Summer Open Neck Shirt 2011 at the Mark Addy

The Mark Addy, Salford

This summer's Open Neck Shirt will be convening at the Mark Addy, Salford on Friday 8th July at 1pm. 

Just across the border from sunny Manchester, the Mark Addy is now run by Head Chef Robert Owen Brown who has established a reputation for good quality food while also serving an excellent range of draught beers including some from local micro-breweries.

The Mark Addy was recently reviewed by Observer/Guardian critic Jay Rayner who gave the venue an excellent write-up. You can read the review here.  

The Mark Addy originally opened in 1981 (yes we were there soon after) is named after a local hero who died in 1890. He was famous for rescuing 51 people from the then treacherous waters of the River Irwell and he is the only civilian to have received the Albert Medal (Victoria Cross) from Queen Victoria. 

The site was originally a boat passengers waiting room for the new Bailey landing stage from where a regular packet boat service was in operation from 1807. 

After completion of extensive renovation the Mark Addy re-opened on the 28th October 2009.  The Spring of 2010 saw the addition of an extensive outdoor dining area, complete with a 10ft X 8ft steel barbecue and spit.

I'm looking forward to revisiting the Mark Addy, meeting old friends and sampling the food and drink on offer. I will report back with my findings in the near future.

  

Jaume Plensa at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Here's some of my photographs from my recent visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to see the excellent exhibition by Jaume Plensa. The exhibition runs until 25th September 2011 and is well worth a visit.

The Room Revisited

The Room are one of the most underrated groups of the early 80's, seen here performing Shirt of Fire on the Whistle Test in 1984. The Liverpool based group recorded just five albums, the best material can be heard on the 'In Evil Hour/Clear' compilation CD. I remember seeing them play in a small venue on Bold Street in Liverpool one New Year's Eve and was mesmerised by performance. If you like this track please check out the albums which I thoroughly recommend.

Wild Beasts - Devil's Crayon

Came across this track on the Latitude Festival website recently and it's a corker!

Let's Hang On

Phoenix Stand by Stuart Roy Clarke

My new blog 'Let's Hang On' is about the highs and lows of following Wigan Athletic FC. The team were promoted to the English Premier League in 2005 and despite many people's expectations they have survived at this level for six seasons. However, at the beginning of February 2011 Wigan sit second bottom of the league and they have not won in 2011. Can they survive in the so called 'best league in the world'? Over the coming months 'Let's Hang On' will follow their fight for survival in a league with mega rich owners, £50m footballers, hysterical fans, and a relentless media .

Joy Division live on Something Else

Joy Division live on Something Else - not quite as I remember it, but still worth watching.

The King is Dead

The Decemberists new album 'The King is Dead' is quite a departure from their previous epic 'The Hazards of Love.'  The group have made quite a reputation for developing 'dare I say' concept album approach to music making. However, the new album returns the group to their early folk/americana roots. The influence of REM is never far way and Peter Buck joins the group on several songs.

The King is Dead is perhaps not as immediate as 'The Hazards of Love' or  'The Crane Wife' but it is a rewarding experience following further listens. The band will be touring the UK in March and from my previous experience the live shows should not be missed - see you at the Leeds Academy show on 11 March?

Our Friends in the North

Our Friends in the North is probably the last great British TV series, there have been few series that have captured the social and political life of the north of England so successfully. Broadcast in 1996, the series covers the period 1964 to 1995 and follows the lives of the four central characters played by Nicky (Christopher Eccleston), Mary (Gina McKee), Geordie (Daniel Craig) and Tosker (Mark Strong). 


The story centres around the North East, the failure of the Labour Party and the decline of family.  The first episode sets the scene at the time of T. Dan Smith, the leader of Newcastle upon Tyne City Council and his plans to demolish terraced houses and replace them with high rise flats. It transpires that T Dan Smith took bribes from architect and Freemason John Poulson. Smith and Poulson were convicted and imprisoned in 1974, by which time the high rise flats that he and Poulson had conspired to build are now despised for their poor quality and ready to be pulled down.  


The web of corruption extended to the House of Commons where Poulson enjoyed lucrative business links with Conservative Home Secretary Reginald Maudling. Although the public figures in the story are given different names it is clear who they represent. The plot is also interwoven with the investigation into Police corruption and a scheme to flout the sanctions imposed on Ian Smith's Rhodesia.


As viewers we are completely engaged with the friends Nicky, Mary, Geordie and Tosker throughout the ensuing years. Their lives amplify the changing political and social landscape. Their moral choices and values are shaped by the society around them. The idealism of youth and belief in change gives way to cynicism and disappointment. The direct link to our current political processes and institutions are all too evident. Self serving and corrupt politicians are never far away.


However, despite the failure of our political institutions at least the friendships formed between Nicky, Mary, Geordie and Tosker have been profound and lasting.

Top Twenty Albums of 2010

This year it was particularly hard to limit my selection to just ten, so I have decided to extend my list to twenty favourites. I Am Kloot top the list with the wonderfully evocative Sky at Night. It's also worth noting that the top three groups are from Manchester or at least have their roots in Manchester, but then again Manchester is and always has been at the forefront of great music.

Top twenty albums of 2010

1. I am Kloot - Sky at Night

2. Cherry Ghost - Beneath this Burning Shoreline

3. Everything, Everything - Man Alive

4. Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep

5. Villagers - Becoming A Jackal

6. Ed Harcourt - Lustre

7. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

8. Paul Weller - Wake Up the Nation

9. James - The Night Before

10. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can

11. Midlake - The Courage of Others

12. Stornoway - Beachcomber's Windowsill

13. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

14. Badly Drawn Boy - It's What I'm Thinking Part 1 - Photographing Snowflakes

15. Cathal Coughlan -Rancho Tetrahedron

16. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz

17. Darkstar - North

18. Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM

19. Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner

20. Caribou - Swim

I'd also like to recommend the Rough Trade Top 100 albums listing which is available to play through Spotify - just follow the link
http://theofficestereo.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/rough-trade-top-100-spotify-playlist/

Enjoy!

I'm a fifty year old man and I like it

                                                                            I'm a fifty year old man and I like it.    

Another excellent turn out for the thirty second Open Neck Shirt, the only notable absentee was Phil who is now ensconced in Australia. Maybe you'll join us next year Phil? The day commenced at the slightly later than usual 1.30pm (we must be getting more restrained) at the Seven Oaks. We then progressed to the Circus Tavern - which is still one of the most unique and 'characterful' pubs in Manchester.

The Xmas Market was buzzing as usual and the City Arms served an excellent pint or two. Corbieres is still a great venue with a good jukebox but the bitter is not the best. The Briton's Protection is another good venue but once again the bitter was not up to standard. The next stop was the Peveril of the Peak and it did not disappoint, excellent Deuchers IPA bitter, good atmosphere, Table Football and Pool. As per usual the local 'professionals' bided their time and duly beat our best table football pair. Overall a very enjoyable and civilised event - see you all next year.

The Open Neck Shirt 2010

The Table Football connoisseurs pub.

The latest instalment of the Open Neck Shirt will commence in the Seven Oaks on Friday 19 November at 1pm. All the usual suspects are invited and the usual venues will be frequented. As well as the Seven Oaks, I'm sure we will be visiting the Circus Tavern, Corbieres, and the Peveril of the Peak.

The Manchester Christmas Market is also a particular favourite, who could forego the delights of a warming Gluhwein and humungous German sausage!


Bratwurst time.


Looking forward to another spectacular event, but please enjoy in moderation.

Harry and Paul - Northern Relief

The Harry and Paul Show can be a bit hit and miss, but we like this one.

Peace in Sheffield and No Redemption in Durham

As part of the Off the Shelf Festival the Shepley Book Club boys went to hear David Peace speak. Here's a photo of David with the group. David read from Damned United and talked about his Yorkshire based books. There was also an opportunity to hear from Keith Pattison who has produced 'No Redemption' a challenging book of black and white photographs of the Miners' strike in the Durham coalfield. As we enter a new age of austerity the images offer a stark reminder of the deep divisions that still exist in our society. You can view a slideshow of Keith's photographs here.

WinkBall! Wigan V Wolves

I was interviewed for 'WinkBall' prior to the the Wigan V Wolves game - here are the embarassing results. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

At least I 'nearly' got the score and scorers right.


The wink is purely involuntary!

Congratulations to Rochdale FC

Congratulations to Rochdale on their promotion to Division 1.

Last year I commented on Rochdale's disappointing end to the season and hoped they would finally get get promoted this year - well it has finally happened.

The club have played since 1974 in the Football League's bottom division, currently entitled League Two. This is the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the football league.

I have a great respect for those who support their local clubs. You have to be dedicated to support a team like Rochdale. It would be so easy to support Man Utd or Chelsea or one of the other big four. Well done to Rochdale and their fans, and good luck next season in Division 1.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade

After much deliberation here's my top ten of the noughties.

1. Arcade Fire – Funeral (2005)

2. Midlake - Trials of Van Occupanther (2006)

3. Paul Weller - 22 Dreams (2008)

4. Prefab Sprout - Let’s Change the World with Music (2009)

5. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid (2008)

6. The Decemberists – The Crane Wife (2006)

7. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise (2005)

8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2006)

9. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That’s what I’m not (2006)

10. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver (2007)

Here to discover, enjoy, debate and criticise. Over to you.

Top ten Albums of 2009

Here's my top ten for 2009.

1. Prefab Sprout - Let's Change the World with Music
2. Florence & the Machine - Lungs
3. Doves - Kingdom of Rust
4. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
5. Noah & the Whale - First Days of Spring
6. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk
7. Echo & the Bunnymen - Fountain
8. Decemberists - Hazards of Love
9. Maps - Turning the Mind
10. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Hopefully that lot will stimulate a little debate. I'd be interested in hearing about your top ten's. I'll also be compiling a top ten of the decade in the next few weeks, so look forward to receiving some alternative suggestions.

Open Neck Shirt 2009 is nearly upon us. Another year, another Open Neck Shirt, Friday 4th December, no doubt in the usual places. Look forward to seeing 'most' of you then.

Yorkshire Futures website

To huge sighs of relief the Yorkshire Futures website is finally here. After 10 months from project initiation to go live, the Yorkshire Futures website is now up and running.

Our expertly written press release says it all.

New website for regional data and intelligence

Yorkshire Futures have launched their new website which has been re-designed in collaboration with Futurate, a Sheffield based digital agency. The website has been re-launched with a vibrant new look, new content, new features and provides the latest data and intelligence about the region.

The site is designed to be easy to use and informative, whether visitors want to find out about how the region is performing on the economy, environment and society, read about the latest published research and statistics, view and download images from around the region or find out about conferences and events.

The new design follows several months of research and development with website users and partner organisations, to find out what they wanted most from the site.

Ian Aspinall, Communications Manager at Yorkshire Futures said:
“Our aim was to develop a website that reflects our role as a provider of high quality, timely and relevant information. As well as providing key research, statistics and data, the site showcases good practice within the region, the changing economic, social and environmental life of our region through Progress in Pictures, as well as a new events calendar, RSS feeds, e-news bulletin and micro sites which all enhance the user experience.”

“This will significantly improve our digital presence and supports our mission to provide information and intelligence about the region, for the region, to improve decision making and better prepare us for the future.”

The site was developed in partnership with Sheffield based digital agency Futurate, who brought their award-winning creative design and innovative approach to the website, together with a fully integrated content management system, accessibility guidelines and website components.

Gill Osguthorpe, Operations Director of Futurate said: "It’s been great to have the opportunity to work with Yorkshire Futures to create an innovative new digital space. We’ve invested a lot of thinking in developing new ways to support their role as a key provider of research, information and intelligence in the region.”

Major new features on the Website include:

*Progress in Pictures - a longitudinal study of progress in the region through the medium of photography
*What Works Showcase - detailed case studies of best practice from around the region
*Tabbed News, Events, Research and Publications - Easy to use tabbed menu of news, events, research and publications means that finding the latest information is at the touch of a button
*Fully Integrated Search - includes searching of Yorkshire Futures partner sites

Talking about the new website, Simon Foy, Executive Director of Strategy at Yorkshire Forward and Chair of the Yorkshire Futures Steering Group, said: “ The new website is a great improvement on the previous site and provides a range of new features and services that will be extremely beneficial to our partners and other people working in the region. “

The new Yorkshire Futures website is now online at www.yorkshirefutures.com


ENDS
Note to Editors:
1. Yorkshire Futures is the region’s ‘Intelligence Network’. It seeks to help make Yorkshire and Humber a better place by bringing issues to the fore that need resolving; communicating solutions; and monitoring progress.
2. Yorkshire Futures commissioned Futurate at: www.futurate.com a Sheffield based digital agency to produce the website during 2009.
3. For more information, please contact Ian Aspinall, Communications Manager, Yorkshire Futures on 0113 394 9988; email ian.aspinall@yorkshirefutures.com
or Bea Jefferson, Programme Manager, Yorkshire Futures on 0113 394 9694 email bea.jefferson@yorkshirefutures.com

Bye Bye Brucie, Bring On Bobby

Bye Bye Brucie
3 June 2009 - Steve Bruce leaves Wigan for Sunderland. Bruce did a very good job for Wigan in the year and a bit he stayed at the club. An 11th place finish last season, not bad for a little club. Yet there was a certain inevitability about his departure. Many Latics fans knew that he would leave when he got a better offer. According to reports Wigan paid him £45,000 per week, but Sunderland are now paying £60,000 per week and have suggested a transfer kitty of £60million.

Bring on Bobby
4 June 2009 - Many Wigan fans could be forgiven for feeling disappointed and let down by Bruce's departure, but the mood was soon lifted by the news that the former Latics midfielder and fans favourite Roberto (Bobby) Martinez was coming back to the club where he started his British footballing career. Bobby spent six succesful seasons at the club, initially as one of the three Amigos. His success as a Manager with Swansea was well noted and as soon as Bruce left, Dave Whelan moved quickly to get his man. We wish him a very successful stay at the DW stadium.

David Byrne on tour

Looking forward to seeing David Byrne in Manchester on Monday night. He's playing songs from his collaborations with Brian Eno. Here's some photos from his world tour.