ToffeeWeb Get-Together — 18 September at The Excelsior

Hello to all, there appears to have been a mistake made, as I was told that there would not be a foreseeable problem about booking on the day, the Manager has just phoned to say that there is another group of regular Evertonians who attend for all Televised Away Matches, so he could not guarantee there would be room to accommodate us all with ease. I do apologise and am working on either another venue or indeed another date. I will of course keep everyone posted as to the situation.

Maybe another date Derek, when we have a home match. The whole experience will, hopefully, be magnified if we can register a home win first!

Thanks Ray, for your encouraging words, I am working on the possibility of another venue as a one-off, it is a Members Only Club ( of which I used to be a member ) and they have a Function Room, cheap beer and very accommodating hopefully, also very close to rail links (a short walk from St Michael's Station)

Derek, thanks for going to the trouble of trying to arrange another ToffeeWeb meeting, another date will show up that will be more comfortable for those of us who will look forward to meeting again, I think, for your own good, you would be better concentrating on the golf meeting you have arranged in late August before you try and sort out the football meeting, especially since you are still recovering from the illness you had only a few months ago.

Thanks once again for your efforts but the Toffeeeweb meeting will occur, put yourself first for now, best of luck, see you soon.

Hey DK, the minute I saw your post, I started researching flights from Seattle to Heathrow. Then I read the update.

I'm still gonna pull my suitcase with the Everton stickers out of the garage. Nail down a date and location, and I'm gonna try like hell to make it.

Derek, just wanted to echo Dave's words mate. Plenty of time for us all to meet up again, besides it will allow me more time to properly research the train times from and to Crewe!

Would be lovely to meet up again - - what about The Ship And Mitre (next door up from The Excelsior - - I call it the Shit and Shovel - - don't know why?) - - I know people who run it - - do you want me to ask for 18th - - the problem is I think RS use it - - but by late afternoon they will all be on trains/boats and planes) - - keep us in touch DK.

George, that would be appreciated, I never even gave that a thought, and it being virtually next door too. I assume they have TV's in there, (the electronic devices, not Transvestites! :-)) So the answer could be on the doorstep literally. Thanks for that suggestion George!

Just checked as I thought the 18th might clash with a trip to Berlin, but that is the week before.

Let me know when confirmed and I'll book my train.

Berlin to Liverpool either side of my 50th!!

Danny, be great to see you mate, don't worry we'll sort something out, if for any reason we can't get the Ship and Mitre, I may have another solution just a couple of train stops away from Moorfields. As George alluded before, I think there is a Liverpool Match at 15.00 but whether that is Televised I don't know.

They don't normally do live matches, or didn't do, before Covid in UK at 15.00, but since Covid, a lot has changed, mind you, Rules could very well change for the Media Darlings too. Even if it was televised the RS very rarely stay on after the match, they scurry off back to their holes or Norway!

Morning all - Derek - I can check out The Ship tomorrow and let you know ASAP.

Good stuff Derek, hope to make it.

I'll go ahead anyway. I can always visit my sister and cousins, plus there are a few family members who have season tickets but don't get to every match because of work commitments.

Either way I'll travel. Quite nice that either side of my half a century innings I will spend time in Germany, a country where I spent time as a youngster and then Liverpool, my home city and most importantly, with Everton; my one true love. Along with the dogs, but they can't come along.

I'm going to try for that one. It'd be nice to see people, who write so many good posts, rather than just their names. I hope it comes off.

I think it would be hard finding a pub if Liverpool are at home on the same day, but hopefully George comes through with the Ship and Mitre.

Thanks George, I have a cunning plan Meester Bond, if that is not possible!

Agree with Tony, Derek, if the shite are at home avoid that day.
Who wants to be in a pub jam packed with foreign sex tourists!

(The author apologises for any offence caused to foreigners, or sex tourists).

I hadn't even checked the fixtures, so just had a look. Liverpool home to Palace, we are away to Villa, 5:30pm kick off.

Can't book a train just yet as the Avanti West Coast website isn't allowing bookings out that far. I mean, two months?

Is something else on in the city that day? Looking at hotels and it's looking pretty booked and any of the decent ones are extortionate. I can stay with family, but they're all out Speke way so I'd rather just get somewhere in town.

You're right, Danny, the hotel I stayed at first get-together has trebled to £303 for one night, room only. The one I stayed in last time in Dale Street has doubled to just under £200 b&b. There are still a couple in L1 for about £120.

Flights aren't too bad, though, at moment. I don't want to book anything until it is definitely on,hopefully in city centre.

I don't mind when it is but nice if Liverpool were away.
Will give DK a ring.

Andy (19), when you're coming try May Duncan's, it's a pub on Everton Road, five minutes or less by bus to the City centre, it's a bed and breakfast gaff, but suitable, don't know if it is accessible on the website, if it is I'm sure it would be a lot cheaper than you are getting quoted by the hotels in town. The bed and breakfast boarding houses in Great Nelson St. right by Lime Street train station could be cheaper as well.

Yeah surprisingly expensive Andy.

I'm committed now as the family are insisting I come home for my 50th. Looking like it will turn into a complete weekend for me!

Dave, you've just reminded me, I stayed at the Lord Nelson when I visited my son in Uni. He was in digs just off London Road.

I've been in town when the RS are at home, admittedly a few years ago, however, everywhere was chocker. Restaurants, pubs etc were packed with ‘tourists' and I imagine hotels will be full too. Not a great idea to have a get together with that circus in town.

I had no idea there was a Merseyside sex tourism industry.

I will extend my stay.

What is sex tourism?

You keep going to different places until you get your leg over. I think.

Danny, try on the outskirts like Dave A has suggested there are quite a few round Sefton Park (Lakeside Hotel, Alicia and some others that I can't recall the names offhand) and Greenbank Park, (Green Park Hotel). All easy links into town by train or bus or taxi. Like Andy C said too, anything in the Centre, is Rip-offville, just thought of another two in the Dingle, The Herculaneum (Peg Leg's) and the Pineapple on Park Road opposite the new Tesco !

I have a one-man tent and a sleeping bag if all else fails! 😜😂

Sex tourist is merely a derogatory name for the rs phoney visitors!

Mike G, Alan, and Danny what a pity The Grafton has long gone! 🤔🤷‍♂️

I'm blaming the tourists for driving up the prices on a Liverpool home game weekend.

I'd rather stay in town, but if need be, the family will put me up.

Really looking forward to it. As someone said earlier, faces to names and all that.

There's a Travelodge by the Kingsman on Aigburth Road too Danny, opposite the Gulshan (good Indian Restaurant). This is becoming like Trip Advisor on this thread. Remember what Fred Pontin used to say " Book Early " 👍.

The Travel Lodge at Aintree is usually pretty cheap and just across from the station.

Bill G, Danny will be up till 3 o'clock tomorrow morning checking all these out, but good shout again mate!

I used to take my son to the Kingsman Derek / Bill.

Sunday mornings to have a cheeky one as it used to have one of those Wacky Warehouse parts to it, so I could just throw him in the plastic ball and slide thing!!

Hi George, did you manage to get any luck with The Shit and Shovel? Oops, I meant the The Ship and Mitre. I was reading on their website that they have a function room upstairs which I didn't realise before, as a possibility? That way, we wouldn't have to mix with any stragglers from the Afternoon Crew!

Keep me posted. I'm travelling.

My fall back will be to go and see the family. I'd rather be in town talking Everton than in the Fox in Speke. Although likely I'd end up in the Childe of Hale, which is a nice pub!!

Reading through the comments, it's just dawned on me that when Liverpool FC are at home, all the hotel prices go through the roof, and that's why it might be better looking at a different game Derek?

I might be wrong, but I'm sure if Andy or Danny were to put in an alternative date when Liverpool are not at home, then they might be able to determine, what I'm saying is actually true or not

I checked that out, Tony, and it sounds like you're right. The following Saturday for example is a fair bit cheaper. However, I'm happy to go along with what suits everyone.

It's easy for us Andy, costs us nothing mate, and my own view is that if you're travelling all this way it might be better on a home match day, and maybe your good self, Danny, and Derek, might just get to view the hallowed turf again, mate.

I will speak to Derek, and maybe see what he thinks, especially because I might just be able to come through with some tickets now,🤞which would be great for yers, so maybe an alternative date might be better?

I've enjoyed the couple of these get togethers that I've attended but I can't see myself wanting to go into town when it's full of Vikings. If it has to be on this date then maybe an out of town venue would be better? The Old Bank in Aigburth is a good Evertonian pub, for example, and on good transport routes.

I think town is a better bet and if a suitable alternative date can be found I will volunteer to pester one or two city based landlords I know to give us a room or two.

Danny O'Neill you've obviously not been in Speke for a while; The Fox is long gone! You and Andy C shouldn't pay those exorbitant prices. Again depending on the final agreed date I should be able to sort you both out with clean and safe accommodation.

Visited Ship and Mitre - would love to accommodate us but no “Live” Football - will keep looking and thinking.

I looked at an Everton home weekend. Hotel prices slightly more reasonable but still expensive. Doesn't bother me, I'm just surprised. Liverpool (city) obviously a place to be!

In fairness, the city centre is impressive these days and I know a lot of non-Liverpool friends who visit and have nothing but good things to say. Wait until that stadium is standing proud.

I didn't realise the Fox was gone Gerard! I've been up but just to see family. With the Dove & Olive (years ago) and the Peg (Dad's local), there can't be many pubs left in Speke now!!

I selfishly think somewhere in town. Flexible on the date.

Alan #25, that means I have been a sex tourist since I was divorced 8 years ago and didn't even know it!

Andy and Danny, getting a ticket shouldn't be a problem; according to posters in here, loads became available when Rafa was appointed!

George, thanks for checking that out, I have been contemplating the possibility of switching it to the following Saturday 25th September, the Home Game Versus Norwich City. I have again contacted the Excelsior and spoken to Ian (Manager) but he couldn't give me a definitive yeah or nay but wants me to phone back Friday where he is going to check a few things out and speak to some people.

I think that will be a lot more popular with everyone, but the only thing being, it is not televised and is a 15.00 Kick off, so anyone without a ticket will either have to 'stream it' or listen via Radio. The other positive could be the Hotel prices will reduce significantly, and also can't see there being a lot of 'Canaries' flying round town.

I will of course post as soon as I know, and get word back from The Excelsior. I'm sure it will hopefully work out in the end, and I still have my Plan B a possibility too. Be great to see everyone again, as it is over two years since the last one with Covid causing a forced hiatus.

Derek (44),

Unfortunately Liverpool play Brentford away on this date: 25 September 2021, and the game is on TV at 5:30 pm, so The Excelsior will be packed with Red fans from about 4:30 pm onwards.

Thanks for the update. Let me know what we settle on.

If we get there first and dominate the ground, then possession is 9 tenths right Dave?!!

It seems that, up until the 25 September, both us and the RS play on the same day, albeit with different kick-off times, Burnley being at home being the exception for us as it's a Monday night game.

A home game for us means most city centre pubs will be full of RS watching from their usual seat, in front of a TV, while an away game for us means all city centre hotels are full of RS tourists. Has anyone, particularly Derek, maybe thought of a location away from the city centre?

Anyway, by the looks of it, it could be well into October before a suitable date is found which is convenient for most. I would love to attend the get-together providing it's a home game.

I was just thinking that myself Rob, when David P, said he was looking forward to the next ToffeeWeb get together, and although it's in the middle of nowhere at the minute, my own suggestion would definitely be THE BRAMLEY MOORE!

Good News for a change, thanks to Tony Abrahams' suggestion, I decided to phone the Bramley Moore (next to our future home) and they CAN ACCOMODATE US, on 25th September after the Norwich City Game. If it is exceptionally busy (which is doubtful) they have a room upstairs with it's own Bar and TV.

I was disappointed with the attitude of The Excelsior (Manager) having spoken to him on the Wednesday he asked me to phone back Friday and he would give a definitive ' Yes or No, as to getting the room on the 25th. I phoned back as requested and he wasn't even there, and unlikely to be available till the weekend. So the Bramley has come to the rescue.

It is about a ten minute walk from Sandhills Station on the Southport line, the Postcode is L5 9SR and is listed as 32-34 Regent Road, basically walk towards the river from the Station turn left on Regent Road and walk towards town. Hopefully this could be our new TW Get Together Home, and appropriately next to our new Stadium.

Apologies for all the mix ups previously but at least we now have a definite date, and a place to accommodate us without fuss or ado. Hopefully see you all there on the day!

Thanks for the update Derek. Apt location; be good to get into practice!

Derek. It IS still fancy dress isn't it?

Brian, just wear what you do on a Friday night when yer missus is out...;-)

The Freddie Mercury gear.

Brian, don't be silly, you know it's always fancy dress on a Match Day :-)

Spanish theme with a Fawlty Towers twist?

Ray I asked you not to watch that stream again you haven't paid your subs mate.

Ray post 52. Well I wanted to break free never mind Freddie but what can you say a blue is a blue.

Is this definitely going ahead on 25/9 after the Norwich game?

Bill G, Yes it has been a right mix up from being told we could get the Excelsior for the Televised game v Villa, only to find out we couldn't be guaranteed after I had posted it.

It was then by popular demand to be pushed forward a week, to the Norwich Game (not televised) but again would have clashed with the Liverpool away game with Brentwood (televised for 17.30 kick off) plus the Manager messing about saying to ring back for a definite answer. Then not even having the decency to be there at all.

Luckily it could be a blessing in disguise Bill, and appropriately could be our new TW Get Together Home for a long time to come. Just outside our new Stadium, so getting our collective feet under their table, may prove to be a good move early on. Imagine how popular it will become once we are moved there. It may recruit some new blood to TW in General too.

A big hand must go to Tony Abrahams who suggested it, to be honest, I was well aware of the Pub, but didn't realise that it had re-opened, so would never have given it a second thought. It serves many purposes along the way, out of the Centre but not too far away either, accessible by train, bus and taxi, and more importantly on the doorstep of our New Home.

Derek, thanks for organising this and Tony for the venue suggestion.

Just think we can watch the stadium rise from the dock before our own eyes!

Hello Derek,

Good to see these get togethers happen.

However I'll have to miss this one, sadly I'm shielding someone and in the words of Professor Whitty: "The numbers could get scary" with the delta variant.

Thanks for the invite, I look forward to a future one.

Good stuff and looking forward to it.

After watching us win 3 - 0 and having had a few refreshments, I will be able to stand outside and visualise our new home.

I just hope the juice doesn't get the better of me and I try to visit it as I'm not a great swimmer.

So that Derek Knox fella CAN organise a piss up in a..........

That's great Derek. If I can get the Sunday off work I'll definitely be there as I can stay over at my sister in law's at Kirkby. If I can't get the Sunday off I may try and call in for an hour or two dependent on train times back to Bangor.

Be good as always to see you Bill! 👍

Neil @ 59, Don't forget to check the train times this time mate ? 🤷‍♂️

Good news, Derek. Will book flights this week and hope it all works out. Anyway, whatever happens, a trip to Liverpool is something to look forward to! Hope circumstances allow Dave A and John Mac to attend. For anyone who has not been to a get together, believe me, it is worth it.

Heard a rumour that Mike Gaynes and Jay Wood have flights booked and Richard Dodd and Tony Marsh drink in the Bramley-Moore.

Wow, sounds like this could a great get-together.

Derek, thanks mate, I will and put my daughter on stand-by just in case.

Hi Derek [58] it's excellent news and I look forward to seeing the regulars once again, and any new comers who may attend. It was my hope that such a get-together would become a regular occurrence when I invited 'ToffeeWebbers' to help me celebrate my 80th birthday in July 2018, following my long spell in hospital. The initial gathering consisted of Dave and Tony Abrahams, Peter Mills, George McKane, Gerard McKean, Steve Fearns, Bill Griffiths, and 'Yours Truly', attendances have increased at subsequent meetings and hopefully will continue to do so.

Hi Andy [66] I will be able to thank you personally for the Derek Dougan book that you kindly sent to me, the Covid pandemic put paid to any chance of me doing so at the time, but with a bit of luck I'll be able to buy you a pint or two when we meet again.

Best deal I could find on room only when I last went to Liverpool 1.5 years ago was surprisingly The Adelphi.

I live in Horsham after an upbringing in Blue Mid-Cheshire. I'm retired and am due a trip up that way around that time, probably on bike and will do my very best to make it.

Hope to see you there, Martin.

would there be room for a new boy on the block, well new old boy! Sed to drink down there many moons ago. It used to be one hell of a stay behind in there.

PS, if any policemen are reading, I was only kidding.

Jim @72/73, you will be more than welcome, the police still think we're going to the Excelsior, so hopefully will nab a few Koppites instead.

I was speaking to Dave Abrahams the other day by phone, and he was saying it was a very vibrant pub back in the day. I have been in myself before, but probably 30 years ago or more, and I expect it will look a lot different now to my recollections. Hope to see you Jim, if not we'll send the busies out to look for you! No Hiding Place. :-)

I'm sure this crowd will make it vibrant Derek!

Derek;

I've only just spotted this thread. Would love it at the Bramley Pub and after a home match as, Covid and health permitting, I'll be going to all the away matches.

Easiest public transport to Sandhills will be the People's Buses (usually grey) which leave from the side of Stanley Park (Walton Lane) after the game.

Then it's a 15 minute walk to the pub. I wonder if the licensee's a Blue?

Derek; I bet the pub's unchanged from your last visit. It's very 1970s,

Derek (74) :) :) Love it! There's no chance of the rozzers catching me now! Thanks Derek, for the invite and all your hard work. I'll look forward to it. The last time I was in there, the Manageresss said to me wha are yer, a man or a mouse...just because I wanted to leave before midnght!

For Neil and anyone not too familiar with Merseyrail.
Trains to Sandhills. ALL trains from Central go to Sandhills EXCEPT the Hunts Cross one. They leave every few minutes and the journey time is 6 minutes.
You can also go from Lime Street Low Level. Change at Central, one stop away on the loopline.
The return journey from Sandhills to Lime Street is slightly different. Either change at Moorfields for Lime St. or (quicker), go directly to Central and Lime Street is a 5 minute walk away.

Bill @76,

I called in the Bramley Moore the other day, you're right: it's still very 1970s! To be fair, the pub has done well to last through the lean years. Quite friendly though and spacious too. I do believe the owner is a Blue and certainly most of the regulars I spoke to are Blues.

Allen,

The owner of the Bramley Moore is the sister of one of KEIOC's founder members.
Massive Blues.

Tom Richards, that's good to hear !

Providing we're still on a green light for this, I've booked into the Atlantic Tower and should have use of my nephew's season ticket for the match.

Looking forward. Mine's a Pinot Grigio!

KKOOTC. Keep Kenwright Out of The Community – I'd sign for that. See you there anyway, lads 'n' lasses. Let's hope it's quite joyous and no post mortem steward's enquiry feel to it. Coyb

Hope there's definitely a green light, Danny, I've booked flights!! Looking forward to meeting you, you too, Brian.

The first one I went to was in the Midland (the Mike Gaynes one). I hadn't planned to go and kind of turned up out of the blue. I was in the Midland quite early and thought I'd got the wrong day when a gang arrived with what could have been no-one but Mike in the centre.

I can't remember what hotel I stayed in. Actually, I don't think I could remember when I left the Midland!