Calliope’s Column
A blast from the past today for anyone who read The Tea Party in the 90s
Friday 17 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Colchester – Saturday 18 November, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Newport – Saturday 25 November, 3pm
Hola Hatters!
We’ve already racked up a fair few miles with our new ‘Meet the Subscribers’ series, with trips to Essex and Kent, but we’re leaving the UK for the first time today as Graham Hall joins us from Spain. You might not recognise the name, but if you bought The Tea Party during the 90s you’ll have read Graham’s work before, as the man behind regular feature Calliope’s Column.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Beeline VIP Coaches. A big thank you to Adam.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £987
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Graham Hall, 70, was born in Urmston (although his three children were all born in Stepping Hill) and worked as a travel agent, and later as a professional musician and teacher, before retiring. He left the UK in 1997 and now resides in Manilva on the Costa del Sol.
Favourite thing about The Scarf My Father Wore?
No particular favourite thing about it really.
Where do you normally read your daily dose of The Scarf My Father Wore?
At home, overlooking the Med, Gibraltar and North Africa.
How or why did you become a County fan?
I was taken by my dad in the 60s after a couple of pretty forgettable visits to Maine Road. My grandad was on the groundstaff at Citeh.
What does Stockport County mean to you?
A hell of a lot. Always has done. There are some very good reasons why I left the UK (all legal though!) but I haven't seen County live since the Wembley win against Rochdale in 2008. My visit to EP was in 1997 for the 1-0 drubbing of the Turd Morons. I left the UK the following day, so missed the promotion party.
What was your first County match?
It’s such a long time ago and I was so young, but the first one I have vague recollections of was an FA Cup win against non-league Wigan.
Where do you sit inside EP?
I used to stand on the Pop Side!
Who else is in your usual County matchday crew?
My elder son Greg (who writes for the programme) and his two boys go. Unfortunately I'm not exactly surrounded by County fans down here, but I have managed to sort of convert one of our Spanish neighbours.
Who is your favourite ever County player?
Probably Big Kev.
Worst ever player?
I didn’t think much of Wayne Entwistle…!
Favourite current player?
As a former goalie (I played for Liverpool University in the 70s) I’d probably have to say Big Ben.
Who is your favourite ever County manager?
Danny Bergara. I got to give him a hug after the 5-0 against Scunthorpe. I managed to get tickets for myself and my best mate for the players’ lounge that memorable day. After the game we had a couple of celebratory pints and a little wander around the corridors, and found the great man in his little office. I thanked him for everything he’d done for us.
Best atmosphere you’ve experienced watching County?
Has to be the QPR game in the FA Cup. I was sat in the Main Stand for that one. It was literally bouncing when Preecey scored that winner.
Favourite ever game?
That QPR game.
Worst ever game?
There were plenty of bad games in those early days. I seem to have been quite successful in blotting them from my memory banks.
Favourite ever goal?
Steve Massey scored a blinding solo effort against Darlington or Hartlepool at the Cheadle End in the 60s. He rounded, ooh, at least nine defenders before slotting past the keeper. Pity there was no video in those days, eh?
If you could play in an exact moment from County’s history, which would it be?
Difficult one, this. Possibly Big Kev’s goal against Port Vale at Wembley.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have ever made to get to a match?
None that I can think of, though every match missed is a sort of sacrifice these days.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at the match?
Probably Kenny's comment when a Jack Russell ran on the pitch against Tranmere and he announced it as their sub.
Favourite matchday boozer?
If any, The Royal Oak for a couple of pints of lager.
Favourite County song?
Probably "Oh Stockport Town… is wonderful," but don't tell any of your female readers.
Most despised rival club?
I have always hated the Red Scum especially after that League Cup tie at Old Trafford, but then in later years it was Burnley. More recently, I would find it difficult to say anything nice about Wrexham.
Most despised rival player?
Ted McMinn, for obvious reasons.
Do you collect any County/football related memorabilia?
Yes, I still have all my programmes and around the house there are scarves, a framed grey away shirt, photos of my first grandson with Jim Gannon on the pitch at EP when he was a mascot, and County team photos from the past.
Any chance encounters with County players?
When I was working in Manchester I sometimes got the train home with Oshor Williams and Dean Emerson. I have met and had my picture taken (with a copy of The Tea Party in each case) with Ronald Koeman, Dion Dublin and other footballing notables, but of course those don't count!
Have you ever decked an opposing fan?
No!
If you could invite any five people round for a chippy tea, who would it be?
Don't do chippy teas, I'm afraid, ever since becoming diabetic!
Tell us something impressive about yourself without sounding stupid.
I used to run marathons. Personal best was under three hours.
Can you play football to any sort of standard?
Used to. Once played in goal against Steve Coppell – and he didn't score!
Describe a perfect day.
Sunbathing on our terrace in the morning, followed by a County win in the afternoon.
Anything you’d like to say to finish?
Nothing to add. All this reminiscing has worn me out! Hasta luego.
And finally, here’s a few of Graham’s favourite things…
TV programme: Watching County on telly.
Film: Kelly's Heroes or This Is Spinal Tap.
City: Rome and Toledo are special cities I've visited, though through my travel agency career I got to see many great cities in the Far East and Australia.
Food: Pasta or curry.
Drink: Lager.
Book: Most works of Bill Bryson, though Michael Green's The Art of Coarse Golf is runner-up to probably my favourite of all time, Dave Espley's classic Saturday Night and Thursday Morning.
Band: Pink Floyd, though if you'd care to listen to my band down here from a few years back (NorthStarinspain on ReverbNation) they hold a few great memories for me too.
Click on the links below to read our previous interviews with The Scarf My Father Wore subscribers.
John K Bilsbury / Bob Carey / Peter Jaquiss / Nick Lee
An interview with Adam Bradshaw from Beeline VIP Coaches
You’ve been working with County since 2019. How did it all come about?
I was approached by a mutual friend to cover County’s away game at York in the FA Cup in October 2019. I had a meeting with the great man himself Jim Gannon when I was invited to pop over to Edgeley Park to show the club our main first-team coach. County were so impressed with our services, I was asked to tender for the following season; I did, and the rest is history!
What’s involved on a matchday when you're driving County to an away game?
The work starts the day before, doing a full safety check, sorting out the water tanks, and generally ensuring the vehicle is in tip top condition for the team. Once we arrive at Carrington we load the coach up with all the kit, the food, and the most important thing of all, the players! The lads know me as “De Niro” - a nickname given to me by some of the players! We get on really well and they all know me by first name too which is nice, and we often stay in touch outside of work; I’ve had many messages from players and managers with jokes and the odd catch-up.
After the match, the driver gets the food ready for the players to eat when they’ve finished playing. This means the driver will usually miss the second half of County’s game, as they have to get the ovens fired up and make sure the food is hot, but we do have a link to all the matches through the TV on the coach so we never miss a kick.
What are the County players like to work with?
Honestly, County are the best club we deal with. The players and management are great, funny, seriously polite at all times, and really helpful in loading and unloading. They’ve made myself and my drivers feel so at home within the club, we’re now season ticket holders, attending nearly all the home games. We’ve also brought lots of our visiting teams to Edgeley Park. We share the highs and the lows with the fans.
Do you work with any other football clubs?
I’ve worked with many local clubs including Salford, Rochdale, City and United’s youth teams, as well as a few clubs from outside the area when they need travel, such as Millwall, West Ham, Newcastle, PSG and PSV Eindhoven. We’ve also provided transport for lots of amateur teams arriving in the UK from USA, South Africa, Australia and Brazil.
Give us a brief history of your business.
I started the business after years in the industry working for many other companies in the area. I had roles ranging from driver through to operations and finally on to sales manager. I then realised there was a gap in the market to provide first class transport for football teams, and VIP travel for everyone.
What's your favourite radio station when you're on the road?
To be honest, I much prefer a good playlist on the bluetooth speakers.
What's your favourite service station?
It’s got to be Norton Canes on the M6 Toll, but to be honest we don’t really use them when the players are on as they just want to get home.
What's your favourite motorway?
M60, as it’s near the base! The best part of a long journey is when you know you’re nearly home.
Visit beelinevipcoaches.co.uk for further details.
DJ Des
We’ll stick a little bit of Pink Floyd on for Graham, for when he’s sunbathing on his terrace in Spain.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
Today in SK
🎶 DJ
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍟 Food and drink
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. Open till 7.30pm.
🎤 Karaoke
The Alexandra (SK3) with DJ Big Ace. 8pm.
🎸 Live music
The Select Committee at The Red Bull (SK1). 8.30pm.
Andy Lee at The Crown Inn (SK6). 9pm.
Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Photo of the day
Flynny keeps a close eye on Shaun Goater during our 2-2 draw at Maine Road in October 2001.
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Knew Graham in the 60's when he was one of our neighbours and a mate of one of my brothers. Great nostalgia thanks Des & Graham