2009 Review

Have been ligged on the sofa scratching my balls most of the holiday season, I have noticed a plethora of telly shows showing the "Best of 2009" and "The best of the Noughties", so being a bit a sheep, according to our lass anyway, I have decided to do a Bender Squad review of not only 2009, but also of the Decade. Being as bone idle as I am though, I will be doing just 2009 now, and one for the previous ten years either tomorrow or the day after. Or the day after that. Or maybe next week. But for now, I shall focus on the last twelve months, as I take you back over the last twelve months, and dish out my now annual awards.

The Bender Squad

Bender of the Year
The whole reason that we formed our little drinking gang, was to have company as we took off on drinking shindigs. Of course the economic storm has put paid to the number of them we can actually take part in, as some members aren't as solvent as they once were. So this year the nominations are a bit scarce. In fact there are only really two that can be considered. Our annual 1860trip, which was to Munich, and Mad ad's stag night north of the Border to Edinburgh. First up, Munich. Our second trip to the Bavarian capital, but this time there was no Oktoberfest, so we got to see a whole lot more of the city. We also had a couple of German speakers with us, which helped us secure uber cheap tickets to watch Der Lowen. Shouty was in inspired form, Jonesy proved a great addition, as did Dance Mat, the Major and Ryan, who try as we might, we could not think up a decent Squad name for. Adams do round Auld Reekie was a much hastier trip, we were only allocated two nights supping, although Tony Helmet tried to squeeze in a months worth in one weekend, with predictable results. Honourable mentions too the annual FA Cup final Day, the Christmas Shindig round Skipton and myself and Crespos trip through Darlington, Leeds and Bradford, all in one day. But the standout trip had to be Munich.

Winner- Munich
Runner up- Edinburgh

Squad Member of the Year
A first annual award, one for outstanding contribution to the cause of drinking beer. I plan on making this ward in a fashion similar to thew Wisden cricketer of the year, as in it can only be won by an individual once. I would this year say there are probably three worthy nominees. First up is the surprise one, Tony Helmet. Yes he was in full noodle mode in Edinburgh, but the fact remains he has proved to be one of the most reliable members this year. He is aways keen to track down errant members, and drag their sorry arses out. He often makes himself available to ferry us off to away games, and but for a lousy job that requires him to work weekends would probably be an ever present. Next up is Crespo, who never seems to miss any outing. He combines a healthy dose of common sense and buffoonery to make an excellent companion on any jaunt. You basically know he is as big a muppet as the rest of us, but not enough to get beaten up or arrested. But the winner, at the risk of sounding arrogant, has to be my good self. Fair enough, I probably haven't set as high a standard as in the previous years, but I do continue to organise almost every aspect of every trip we under take. Combine this with the blog that I maintain for our perusal, and I think it is deserved. Honourable mentions go to El Grande Queso, Big JohnnyM and the Shoutster, all of whom make more outings than most.

Winner- Euro Bri
Runners Up- Helmet and Crespo

Newcomer of the Year
We are all well aware that the Squad needs to gather new members to replece the comrades that fall foul of the evil Mean Repressive Spouse aka the M.R.S. Over the years we have seen several members, some as high profile as much lamented Jamon, fall into the mysterious waters of the pootang triangle, never to be seen again. This is why new blood is always required, and this year we have seen a couple emerge. First up is Sprocket. Although he hails from the back waters of Castleford, I figure we have found a bit of a diamond. Always hungry, and he gets a bit rowdy when pissed, he is still a good companion, and one of my favourite people to argue with. In contrast is the little fire cracker known as Charlie Child Catcher. Believe me, this fella is capable of going off anywhere, and although he requires a little seasoning, there could be a bright future for this guy as Shouty's heir apparent. Honourable mentions to the Major, Gareeeeee and Mickey D

Winner- Sprocket
Runner Up- Charlie Child Catcher


UK Pub of the Year
I have decided to preclude our main watering holes, the Villager and the Upper George, from this award section, as they are to all intents purposes our home from homes. So first up we have our new Bradford City local, and my dream Bradford pub, the New Beehive. A Georgian gem from the turn of the century, almost all it's original features have been maintained. It's courtyard, on a sunny day, is one of the finest places to be on the planet. To my mind this is what every pub should be like. The only other pub that we use in the town centre is the City Vaults, on oasis in a sea of boarded up shops, although Helmet still maintains that it is a gay bar. The final nomination is not a particularly nice pub, looks wise, but it was the sight of probably the biggest blow out of the year, the Haymarket in Edinburgh. It was under this roof that Helmet, Funky and Mad Ad went into Buffoon overdrive, and for this reason alone makes the final three. Watching the bouncer chase them out, on several occasions was hilarious. Honourable mentions go to Diggers and the Spiders Web in Edinburgh, Fannys in Saltaire and the Narrow Boat in Skipton.

Winner- The New Beehive, Bradford
Runner Up- The Haymarket, Edinburgh

Foreign Bar of the Year
Not a massive choice to pick from, as we only ventured to Munich. The beer kellers were great, my personal favourite were the two Augistiener ones near the train station, although the Hofbrauhaus was a lot better than I expected. The best one, however, was the one a taxi driver took us to on the Sunday night. You entered through a thick curtain, to be met by a bunch of worse for wear drinkers slumped at the bar, and a DJ playing some kick ass tunes. Whithin the hour the place was rammed, full of fit birds, and the beer was cheap. What was it called? I have no idea! But it was the best boozer I was in all year, bar none (forgive the pun).

Winner- ???????, Munich
Runner Up- Augustiener Keller, Munich

I think that just about covers the year in Bendering. As I alluded to at the beginning I will be doing an in depth review of the last decade, which in in 2003 saw us undertake our first foreign bender. I will also preview what lies ahead in 2010, in which, with luck, we will see us shake off the financial constraints of the downturn, and get out a bit more.