“It’s a proper northern town”

A chat with Scouse comic Francine Carlyle ahead of her appearance at The Fingerpost on Friday 27 June

Jun 12, 2025

Thursday 12 June 2025

If you’d like to write an article for The Scarf My Father Wore, share a few snippets or photos, or advertise your business, please email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com.

THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE 2025-26 CALENDAR: Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

Along with Dawn Bailey, James Murray and Danny McLoughlin, the very funny Francine Carlyle is on the bill at The Fingerpost on Friday 27 June for my next Desmond’s Comedy Club night. Here’s a Q and A with the Scouse comic. Drop me an email if you’d like to come along.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Impact Pro Clean. A big thank you to Nigel. If you need any exterior cleaning services, you’ll get a 15% discount by quoting “County”. Call 07709 883239 or email impactprocleanltd@gmail.com.

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: 253.75 miles

Total steps so far: 418,084

Total raised so far: £2,312

Total completed streets so far: 474 (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

Thanks for joining us Francine Carlyle. Which of the following is your favourite: the actor Robert Carlyle, the singer Belinda Carlisle, or the Cumbrian city of Carlisle?

It has to be Begbie from Trainspotting. Or as I like to call him, Our Bob.

How would you describe your style of comedy for anyone who’s not seen you before?

Storytelling and self-deprecating. I have to see the funny side of life because mine has been bonkers.

What’s been your best stand-up gig so far?

Che Burnley’s Alternative Black Cabaret. I couldn’t finish my set due to laughter – it was unbelievable.

And the worst?

Any open mic night playing to just one audience member and the rest of the comedians.

Who’s your comedy hero?

Reeves and Mortimer, and Dave Chappell.

Best thing about being a comedian?

Making people laugh. There could be one person in the crowd going through a shit time and if I or anyone else can help them forget their worries just for a few minutes that means more than anything.

Worst thing about being a comedian?

Driving for hours for free to play to three people.

What’s your thoughts on the town of Stockport?

My daughter’s a big P Louise fan so we go there quite a lot. It’s a proper northern town.

Where will you be travelling from for the gig in Stockport, how will you be getting there, and what snacks do you reckon you’ll be eating on the journey?

I’m coming from Liverpool, I’ll be driving, and I’ll probably have a bottle of water and a Twix.

And finally, obviously I do these little interviews to sell tickets for the shows. Why should people come and see you in Stockport in June?

When I promote shows I just say I’m hilarious. People laugh, then come along. Seriously, though, my comedy’s relatable, I have good stage presence and I laugh at myself.

➡️ Come and see Francine (and me!) on Friday 27 June. Call/text 07816 111150 or email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com to reserve your seats.

Get your house looking good for BBQ season!

The weather’s been absolutely scorching this week. If you’re thinking of popping a BBQ or two into the diary, you might want to spruce up your house before having everyone over. Impact Pro Clean offers a complete exterior cleaning service, including the following:

Gutter Cleaning
Driveway Cleaning
Roof Cleaning
Render Cleaning
Upvc Cleaning
Graffiti Removal
Brickwork Cleaning
Moss & Algae Removal

And, if you quote “County” when booking a job, you’ll get a 15% discount!

➡️ Call 07709 883239 or email impactprocleanltd@gmail.com.

Photo(s) of the day

Moor Lane, Salford

County announced their final pre-season friendly earlier today: a trip to Salford City on Friday 25 July. Our last trip to Moor Lane was towards the end of our 2023-24 League Two title-winning season, when Dave Challinor’s men fought back from 2-0 down to rescue a point. Here’s a few snaps from the away end.

Today in SK

🍺 Food and drink

The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £5.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £1.50, and 3 for £7 on Jägerbombs. Also, double up for £2 on premium spirits.

Bitter £2.30 a pint all night at The Cross Keys (SK8).

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as The Crown (SK2), The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Steelworks (SK6), The Three Tunnes (SK7) and Flute & Firkin (SK12). Support them this month by popping in for a few drinks and a bite to eat.