect from these boys.

Da Blooze, played in the authentic Essex stylee(see also: Dr Feelgood), loud, sweaty and FUN.

Bas Boreham, showing off AGAIN

Highlights? Oh all right then. The drummer's new beard.
That or the Mad Dogs have recruited Sid Kipper into tub-thumping duties.
Said drummer's 'solo' during a spirited charge through 'Smokestack Lightning' in which he maintained the rhythm of the tune by bashing out the beat using the ENTIRE PUB as percussion.

A facemelting rendition of 'Red House'.

Hell yeah. Good to have these boys back again, you might need to leave a gap in between visits, some of our more timid regulars will take WEEKS to venture into the main bar again...

Crib, Quiz and Crown

2011-02-28T14:58:00.000Z

The pub quiz has gone fortnightly. This is what passes for headline news in Glemsford.

Adding to the innovations is the new 'joker' feature, where points are doubled for a high-scoring round(assuming you pick the right round to play it).
So far the system appears to be working with winners spread slightly more evenly around the teams with one winning team in 2011 not being related to members of the Plumb family or the various Simon Says team members.

The crib team's form is, as is traditional, spectacularly erratic with near defeats at the Cock(a loss made all the more easy to bear by the only draught bitter on tap being Greene King IPA Extra Col)and at home to Clare Globe being mixed with wallopings away to the Social Club and (I think) Long Melford WMC.
So what's news about this? Well, I have it on good authority that the playing stats of a certain blogger are looking very good at the moment...

And finally, The Crown, is rumoured to be reopening 'in the summer'. Legends surrounding 'a couple from Ridgewell', Bed and Breakfast, a 'bar and restaurant' and, oddly enough, a plant nursery abound but CPiB is unable to confirm or deny this. All I will say is that Lights Have Been Seen In The Building and the bar appears to be polished.

Paula enjoys the sight of a Biggus Dickus on her birthday.

2011-02-28T14:42:00.000Z

'Look at that dead hen on Thommo's head'

February 12th.

The eve of St Valentines' day and could possibly be more romantic than a jaunt down to the Angel to take in the sight of a group of throbbing hunks of testosterone(and Thommo) demonstrating their virtuoso skills(and playing bass)?

Well exactly, that's precisely what I told Mrs CPiB, no need for roses or chocolates, two hours in the company of this lot and any woman should be WELL pleased.

Well, birthday girl Paula was grinning. Or was that the sound of the till constantly chirping?

Anyway, now in their fourth date of their World Tour Of The Angel, the 'Kus are Glemsford(and outlying areas)'s top supergroup, comprising members of Exigent, Hi-On Maiden and The World On Fire, plus sundry guests.

Playing fast and loose rock and roll with the occasional guest musician, Bob With The Harmonica being a notable player, joining in to guest on a gloriously bluesy(honest!) take on 'Ace Of Spades' amongst others.

Not a dry seat in the house, eh ladies?

New Arrivals

2011-02-26T13:07:00.001Z

Paula and Kevin have recently employed a new, youthful, barman.

The poor bugger's being worked like a dog.

Breaking news from SJB Cabs

2011-02-16T15:40:00.002Z

Angry scenes witnessed on Hunts Hill as Steve Brett unveils new SJB dress code for drivers.

More on this breaking story as we get it.

It all happens in Glemsford...

2011-02-06T17:32:00.003Z

This was passed to me for posting on Saturday evening by an anonymous donor. Any comments Neil?

Great pubs of our times - The Pinkuah Arms, Pentlow.

2011-01-30T19:11:00.001Z

It's not very often you'll hear CPiB extolling the virtues of Other Pubs (if only because it makes Paula look at me like a cuckolded wife), but I'll take the risk with the Pinkers (as it's universally known round here) as it's a cracking spot.

Managing to create a top-notch dining pub that still retains its charm as an Actual Proper Pub is a difficult ask which few licencees manage (off the top of my head The Black Lion when Ian and Jackie ran it is one of the few examples I can think of) but Mike and Laura achieve this with some aplomb and no little charm.

Boasting an ever-changing menu of excellent home-cooked food at reasonable prices, the constant presence of wonderful local - and not so local - ales (currently two different beers from Nethergate, Shepherd Neame's Spitfire and Something Else Which I Can't Remember), a charming and welcoming bar and waiting staff and a rather delightful pug puppy, the Pinkers, I would suggest, is an ideal place to go for some scoff (the night we attended, I had rabbit casserole, Lisa roast pheasant, a dessert each and drinks for just over thirty quid) prior to retiring to the Angel for more excellent beer and the best-kept crisps in West Suffolk.

Post no 350: Distressing doscoveries, part one.

2011-01-30T18:52:00.000Z

A source recently sent me a link to a newspaper story asking "Does this picture remind you of anyone?"

Sad News

2011-01-30T18:15:00.000Z

Sympathies go out to Dave Hill on the recent loss of Glemsford's Best Boxer, Jess following an illness.

One of Glemsford's happiest residents, best described as 'a wag looking for a tail' Jess will be sadly missed by regular Angel drinkers.

Sub(way)standard

2011-01-30T18:00:00.000Z

Much belated Happy Returns to Holly, who celebrated her 21st birthday in the company of chums and fiance, Work Experience Boy Ryan, down in the bright lights of Swindon.

In other Holly-related news, Kevin's oldest daughter has recently submitted her CV to top purveyors of mass-processed grease and appalling-odours-stinking-up-a-high-street-near-you Subway.

Frankly, CPiB is disgusted by this. Could she not have thought of her poor old dad and loving fiance and applied for work at Liz's instead?

As it's nearly the end of January, a post about the start of it.

2011-01-30T17:52:00.000Z

It's been a while. A combination of stupidbusy work and a misplaced camera have resulted on delays in publishing.

And I SWORE this year was going to be different too...

Onwards then.

New Year's Eve saw one of the finest bashes ever held at the Angel.
With the ever-reliable Fallen providing musical accompaniment, a fancy dress party was declared to be the order of the day by Paula, and with purveyors of Rock Classics par excellence in attendance, the theme was set as Rock Stars Of The Seventies and Eighties.

What followed was an eruption of heavily applied makeup, BIG hair, tight leggings and chests on display.
And then there was the women...

What was particularly pleasing to see was a good50-75% of punters turning out in costume, from various punks to Freddie Mercury circa 'I Want To Break Free' to Noddy Holder(an unnervingly similar Steve Plumb) to members of Kiss(Peter Criss and an amply-chested Paul Stanley) to legendary Machester Icon Frank Sidebottom, as portrayed by occasional CPiB poster Dave 'FoldsFive' Court.
As always, the Fallen(dressed as Peter Criss from Kiss, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant and A Bloke In A Wig) were on top form, cranking out the usual high energy show, skilfully leading into 2011 with their version of Iron Maiden's '2 Minutes To Midnight', which is ironic really, given that it's a five minute song.

Many sore heads were had and much tea was consumed the morning after, so I can only conclude I enjoyed myself greatly.

Here's some photos

Lemmy and Madonna deputised for Paula and Kevin

Meet the Fallen Tribute Act part one - On drums, Peter Criss(pictured here with Paul Stanley)

On Bass, Nikki Sixx and Vocals, Robert Plant

On bass (again) Nikki Sixx and on guitar, some bloke in a wig

And, on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne.

Expressing reservations

2011-01-08T16:11:00.002Z

The festive season saw the arrival of a special guest ale to complement Paula's 'gift'(you still had to pay for it) to the Angel Whisky Society(Me, Sandy, Richard Wells and Paul Edmonson) of a couple of bottles of Jura Superstition and a special guest ale in the shape of Greene King's Abbot Reserve.

As the name suggests, this was an even more potent variety of Greene King's monster ale with the Monkish Habit Of Sneaking Up On You((c) Stephen Clarke) weighing in a highly potent 6.5% ABV.

In the interests of Informing The Public CPiB sampled a half and declared it 'a bit too sweet and heavy for me', but this did not deter some of Glemsford's more determined drinkers. Having witnessed it see off Premier League quaffers Tony Ward('Three pints and f*** me I'm f***ing pissed here, no more of this more for me'), Richard Wells(drank two pints of it, said nothing but swayed a bit and went home earlier than usual with a silly grin on his face) and Patrick 'Porous' Currie(Two and a half pints and 'Wheressh the shandwichessh then' before being taken home by Pauline) Work Experience Ryan decided that he'd sample this mighty brew stating 'This is a beer that separates the men from the boys'.

FOUR pints later, a very gregarious Ryan poured himself into bed, surfaced at 10AM feeling strangely fine, went off to work and started feeling dreadful about an hour after starting work. History does not record the full details of how his shift went, but he was a much chastened individual come 11PM.

Ryan's verdict? 'Why-aye pet, it's definitely a drink which separates the men from the boys. And I'm very clearly one of the boys'.

And we're back - the Festive season round up starts here.

2011-01-08T15:56:00.001Z

December 26 2010 saw the traditional Boxing Day appearance of the Morris, Mummer's Play and a Special Guest Appearance by Dame Vera Lynn. Due to a car park like a sheet of glass, Gin and Pims Disposals Ltd(better known as Las Ovejas Negros Flamenco) were unable to perform and were forced to skip straight through to the 'drinking lots of gin and wine' stage of performance.

Sadly, Yours Truly missed most of it due not being out bed post-nightshift. Therefore, images of the Event can be found HERE

CPiB wil be taking a short break for Christmas..

2010-12-24T17:34:00.001Z

..('so what's new' I hear at least one smartarse saying), so from all here at CPiB, thank you for your ongoing support, comments, photos, insults, occasional praise, suggestions, videos, insults, intermittent drinks and insults a Very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Video Footage from Carols By Candlelight

2010-12-23T14:07:00.000Z

With apologies for the iffy sound and video quality. Blame my dad. There may be audio to come too..

19/12/2010 - Carols By Candlelight

2010-12-23T14:00:00.002Z

Earnest articles by folkies in specialist music magazines often bemoan the decline in social singing nowadays, noting that the only places that people get together to sing are football matches and in church, so they'd have been touched by this.

Now in its third year the Angel Inn's Annual Carols By Candlelight was the biggest and best event thus far(you'll have to take my word for this, as I've been unable to attend the last two and, as such am still waiting for my stand-in correspondent to deliver her reports from 2008 and 2009).

Under the stewardship of musical director Doug 'From The Greyhound' Ellis and compered by Mark on occasional vocals and terrible jokes, the cream of the Angel's musicians(plus Kevin) learnt something in the region of 30 carols and seasonal songs from 'O Little Town..' to 'Little Donkey' and 'Rudolf..' to the marmite of carols 'In The Bleak Midwinter' and performed them for the assembled drinkers to sing along to.

As in previous years this part was a roaring success, with the singing mysteriously becoming not only louder but actually BETTER as the night wore on. Another triumph of the night were the solo spots performed variously by Dennis, Maggie, Alan, The Tomettes, Fiona and Pauline, Mark and CPiB's very own Lisa. A wonderful night, with all there, players, singers and crowd all contributing.

Well done to Doug for his tireless work in organising, arranging, tutoring and encouraging all involved.

Here's some photos.

There is, apparently no cure for the Silly Grin

Fiona takes notes as Pauline makes her 'Lady's not for turning' speech.

The Tomettes ponder what the words to 'Gaudete' actually mean.

The Maestro receives his thanks.

Christmas is icumen(part two)..

2010-12-21T14:21:00.000Z

...and as always, the great and the good are here to deliver their message of goodwill.

Christmas is icumen(part one)..

2010-12-21T14:15:00.000Z

...and the snowy conditions are making even the grouchiest of Angel regulars fel all festive.

Why, as you can see from this image, even Stephen Plumb is getting a Christmassy.

4/12/10 - Exigent

2010-12-12T16:20:00.001Z

I wasn't there for this, but the event was videoed. Apologies for the sound quality, but watch for the cameo by Landlord Kev at the end.

Some Time Back In November - Relentless.

2010-12-12T16:16:00.000Z

I had good intentions back in November. I thought 'this month it'll be different, I'll start putting the effort back in.'

Hey ho.

Right then, Relentless.

A youthful sudbury trio playing rock and pop covers with a very nice punky edge to them.

A supergroup of sorts, these lads comprised:

On Drums, Kris Marshall, aka Nick from 'My family'.

My cousin Rob on guitar and vocals.

And, on bass and lead vocals, Wayne Rooney.

So were they any good?
Oh yes. A hugely likeable bunch, with a great line in banter, both with each other and the (slightly thin) audience and a nice change from the usual blues/rock classics that we tend to hear down the Angel with numbers such as varied Donna Summer's 'Hot Stuff', motown classic 'Tainted Love' and Something By Blink 182(Think Busted but with more tattoos) as well as some up to date Young Person's Popular Music that included a crafty lift from Dizzee Rascal's 'Bonkers'. Great stuff, good fun, and looking forward to seeing them again in the new year.

Outside Broadcast

2010-11-07T22:09:00.003Z

Occasional CPiB poster, comic book fan, ace computer programmer and all round good egg David 'FoldsFive' Court recently married long term ladyfriend, the lovely Tara way over in Coventry. Naturally CPiB made the trip down the A14 to provide reportage.

The weekend began with us checking into our hotel and Last Night Of Freedom Drinks for bride and groom being consumed.

The Ladies were entertained at FoldFive Acres, whilst the lads retreated to the delights of the The Old Windmill on Coventry's historic Spon Street, famously not bombed by the Luftwaffe during World War II.
It possibly says a lot about the civic spirit of Coventry that they've chosen to celebrate the fact that Spon Street is the City Centre's only surviving medieval street by ensuring that it appears to consist entirely of pubs and chip shops.
Anyway. The Windmill is a superb old pub, serving draft Hobgoblin, the inevitable Greene King(Abbot and Mild if you're interested) and Patrick Currie favourite Timothy Taylor's Landlord, the beer that arrives on a lorry on Thursdays. A swift visit to the Girls from CPiB and Internet Lothario and occasional Angel drinker, Campbell and so to bed to prepare for The Main Event.
Quote of the weekend came, not from one of the speeches, but from Tara's Mammy, a magnificently forthright Irish lady in the hotel lobby, prior to the ceremony. The conversation went as follows.

CPiB : Oh hello Liz, I'm just asking the staff to put our gift to Tara and David in their room for us. We've bought them three little bottles of fizzy booze, one for tonight, one for their first anniversary and one for the birth of their first child, so no pressure there hohohoho

Tara's Mammy : Ah sure, they'll be wanting to get a move on with that, I'll be dead soon.

So, moving on to the ceremony itself, held at Coventry's Registry Office, a surprisingly wonderful 15th century mansion house reputedly once owned by the Black Prince and then off to the reception, via coach.
Or that was the plan anyway.
No bus was to seen. So we waited. And waited. Phones Calls Were Made and eventually us guests were ordered off the pub over the road to await our carriage as it became apparent that A cock Up Had Been Made by the bus company and our transport was awaiting us Elsewhere. Eventually the bus turned up and off we set to the reception(Tara's Mammy to bus driver, leaning in slightly: 'So. What happened?'), a pleasantly rambling village hall in a locale named Hatton, just outside Warwick.
Food and wine were partaken of and speeches were made, best man Tom, winning one lucky punter who's table had been running a sweep stake on its duration, a small sum of cash by running his speech to 7 and a half minutes. Tom's speech was notable for the fact that he was awarding prizes to stag night attendees based upon their activities on said 'do' - one attendee was awarded a can of Shandy Bass due to his having been in the middle of a month of self-imposed abstinence, one Steven Chicken('sick in a bin') was awarded a very small drink indeed and Dave's dad Bernard was awarded a case of Carling and a packet of sticking plasters for his activities.

Next up, the first dance, and not a dry eye in the house was seen as bride and groom took to the floor to the sound of Ben Folds' 'The Luckiest' .

And then the Evening Do. Highlights included - the Amazing Flying Beer Can, Irish Aunties bringing round trays of sandwiches to the sound of various wags saying 'will yer not have a sandwich? Ah yer will', the Tower Of Cupcakes and dancing my knees off on the dance floor.

Pausing only to scoop up off the ground one of the Irish Aunties, who'd fallen over in front of the (thankfully, stationary) bus, we returned to the hotel.

Who were 45 seconds away from closing the bar. They actually shut at......I'm not actually sure WHAT time they shut. A smashing weekend. Congratulations to Tara and Dave and here in West Suffolk, we wish you all the happiness in the world together.

Separated at Birth

2010-11-07T21:01:00.000Z

A terrifying grey-faced apparition seen around the bar area of the Angel.

...and Kevin and Paula's Scary Hallowe'en Doll Thing That Stands On The Bar.

31/10/10 Almost-Exigent and the Hallowe'en Bash

2010-11-07T20:51:00.001Z

The annual Hallowe'en bash then.
As is becoming traditional, Exigent(minus singer Nick, Andy Mac of The Fallen guesting on vocals) played, a LOT of beer was shifted, and people repaired to Jos's gaff afterwards.

Good stuff, CPiB was unable to be in attendance due to being Elsewhere, but I'm assured a good time was had by all.

Many thanks here to Stephen Plumb for the photos.

November 5th - The Ditch Dwellers.

2010-11-07T20:43:00.001Z

Friday nights in the Angel are traditionally associated with certain sounds - 'Sauce and salad?', 'NO DOUG I'LL GET THIS ONE' and 'Is is time for a wee dram Sandy?' being ones which spring to mind immediately.

Bonfire night 2010, meant that the Angel rang with the sounds of 'FREEEEEEBIRD!', 'Nigel will be dancing in the second half' and 'no, seriously, no 'Freebird' no payment', sounds which are more usually associated with Saturday night music nights.

Anyway. The Ditch Dwellers then.

One of Bob With The Harmonica's myriad musical entities, they're a much bluesier prospect than Bob's last outing at the Angel, Itchy Fingers but still a great deal of fun. CPiB missed the main set have been at Another Engagement, however as they'd finished by 11PM Kevin was good naturedly requesting his money's worth and the band, amenable chaps to a man, obliged by pulling together half a dozen or so songs from their set earlier on.

A smashing version of Hendrix's 'The Wind Cries Mary' stands out here, not to mention the ease with which they had an uncharacteristically recalcitrant Nigel From Stanstead dancing. Great stuff chaps.

Oh and, no guitarist that looked like a maths teacher either. He looked more like Monsieur Alphonse, from 'Allo Allo'. Well played lads.

Separated At Birth

2010-10-31T20:04:00.000Z

Legendary breakfast cereal entrepeneur W.K Kellog

And Angel regular, Stephen Plumb.

New Arrivals

2010-10-25T19:58:00.000+01:00

Not-to-be-trifled-with Angel barlady and all round Good Egg Hazel is currently celebrating becoming Glemsford's Most Glamourous Gran with the arrival of new granddaughter Lydia Ruby, congratulations to Charlene on giving birth to a littleun' capable of even warming the heart of step-grandad Alan.

CPiB is pleased to note that Alan is getting Lydia into good habits already, if this photo is anything to go by.

In other news, the Angel also has another new member of the bar staff, in the shape of son-in-law Ryan, taking the bar on a Wednesday night in between baffling tourists with his Geordie accent at his day job as Day Porter at Lavenham Swan.

Fallen Around

2010-10-25T19:39:00.000+01:00

A couple of Fallen related stories.

1. Which two members of the group were recently seen in a Sudbury pub Playing with Another Band?

CPiP is no snitch, otherwise it'd be telling on them to Ben.

2. Not that Ben's in ANY position to judge, as he's got a new band away from his weekend job going by the name of Absolution. Check it out kids.

Sometime around the arse end of September - The Fallen

2010-10-25T19:28:00.000+01:00

They're reliable chaps are The Fallen, the setlists change, the members change, sometimes, even the socks and underwear change but they're a reliably noisy, sweaty good time out.

The most fun you can have in Glemsford whilst still keeping your clothes on?

Quite possibly.

Anyway, I might be wrong(I'll soon know if I am, you buggers start commenting on the stories then), but this particular show marked the debut of new boy Joe on lead guitar.

Standing behind Ben in the customary position for Fallen lead guitarists he displayed a nice nonchalant style of play whilst contributing to the sonic juggernaut that is the average Fallen show.

Noticeably more mobile than previous incumbent Jeff Slater(is this because he has more room to move about in?), Joe is a welcome addition to the ranks of The Fallen in my view.

It rolls round earlier every year..

2010-09-26T17:44:00.001+01:00

Doug 'Doug From The Greyhound' Ellis is currently in the early planning stages of organising the annual Angel Carol Concert in his role as Musical Director.

Anybody interested should contact Doug either in the pub(Thursday or Friday nights are the best nights to catch him) or at home.

Sometime in early September - Itchy Fingers

2010-09-26T16:17:00.001+01:00

Another first appearance for a band at The Angel, this time from Open Mic Night regular Bob The Man With The Harmonica and his group ~~Sticky~~Itchy Fingers.

Playing upbeat covers of rock n' roll and pop tunes from the 60's and 70's mostly whilst not to the taste, they were fun, highly danceable with some interesting curveballs thrown(at one point Skinny Guitarist Who Looks Like A Maths Teacher got out a trumpet and gave the pub the horn)and Bob With The Harmonica is certainly a confident and outgoing frontman. It'll be nice to see them again. No Eagles songs next time though, eh lads? You can carry on with the Stevie Wonder though, anyone who doesn't like 'Superstitious' is clearly some kind of freak.

Full (public) House

2010-09-26T15:56:00.001+01:00

(If I was any good with photoshop I'd have changed at least some of the faces here).

The Best Part Of Egremont Street has become slightly more populous of late with the welcome arrival from Swindon of Kevin's daughter Holly, partner Ryan and little Amy Imogen to fill the spare rooms at the Angel.

Well done to Ryan on securing gainful employment so soon after arrival, let's hope it's a long and happy stay in Suffolk.

So yes, welcome to Glemsford to the L'Estrange extended family and remember: you've only got another 29 years and 11 months to go before you're no longer regarded as a newcomer to the village.

Somewhere around the arse-end of August - The Mad Dog Blues Band - foreigners, but still bloody good.

2010-09-26T15:45:00.000+01:00

Yes I know it's been a while. I'm a busy man.

Anyway. Sometime around the end of August, the Mad Dog Blues Band made their second appearance after a storming debut visit back in March the lads from Essex were back for another show.

Kicking off later than scheduled to allow a disappointingly sparse(from the point of view of the band and the till, I was quite happy with my unobstructed view) Angel the band roared into their set.

Attendees of their previous set knew what they were about to get and were greatly looking forward to it and Mad Dog virgins were about to see a great group belting out some high quality, fast paced pub blues that has a definite hint of legendary fellow countrymen Doctor Feelgood about it in their no-nonsense, hard rockin' way approach to da blooze. Highlights of the night?

A rip-roaring charge through 'Smokestack Lightning' which bled into a blistering rendition of Hendrix's 'Red House'. If you were there, you'd know how good they were. Reliable barometer of Band Quality Nigel From Stanstead was dancing in the first half of the show, that's how good these boys are.

If you missed this well, in Kevin's words 'unlucky'.

Letter From The Isles: An update

2010-08-12T18:34:00.001+01:00

Following on from my earlier post about this, Clarkey O'Th'Isles sends a further update on this story.

My contact has now sent some more memories which might jog:

   Long low lying building.
   Tall men had to stoop when entering the pub.
   There were school slates in the bar on which debts were chalked?
     There was a curtain at the bottom of the stairs, pulled when pub was open to
     create privacy.
   Above were five 'low rafted' bedrooms.
   From each bedroom window you could see fields and distant cottages.
   Upstairs there was a 'hip bath' and hot water had to be carried upstairs.
   Very cold upstairs (I believe February/March was a very cold winter in 1941),
   suggesting no fires.
   Toilets were outside.

She doesn't think it fits the Prince, and I now wonder about the Cherry Tree ...

Any thoughts folks?

Warren Piece.

2010-08-10T15:48:00.000+01:00

Freya has installed a Swear Box in the bar room of the Angel, with proceeds going to a local rabbit sanctuary.

Rates are being negotiated at present but it has been rumoured that Tony Ward has signed a blank cheque and asked members of the bar staff to keep a running tally.

Lazfest 16/7/10

2010-08-10T15:32:00.002+01:00

The photo is a bit of a clue really innit?

24th July saw the occasions of Sue Lazarus's birthday bash down the Angel.

Helping to make the marking of Sues Significant Birthday memorable were, thanks to some cunning emailing and phoning were the creme de la creme of Angel-associated musicians(plus Thommo) coming in to jam out a selection of Classic Tunes.

Who was there? Well, newly-solo Geoff Slater, pretty much all the members of Exigent, The Fallen, The World On Fire and Hi-On Maiden, Landlord Kevin(playing guitar on 'Summer of '69' and singing 'Times Like These', naturally) and Doug From The Greyhound.

The result was, in the words of Tony Ward 'one of the best nights ever seen in here', he's seen a few, so I'm not going to argue.
I'd go into more details about the night, but I appear to have alarming gaps in my memory, not to mention a psychosomatic headache which starts up when I try to remember. I know I had a LOVELY time though.
Here's some images of proceedings.

Julius sees The Light

If it's too loud Tony...

Both Matt From Hi-On Maiden(4'7'') and Andy Mac From The Fallen(7'3") used this mic stand. It's THAT adjustable.

Hector enjoyed his night greatly. It was past Young Jackson's bedtime.

A Letter From The Isles..

2010-08-04T21:33:00.000+01:00

CPiB reader, commenter and (very)intermittent Angel drinker Steve Clarke has emailed with the following request. Anybody out there able to help?

Greetings:
I wonder if I can throw a question at you for thought, cogitation and even investigation. I received this today from the US of A and am b*ggered if I can pinpoint which hostelry may be being referred to:

"I am trying to define the location of a public house that existed in Glemsford in 1941. At that time the landlords were friends of my grandparents(Will and Edith Brockwell). None of the present establishments fit the brief description written by Mother in her private notes.
I believe my Grandfather(who became a Merchant Navy sailor) originally came from your part of the country. We only visited once and I was not quite six years old. My recollections do not help. I do remember that there was a cobble stone yard in the rear, but for me the most interesting part was a large pile of metal caps (presumably being collected for scrap recycle) from beer bottles that had many different designs. I raided the pile to create a collection of different brewers!
In my Mother's notes she makes the following comments: "The Village Inn was old and quaint. A long low lying building with the entrance in the middle. Tall men had to stoop to enter. The 'Tap Room' was on the right, parlor in back and on the left kitchen and scullery with beer cellar below. The Tap Room had stone floor with spittoons and an open hearth fire. Wooden benches and long counter. Above were five bedrooms with view of fields(may not be that way now!).

The toilets were out in the garden and there were three seats!".

I have tried to visit Glemsford using Google street level but see nothing that fits the description. I suspect that the building has been converted into a residence.

One other piece of the puzzle, apparently the name of the landlady in 1941 was WIN(Winifred?)."

I don't think it's the Angel, but was wondering if it might have been the Prince of Wales - that had closed before we arrived. Any chance you could enquire of some of the older and less reputable villagers? Ever so grateful.

Trust all is well in the parched south.

Too bloody right we're parched at £2.80 a pint *shakes fist in the direction of Bury St Edmunds*

Overheard last night

2010-08-03T10:08:00.003+01:00

A conversation between male regulars about wearing dresses in public.
For a bonus offer of a pint - name the only male regular present to deny ever wearing a dress in public.

Summer is icumen in loude singe Thommo

2010-07-14T19:51:00.002+01:00

Summertime in The Angel: A Spotters Guide

Moths and Buzzy Things around the bar area due to the door being open.

Grandad Porter fishing said invertebrates out of his drink demanding that they 'spit it out'

Being able to hold a conversation with the smokers as it's warm enough to stand outdoors with then whilst they give themselves lung cancer.

Shorts. And the display male legs that results. From Julian Stiff's 'in them all year round so actually a healthy colour' to Steve Plumb's 'pattern tan due to surgical dressings' to Your Truly's 'Hairy Pipecleaner Chic', there truly is a delightful variety to the display to Stevie Gardiner's 'ROCK shorts'.

Young Will has his hair cut.

Bill Porter starts drinking cider.

The neighbours become re-acquainted with Hector as he 'explores' the area.

Tony Ward stops talking about Terrible Weekends In Lowestoft and starts talking about Terrible Fortnights In France.

More dogs. Till later at night.

Mrs Porous is drinking.

Several regulars develop stiff necks secondary to 'lechers twist'

Toys in the car park.

L'Estranges Weclome New Baby.

2010-07-04T18:29:00.000+01:00

This perky little fella is Jackson, the newest resident of The Angel.

A bouncing 12 week old Border Collie, Jackson has already adopted Freya as being 'his' and has proved an instant hit with regulars.

He's too young for bar snacks yet.

In which the writer asks his readership to do his job for him.

2010-06-25T09:56:00.000+01:00

I've been somewhat lax in updating this place of late.

I know for certain that I've missed a couple of bands and a few other happenings of late.
If anyone's got any good stuff, email it through and I'll stick it up.
I might even be so grateful as to consider buying you a pint.

Vernon Bode : an update

2010-06-20T14:21:00.000+01:00

Regular readers will recall a query in the commenst section of the previous post regarding the identity of one Vernon Bode.

The answer can be found on page 10 of this link.

Many thanks to the House Of Porous for finding this.

The Night Of The Vernon Bode Open Cup

2010-06-11T12:39:00.003+01:00

(In the style of William Mcgonagall and with apologies for small text)

Dedicated to Steve and Marilyn Clarke, great contributors to Poems And Pints nights

Ooooh 'twas the night of June ninth Year Of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten

there gathered a company, some good, some committers of sin

they came to the Angel of Glemsford but what happened then?

the crowd had gathered for the Cribbage Open Cup they all hoped to win

(If you squint, you can see who won, which lessens the dramatic impact of the poem, but there you go)

The cards were counted the tables were laid

Drinks were bought, friends were sought, smokers smoked outside where they ought

the chart was drawn up and the draw was made

but alas! There was not enough pegs and boards so more were brought

The players they came near and from far

to start their match when 8:30 showed on the clock

some had walked, some had ran and some they took the car

they were players there from Angel, Club and Cock

And now it came, the opening round

who would be triumphant who would be in dismay

some losers wailed and howled

and others drowned their sorrow in IPA

Of the Trophy Fiona was heard to say

"but this precious cup has lost its shine!"

so with spit and polish she was away

and soon the prize was looking fine

Porous was knocked out and then heard to shout

"I've a cause to complain" he did blast

"No bloody sandwiches made?!" he cried out

So Paula made for the kitchen and prepared this repast

Word of sandwiches soon got around

and Hector was soon out on the prowl

alas "all eaten by Porous" was the word on the ground

and lo! he did sit and howl

And so, the two top players came face to face

between Steve of the Plumbs and good old Pop

Steve took eventual defeat with style and grace

when Pop, his opponent came out on top

So it was that the trophy was awarded

and the multitudes gave out a mighty cheer

and to Pop from Kevin the ultimate accolade was forwarded

'Pop, I've thought about letting you have a free beer!'*

* - This bit may be artistic license. For starters Kevin was in bed by this point.

Volcanic Activity

2010-05-27T14:53:00.000+01:00

Recent volcanic activity hampering air travel has been a recent cause of frustration and anger for Angel regulars.

First up, Steve Plumb, held back in Japan whilst over there on business. Not only did he endure a maddening wait for his trip home, but Martin claimed his place in the Ivan Pearson Shield at cribbage.

And then of course there was the much-yravelled Mrs Porous.

Upon arriving back in the UK having spent a week in Sicily she was furious to discover that her flight had been the last one to land before the airports shut again, something which would have left her enduring yet more champagne breakfasts in the sunshine.

Crib update and other failures

2010-05-23T15:43:00.004+01:00

The crib season finally wound up back in April(yes I know), with the team finishing comfortably mid-table(for long term followers of the crib team, this represents the best season for YEARS), but team events still press on.

The end-of-season dinner was held at the curry house in Clare and despite some rather 'relaxed' service, a good time was had by all.
CPiB would also like to make it very clear that NO-ONE, especially not the professional drink pourers in the party, spilt their drink at any time at all, oh no.

The House Cup is currently in the process of being contested. Taking the form of a best-of-three round robin, to the time of writing, approximately half the matches are still to be played although a story has emerged from the first leg of the contest.
Richard Wells, who has not had the best of seasons(for reference, he was kept off the bottom of the individual stats through a combination of improved end of season form and a number of disastrous defeats for Yours Truly), finally had something to smile about when he claimed the spoils in a match with Best Player Of 2009-10 Steve Plumb.
What made it even sweeter for Richard was that the deciding match was decided by a single hole.
Good work there.

Clive and Paula made up a doubles team at Finals Night, how they fared has been unreported, although Clive won a bottle on Bell's on the raffle, much to the chagrin of Paul Edmonson.
The bottle was later utilised as a dog sitting voucher for Murphy.

Elsewhere, in music news, Exigent's regular support band showed off their new guitarist Joe.
A big bigger surprise was that they had NEW songs to play as well.
Mrs CPiB attended this event, so expect a report on it in December.

Another recent returnee to the Angel was Tom 'not that Tom' Robinson to play his own unique blend of Waits-inflected folk, jazz and blues. Paula reports an entertaining, if slightly disappointing night till-wise, for this occasion. CPiB for one, hopes that Tom will be back soon on a night when it's not on Nights.

It'll never get better if you picket.

2010-05-23T15:28:00.000+01:00

Good news for Paula this week in that the picket fence, which has stood for many years, guarding the borders of the Angel's front garden from dogs with continence issues, passers by taking cuttings from the shrubs and, worst of all, drinkers from the Cock caught short at closing time, has been replaced, courtesy of Greene King(that'll explain why the price of a pint has gone up to £2.80 then).
Not-so-good news then for Kevin, who now has to trim back and tidy up the shrubs out front.

Finally.....St George arrived and the dragon had died of old age.

2010-05-23T15:23:00.001+01:00

Finally the St George's Day Dancing pics are here, resized and with some touching up in iPhoto.

As you can see from the photos, his Morris debut was a real feather in Kevin's cap. Many thanks to Clive for the photos and apologies for taking so bloody long to post them.

24/4/2010 - Exigent

2010-05-12T14:07:00.004+01:00

A busy weekend for the Angel saw a number of significant events happening.

First up, on Friday 23/4/10 Kevin made his full debut as a Little Egyptian Morris Man(photos to follow, if I can work out how to reduce down the ridiculously large files of the photos of this event) and then came the Big One.

CPiB celebrated it's 35th birthday on the 25th and, in true Tony Ward style, decided to make a weekend of it. Starting off in traditional Friday Fashion(pint, kebab, whisky) I limbered up for the weekend's main event, the performance of Bury-and-Stanstead based rock band Exigent.

In what was, to date, their finest Angel show, the 'gent put on a truly wonderful show from the opening 'Crazy Horses' to a stirring rendition of Van Halen's 'Jump' (which featured Stanstead Renaissance Man Thommo demonstrating his mastery of the complicated and involved backing vocals that this song requires) to Kevin joining the lads for his signature song the Foo Fighters' 'Days Like These' to the show's high point, a stunning charge through both the fast AND the slow versions of Queen's 'We Will Rock You'.

The Birthday Table were delighted at this.

Other talking points for the night - Steve Plumb's observation that 'well, Lisa made your mother's night by mentioning that her son's age in front of her', Fiona's post-gig singing and the discovery of a new Sign That You Should Go Home, namely dropping one's whisky.

Cheers.

Bad Language - An Appeal On Behalf Of Kevin and Paula.

2010-05-04T09:58:00.000+01:00

It has been noted that certain drinkers are polluting the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the bar area with their indiscriminate use of the 'f' and 'c' words.

Kevin has asked me to pass on the word that if anyone else else uses the words 'fr*e' or 'c*st' in his earshot again they'll be barred.

Thank you.

Separated At Birth

2010-04-28T15:34:00.000+01:00

Glemsford Renaissance Man, Thommo

And......

Whilst I wait for Clive to send me his photos and video footage..

2010-04-27T16:19:00.004+01:00

Which member of The Morris risked disciplinary action by not finishing their drinking before heading out for St George's Day dancing at Melford George?

Such a person clearly needs weeding out.

Pearson Around.

2010-04-27T16:08:00.003+01:00

The inaugural Ivan Pearson Shield for crib recently took place at the Angel.

Playing to a knockout format, each team from the league duly dispatched it's best player of the season(as determined by the League Secretary's stats) to the Angel to contest for the Ivan Pearson memorial shield.
The 2009-2010 season would have been Ivan's 54th consecutive season playing in the Glemsford and District League and it is a measure of how well regarded he was that the turn out was exceptional with only one team failing to provide a participant.

The Angel team in particular gave a truly fitting testimony to Ivan with a vintage display of Traditional Angel Cribbage from Martin, who proceded to be eliminated in the first round of competition.

The final, contested by players from league powerhouses Action Crown and Clare Globe eventually saw the Globe's man walk off the honour.

The last word on the subject as always though, goes to Patrick 'Porous' Currie, who proclaimed the standard of sandwich to be 'excellent'.

(Cat)Gutted.

2010-03-28T23:00:00.000+01:00

Yet another musician fails to earn payment at The Angel.
When WILL they learn, no 'Freebird', no money?

Mad Dogs And Essex Men

2010-03-21T19:50:00.003Z

If there's an Standard Blues Scale (running from 'likes Thin Lizzy when Gary Moore was a member to Elderly African-American Called Blind Dead Missipippi Jones), then the Essex-based Mad Dog Blues Band, making their Angel debut, would just about come in on the Gary Moore side. Drawing mainly on the 1960's-70's electric blues explosion with a chirpy nod in the direction of both more venerable bluesmen as well as fellow countrymen Dr Feelgood for inspiration the 'Dog are a highly energetic, hugely fun and mightily entertaining entity with a great line on solid, fast and slightly dirty R and B inflected blues.

A jolly first set saw the 60's/70's side of the band being showcased and a rapidly filling Angel sat up and listened as a number of classic tunes were delivered with gusto. The traditional mid-set breather then the band returned for the second set. So far the Angel had seen a tight, enthusiastic set of blues tunes delivered well, but the second set went for the jugular.

Setting their stall out with an inspired charge through 'Smokestack Lightning' which saw their drummer(no band member names on your myspace page lads!) go walkabout and bash out his fills on any available surface up to, and including the radiators, the bar, the hanging pewter tankards and glasses in the dishwasher tray.

A run through Sam Sham and the Pharaohs' classic 'Wooly Bully' saw some the more excitable drinkers step up to the mic to 'assist' the band with a neat call-and-response segment which had an added unintentional comedy moment when the would-be singer(5'2'') realised that the mic he was trying to use was adjusted for the use of one of the Mad Dog guitarists(6' plus).

Finally the set closed in suitably riotous style with the immortal 'Johnny B Goode'.

Sadly for the band though, they failed to acknowledge the house Freebird rule(no 'Freebird' no cash) and Kevin duly withheld payment until they agreed to come back another time to remedy this. They'll be very welcome when they next appear in Glemsford.

Flora and Fauna of Glemsford

2010-03-11T21:10:00.000Z

An unusual sighting of the rare Tye Green Yeti.

A normally retiring animal, this creature is rarely seen outside of it's home environs in the winter months, leaving only to undertake a series of brief migrations

It's presence in the area is often categorised by the sound of it's mating call 'JUSTASMALLBACARDIANDACANOFDIETCOKE', which if answered is usually followed shortly afterwards with 'JUSTTOPTHISUP'.

Needless to say, this creature is normally rather placid but can be something of a handful if roused.

Spring Arrives in West Suffolk

2010-03-11T21:04:00.000Z

As evidenced here by the first sighting of the Lesser Spotted Porous with pint, if not actually in hand, then close to it.

And finally....

2010-02-28T22:52:00.002Z

...those of you worrying for the whereabouts of Tony Ward in the wake of his 65th birthday celebrations need worry no more.

Heavenly Whispers

2010-02-28T22:48:00.001Z

Which member of the Porter clan, having been informed that their blood pressure was somewhat on the high side, recently shook hands with Tom The Undertaker only to be met with the question ''has he gotten wind of your last visit to the surgery?'

Which local musician has recently dipped his toe into the world of online dating under the username 'mancub'?

Crib team make new record.

2010-02-28T22:45:00.001Z

26/2/10 saw the crib team under the stewardship of their latest captain set a new pub record.

At 13-2, against the Acton Crown, the Angel's crib team have now recorded their all-time record defeat.

Team member Patrick Currie, when asked for his reaction to this defeat, said 'pass the sandwiches please'

Glemsford's Got Talent - reprise

2010-02-28T22:36:00.000Z

Oh yes, and if you forward through to 4:00, you might recognise the performing publican..