4:3tv Meet 011 - Life On Mars - 3rd Oct 2021 Report Thread
Oct 8, 2021 19:52:34 GMT
The Saint, Del Boy, and 15 more like this
Post by Gene Hunt on Oct 8, 2021 19:52:34 GMT
Well, what more can I add to the glowing reports I've read through here. It's really rewarding to read a lot of the comments and makes my efforts completely worthwhile.
It's difficult to believe it's been a week already since I was getting everything ready for the journey to Manchester. Even more difficult to believe that last weekend was meant to happen 18 months earlier. I know we had the Back On The Buses Meet just a few months ago but this Life On Mars Meet has promised so much for so long and it was beginning to feel as though it was never going to happen. But happen it did, and personally I think it was without a shadow of a doubt the best Meet we have had since they started back in 2005.
Saturday morning saw an early start for myself, John Steed, Del Boy & Dirty Epic. We were in the Quattro at 7.30am and soon caning the M6 up to Manchester. By 9.30 we were in Wetherspoons having breakfast... and the first pint!
From here we headed off to another pub I'd pencilled in called 'The Bay Horse Tavern'. This proved to be the only negative of the whole weekend thanks to pig ignorant staff who were so rude and refused to open the pub on time and told us to wait outside in the rain for an estimated 30 minutes before they felt like opening. This is one establishment I will never patronise again and a suitable review has been left for them.
Not to be put off, we then headed back to nearby Wetherspoons for an hour or so, during which time we were joined by Brown Granada, who kindly informed us that it was still raining heavily. Another pint was supped before we headed off to the Port Street Beer House. During our couple of hours spent sheltering there, we were joined by a number of other squad members including Vienna, Get Carter, Candy Girl, DC Burtonshaw etc. It was when Get Carter & Candy Girl joined us that they presented me with a surprise gift, as seen below!
I told you. It's more the Mrs that likes Whittaker, not me!! Thanks anyway
The afternoon just shot by and it was soon time to check in at the digs just around the corner. Once again, a huge thanks to John Steed for taking on booking responsibilites for us. The Premier Inn Piccadilly, though not cheap, was a great quality hotel and an excellent base for the Meet ahead.
After a quick wash and brush up it was time to hit the town again. This time we were also joined by latest arrivals Sam Tyler & The Saint, as well as Windy Miller. We set off for the first pub on foot but it wasn't long before the rain began to pour again but it didn't deter us from getting around a few boozers. The Salisbury, Peveril Of The Peak, Britons Protection... all serving excellent Guinness and malt whisky. Then it was time for some grub so we all trudged off to the Ribeye Steakhouse. All too soon the evening was almost over, but not before we stumbled into the hotel bar for a nightcap or two.. I slept like a log that night!
Sunday morning was another early start as we headed off to a different Wetherspoons for breakfast. Then it was back to the hotel to meet up with the Sunday arrivals, Cartman & Peter Picard. I quickly shot to my room to change into the days outfit - as did Del.
Back downstairs and we met for the first time as the full Meet Squad - amidst some classic comments about our attire.
The Meet got underway bang on schedule as expected and feeling somewhat self conscious in the outfits, we headed off to location 1. The location where Sam is run over has changed so much since filming, with much demolition and regeneration going on, yet it still remained instantly recogniseable.
Then it was on to location 2 and the search for some white dog shit, next to which we needed to make an arrest. This location drew some attention from non squad members who were passing by and must have thought we were a film crew as they started taking photos of myself and Del in costume.
Then someone smudged Sam & mediscussing blaming each other for forgetting to bring a bottle of Scotch on the walk.
There was still an arrest to be made though so we looked for some white dog shit by which we could arrest them, and soon found some!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
For those interest, that's John Steed being arrested
Then it was off to the next few locations on foot and further re enactments!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
A few more locations followed and before we knew it we were back at the Hotel and ready to commence Part 2 of the Meet in the cars.
First location of Part 2 is a real standout location that I think everyone has marked as a personal favourite. Stopford House in Stockport which featured as the Police Station in LoM. There were more re enactments done here than any other location last weekend, with some absolute classic lines from the show being delivered by us all.
Then it was off to another classic location from the final episode of series 1. Woodbank Community Centre.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
Then it was on to our lunch break at The Olde Boars Head in Middleton. I had been in touch with The Old Boars Head since January 2020 when I was making our provisional booking for the Meet. Obviously with Covid they were forced to close but as soon as they re opened I kept in touch and once I had set the date for the Meet again, they were happy to book us in. They really did us proud too with setting a room aside for us and serving excellent Sunday lunches.
After said lunch and a few drinks, it was time to head off onto the final leg of the Meet. We started with a short walk up to Middleton Parish Church, which is perched high up with great views. Unfortunately, the heavens opened up on us once more so we had to make a hasty return to the cars... Not before we bagged a few moody smudges though.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
This place is so atmospheric and unspoilt by the passage of time. Never mind the fact it could have been 1973, it really could have been 1873!
Just for now though, we were transported back to 1973 in the golden decade.
(Use arrows to scroll through images)
Now we began out return towards Manchester, stopping off at even more locations along the way, including both of Sam Tyler's childhood homes, the Murder on a bus location, and then the canal towpath where Gene & Sam chase Kim Trent. No re enactments here thank heavens!! A nice smudge though to show how the skyline of Manchester has changed so much even in the 16 years since filming.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
At this point we said farewell to new Meet Squad member, Cartman, and headed of to our final location of the Meet. Aspin Lane. It was somewhat sad to see the changes here even since I was there just a few years ago. We did manage to get a few photos of parts that had seen little change though.
No bodies here this time, thankfully!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
Just a few yards away, we saw a scene in which the Cortina speeds past having driven under the railway arches. For some reason in post production, this scene was flipped horizontally. I did ask the question of members of the original production team but no one had a definite answer. So, for continuity purposes, I have flipped the 'then' photo to match the scene from the show.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
And so the actual Meet drew to a close. It was an absolutely fantastic day and we all enjoyed every single moment throughout. All that was left was a short drive back to the hotel, a wash and brush up and then a final evening around town.
First port of call was 'The Sir Ralph Abercromby' which was subject of a campaign some time ago not only in Manchester, but also here on 4:3tv, to save it from demolition and redevelopment. This pub is said to have been the main influence for The Railway Arms which we see in Life On Mars. It certainly didn't disappoint with it's excellent Guinness and fine malt whisky. Then after another meal and one more pub stop, it was back to the hotel for a final nightcap.
All too soon the Life On Mars Meet weekend was over. Monday morning saw those of us left returning home to reflect on what was a truly marvellous weekend.
It is always difficult to get through the thank yous without worrying that you miss anyone but I will try. Firstly a huge thanks to a member that didn't even attend the Meet - Steve Austin, who very very kindly printed up all of the booklets over 18 months ago. They really do add something special to the day. Thanks Steve
For the journey up to Manchester, I'd like to thank John Steed, Delboy & Dirty Epic for being excellent company as always. I'd then like to thank those of you who traveled to Manchester by their own means on Saturday for keeping in touch throughout. Many thanks to Get Carter & Candy Girl for the present you sent Mrs Hunt and the Gene Hunt books you gave to all members
A big big thank you to all of those who really helped by driving around during the Meet. Without you we simply could not have the spread of locations that we cover. It's no small feat to drive around a city that you've never been to before - so well done! I hope all of your passengers on the day offered some form of gesture towards the cost of your fuel.
Big thanks to The Saint who brought me the lovely large Sunday carvery in Middleton - thanks pal
Thanks to Brown Granada, who presented me with a very nice bottle of gold watch indeed by way of thanks for what I do for everyone - his words, not mine. Thanks BG A bottle of Scotch is always a winner!
Thanks to a couple of other members who brought me a pint during the weekend and also to Del for getting both nightcaps on Saturday and Sunday night - Cheers pal
Thanks to Sam, The Saint & Del for being brilliant company in the Quattro on Sunday too. I honestly have never laughed so much ever. The atmosphere was brilliant.
Finally, thank you to each and every one of you who attended. These Meets are a success because of you. You all turn up on time and we all never fail to gel as a friendly group. I hope Cartman now feels a part of this unique group. The 4:3tv Meet Squad. Maybe we can see even more new faces in April 2022!
If I have forgotten anyone in particular I apologise. All that remains for me to say now though it KEEP 'EM PEELED for the announcement of the next 4:3tv Meet.
Right. I'm off to the pub
Gene.
It's difficult to believe it's been a week already since I was getting everything ready for the journey to Manchester. Even more difficult to believe that last weekend was meant to happen 18 months earlier. I know we had the Back On The Buses Meet just a few months ago but this Life On Mars Meet has promised so much for so long and it was beginning to feel as though it was never going to happen. But happen it did, and personally I think it was without a shadow of a doubt the best Meet we have had since they started back in 2005.
Saturday morning saw an early start for myself, John Steed, Del Boy & Dirty Epic. We were in the Quattro at 7.30am and soon caning the M6 up to Manchester. By 9.30 we were in Wetherspoons having breakfast... and the first pint!
From here we headed off to another pub I'd pencilled in called 'The Bay Horse Tavern'. This proved to be the only negative of the whole weekend thanks to pig ignorant staff who were so rude and refused to open the pub on time and told us to wait outside in the rain for an estimated 30 minutes before they felt like opening. This is one establishment I will never patronise again and a suitable review has been left for them.
Not to be put off, we then headed back to nearby Wetherspoons for an hour or so, during which time we were joined by Brown Granada, who kindly informed us that it was still raining heavily. Another pint was supped before we headed off to the Port Street Beer House. During our couple of hours spent sheltering there, we were joined by a number of other squad members including Vienna, Get Carter, Candy Girl, DC Burtonshaw etc. It was when Get Carter & Candy Girl joined us that they presented me with a surprise gift, as seen below!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pZoauIYv1
I told you. It's more the Mrs that likes Whittaker, not me!! Thanks anyway
The afternoon just shot by and it was soon time to check in at the digs just around the corner. Once again, a huge thanks to John Steed for taking on booking responsibilites for us. The Premier Inn Piccadilly, though not cheap, was a great quality hotel and an excellent base for the Meet ahead.
After a quick wash and brush up it was time to hit the town again. This time we were also joined by latest arrivals Sam Tyler & The Saint, as well as Windy Miller. We set off for the first pub on foot but it wasn't long before the rain began to pour again but it didn't deter us from getting around a few boozers. The Salisbury, Peveril Of The Peak, Britons Protection... all serving excellent Guinness and malt whisky. Then it was time for some grub so we all trudged off to the Ribeye Steakhouse. All too soon the evening was almost over, but not before we stumbled into the hotel bar for a nightcap or two.. I slept like a log that night!
Sunday morning was another early start as we headed off to a different Wetherspoons for breakfast. Then it was back to the hotel to meet up with the Sunday arrivals, Cartman & Peter Picard. I quickly shot to my room to change into the days outfit - as did Del.
Back downstairs and we met for the first time as the full Meet Squad - amidst some classic comments about our attire.
The Meet got underway bang on schedule as expected and feeling somewhat self conscious in the outfits, we headed off to location 1. The location where Sam is run over has changed so much since filming, with much demolition and regeneration going on, yet it still remained instantly recogniseable.
Then it was on to location 2 and the search for some white dog shit, next to which we needed to make an arrest. This location drew some attention from non squad members who were passing by and must have thought we were a film crew as they started taking photos of myself and Del in costume.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pYsxPI-JH
Then someone smudged Sam & me
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pZ6XYIQiQ
There was still an arrest to be made though so we looked for some white dog shit by which we could arrest them, and soon found some!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0paQvmIzFO
For those interest, that's John Steed being arrested
Then it was off to the next few locations on foot and further re enactments!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pah-mIE2q
A few more locations followed and before we knew it we were back at the Hotel and ready to commence Part 2 of the Meet in the cars.
First location of Part 2 is a real standout location that I think everyone has marked as a personal favourite. Stopford House in Stockport which featured as the Police Station in LoM. There were more re enactments done here than any other location last weekend, with some absolute classic lines from the show being delivered by us all.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0pZHV-vs2c
Then it was off to another classic location from the final episode of series 1. Woodbank Community Centre.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pa4boo_au
Then it was on to our lunch break at The Olde Boars Head in Middleton. I had been in touch with The Old Boars Head since January 2020 when I was making our provisional booking for the Meet. Obviously with Covid they were forced to close but as soon as they re opened I kept in touch and once I had set the date for the Meet again, they were happy to book us in. They really did us proud too with setting a room aside for us and serving excellent Sunday lunches.
After said lunch and a few drinks, it was time to head off onto the final leg of the Meet. We started with a short walk up to Middleton Parish Church, which is perched high up with great views. Unfortunately, the heavens opened up on us once more so we had to make a hasty return to the cars... Not before we bagged a few moody smudges though.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pbJK1om09
This place is so atmospheric and unspoilt by the passage of time. Never mind the fact it could have been 1973, it really could have been 1873!
Just for now though, we were transported back to 1973 in the golden decade.
(Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pbbvKIJ3L
Now we began out return towards Manchester, stopping off at even more locations along the way, including both of Sam Tyler's childhood homes, the Murder on a bus location, and then the canal towpath where Gene & Sam chase Kim Trent. No re enactments here thank heavens!! A nice smudge though to show how the skyline of Manchester has changed so much even in the 16 years since filming.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pbz88oXbe
At this point we said farewell to new Meet Squad member, Cartman, and headed of to our final location of the Meet. Aspin Lane. It was somewhat sad to see the changes here even since I was there just a few years ago. We did manage to get a few photos of parts that had seen little change though.
No bodies here this time, thankfully!
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pcGUrIoz7
Just a few yards away, we saw a scene in which the Cortina speeds past having driven under the railway arches. For some reason in post production, this scene was flipped horizontally. I did ask the question of members of the original production team but no one had a definite answer. So, for continuity purposes, I have flipped the 'then' photo to match the scene from the show.
Then & Now (Use arrows to scroll through images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pcR8DohTP
And so the actual Meet drew to a close. It was an absolutely fantastic day and we all enjoyed every single moment throughout. All that was left was a short drive back to the hotel, a wash and brush up and then a final evening around town.
First port of call was 'The Sir Ralph Abercromby' which was subject of a campaign some time ago not only in Manchester, but also here on 4:3tv, to save it from demolition and redevelopment. This pub is said to have been the main influence for The Railway Arms which we see in Life On Mars. It certainly didn't disappoint with it's excellent Guinness and fine malt whisky. Then after another meal and one more pub stop, it was back to the hotel for a final nightcap.
All too soon the Life On Mars Meet weekend was over. Monday morning saw those of us left returning home to reflect on what was a truly marvellous weekend.
It is always difficult to get through the thank yous without worrying that you miss anyone but I will try. Firstly a huge thanks to a member that didn't even attend the Meet - Steve Austin, who very very kindly printed up all of the booklets over 18 months ago. They really do add something special to the day. Thanks Steve
For the journey up to Manchester, I'd like to thank John Steed, Delboy & Dirty Epic for being excellent company as always. I'd then like to thank those of you who traveled to Manchester by their own means on Saturday for keeping in touch throughout. Many thanks to Get Carter & Candy Girl for the present you sent Mrs Hunt and the Gene Hunt books you gave to all members
A big big thank you to all of those who really helped by driving around during the Meet. Without you we simply could not have the spread of locations that we cover. It's no small feat to drive around a city that you've never been to before - so well done! I hope all of your passengers on the day offered some form of gesture towards the cost of your fuel.
Big thanks to The Saint who brought me the lovely large Sunday carvery in Middleton - thanks pal
Thanks to Brown Granada, who presented me with a very nice bottle of gold watch indeed by way of thanks for what I do for everyone - his words, not mine. Thanks BG A bottle of Scotch is always a winner!
Thanks to a couple of other members who brought me a pint during the weekend and also to Del for getting both nightcaps on Saturday and Sunday night - Cheers pal
Thanks to Sam, The Saint & Del for being brilliant company in the Quattro on Sunday too. I honestly have never laughed so much ever. The atmosphere was brilliant.
Finally, thank you to each and every one of you who attended. These Meets are a success because of you. You all turn up on time and we all never fail to gel as a friendly group. I hope Cartman now feels a part of this unique group. The 4:3tv Meet Squad. Maybe we can see even more new faces in April 2022!
If I have forgotten anyone in particular I apologise. All that remains for me to say now though it KEEP 'EM PEELED for the announcement of the next 4:3tv Meet.
Right. I'm off to the pub
Gene.