Blackpool gets Well & Truly Crewed!

Back at the hotel it's kinda organised chaos as we get ready. Clothes and shoes everywhere... make up and hair straightners shared... a few voddys on the go to get us in the mood! The bus is collecting us at 6.30 so we're against the clock. As per usual! However it all comes good when the bus arrives and we are all but ready.

Purses - check. Boas - check. Halos - check. Theatre tickets - double check. Couple of extra bottles of fizz for the bus - check. Camera - check. Paperazzi Pullen has her new turbo cam and we are already dreading some of the FB pics!!

So Anne, Kriss, Jac, Allison, Dot, Suzie, Mandy, Cary, Paula, Rena, Marie, Louise, Angela and My good self board the party bus to get the show on the road. Putting on a bit of Robbie Williams to get us in the mood, Leeds is displayed around the bus on all the screens and on the giant plasma at the back of the bus. With the 2 extra bottles of fizz, we have 5 in total and someone comments that we might not get through them all in an hour- thats a challenge if I've ever heard one! We have a right laugh as we go on our cruise and I'm really pleased that the party bus is a hit! Peppa decides to try a bit of piggy pole dancing - she told us she was a quiet little piggy; well what a load of porkies that was!

We arrive at the theatre and outside there are a number of fountains! PMSL @ Paula, well she loves a good fountain! Assembling for our photo call outside the bus, the driver is happy to oblige with a pic or two and we wave him off as we head into the theatre out of the cold. Finding our seats, we are pleased to see that we are really close to the stage and have the whole row to ourselves...! Thanks to our mate JK for sorting out those tickets :) A quick pit stop at the bar takes us into the foyer of the Winter Gardens - they have done an amazing job refurbishing the place and there was really a sense of occasion about the venue. Perfect for the entertainment in store that evening....

Now if you haven't heard about the show, and you want to read the proper review check out HERE for more info.

Let Me Entertain You was everything that One Night of Robbie Williams was last year.... and more! The performances that night in Blackpool were high energy, polished and perfected. The Crew were up on their feet and bouncing through most of the show. Even Paula and her little bump were bouncing! There were a couple of the new Crew who had not seen the show before, and they were completely blown away. Complete with a revised set list and some new tracks we were loving our Robbie-fix. Video Killed the Radio Star was a highlight; not to mention all the old favourites. Peppa got so excited at one part in the show, she jumped right out of Lou's hand and pig-apulted (well she didn't catapult, what do you think she is, a kitty??!!) herself onto the stage... that pig loves JK!

The two and a half hours just flew by. Well three if you add the interval. Bar service was not the best however it did not deter us and we were able to obtain a beverage to be fully refreshed for the second half LOL!!

Upon leaving the theatre, we follow Kriss as she is our (Brendan Coach Trip!) guide whilst in Blackpool and we head to the nearest bar - which turns out to be the bar we were in yesterday. Bagsy-ing a table and mine-sweeping chairs and stools from all around the bar we get comfy for a couple of bevvies and to have a de-brief on the evening so far.

There is a couple sat on the table next to us and we are amusing them with our chatter and chair dancing! We spot the jukebox on the wall and so does our new friend sat next door, so he goes to pick a few tracks and of course he puts a couple of Robbie tunes on for us! Thanks mister! Making friends everywhere we go.... :) Of course whenever we hear Rob we can't help but sing and this was no exception. More drink? Oh if you insist... so we get another whip going. The bottles (not glasses, yes bottles) of Vino are going down a treat. Cue a couple of texts and we decide to change venue. Out of the side door, cross the road and straight into another bar! I won't lie to you, it was already an immense evening!

As we are walking in, a familiar face is at the door... cue lots of hugs and back slapping from JK... as we introduce the newbies it's a challenge to keep up! The pub is heaving and there's a house band on jamming with singers from the audience joining them. Great atmosphere in the bar. Crew are bopping and laughing and singing. It's big smiles all round. With the occasional "what's occurring" we ensure we have enough Welsh pounds for Louise and Marie - who is now nicknamed Marie Newberry-Buble' due to her forthcoming marriage to Mickey Bubbles! She is so smitten she starts smooching a pic of him on the wall - hilarious! Paula is doing a great job keeping up and complete with a non-alcoholic Becks too. God bless her! Kriss volunteers to do the next number and before you can say The Fugeees she's is up on stage belting out Killing Me Softly. The girl can sing - cue Pap Pullen to take some pics and all the Crew joining in to support our bud. Tidy!

A little later, Kriss gets up to do a duet with JK... and for the 2nd time that night we hear "Things". What a laugh... proper banter between the two of them and the Crew are again on their feet, as are most of the bar. At the end of the performance, Kriss gets a resounding "You're Hired" from JK and as she plans to run away with the band I go and get another round in with the help of Anne. Jac and Allison are in great form, Rena & Paula are enjoying the buzz, Angel-aahhh is busy chatting to JK's uncle (the Irish connection LOL) Dot has her feet up at the bar - well after wearing those shoes are you surprised? Cary & Suze are LOLLING at the old duffer that is chatting up Mand. We always attract them, its true! Marie offers to two time Mickey B and in a u-turn decides she wasnt to be with Kriss instead. Oh it's all going on... Anne and I have only turned our back for 2 mins hehe! When the band finish, a DJ plays a few tunes (well a guy with laptop - god must be getting old as there wasn't a record in sight pmsl!) We of course put a few requests in and have a bop and sing along. Yes, we entertain for free ladies and gentlemen!

We acost JK for some pics and Lou wants to give him his pressie - a t-shirt - there's only one word to say about that... SHABBA! You gotta love Robbie for that one! As usual JK is happy to oblige and we gingerly hand over our cameras to some drunken strangers in the pub... There's a mixed bag of pics from them (always the case) and half of the Crew decide its that time to head back to the hotel to recharge their batteries & hit the hay. The rest of us stay put for... yes.... you've guessed it... a lock in! Well it wouldn't be a PV Crew Do without one!

Sat around the table, we are engaged in some right good chat with the occasional pit stop to head to the bar for a refill. However the bar has ran out of lemon AND lime for our Coronas (ma ma ma myyy Corona) so we have to recycle and nick the slice from our last drink. Classy but needs must... Speaking of classy, we continue to take pissed up pics and laugh at the ones from earlier - which include Marie having a drink with Jesus and JK. yes thats right who's in the house... Jesus in the house!

Didn't matter that we didn't make it to the club, we bring the party. The bar was grand - apart from having the loos up the curly wurly staircase is not the best idea when you have peoples that have been drinking for 10 hours. (",) EEK!

Speaking of time, we check our watches and see its 4.30am... another night of epic proportions. Lots of laughs and girlie chat.  Plenty of Robbie-ness as per usual. Bevvies galore. Some singing, some dancing and a lot of pics! With our Halos on and a trail of feathers left behind us, we thank the bar staff for looking after us and thank JK for entertaining us and bid them farewell. Back at the hotel, the sensible people are already in bed, the semi sensible people decide to head to bed and Lou and I decide to have a cocksucking cowboy. At 5am. Disgrace is not the word. Wouldn't want to change a single thing about the night. Bloody loved it and all that were involved in it!

The next morning we head down for brekkie - Angel-aahhh pulls a sicknote for the 2nd day and Cary nicknames her "Angela Power-less!" We get stuck in to the soakage prepared by Kriss' uncle - mega nom noms... If you're ever in Blackpool do stop by the Colris Hotel on the Central Prom. The hospitality is second to none and their breakfast is BANG TIDY!

Back up in the rooms, its the mammoth task of packing and as per usual we end up taking home more than we came with. Dividing out the booze and remaining snacks to make sure they go to a good home, packing up the Crew kits of shot pots, boas and halos... This is the bit that I don't like. And as the girls start to depart one by one, we know that its the end of another crack-ling weekend courtesy of some of the best friends you could want. The PV Crew.

I'm not gonna lie to ya, I was feeling kinda fed up the last few weeks as had PMD (Post-Meet Depression) Having written this it's given me the chance to revisit all the fun we had... All I can say is bring on my Birthday and bring on Take That... Lets 'Ave It!

Saturday Shenanigans in da Pool...

It's early. The smell of Brekkie is wafting from downstairs. Kriss knocks on to our room and for some bizarre reason we start our rendition of the bit in Big... you know where Tom Hanks is rapping with that kid... you knowwwww - this bit...

Was random as FOOF!

Marie is still in bed, Angela is comatose but Louise and I are fighting fit (ahem) and raring to go. OK - so raring would be a slight exaggeration but we were a lot more raring than the other two!

Mosying down for food, we join the others that made it to brekkie - minus Angel-ahhh as she's still chilling in her beddie-byes. Ofcourse we consume a couple of pink pills to keep the head clear... Purely painkillers for medicinal purposes, what do you take us for?? I grab a OJ, a sausage and some toast and send that back up to Angela to keep her strength up! We tuck in to a mean feast complete with mega brews and juices.

It's that time when we know there are more peoples en-route - Facebooks are being updated, texts are being received and the phone is hopping! Cary, Mand and Suze are in the motor hurtling up the motorway from Runcorn....Paula and Rena are on the chuff chuff cross country. Dot is getting a lift from her other half - coming from Bolton she is the nearest to Blackpool so should be on time, right? LMAO!

We convene in the bar of the hotel, the girls start arriving and lots more hugs and introductions. This is defo the largest weekend and we're all keen to have a good time. It's great to see everyone and considering that we are shortly off to the Pleasure Beach, many of the drinks purchased from the bar are of the non-alcoholic variety. Pints of Orange Juice and Lemonade are the faves although there are 1 or 2 exception ;) Must be getting wise in our old age....

The girls all start to arrive and once Dot pulls up in front of the hotel we know we are good to go! Yes she was the last (but by no means least!) to arrive... We're ready, and set so get going down the Prom towards the Pleasure Beach.

A couple of the Crew make a pit stop at McDonalds - Mandy leads the way as she heads in for a munch... Angela and Allison set off on a reet power walk and hurtle down the Prom like two women possessed! The rest of us take a more leisurely stroll and reach our destination refreshed and ready for our next adventure. The Big One!

Deciding who is making the brave move to the queue, we had over our bags, phones, cameras to the ones who are sensible and not going on The Big One... and join the queue!

Not realising how long the queue actually is, we wave goodbye to our fellow Crew members and step into the unknown. Despite it being off peak, its quite a busy Saturday in the Pleasure Beach and yet they only have one car on the Big One... one question - WHY? We put this minor set back to one side & stick with it. Peppa is joining us on the Big One although the naughty piglet did not pay her entry fee to get on and is excitedly oinking away in Kriss' coat pocket. She's a handful is Peppa. I'm sure Percy Pig is better behaved!

We finally get our place on the ride - cue logs of screaming from me and lots of woo-hoos from the others. Peppa loved it and even posed for the photo too! Tidy!

We split up into 2 groups - some head off for more rides, the others head to the bar where we come across the tiniest glasses of wine ever known to man... or woman... We prefer a more generous serving lol! Checking our watches, we see that the afternoon has passed us by so decide to start the walk back to get our slap on and prepare for a mahoosive night. As we head back we stop for some fast food to keep us going. Eat shizer, drink shizer and talk lots of shizer - that's what the Crew weekends are all about and this one was no exception!

Dot he doesn't normally "eat crap like this" - much to the dismay of the Hot Dog vendor who sold it to her and heard what she said! Hilarious! A trip to Blackpool would not be complete without purchasing some Blackpool Rock and as we are buying the whole stall, Louise slopes off to get up to some mischief... upon her return she has a little something for JK and after giving us a flash, we all approve!! ;)

The Crew goes Crackers in Blackpool... (Go For It!) Yes It's Funtime Friday!

Setting off to Blackpool with the folks (dropping me off - thanks parent-type-peoples!) was reminiscent of being a kid again... hurtling down the motorway... first one to spot the Tower gets a Mars Bar! LOL!
Pulling up to the train station at Blackpool North, I see Kriss, Louise, Anne and Marie all outside. Not met Marie or Anne before but you would never guess and lots of hugs and chatter already... wave my folks off (aswell as the woofer!) and glance back into the station - only to see Allison and Jac coming through the barriers! Woop woop! Timed to perfection as always!
More hugs and we decide to take a well earned break after all our travelling - so with Kriss leading the way we head for the nearest pub. Which, as luck might have it, is just around the corner.

I head to the bar to get a round in and discover that its only a pound extra for a double.. well it would be rude not too, so starting as we mean to go on we grab a few bevvies and catch up! Getting to know the new members of Crew is easy; it's like they have always been there.
We head over to the hotel - Kriss has been so kind in getting us in at her Aunt & Uncles place on Central Prom. Result. Lovely hospitality and mucho cheapness re price; not to mention a great brekkie (but more about that later) We're on the top floor - "the penthouse section" -- PMSL more like stick em up there out of the way the naughty minxs!!

After a sit-me-down to catch our breath and a fast beverage, we decide that food is in order. Plan is to find a greasy spoon, head back to the hotel, get changed and head out for some cheesy choons and a few shandies.... Making a quick pit stop for supplies before dinner (priorities sorted, see!!) However - In reality it panned out like this:

Head to offie for booze and snacks. Lots of them. Found a greasy spoon after walking the quiet streets (remember its off peak!) called Mickey Finns... appropriate considering we have the ingrediants for CSCs ready to be consumed. Head back to the hotel (via Coral Island... complete with jokes about Wankdrews!!) after a feast fit for... erm... a king? a queen? Well anyway it was tasty. Not very healthy or nutricious but we're hardly at a health spa for the weekend!! This weekend is far from posh yaknow!

Back at the hotel, we convene in the party room - which if you are a regular reader you will know that this is always a room that I am in and a room that invariably gets absolutely twatted (in the words of Gwen, from Gavin & Stacey) So we have a swift voddy whilst deciding what to do and where to go. Fast forward an hour and guess where we still are? Yes that's right, in the room still deciding what to do and where to go. One thing is for certain, drinking is agreed. Angela texts from Cork Airport, she is on time and getting in the mood by having a beverage in the hairyport... well it would be rude not to! Peppa Pig joins us this time and joins in the fun by having a crackling time... she can't wait for tomorrow to see her favourite show Let Me Entertain You!

We're having a reet good goss, the booze is flowing and we are in great spirits for our night tomorrow. Looking forward to the rest of the Crew joining us and being entertained by some fab entertainment.

It's getting on for midnight, and Angela arrives - straight from work via a plane, a train and an automobile.... (well this is a Crew do, that's how we roll, baby!) and I have a Bulmers chilling (in the sink) ready and waiting for her! Booze cracked, boots off and she too is chilling to the Max - fully introduced to half the Crew and ready to be introduced (or should that be inducted!!) to the rest of the mentalists tomorrow...

We give in to the temptation that is staying in and getting comfy, but are missing a bit of choonage. Kriss comes prepared and heads off to her room, only to return quick as a flash with iphone, charger and mini speakers - JOB DONE! Cue sing song of epic proportions and a bit of a ticking off from one or two of our neighbours (sorry - oops!) Lots of Robbie on of course with a bit of the George in between and some Take That... mixed up with some vodka, some cocksucking cowboys and some bacon fries - much to Peppa dismay. Jac and Allison are now part of the furniture and we are putting the world bang to rights with gusto. A lorra lorra laughs follow as we share tales and plot the shenanigans for tomorrow... Anne and Angela are having a great chinwag, but we hi-jack Ang for some Robbie edu-ma-cation and Kriss shows her the delight that is the Lovelight video. Hubba hubba!

An impromptu sing along to Willow Smith's "I Whip My Hair Back & Forth" can mean only one thing... Lots of hair being swished back and forth; least of all by Kriss who does a mean version of it amidst lots of laughs from us lot!

Marie says shes gonna bagsy the top bunk, theres CSC all over mine and Angela bed (cock all over our bed - aren't we the lucky ones!) and Lou is able to do starfish-ies in hers! As the girls head off to bed one by one, there's just the hardcore ones left standing - well when I say standing I really mean slouching on the bed in some sort of alcohol induced state!

It's late as usual. It's always late when we get together but then again there's time for sleep when we are back home! Jac is on it like a car bonnet and is wide awake clubs - this may be down to the Vodka Red Bulls consumed earlier - who knows!

As we bid farewells to the visitors to our room, we inspect the bomb site that is our room... Bottles of vodka. Champers in the bath. Sweets, crisps and Bacon Fries all over the shop... Halos and Boas strewn on the floor. Several pairs of hair straighteners on the side. Cases and clothes pushed under chairs and beds. Just another Crew night in!

Lou and I check out Marie - who is sparked out in her top bunk and Angela - who has crashed out in her clothes. Good girls - they have both been well and truly Crewed. Our work here is done for now so after a big cuddle (BNIALW) Lou and I decide to hit the hay and look forward to the fun and frolics that the rest of the weekend has in store! 

Review - Let Me Entertain You - starring JK as Robbie Williams

So the girls and I decided to venture to the newly refurbished Winter Gardens on last Saturday to watch Let Me Entertain You – as you can probably guess this is a show dedicated to the musical career of Robbie Williams. (with the fabulous JK as Robbie leading the show!)

From the minute the show kicked off, we knew it was going to be a great night. Starting with “Let Me Entertain You” we were taken back to Knebworth, which has to be the pinnacle of Robbie Williams career. We were transported through Robbie’s back catalogue – classic hits such as Rock DJ, Feel, Millennium and Come Undone were all in there; mixed with Bodies, You Know Me and Morning Sun from Robbie’s most recent solo album. Fantastic live performances of Monsoon and Strong were also part of the set, reminding you of how great Robbie is at getting the audience involved!

Easing us into the 2nd half, we were treated to a wonderful swing section and reminded of the classic Albert Hall concert. This certainly raised the profile of “Robbie Williams – the Performer” and JK did himself proud. Footage of Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra were projected above the stage, which really drove home the sense of the occasion. A superb version of She’s the One followed the swing set – just JK on vocals and a fantastic pianist; and you could just tell that they both enjoyed the song as much as the audience did.
The thing about JK as Robbie is that his mannerisms and the way he performs is uncannily like Robbie; whilst the performance itself was energetic, engaging and vocally brilliant. “Are you with me?” was the call from JK and looking around the theatre, the audience most certainly were.
In true Robbie style, there were a few cover versions and the audience were lapping up Suspicious Minds and Video Killed the Radio Star – which Robbie covered at his Electric Proms concert with Trevor Horn in 2009. Not forgetting the live version of Back for Good. With plenty of audience participation throughout the night, this was definitely – in the words of Mr Williams – “A bouncing session!”

To complete the story of Robbie’s career, we were brought full circle and the show was drawn to a close with a fabulous montage of Eight Letters, before launching into The Flood – paying tribute to Robbie rejoining Take That late last year. Not forgetting the hit that everyone knows when you mention Robbie Williams – Angels as the encore.


Cue 700 people on their feet, clapping and cheering; it was safe to say we had definitely been entertained! For us it was non-stop and the girls who had not seen JK perform before all commented that the essence of a live Robbie gig had been captured in that theatre that night! We all felt like we had been put through our paces; not to mention JK who himself said he was replacing this weeks gym sessions with the performance he had put down that night.

With fantastic set changes, superb costumes, a full band and dancers, JK rocked the Opera House for a solid two and a half hours… now that’s great value for money! And I've only covered a few of the highlights! The show opened to rapturous applause last year at the Regent Theatre, Stoke - where Robbie Williams' father Pete Conway also enjoyed the performance.



At the beginning of the night, JK told us that this was not just a tribute show, this was a celebration of the career of one of the most successful pop acts in the last 20 years and he wanted to do it justice. He was right – it was, and he certainly did!


A must see show for any Robbie Williams fan! Should Let Me Entertain You come to a theatre near you I would highly recommend it.

Well... So What HAVE We Been Up To Since 2006??

Am looking through some pics on my macbook as bought a hard drive for back up of essentials...! Wouldn't want to lose them...
Anyhoo whilst I was looking through the pics it gave me the opportunity to review some amazing times with some amazing people!

Since 2006, what have we been up to?? WELL.....
I think we all went to the Close Encounters tour in one venue or another - however it was a shame that we didn't go together... we've been making up for that ever since!!
We have had 3 fantastic trips to Port Vale FC... great food, fab entertainment, amazing hospitality! Been in Rob & Jonny's seat, Behind the Scenes, on the pitch and had a couple of lock-ins!
Can't go to Port Vale without staying at The George Hotel in Burslem (or Boslem as Keith says lol!) and a couple of shandies in THE Red Lion... always picturing Rob hanging out the window throwing the money out. Classic... 

We have been to Wembley Stadium... 1st to see Soccer Aid in 2008 and then to see Take That doing their Circus thang. Wembley for me holds great memories, being on the telly at Soccer Aid, everyone in the Sports Bar who gave us such a warm welcome... another lock in and remember moshing to Rob's version of Back for Good with the staff of the bar! Brilliant... Cafe Rena down the road... and Rena showing up for the day was hilarious! Dont forget the McDonalds WALK THRU!!

Fast forward to Take That, loved the carpet picnic the night before, heading down to Wembley on the tube complete with Rena and Debs pics!! Looking at the photos of me brushing their teeth with Lou I have tears rolling down my face! Walking to the ticket office and bumping straight into Cary... fab! Smooth talking the stewards to get in the same gate, Buxton Spring Vodka, Pimms in a can darlink, Champers on the ramp outside Wembley, bagging the front row! The gig itself was amazing... a-may-zing!! And the funniest thing of all bumping into Debs on the way out amidst all those people!!

I have been to Rena's, Kriss's, Deb's, Cary's, Annie's, Mandy's and of course Paula's homes. Every time I have had the warmest of welcomes, the best food, the biggest laughs and the most alcohol... not to mention the least amount of sleep!! Lou, this year I'm coming to get youuuu!! The Crew have travelled to Cork to see me on more than one occasion, it's always great to have you and my door is ALWAYS open to you all x

We have been to the theatre... seeing Jonny in We Will Rock You with Annie in Dublin, and with Paula and Lou in Bristol. Meeting Jonny with the girls was a personal highlight and getting the scoop on Soccer Aid 2010 - Mr Wilkes we thank you for that!
Fast forward to the end of last year and Paula & I were lucky enough to go and see Pantos on Strike...meeting Paddy and Jonny after the show again was fab! Enjoying a drinkie with Colleen Nolan who was also in the show was a treat; she's a lovely lady! Fantastic shows on all counts and seeing them with the girls was Superb!!

We have had some fab Christmas parties... and seen some great entertainment. Two Christmases ago, we saw JK as Robbie strut his stuff...
and have been to see him a few times since. The thing about him is he seems to really put 110% into his shows... he loves Rob's music as much as us... he's game for a laugh... and is a really lovely fella! The stage show he is in - Let Me Entertain You is just that from start to finish!! Seeing it in Stoke last year was another highlight, loved the surprise limo for the girls... and getting the chance to have a few beers with Rob's dad (who was also at the show!) Pete was a pleasure to meet & you can tell where Rob gets his charm from!!


What else? There was Electric Proms with Debs and meeting Kriss albeit briefly. Amazing night that was. Never ever thought I would be lucky enough to go to one of those small gigs but thank god I did!
Robbie was on top top form that night to say the least and the performance was one I will never forget!

Trip to Old Trafford to Soccer Aid in 2010... being interviewed by Kirsty Gallagher before the match! Front row again; seeing Rob with the girls - such a great day... so much fun! JK got well and truly Crewed that day I can tell you!!! Penthouse Apartment in Manchester was lush and really enjoyed the post match analysis, 1st in the Bishops Blaize complete with sing-a-long and then back at the apartment for DVD time!!

Speaking of apartments we had a great night in at our pyjama party last October... my sides hurt just thinking about it... the awards (of which they were the 1st ones of many!) and the craic was mighty!! So glad that Annie came over from Dublin for them and got Crewed!

We have travelled.... boy have we travelled... we've been to London, Manchester, Stoke, Liverpool, Burslem (and Tunstall he heee shamone!), Cork, Dublin, Kings Lynn, Stamford, Runcorn, Leeds, Romford, Bristol, Stockport, Salford Quays and even Portugal! Had an amazing time with Paula in Portugal last year, so many laughs!!!
Trains, planes and automobiles...! Taxis, bongos and LIMOS!

There isn't a day that goes by without talking to one of the girls in some way, shape or form... it's not just about Rob anymore its beyond that. It's a special friendship that we have. Some people don't like that fact but hey that's their problem not ours! You see, whereever we go, we just wanna have fun. Doesn't matter if its a fancy place or a back-street boozer... life is too short to sit and be miserable. It's about enjoying the moments you have with the people that matter... if others don't like that it's not our problem. For those that do like it then jump on board, take a ride!!! There's plenty of room on this party train!!

And that brings me to this year, I've mentioned it already but its worth another mention!!! Blackpool coming around soon, seeing JK as Robbie in Let Me Entertain You..and the Crew gets bigger!
Take That in the summer... simply cannot wait!
A very special person in the Crew is celebrating a special Birthday later this year and talks are already in place for that!
Not to mention a PV Crew bam-bino this year joining the fold...
And you can bet your right arm that there will be a Christmas Cracker...

So as I sit here and relive some of the highlights of the last 4 years, I just want to say...
Paula, Cary, Mandy, Annie-Claire, Kriss, Shelley, Louise, Debbie, Rena... you're all bloody brilliant! Strong, caring ladies with a passion for life! Love the bloody bones of ya!

Bring on the Next Adventure... Let Me Entertain You with JK as Robbie!

Am missing the PV Crew. After the madness of going home to Port Vale FC and all the fun that came with that weekend, it leaves you craving another one... and soon...
However - Blackpool won't be long coming around.
Managed to get the Friday off work (thanks Boss!) and heading over for a full, fun-filled, action packed weekend with some of the best people you could meet.

The ever growing PV Crew will be in full force in Blackpool with 14 and a half of us ready, willing and VERY ABLE to have a fab time at Let Me Entertain You.

In a repeat of our trip to the Regent Theatre, Stoke we are off to see JK as Robbie do our fave pop star Mr Robbie Williams justice and strutt his stuff in his theatre show. It's at Blackpool Opera House - haven't been there for about 15 years so its going to be a hoot!
If the show is half as good as the one in Stoke we are certainly going to be entertained!! (and if you don't believe me check out my review from June last year in the blog!)

I've organised a Party Bus from Lancashire Limos for the Crew, which has its own pole for dancing, dancefloor, DVD with plasma screens and champagne bar.
That will dink dank doo for us! Jac and Allison will be joining us; to say that we're looking forward to meeting them properly is an understatement! Waving across the crowd at Soccer Aid simply doesnt count!
Kriss has been in touch with her auntie who is doing us a fab rate at the hotel, JK has been warned and the party bus is booked! Let the good times roll!

My Year in View with The Crew! at OneTrueMedia.com

Well... what a year its been... lots of laughs along the way. Merry Christmas to a fantastic bunch of ladies! Here's to 2011!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

PV Crew Chrimbo Cracker... at Port Vale FC! (part 1)

Well another great weekend with the girls.

Friday. Chez Pearce.Arrived in Liverpool bang on time, thanks Ryanair! Had me jeans on with a fancy-pants pair of heels... Cary looked at me shocked as I come teetering across the road in em!! After my explaination she understands - no room in my bag for big heels - well not if I wanted to get the Mickey Finns in! AHA! Good plan, Stan....

Nice chilled out afternoon, pop down to the shops to get a few bits, spot of lunch in Subway (official food of the PV Crew!) where I get a case of Subway Tourettes...nightmare! We then nip round to Mand's for a brew... Back at Cary's she cooks up a fine feast for dinner - Curry night with all the trimmings. YUM! A few glasses of vino, followed by a few Voddies, followed by a few Cock-Sucking Cowboys! Well we were pacing ourselves!
So much for our early night, after putting the world to rights, watching an OLD OLD Interview of Rob being back home in Burslem, we pick out the landmarks where we've been and laugh as Rob is on the pitch at Port Vale... telling Cary I bet she will be on there tomorrow night she chuckles! Bit of Electric Proms, big screen lickable... LOVELY! Then some random chat about Phoenix Nights taglines, Max & Paddy (Paddy & Max) and misheard lyrics where we google one thing and end up with the complete opposite! (yes it WAS rude!)

Fast forward - well only a few hours later mind - to Saturday morning. Cary heads to the hairdressers for a spruce of her do (not that it needed it!) I'm up and about where Mal puts on a bacon butty and a brew - thanks Mal!
Cary returns looking fab and offers me some orange wee - AKA Berocca... Keeps us going for the day of course and we're in fine form. Cary goes to collect Mand, gathering a few bits and bobs together and then Ash arrives to drive us to Stoke.

When we get to Stoke, we have a rendezvous at Subway... (see, told you its the OFFICIAL food lol) where we find Lou and Shelley already chilling after a nice sub! Cue lots of hugs... Paula is in touch - her train has been cancelled. WTFoof Board!
However the is another due very soon and shes only around 15-20mins behind schedule... not so bad after all.
Subway munched - we head to the hotel next door for a swift half in the bar... Debs joins us not long after (cue more hugs...) and then last but by no means least Paula!! yay!! We're all ready for the off so we hit the road and make like a banana and split.

On our way to Burslem and Tunstall.... The glamour that is the George hotel... 
Now we love the George hotel, I've said this before its a bit Fawlty Towers but its OUR Fawlty Towers! Getting checked in and sorting the rooms, the girls convene in the bar (where else) for a glass or two of vino.
Once we get our keys, we head up to sort out our Secret Santa's. We get the booze out, Mand has the novel idea of bringing a BOX of vino (good girl!) so along with the Voddy, bottles of Magners, Bulmers, Baileys, Rose and Mickey Finns we crack open the box!
The next hour is spent swapping cards, presents, goodie bags and of course the annual PV Crew Secret Santa! Gotta love it!

Checking the time, we try and cram in a quickie in the Red Lion. Well its tradition at this stage, wouldn't be a visit to Burslem without a trip over. So we do, but we are on a mission to ensure we get back for the taxis. We head into the pub and the barman from June is still there - laughing his head off as we walk in with boas and halos! The rest of the customers arent sure what to make of us! Lots of laughter and banter for the next 45mins... and a quick beverage before we head back to the George to get ready. As usual we stop traffic crossing over and get lots of beeping horns and shouting - well they're not used to 8 angels crossing the road! I order two taxis to collect us at 7.15 and of course at 7.25 we head downstairs to find the taxis have buggered orf! I call them back and ask em to send a minibus - the minibus arrives and In true PV Crew style, we cram 8 into a 6 seater... well its only up't road!

Arriving at Port Vale its like we are coming home. The girls who hadn't been before were not sure what to expect, so Lou, Paula, Debs and I lead the way up the stairs to the Executive Suite for the festivities. The door staff inform me we are on table 6 so imagine the face of the old guy on table 6 when we bound over towards him! pmsl!! I think his missus had a heart attack at that point!
I quickly find out we are actually on table 4 and we take our seats, start a kitty and get settled.
The food starts to arrive and as usual there is plenty of it and its great quality. We spot Keith across the room and we give a hollar - he heads over to acquaint himself with the new (and old) PV visitors. The night starts well by him calling us his special VIPs and continues much along that vein when we are treated like royality! But more about that in part 2!!

PV Crew Chrimbo Cracker... at Port Vale FC! (part 2)

So we are all sat around table 4. Vino and other drinks are flowing. Getting stuck into the grub, we find that its as tasty and yummy as before. I drop the salt cellar, which knocks my Magners into my dinner. WHOOPS! 5 second rule applies, and as Debs passes me a clean plate I salvage the turkey, roasties and the pigs in blanket (within 5 seconds!) Lucky theres enough veg and spuds on the table to fill the most hungry vegetarian so I'm sorted!
Running out of Cranberry and Gravy, the staff are quick to come and top us up... they are so lovely at the Vale and nothing is too much trouble. In fact, when Shelley hints that she would like a Yorkie, I ask Keith are there any spare and he heads into the kitchen before returning with 2 of em!!


How we managed to fit in dessert after the starters and all the food I'll never know but we did... and Debs and I made a run for the Spys (minus the coffee) which were munched throughout the night! We managed to get Keith to stick Rob on the tellybox for us - with Wand Erection and lots of cheers at the end of the performance around the function room - but mostly from table 4 ;)
DJ throws on a few tunes and Abba are getting ready - Keith comes over to ask us do we want the tour... well it would be rude not to!


So 1st stop - the trophy room and the Directors Lounge. A few more trophies and a bit more crystal in the cabinet since last time! Keith always gives us the low down and stops for a few piccies too!

Next stop - THE SEAT! We head into the stand and Keith throws on the floodlights! In the Directors seating area we plonk our backsides on Robbie's seat... More pictures and madness... the poor seat, I can only use one word here - VIOLATED! The seat has never seen so much action, the Laydees convene one by one to take their pew... the throne as it was called a couple of times that night!!

It's all action as the Crew take to the stands...
Keith thinks it hilarious, he can't believe the antics... well wait a minute...
This is the PV Crew... we are on hallowed turf, back home....
He then rephrases and says he can believe it! He wouldn't expect anything else infact!
He takes our antics in great spirits though and is happy to give us all the time to "take a load off" and plonk our arses in Rob's seat!
Wonder if the Crew will get to a match when Rob is home at a match... was a discussion that was had over a few shandies ;)

Next stop - THE PITCH! As we make our way along the players tunnel we convene for a team shot. Keith and Nick are happy to oblige as press photographers! Thanks Guys!
We head outside and the cold air hits us. Cast my mind back to the night before at Cary's place where we are watching that DVD documentary of Rob from 1999 and he's mucking about on that pitch! So we brave the cold air and head outside... the groundsman has cleared all the snow which is piled up at the side (no underground heating I bet, they're only League 2 yaknow!) and a ground sheet it placed strategically on the side of the pitch for us to convene on! Well we don't want our heels on the sacred turf!
So we strike a few poses, Shelley gets her legs into places we never realised she could!!! Brilliant!! Lots of laughs as we head inside and pass the Home Team dressing room...

Hang on a minute Keith, we are the Home Team... well I mean we are the PV Crew after all. Taking a minute to consider, he agrees and says "well Rob has been in those baths too so would you like to head in?!?"
ERM of course we would... so he gets his keys back out of his pocket and we head into the dressing room... some of the Crew jump in the baths... Shelley takes some time to get a bit of physio... I move the tac-tics board around... Paula plays with the balls (EASY!!!!) tis good fun!

Thanking Keith for our grand tour, we head back upstairs to the function room where we get another round in. Abba are on stage and we take a few minutes to catch our breath and chill as they get few a couple of slow songs... as they move onto more cheesy songs, we have a little boogie to Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and Thank You For the Music!
They were OK but they weren't Robbie, were they?? And they were no JK as Robbie either!
As they left the stage, the DJ kicks off and we waste no time in getting our requests in. Robbie. Take That. Bon Jovi. Robbie. Take That. Kings of Leon. Robbie. You get the idea...

Cue lots of dancing, busting moves that MJ would be jealous of!! A few more drinkies and we get the staff involved... Shelley takes a shine to Sam's hat and gets that off him!
Cary takes a shine to Keith's flashing lights and gets them... Keith heads back 2 mins later with some new PV lanyards for us - seeing as I lost my last one tying the PV Crew banner up at Soccer Aid, Wembley I was glad to get a new one! Coming close to locking up time, the DJ plays Rule the World and we take to the floor and have a right good group hug! We're all psyched up for the tour now more than ever and decide we need another drink to calm us down! However the bar is closed :(

Keith says to give him 10 mins to get rid of everyone and we are good for another drink... or two....
Before we can say "lock in" we are getting more drinks and having some choons on to sing to! Mand has a power snooze but soon wakes up and gets her 2nd wind... In his error, Nick gives me a Southern Comfort and Coke for Cary instead of a Southern Comfort and Lemonade... Keith says to take it and Cary decides to waste not, want not....! NICE!
Nick and Keith come and join us as the rest of the staff head home after a long shift - thanks guys for taking great care of us xxx
We're sat round singing, Debs is drumming the table... Keith gets us all a couple of drinks in (thanks Keith) and Nick remembers why he didnt stop late last time pmsl!!
We have a good catch up, Keith says we have to go back before next Christmas and it's something to think about! It really is like going home when we go back to the Potteries... we always get a warm welcome and especially at Port Vale where it all started!

Its about 3.10am and we decide to go back to the hotel... Keith orders 2 taxis for us but upon heading downstairs we find out that the fog has dropped in and the taxis are not too quick to come and collect us. We convene on the main desk in the foyer, which Keith tells us used to be the Customer Service desk in the shopping centre up Hanley duck! Paula and Cary decide to get behind it to give us some "customer service" and a sing song of "9 to 5" starts!
5 more mins and still no sign - so with Keith finishing locking up, Nick gets on the case to chase them and within about 10 mins our chariots await... We bid our goodbyes to the guys and head back to the George where we jump into our PJs and decide to have a few Cocksucking Cowboys before bed.
Lou cranks up the lappy and with the miracle of WI-FI she finds the performances from Take That and Rob that were on TV earlier in the night. What a way to end the night, singing The Flood, downing shots in our jammies and laughing at all the fun we had earlier that evening!
We hit the hay about 5am... and are awake again at around 8.30. Yes we are mad! Well you can't miss The George Brekkie... This time we had juice and glasses!
Fresh tea! and the brekkie wasnt bad either! Lou even got mushrooms pmsl!!
Cary, Shelley and Mand never made it down for food - WTFood board! That WAS a first! Getting packed up is always fun, even though I always give out half of my case I always end up taking more home... thanks so much for my cards, treats and pressies girls! Feather trail has hit the George again... from the reception up the stairs, to each of the rooms and even in the bathroom (dont ask!) They love us though so we always seem to get away with it *snigger*
Making our way downstairs we hand in our keys and the Receptionist asks us where we were till 3.30 as the Night Manager commented on our late arrival... when we say Port Vale she couldnt believe we got a lock in at the footie ground.. her final words were "you girls know how to party!" and she wouldn't be wrong!

We head back to Stoke train station, where one by one we head on our travels back home... but not before lots of hugs and Christmas wishes outside. Mand is straight off for a Subway having missed Brekkie, Shelley gets one for the train and Ash and Cary follow them over the road.

Another cracking weekend girls. Brilliant. The only things missing were the Shads & Rena... but they were there in Spirit...!! Merry Christmas to you all and can't wait for the next one!

Sam does Stamford... and Pantos on Strike with the Pineson!

1st stop - Kriss place. Lovely lunch in Stamford, back to her house to meet her two boys. They were such lovely lads... a credit to you hun x

Had a fab dinner, some vino and decided to head over to the mess with some of the girls for a couple of cheeky ones. In true PV Crew style, we managed to watch Take That on Children in Need, even got some of the blokes to turn the sound UP!!
Back to Kriss gaff with the girls for some more bevvies, shots and a sing song on the Wii. After the girls went home, Kriss and I re-watched CIN, and also Look Back Dont Stare and had a right good catch up. Was a fab night!
Next morning, was treated to a lovely brekkie before heading to Peterborough station to catch the chuff chuff to Manchester.

Arrived in Manchester where Paula was already in the station in the bar and had a drink on order for me - thanks hun! Just what I needed!

After grabbing a few snacks, and a Subway we get the metrolink across town to the hotel. Holiday Inn (Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn!) on the Quays; lovely hotel with great staff. Loved the upgrade to the Exec level and a comfy room awaited us!
Getting our gladrags on, frocks and all, we decide to have a pint whilst getting ready... checking my facebook I spot a couple of messages from JK and it turns out he is going to Pantos on Strike too.
Head into Manchester, waiting for a taxi we get bored and blag a lift with some other hotel guests... well we were missing out on serious drinking time! Upon arrival in the City, we head over to the Grapes which is a pub round the corner from the theatre (handy) and its owned by Vera from Corrie...!! Bump into JK here and he joins us for a quick drink before heading up to the theatre. We are in the Circle, but near the front of it with a great view. JK down in the Stalls on the opposite side of the theatre. We try and wave but fail miserably lol!
Bag a program and settle down for what has to be the funniest 2 hours I have ever seen. With slap-stick humour and an adult theme, Pantos on Strike was the biggest laugh out loud fest of the year! no wonder Rob went to see it himself!! The story is set in panto-land and Jonny being the king of panto has to rescue the Princess from Evil King Foo (say it backwards lol)
Paddy and Jonny played both their parts so well and worked really well together. The final scene being Paddy and Jonny getting the crowd to sing "Is this the Way to Amarillo" and "Angels" (its too early for Angels!!)  Hilarious!

After the show, we head around to the Stage Door, there are a couple of paps there but Paula and I are not deterred. The lovely Coleen Nolan pops out with her hubby Ray (who was in the band) and stops for a few pics and chats away... she was so lovely and was great as the Fairy Godmother!
A couple of the other stars come out and then out pops Jonny Wilkes and Paddy McGuinness.
Jonny looks a little tired and is quiter than normal (I later find out he was a bit poorly) but still stops to sign my programme and pose for a few pics! Paddy a proper Bolton lad has a chat and a giggle with us both.

JK times it perfectly and appears just as the cameras are out, and Jonny has a chat with him about Stoke! As Paddy gets into his car and Jonny heads off up the street, we decide to head back to the Grapes where we see Coleen and Ray and some of the cast. JK spots Coleen and having sang with JK she invites us over as soon as she spots him. She was a lady... friendly and good for a laugh! Even taking time to have a chat with Paula's mum on the phone! Happy days! Paula and I laugh at meeting Jonny again - hes a lovely bloke and his voice is fantastic.. he doesnt get the kudos he deserves thats a dead cert.

Had a bit of a catch up with JK too which was nice! He's in great form and finds out all the Crew gossip since we saw him in June!
After the Grapes, we head on to another bar where vodka and classic choons are in full flow... heading back to the hotel for some pink fizz, a kebab and a natter about chatting to Coleen, the midget lap-dancer from the show, and the King of Panto that is Jonny Wilkes... lots of laughs revisiting all the laughs we had earlier before heading to bed at 4am-ish. What a great night!!!