Things have been A Bit Much lately; getting pulled in a million directions at once, but we're not getting into that; I just want to sort through some recent photos and videos, and get back into the habit of aimlessly writing about whatever has been capturing my imagination.
Starting with the absolute joy that is playing the xylophone. I just kind of stumbled into this endeavour unintentionally and properly caught the bug - they're fun to play, super easy to learn, and the sound of them is just so endearing. I opted for an alto xylophone, with a satisfyingly weighty tone, less bright than a soprano but not quite as a deep as a bass (or a behs - does it still qualify as a behs if it's a xylophone?); the sound is absolutely gorgeous and it's really relaxing to clonk out some tunes on it. The only drawback is that it's a damnsight bigger than I expected it to be, and trying to find somewhere to keep the bugger is proving a challenge. I'll work something out. Maybe it's time to get back on with sewing so I can make a quilted bag for it to live in.
I've also been really enjoying
Helen's Log, a fabulous podcast, well worth a listen! The vibe is super comfy and comedy-wise, it's genuinely hilarious; one episode made me laugh so much that I snorted, quite loudly,
in public. No regrets - that was the best laugh I've had in ages. Absolutely creased, it was sublime. Go check it out if you haven't already, you won't be disappointed.
There's also, a development on the jacket potato situation; in
one of her stand-up shows (also really good, another recommendation!), Suzi Ruffell referred to them as "Jackie P's" which simultaneously amused and delighted me; it's definitely up there with the "jayperpapoes". Adding one of my own to the mix, I mangled my words at one point and we ended up with "pocket potatoes", which I'd imagine are small jacket potatoes, for when you're just a
bit peckish. We're not going for actually keeping a hot, sweaty spud in your pocket, because that would violate the fucking Geneva Convention. Alas, it is still too muggy to justify a jacket potato, regardless of how you address them. Even a highly localised, unseasonably cold day, just over Giglamps Towers alone, would be welcome. Just cool down enough so I can smash back a big hot spud with tuna melt filling and hot sauce on it.
Come on!
Onto something that has slipped my radar now (it's been going since
2007!), and that's the first 5 or 6 series of Fags, Mags and Bags - they're both amazing and great! To
clarify for readers abroad, "fags" in this context is UK slang for
cigarettes, but yes, this show in its earlier episodes is a proper comfort food kind of
sitcom in the best way possible - very easily bingeable listening! It's set in an Indian newsagent and the surrounding high street in Lenzie, with essentially mundane situations blown out of all proportion in a delightfully absurd way, complete with a whole in-depth ecosystem and philosophy of "Shop", which provides the set-up for some really good gags. There are also plenty of charming characters with cheesy but endearing quirks and catchphrases, and they do a great job of capturing that particular feeling of a tight-knit community.
Alas, as with any long-running show, the wheels do start coming loose as it goes on; some really likeable characters leave or end up taking a back seat; it does slide gradually into feeling more soapy and the plots of the episodes start to feel increasingly like there's been some aimless scratching around for ideas. That's pretty much the long and short of why I bowed out around series 7, because I didn't want to stubbornly hammer through the whole lot and end up spoiling the earlier episodes by getting a bad taste in my mouth about it. But yes, the first few series, absolute belters; a lovely mix of a cosy atmosphere, sharp wit and chocolate bars as a barometer for romantic relationships.
Continuing with retro comedy, I revisited Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and came away with mixed feelings. Positives-wise, there was a really well-executed bait-and-switch gag about "the Morgan family charm" that absolutely made me howl, the musical special was fantastic, and admittedly, there was quite a cosy glow of nostalgia going for it at first, but after that initial gloss had worn off, it's a bit of a sod to sit with. Much as I love a bit of crass humour, this just falls a bit flat with me and I can't quite pinpoint what the issue was, beyond some vague impressions. It's a bit empty; it lacks energy; the sleazy humour doesn't quite stick the landing (except again, for the musical special, where it fully leans into the crassness while parodying a few popular late '90/early '00s songs, and it's a joy to watch.) Maybe it's just the mood I'm in, so I may well give it another chance at another time.
Now onto the main point of this post, another parade - the third one I've been to this year! First was a lantern parade in January (there was a gorgeous dove lantern there, easily the highlight); the Lunar New Year parade back in February and on this occasion, it was the 1261 Festival. Nearly sacked off going because I felt rough, knackered, mentally cup-running-over and all the rest of it, but I figured it'd do me good to go along, and indeed, it was a really lovely time. Here are some pictures from the outing...
Pigeons near the Silkworks
Turned up about quarter of an hour early to get a decent spot for the parade; the street here looks empty but it filled up quickly! As for this curious little shop here, continuing with my mission to learn more about the historical buildings around town, first of all, I was surprised the find that it's not a listed building. There are plenty of listed buildings along this street, but this one isn't among them. This archived article from 1904 gives us some very interesting insights...
In 1897 one of the older landmarks of Macclesfield was removed. This was
a tiny building in the Market place, known as "The Old Snuff Shop."
When this was taken down a Medieval wall was revealed, consisting of a
framework of oak beams, filled with "wattle and daub." In this wall is a
14th century window, divided into two lights by a centre mullion. The
openings are arched and cusped, and the spandrel above is also cusped.
The tracery and framework are all of oak. When found, the openings were
filled in with "wattle and daub." The window had evidently been blocked
up before the building of the little shop, which had been reared up
against the older structure, and had thus preserved this precious
fragment of Mediaeval Macclesfield. When the adjoining premises were
rebuilt, all but this party wall was swept away. During some alterations
in the property, human remains were discovered, showing that interments
had taken place on what must have been the inside of the building.
"Within a few feet of the window just described is the Angel Inn, and it
is a matter of tradition and belief amongst the Roman Catholics in
Macclesfield that this was the site of the original "Priest's House."
Should this be the case there is every reason to conclude that this was
an oratory window. It faces the east and overlooks the parish church.
The oak framework and the window have been carefully preserved in situ.
In taking down the old shop, two old signs were discovered similar to
cart signs, painted on tin, in black letters on a white ground, "Needles
sold here," and "Scanted Snuff sold here."
While I was waiting, the chimney stack also caught my eye - is that an owl up there? Zoom and enhance!
Owl confirmed!
This jewellery shop has an appealing design to the windows and door - those curves and the circular windows are sublime! There used to be a greasy spoon called The Chicken Spit here; it was over three floors with the exposed beams and other such woodwork; whether legit or pseudo-Tudo, I am too tired (and a bit soused) to research right now. Still, many a scran-up was had in there and I always liked to sit by the windows upstairs, to get a nice view of the town square. (Also honourable mention for Papagallo's, the Italian place down the road that was going in the '90s, that place was bangin'.)
Back to the present day, this shop always has really lovely window displays. Swanky jewellery isn't really my jam (very happy with a few Y2K-era dolphin pendants, an impractical but very stylish watch and a frankly unhinged number of beaded bracelets) but sunflowers are always a winner. Earlier in the year, they had some super charming hot air balloons and clouds as well.
Aerials on top of th'town hall. Never noticed these before, despite many times stopping to just enjoy this building, not to mention the sheer number of times I've been there for courses, help with general life admin, paying bills, you name it. The exterior has remained mostly consistent, but during that time and all of those visits, the interior has changed and adapted quite a lot. Personally, I reckon it was at its height when it had the big open plan foyer with the brightly coloured accents in the mid-2000s - that was lush!
And now we're here, at the start of the parade!
Drummers! This time we had a performance by
Batala Manchester; they were absolutely fantastic, just
so much enthusiasm! As well as banging out some delicious beats, they worked some energetic dance moves into the mix, and they were a joy.
Onto the theme of the parade, which was films. The tiger from the Lunar New Year parade made a return appearance here, being appropriately transported on a lavishly decorated palanquin. There were some Disney films represented, along with ET, The Greatest Showman as seen above and The Wizard of Oz among them, also a wild robot from one of the local schools. We had an appearance from MADS (Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society) as well, always treat. I've seen a few shows of theirs over the years and keep meaning to go more often; they put in a bloody good performance!
An appearance from our local footie mascot!
After the parade, I had a leisurely walk home, pondering what to have for lunch (turns out there was leftover garlic bread and pepperoni pizza in the fridge fucking YES, GET IN. BACK OF THE NET.)
And incidentally, encountered this van with very relatable priorities.
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