On the Thursday before filming (8th July) we came home to find a message on our answer phone from Stan Ball saying he was "a little concerned" that the refurbishment works were overrunning and he wondered if the premises would be suitable for filming. To be honest we completely ignored this message (yes I know stupid of us) but Stan sounded so laid-back it really didn't seem too urgent - then we were brought back to our senses when at about 5p.m. on the Saturday (10th July) Phil the chef phoned us to say he was "very worried" that we wouldn't be able to film because of the state of the place - would we like to go along and have a look. Phil met us at the door and told us to prepare ourselves for a shock. The sight that met our eyes was absolutely unbelievable - it looked like the place had been hit by a tornado - the bowls club we know and love dearly had totally disappeared into what could only be described as a building site. The bar itself was under a very thick layer of dust. The tables and chairs we had planned to use were stacked up all around the place and despite the fact they were covered with plastic dust covers they were still thickly coated. The carpet - well I think there was a carpet - it was hard to see - was also covered it not only dust but off cuts of plasterboard, plaster lumps, bits of electric wiring, nails (by the dozen!) and most charming of all a pair of size 12 builders steel-capped boots along with a sweaty tee shirt. To say we were devastated was an understatement - we simply could not see a way forward other than cancelling everybody - Matt for one had taken the day off work and there was no guarantee we would be able to contact everyone and stop them turning up. I said to Norm that we could take a chance and get there early on Sunday morning and give the place a good Hoover and dust and see what it looked like - so this is what we did. It was a nerve jangling couple of hours but we managed to clear enough of the debris and dust. Liz and Phil gave up their Sunday morning to completely clean the bar, put up optics and glasses on the shelves and give the entire bar area a thorough wash. If you have seen the film I think you will agree that it does look like any ordinary (albeit new-style) pub. Norman has edited the film, added the vital music and sent it on to Mike Coad for entry to this year's North v South competition so (as usual) it's fingers crossed.

SECOND TAKE October 2004

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