When I was 16 or 17, I quite liked the UK Subs. They weren’t the biggest punk band and, while certainly not mainstream, they weren’t exactly extreme. They’re still around today, although the line-up has somewhat changed.

After work yesterday, since I have a day off today, I called off at the Tuns after work. My second in command didn’t wish to join me, so I settled for a quiet, solitary drink. And a little conversation with local gentlemen. While sampling some fruit wheat beer, an elderly man sat at my table, opposite me, with a cup of coffee and a pie (the annual pie festival began last night).

He also sampled the wheat beer and, like me, the rhubarb cider. We discussed the two (we both enjoyed the cider), then he talked about the traffic on the A1 today. And the band’s new crowdfunded album, their tour and the purchase of new equipment (which is lighter than in the old days). I was surprised that Charlie Harper, the UK Subs front man, was such a nice bloke (although I’m not sure why) and that he’s now aged 72.

I didn’t stay to see the band; I didn’t want to exceed my capacity for fruit wheat beer or rhubarb cider.