As Baldrick would say about this Weekday Wander "I have a cunning plan!" This entails collecting a few Mild Magic stickers on this outing. Well done Baldrick, what could possibly go wrong?

Urmston can be reached directly by both bus and train. The Transpennine Express train is quicker, but the bus, with its £2 'hourly' fare* ticket is cheaper. The drawback is the journey times, around an hour by bus as against the half hour by train (if it isn't cancelled!). Anyone joining us from Didsbury may find the direct 23 bus a better option instead of having to change trains in Manchester.
* Multiple Bee buses can be used as long as all journeys start within an hour of the issue of the ticket!

Our first port of call will be the Tim Bobbin, the outlet of JD Wetherspoon in Urmston. The building has an impressive façade, hinting at Art Nouveau and/or an institutional building, and was reportedly a former gas showroom. Food is available and, if you intend indulging in their meal plus a pint offering, don't rush to order your pint before ordering your meal (unless you intend drinking two pints!) We will be reaching Tim Bobbin at around 11:30am, so the breakfast menu will still be available for those desiring such a meal. As Tim Bobbin is on Mild Magic, don't forget your sticker if taking part.

Our second establishment is next door but three, where we will be visiting the Prairie Schooner. It falls in to a twilight zone, though described as a micro bar, it is actually far bigger than some proper pubs such as the Circus in Manchester. They champion LocAles so most of the draught beers should be local, unlike the 200 plus bottles and cans which are sourced from all over the UK, the continent and America [I assume the US of A]. Lovers of whisky, gin and wine will also find something of interest. Unfortunately Prairie Schooner isn't on Mild Magic, so don't ask for a sticker.

To visit our third outlet requires a short walk towards Stretford (under 10 minutes) which brings us to our next destination, the Lord Nelson.

Supposedly the Nellie, ie Lord Nelson, has adorned Urmston since the time of the Battle of Trafalgar [Historic account of Lord Nelson], in what is described as a French-style building. When Britain was still at war with Napoleon it is confusing why a French style was adopted, but why let logic get in the way of a good story. Whatever its history this Holts pub still serves its community well, with beer reputedly delivered in barrels at busy times. It is also one of a dwindling number which offer both mild and bitter, accompanied by another offering from Holts. In years gone by, this is one of the establishments which offered not one, but both milds available to licensees (Holts Mild and Unmistakably Mild, their special brew just for Mild Magic) so if participating, don't forget your Mild Magic sticker. Though usually quieter in the afternoons it is usually still generously frequented by the aforementioned locals.

For our final (Urmston) destination we need to backtrack towards the station where we will visit the Barking Dog, which is located in the former post office building, some features of which may be spotted in the new premises. The bar boasts five handpulls (one of which is invariably a Dunnam Massey mild - don't forget your Mild Magic sticker), and there is also an extensive bottle option (in side room to right of bar). This also leads to a hidden snug. Food is also available should you be hungry (or desiring an early evening meal!) which includes home cooked pies as well as platters and pizzas. Due to a bit of bad planning by the organiser you won't be able to take advantage of the Tuesday Buy One Get A Voucher For Another meal deal. — Sorry.

Here endeth the Urmston part of the Wander, but as many of us will be returning on the train, which conveniently goes through Oxford Road, there is the option of a fourth Mild Magic sticker by visiting the Oxford Tap just outside the station.

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