Thanks so much to the @ladiesofdarkness.bsky.social for being endlessly supportive of my work.

Well, the Charlton fans going to Wrexham on the train did not give a good impression. I'm surprised BTP didn't arrest the family I was stuck in the vestibule with as soon as they got off. An absolute embarrassment.

Delighted to be facing another delayed train this morning when I want to get home sharpish as I have fake Labubus for the baby - a gift from nana. She is going to be stoked 🤣😬

Huge congratulations to Bea and @morrighani.bsky.social for their @britbeerwriters.bsky.social shortlisting. We’re proud to have been allowed to publish your work! And to our friends in cider, @rachelhendry.bsky.social, Gabe, Jane and Anaïs! Flying the cider flag is sometimes a lonely furrow! 😄

If you see someone on a train platform doing a little happy dance right now, it's me discovering I have five.... FIVE!!!!?!! @britbeerwriters.bsky.social award nominations. Sqweee! And indeed WHUTTTT???

Turns out that the kids are supposed to wear spotty tshirts for school next week, so it's a good job I sent Bam Bam in in one today. Get the jump on the crowd. If anyone is available to provide pity PA services that would be appreciated.

Wait... I'm going to Manchester tomorrow and it's unlikely to be raining? What is this?

I guess purple suits me, as I had compliments from three strangers about my hair colour today, in a two hour foray to town.

ISBFX is here! Our first session starts this evening, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Hemsley House! If you can’t find your tickets, search ‘universe’ in your inbox, and they should magically appear ✨ Here’s a selection of the raffle prizes you could be in with a chance of winning ⬇️

Twelve years since my parcel was left "in the bush". Sweet memories.

Little treat before bed, as I'm feeling rock n roll.

I am sat down for the day and, apart from writing a few talk notes, that's it from me for the day. Thank goodness.

Right hive mind. I have it in my head that there were four brewery coopers left until recently - Theakstons, Samuel Smiths, Marstons (now retired) but where was the fourth? Or have I just dreamed it? Ta loves!

I must confirm that I was not, in fact, kung-fu fighting, and I realise I've let the side down.

The kitty pumpkin has been recycled as soup.

My stomach is grumbling at me, wondering where the daily haggis breakfast has gone. Rightly so!

I don't think I like trains anymore.

New Street, baby! I can smell home...

All being well, I've only got 4 hours travel time left! Woo.... hooo?

OK. Now I am actually heading in a southerly direction, so this is definitely progress.

So, I'm taking the scenic route home to Shropshire, via Edinburgh due to a derailment somewhere around Carlisle. Fingers crossed I get home sometime this week!

Please bring your own.

There was indeed! www.pelliclemag.com/home/2021/7/...

Instagram made me do it. Well, @totalcurtis.bsky.social to be fair. Middle Guinness at The Laurieston.

Splabs.

I'm open for lunch today. Do we have an opinion on the best Sunday roast in Glasgow? Or should I be eating something else?

Nobody panic. I have self serve haggis. Although, no beans, I belatedly realise.

A five unit emergency, at 6am? How marvellous.

I'm just going to put it out there that my breakfast had better include haggis, otherwise I'm going to be really quite put out. There. I said it.

I was going to get a pizza crunch, but then I realised I don't actually want to eat one. I wanted this instead.

Beer is for Everyone opens in 10 minutes at the Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow. There are some great Christmas presents on the merch stand.. . (Just saying) Great work @glasladiesbeer.bsky.social - looks fabulous!

I'm sat on a train near to two unrelated individuals who have, spontaneously, decided that public singing is the way to approach this train journey. One of them is tapping a jolly accompaniment on his knees from time to time. I'm on this train until 11.30am. I've got rights, right?

Bam Bam woke me up at 3.30am, and my brain decided that was an opportune moment to prepare for my 5.30am alarm clock. At least I'm ready to go with half an hour to spare and I can be sure I definitely haven't forgotten anything 🙃

We've been out walking the gentlest dog in the world, Spirit, this morning.

Epic news: Beer Festivals has been shortlisted for Best Beer Book in the World 2026, the same award won by 50 Years of CAMRA, my 1st book, in 22. My thanks to the Gourmand Awards for this huge honour - fingers crossed for February. Although, being named top 3 in the world is pretty cool in itself!

Spooky.

Well, we enjoyed Dark Crystal, but then one of us had a tantrum about chicken nuggets and now it's raining so shit.

We are watching Dark Crystal. She's not too scared yet! This is a win so far.

FAO publicans who love cask ale: Joule's is looking for someone to operate The Coopers Tavern in Burton-upon-Trent. They emailed us to ask if we'd share this because, we gather, they really want someone who will be excited to run this particular pub. www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/vacancy/coop...

Prunella Scales as well? I think I've had enough of October now, thanks.

Just seen there is a Necessary Evil Mescal edition. Which sounds... necessary.

Being fine is really hard work and I won't let anyone tell me otherwise. Did have a cracking pie for lunch (accompanied by a terrible pint) so I suppose that's something to celebrate.

In memoriam: this article tells you exactly what my sister was like. She leaves a gaping, sweary hole in small island communities behind her.

Been looking forward to a drink all day and now Bammers is in bed, I just can't face it. Turns out nice drinks are for happy days, not sad ones.

So on my sister's 50th birthday, I discover she passed away 10 weeks ago. Which is kind of typical of my sister. Guess I'll be raising a wee dram in her memory today. Life is weird.

If anyone's switching their energy to Fuse let me know as I have a referral code :) So far, so good for me.

"That will be the West Midlands Ghostbusters. We saw them last week." True story.

Hopes of not turning the heating on have been dashed as the house drops to 16°C a week but scheduled acceptable limits.

In no other game are referees this cool with fighting. Until the helmet comes off. No PPE, no fight. Luckily, everyone stands up when they fight so Bammers can't see what's happening 😬

We cheered the Telford Tigers on to victory tonight.