Retired Not Out, Paul Chappell's Journal

Posts About Myself and Those Close to Me

The Heights, Delph

This pub (also known as the Royal Oak) was once our favourite pub, unfortunately it closed in 2020, just before covid.

2nd February 2026

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Leaving the Campaign for Real Ale

I’ve been a member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for over 50 years, today I left.

1st February 2026

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Mums 97 Years Old

Today my mother reached the grand old age of 97.

28th January 2026

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Poo(h) Sticks

All about Winnie the Pooh’s game of Poohsticks and checks for bowel cancer.

27th January 2026

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Long Time No Post

My last journal entry was on Christmas day; this is the first of the new year. A long gap because I was working on my new website generator and the weather was cold.

13th January 2026

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Where is Christmas?

Yesterday I went to Hebden Bridge and Halifax to get some Christmas photos. I wanted some night photos of the Christmas market in Piece Hall, it was closed. Hebden Bridge had no Christmas decorations.

4th December 2025

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Samuel Oldknow Micropub, Marple

Today I was in Marple and had an excellent session in this micro pub. Near the bar was a large ten-seater table where the locals congregated, in Germany the table would be known as a Stammtisch.

17th November 2025

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Working on my Journal

For almost two weeks I’ve been working on my journal, adding posts about a trip to Newcastle and a trip to Liverpool.

22nd October 2025

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Pigeons in York

Photo of a pigeon in York, and what I was up to this week.

11th October 2025

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Kirklees Council Refuse Collection Issues

This year we signed up for Kirklees Council’s Garden waste scheme; they are very good at missing collections.

6th October 2025

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A Dystopian Future

Recently, the James Atherton pub changed its name to the George Owell to stimulate debate on Kiers Starmer’s digital id scheme.

2nd October 2025

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Knotty Ash is a Real Place

Some people do not believe Knotty Ash exists, this sign on the M62 shows that it does.

1st October 2025

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A Disastrous Drive Along the Mersey

Today I had a drive along the River Mersey, visiting the John Lennon Airport, Hale Lighthouse and Runcorn.

29th September 2025

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Liverpool Philharmonic Free Live Music Festival

Today I went to the Liverpool Philharmonic free music festival. I also started my week in Liverpool looking after my 96-year-old mother while my sister went on holiday to Greece.

28th September 2025

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Shopping for a Waxed Jacket

There are items that are difficult to buy online, such as a waxed jacket. You really need to see what you are buying.

16th September 2025

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Carrs Road Marsden, Closure

Ten days or so ago, a council notice appeared opposite our house telling us our road would be closed soon. It really confused us as no one knew any of the streets mentioned on it.

17th August 2025

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