Voicemale - Not the Chairmans Blog

Firstly, apologies for absence from our chairman Chris who thought he would give his vocal chords a rest for the evening and join the Toon Army for the night. Big mistake I'm thinking, he would have been better off remaining on side with the rest of us. I heard that Phil Spectors Wall of Sound had nothing on St James's performance that evening. Well, it was a night of smiles all round; firstly we were greeted in the hall by a beaming Anthony, in his shirt sleeves, having successfully scored a direct hit on the heating system thermostat. Positively balmy. Then we greeted our new member Malcolm, brought in just before the end of the transfer season to reinforce the Bass's squad. Proud to declare he is from Newcastle, even prouder by the end of the night I suspect. We kicked off with our favourite round, Honest Malt Liquor, presumably in anticipation of the final score, I guess there wouldn't be much Poxy French Liquor consumed in the Strawberry by our lads post-match. Gone are the days when the Blue Star was proudly displayed on team shirts and we sported one of Britain's largest brewery just across the road. Yet more drinking with "Martin Said" and, along with his drunken fool, we brought in two of our star players, Henry & Paul to do the solos, the latter feeling a little off side, never before having sung the chorus lines and was landed with milking the bull, not an enviable task. Certainly not on my "bucket list". Half time break, no oranges, but arrangements for the 25th Anniversary Booze Battle Bus were announced, Rik & Paul seem to have this well in hand, no doubt they will be engaging in a bit of pre-match research. Date for that fixture; provisionally 31st May.

Second half, we brought on two more star players George & John to complete the quartet to attack the third verse. Back of the Net. The excitement literally cooled down before the end of the game with a brand new song, "Now is the Cool of the Day", a lovely arrangement by Jon, "influenced" by Janice. Things are certainly hotting up for the new season and I'm sure all the hard training will have us match fit in no time. Post match excitement in the Tap& Spile where we learnt that Margo had just returned from London having won a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Brewery Landlords. Well done Margot, and thanks for the sarnies & celebratory cake. No more puns,

Game over from me.

Martin