This is for anyone who can't keep on the topic. It's hard not to stray, but if we have 'no specific topic ' we can't go off topic.
It is good just to be able to wander and talk about other things.
I could have named it 'Waffle'. Then I couldn't go off topic.
I think the NHS in your part of the world need a busy "falls clinic" for all of those who drink a certain Brown Ale (no product placement here!!).
Agreed though they are quick with your appointments - good on the NHS - I have had no issues with them on my journey.
Cheers - Brian (even though I am 14 days into dry January!!)

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Ex employees of vaux set up a micro brewery about 10 year's ago, moved to larger property 2 years ago, brewery and pub together, used to be only bottles but now on pumps sold in most pubs in Sunderland and as guest ale all over. Will be having it tonight at weatherspoons
Some of our younger northerners (well north west) have never heard of a "double maxim".
Can you enlighten me please? (it almost sounds rude!).

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I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Sunderland had a brewery called Vaux it dominated the town centre for just over 200 years, it was taken over by a hotel group who dumped the entire debt of the group on to Vaux then they closed it, so the hotel group had no debts.
It was a very successful brewery, all of Sunderland pubs had deliveries by horse and dray, external of Sunderland were delivered by lorry.
Double Maxim was best known brand now it's a real ale just over 5%. There is a statute in keel sq life size.
Oh my Goodness! My Grandma ran an off licence in Middlesbrough and we used to have Double Maxim there. My brother and I used to drink out of the drip trays. We were just tall enough to reach them. amazing we both survived to make it to this ripe old age. we had the Dray deliveries too.
Will have a look at that statue. Thanks this is bringing back some fantastic memories! Not only did my little brother and I drink out of the drip trays my Gran smoked but told my Grandad she didn't. so she blamed the smell on the people coming into the off licence and used to bribe me and my brother with a cigarette now and again too. Shocking eh?
Ha ha ha disgusting, grandad gave me a spoon full of whisky every day, and grandma sent me on a message she put a penny on top of the oven, to hot to pick up, but got round that with an old match box just flicked the penny in till it cool bown,.
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