The first time I went to Bilston, it was a bleak, foggy January Saturday. My birthday to be precise. It was dire. I was expecting tumbleweed to come flying down it was that desolate. It hasn’t got any better.

I remember wandering round Bilston the morning after DF joined them on stage – it saya something about the town when you think the nicest looking shopfront was the local undertakers.

I’ve told my mate that the Great Western does Bathams, so he’s up for it. He’ll be in a short-sleeved Dukla Prague Away top. Following that, it’s the metro to Bilston Central and the delights of the OWR – hopefully.

@ J “S” W

Go to the home page and look for Stuart Vallantine’s Half Map Half Biscuit for place references.

@John “Shorts” Waters, if you do have a spare ticket, let me know & I will buy it off you.

However, it is really hidden away. When you come out of the main Wolvo entrance, turn right and walk along the station facade, towards the Transport Police nick. After 30-40 yards, you’ll come to some steps on the right. Go down those and turn right at the bottom and keep going. You’ll embrace the margins of a car park for a couple of hundred yards until The Great Western appears, as if by magic.

Should Chris, the Siteowner wish to pass on my email address to you and John Waters, I shall give you my mobile number. I’ll be in a Dickie Davies hoodie.

@ John “Shorts” Waters, the OWR is here: http://goo.gl/maps/NME18 with the route to the Robin2 on. <5 mins walk between the two places. I've added the Trumpet (Holdens) and the Sir Henry Newbolt (Wetherpoos) to the map, but they are in the wrong direction, though only 10 mins walk or so. (Enough for me to miss Joy in Leeuwarden last time!)

I am getting into town ealy afternoon and staying at the robin hotel. Will probably get the tram back upto wolves and check out the great western. Look out for the retro honved.