Monday, July 23, 2007

2007 match report (Saturday)

Saturday morning at Hook Norton prior to the festival was a new experience for me. Steve and Peter walked purposefully to the village shop where the kindly shop owner was helping an elderly lady find the right change and placing her shopping into a bag for the tottering journey home. Well he was until he exploded...

'Here - put that flaming butter back. You haven't paid for that. Jesus. What the hell do you think you're doing ?'


The walk back to the campsite took 35 minutes as we had to say 'Morning' to every single person we met and helped to break up a vicious dog-fight.

We broke our journey at the lovely 16th century church who were holding the regular Saturday coffee morning. Not very laddish behaviour but when you're camping and the two portaloo vans haven't arrived yet, the chance of hot coffee, biscuits and a spotless toilet are all very welcome.

The kindness and generosity of the locals never ceases to amaze at Hook. Within minutes, we were brought proper filter coffee ('just tell me if it's too strong') and shortbread with a hint of cinnamon. Steve made a real mess trying to surreptitiously consume a croissant and simultaneously conceal the Sport 'newspaper'.

We met Paula, a lovely lady who actually owns the Hook Norton brewery, who offered us all manner of hospitality at her house (shower, bath, massage, backrub) but best of all, the location of her most coveted asset - an outside lavatory with peach Andrex toilet paper and privacy.

We also met four visitors who were staying in The Sun because they didn't want to catch pneumonia by camping on the flood plain. Inevitably, one middle aged lady immediately made a play for me. Not even 11 o'clock and the first proposition is marked up on the blackboard.

She opened with the highly unimaginative and original line: 'Don't I know you from somewhere ?' After foolishly divulging my home town, employer and Facebook username, she gave up. Finally, in a flash of inspiration, I said 'Do you ever watch Pop Idol ?'

After we heard the parish of Hook was home to 25 widows (and only two men died of natural causes), we rapidly used the facilities (Pete wasn't quite so rapid taking a full 27 minutes) and made our excuses, together with a contribution into the symbolic red teapot.

Pete and Steve then gave an exemplary lesson in speedy and sturdy tent erection and we were ready for action at 11:55. Purchased tokens, beer list, pint glass and pencil and started drinking.

Went to secure 3 benches (with umbrella) to accommodate all the hordes who cried off last night but were definitely, definitely coming today. Watched a gazebo spontaneously rise and walk over from the camp site which was pretty spooky.

Rain started. Chatted to old friends - Cowboy in big jeans, Mym and a Slovakian gymnast who was keen to top the pyramid.

Rich arrived to cheers from the masses. Steve discovered Jude had sent him a text. It was all coming together nicely. Rain forced us into the music tent where we listened to a teenage band who weren't too bad until they launched into covers of Rock Anthems.

A Welsh man (Dyfed Jones, boyo) played a set in a band, acted as compere, played an acoustic set, served at the Pear Tree, cleaned the toilets, did some stand-up comedy and finally headlined.

Football was calling. Pete was sent outside for a pitch inspection. His verdict was 'soft underfoot, playable but will need a 3 inch stud'. Our verdict was 'No'.

Unfortunately, the formation of a pyramid was also cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions (much to the Serb gymnasts' disappointment). Neither was the Hog Roast present this year so the BBQ stall and the Chipper Van saw brisk trade.

Best beer of the festival was undoubtedly Robinson's Dizzy Blonde. Fans Forum was held at the correct time (14:00) but was bitterly disappointing, missing two much needed panelists and the chaps from Burton.

A band played some jingly-jangly Irish music. Their only novelty was a heavily tatooed Hell's Angel. Their music was tedious in the extreme. The lead singer insisted on a lengthy and pointless 'Hey what shall we play next ?' ritual which he thought was amusing. Pointless because they simply played the same song again. It was so bad I stood outside in the rain and did RiverDance impressions.

Suddenly, God in the form of Dyfed interjected 'Two songs left, lads' and we all applauded. The singer responded 'Aye OK but one is a 12 minute epic'. If I'd had any beer left, I would have chucked it at them. In a moment of madness, Pete purchased a CD for £10 (1 track repeated 12 times).

More beer. More rain. Squelchy queues. Jude, the glamorous deputy head teacher, now blessed with a black eye, pointed out a lad in a brown pinstripe jacket and a tribly. She said 'That guy's a real nutter. Stay away from him. He is banned from all football grounds and has an exclusion order banning him from travelling whenever England play.' I thought he was an idiot who liked Babyshambles and walked around telling everyone: 'I am the only Babyshambles fan in the village'.

More vouchers. Morris dancing. More beer. A glimpse of sunlight. More music.

Adjourn to The Bell for Aunt Sally. We had the misfortune to happen upon two members of the the Cotswold Division 2 Champions (2005) who thrashed us 6-1 (well done, Pete). Some boring opponent claimed we had wagered a pint per point so we made a quick exit and left Steve to argue. Rich denied all requests to visit The Sun (for food) as part of the traditional crawl and the only sustenance available now was 'more beer'.

Evening (and more rain) fell. The headline band, the compere's urgings and 168 gallons of real ale got everyone up and jumping around in the mosh pit. 'Will I stay or will I go' resulted in a pint of beer being thrown over my head. Hmm. Druid's Fluid - No 81. Quite strong.

As I stood back trying to identify the culprit, 'I Predict A Riot' became a self-fulfilling prophecy as I witnessed Mr Babyshambles launch a vicious and unprovoked attack by head-butting a random bloke. Maybe Jude was right, after all. Two security men moved in, looking menacing but doing nothing.

Adjourned to Pear Tree. Last orders called very promptly (11:30) much to general disappointment and rioting.

Rich went to the car park to fetch his Thomas The Tank Engine pyjamas and, frustrated at the early close, lack of footy or human pyramids, decided to embark on his very own moonlit 'Horse of The Year Show'. He was unable to undo the catch on the gate to the campsite (hint: there was no moon) so he attempted to hurdle it and ended up flat on his face, covered in mud.

An excellent festival and plenty of laughs, despite the weather and low turnout.

Present: Andy C, Pete, Steve, Rich, Inglis (Saturday twilight zone only).
Apologies: Leo/Darce ('please excuse me from gym, I've a terrible cold coming on'), Wheeldon
Status unknown; Anson, Mez, Ben, Con, Mullins, Thompson

2007 match report (Friday)

In a London pub back in March, Steve had persuaded the southern based Goat Hurling contingent to commit to a full weekend at this Hook Norton beer festival.

On Friday morning, as I watched a monsoon over SW London and cars floating around under Kingston bridge, I desperately wanted to reconsider my pledge. Still, I am nothing if I am not a man of my word. After lunch. the sun came out and the rain stopped so I packed up and ignored The AA's sage advice 'Please, please do not even contemplate any journeys unless they are absolutely necessary'. Well this is the Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales so yes it is absolutely necessary.

My journey was slightly shorter and less eventful than my unfortunate fellow hurlers. However, just as I was licking my lips in anticipation a mere 1.5 miles from Hook Norton, I encountered a ford in the road. I was about to slowly proceed until I realised this ford was actually about 5 foot high. So I diverted around Swerford and arrived at 18:30.

I extracted a thing called a tent from my boot. It had lots of plastic bags, green and orange material, loops, zips, ties, some extendable poles and rusty metal pegs. There was a fine drizzle as I attempted to 'get it up'. Seasoned caravanners (on the moral and literal high ground) took delight in my confusion and tardiness in completing this simple task.

The fine drizzle then turned to heavy rain which improved my mood considerably. I decided to secure a brilliant pitch at the foot of the hill with spectacular views of the mobile loos and pyramid tent.

Three hours later, the tent was finally up. Fortunately, I hadn't missed any ale as Steve and Pete were still en-route from Stockport and Reading respectively.

Rich and Leo simultaneously texted me for a weather update. I replied 'Fine drizzle. Not too bad. Definitely on'. As I walked down the hill, I noticed sandbags piled up outside the Pear Tree. I decided not to share that piece of information and enjoyed a celebratory Hook in the Pear Tree and onto Banbury to collect Steve and Pete.

Stupidly followed signs to Banbury BR station which deposited me in an industrial park 10 minutes from the railway station.

Surprised seven passengers by emerging from the rear entrance and bellowing 'Taxi for MORRELL. Taxi for PETER MORRELL !' Inevitably, Steve text'ed with yet another transport delay so we adjourned for a drink while we waited.

Finally, back to Hook and the Pear Tree to enjoy the different flavours of Hook. Oddly, resident Mild connoisseur extraordinaire, Peter, barely touched his Hooky Dark claiming it was weak, watery and horrible. Well - that's Mild for you.

Although the barmaid wasn't too impressed by Steve's journey from hell, ('8 hours from Manchester, you say - why that really is interesting. That'll be £6.90 please'), the tired and weary travellers got their reward with a welcome lock-in.

Sergeant-Major Priest then conducted a detailed worthiness check on my tent erection skills. He quickly found loops without pegs, loose flaps, a beautiful Roman archway that was completely wrong. He re-pegged a couple of guy ropes and realigned my diagonals before spotting a schoolboy error and a cardinal camping sin - the inner was touching the outer. He screamed 'It's leaking in this bottom right corner. Have you never put up a tent before, you 'orrible little man ?' He then mopped it up with my lovely clean, dry, pink bath towel and swapped places so he remained dry and I ran the risk of sleeping in the suspect corner.

As he possesses very short legs, Pete kindly offered to sleep in the glove-box to avoid getting mud on the car seats.

journey from hell

Anyone offering any excuses for non attendance would do well to read this epic.

Friday 20 July

14:02 Steve - Just seen Norman Whiteside on Alty station. Must be some sort of omen for the weekend.

15:55 Andy - Superb!

16:12 Steve - What the fact that I might get as far as Lem if I'm lucky or Norman ? Are you on your way yet ?

16:19 Pete - Travel is proving a little vexing. Give me a call when you get to Banbury !

17:17 Steve - Where are you ? I may have to go to a hotel at International. What larks. Has it been raining down here or something ?

17:18 Andy - Nr Oxford.

17:19 Steve - Doing well then. Keep going to Birmingham and you can pick me up.

17:26 Pete - Are you on route ?

17:33 Steve - Going home. Sorry guys. See what's what tomorrow. Looks like it's going to be next year now.

17:37 Pete - Train to Oxford. Where are you ?

17:39 Andy - Get a bus.

17:46 Steve - Yeah right you ought to see it here. It's like World War 3. People walking around like zombies.

17:47 Andy - 4 a drop of rain or has a bomb gone off ?

17:49 Steve - I think it's the former but it feels like the latter

17:51 Steve - Change of plan. Looking for a bus...

17:54 Andy - Effort !

18:02 Pete - Just thought. Are you near Oxford ? As I am not sure I can get from there yet ?

18:15 Andy - No. Well past Ox.

18:26 Pete - I am on train to Ox! Hurrah.

18:28 Andy - Roads flooded at Hook. Boo.

19:31 Steve - On a train to Brum Int. Hope to get one from there to Lem and then on to Ban. Keep the faith and save me a pitch.

20:00 Pete - The lure of Hooky Best is working its charms. I am on a train to Ban. Maybe 10-15 mins. See you there.

20:01 Andy - I am supping Hooky. Tent is up (sort of). What's ur status ?

20:06 Steve - At Moor St. There is a rumour that a London train is coming, I have been here before mind. Could be there by 21:30.

20:15 Andy - Keep the faith !

20:25 Pete - Arrived at station entrance !

20:26 Steve - I'm in the vault. Next stop Banbury. Well Solihull but you know what I mean.

Sunday 23 July

10:37 Steve - The nightmare continues.

Friday, July 20, 2007

2007 Agenda

Friday night

17:28 - Erect tents.
17:30 - BBQ - no-one has brought burgers or rolls, just lard.
18:01 - Beer in Pear Tree
19:28 - Aunt Sally tournament @ The Bell
21:21 - Food somewhere

Saturday

12 noon - Festival opens - beer
13:00 - Londoners arrive
13:15 - Brighton contingent arrive
14:29 - Londoners finally 'get it up' (the tent)
13:00 - Football fans forums (West Ham, Man Yoo, Citeh, Seagulls in heated discussion)
14:00 - Comedy half-hour - Sven Goran Eriksson and Manchester City
14:30 - Torrential downpour. Adjourn to play chess.
15:00 - Rain relents. Adjourn to park for real-life football
16:12 - Twilight zone - Queues build for Roddy Doyle's (Fish&Chip) Van
17:09 - Some barrels start to run dry
19:45 - Pear Tree for community singing
23:27 - Police encourage locals to go home and stop fighting

Sunday

08:26 - Full English Breakfast is served. Unfortunately, no-one brought bacon, eggs, mushroom, sausages or ketchup (just lard)