Monday, July 27, 2020

Lost shops - Toys R Us in Warrington

A look at the old Toys R Us store in Warrington.


Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020

In our continued look at old, defunct and lost shops we took a walk round the old Toys R Us store in Warrington, Cheshire at the weekend.

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020

Toys R Us ceased trading in the UK back in April 2018 and the Warrington location has been empty since then. The site will become a car dealership in the future.

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020

While very little of the signage is still in place you can still clearly see ghost signs of the TOYS R US and BABIES R US logos on the building.


Working at Toys R Us

My first job while at university in the year 2000 was as one of Geoffrey's helpers at the Luton store. I worked on the video game and electronics section.

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
We never had these branded bollards at the Gipsy Lane store in Luton

A look round the Warrington location

Here are some more snaps and videos of the store as it looked in July 2020.

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
The approach to the store

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
These branded stones are very very nice

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
Ghost signage





Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
The lettering from the old sign is still visible on the side of the building

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
Note the markings on the ground

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
Coronavirus social distancing warnings

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
The container loading bay. When I worked at Toys R Us I spent parts of my evening shifts unloading the containers

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
One of the few signs still on the building. While it's unbranded, the Toys R Us typeface is recognisable

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
Toys R Us and Babies R Us ghost signs

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
The overgrown trolley bay at the front of the store

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
An empty trolley bay

Toys R Us in Warrington. July 2020
A 'tombstone' to the dead brand

Toys R Us in Ancoats, Manchester

I took a look at the old Toys R Us store at the Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester just prior to it's demolition in March 2019.

Check out photos of that location from two visits in February 2019 - one / two.

We had a look at what's left of the old Central Retail Park last Friday.

Lost shops

We've seen a number of other old and defunct brands on our travels around the country including Woolworths in Stoke-on-Trent, Woolworths Big W in Edinburgh, Kwik Save in Barrow-in-Furness, Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Tandy in Hitchin and RadioShack in Lytham Saint Annes.

Do you have a favourite old shop brand from the past?

The Simpsons art on an ice cream van

We spotted an interestingly decorated ice cream van in Cheadle on Friday.


The Simpsons art on an ice cream van
It's always fun seeing The Simpsons in unexpected places

It's not the first time we've seen The Simpsons on an ice cream van - we saw this one in Leeds and another in Cheadle Heath.

The Simpsons art on an ice cream van
This was on the High Street rather than Abbey Road

Related blog posts:
- The Simpsons

Urban Exploration - Central Retail Park in Manchester

A look at what's left of the old Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester.


Central Retail Park in Manchester

We went for a walk in Manchester city centre for the first time since March on Friday.

We've spent the pandemic within the confines of Stockport borough, save for a few incursions over the border to Fallowfield, Didsbury and Parrs Wood, so it was nice to see some different sights for a change.

Last year we'd walked past the old Central Retail Park in Ancoats and saw the beginning of the work to demolish the retail units. The site looks quite different now.

Central Retail Park in Manchester
Desolate

Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester
The last signs standing

Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester
A view of the entrance roundabout
 
Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester
This was where Toys R Us used to be!

Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester
An old way in

There are plans to turn the area into a car park.

Central Retail Park in Ancoats, Manchester
It's already looking car parky

It was a good spot to practice social distancing.

Related blog posts:
- Manchester
- Urban exploration
- Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester
- Lost shops - Toys R Us in Ancoats, Manchester

Friday, July 24, 2020

New Shipwreck Adventure Golf in Swanage

There's a new Shipwreck Adventure Golf course in Swanage, Dorset.


There's a new Shipwreck Adventure Golf course at the Santa Fe Fun Park in Swanage, Dorset

Many thanks to our friend and fellow minigolf explorer Matt Dodd for letting us know there's a new Shipwreck Adventure Golf course at the Santa Fe Fun Park in Swanage, Dorset.

Check out the Santa Fe Fun Park website for more information.

It's another good reason for us to revisit Swanage. We had a great time in the seaside resort on our South West road trip in 2015. The existing Jurassic Adventure Golf course there was the landmark 600th UK visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. We've now been to 949 courses since 2006.

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Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford

A look at the social distancing measures at Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford.


Many thanks to my friend and minigolf rival Henri Myers for sending over some photos from his visit to the 36-hole indoor Volcano Falls Adventure Golf centre at Xscape in Castleford.

Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford. Photo by Henri Myers, July 2020

Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford. Photo by Henri Myers, July 2020
 
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford. Photo by Henri Myers, July 2020

Volcano Falls Adventure Golf in Castleford. Photo by Henri Myers, July 2020

Visit the Volcano Falls Adventure Golf website for more information.


The two Volcano Falls Adventure Golf courses in Castleford were among the 20 courses we visited in the first 20 days of 2020. So much has happened since then!

Our travels in January took us to minigolf venues in Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Northwich, Doncaster and Castleford.

Castleford is home to six miniature golf courses and 87-holes - all in the Xscape / Junction 32 Outlet Village area.

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Thursday, July 23, 2020

Caddy Shack Mini Golf at Shanklin Seafront

A look at the new Caddy Shack Mini Golf course at Shanklin Seafront, Isle of Wight.


A massive thank you to our friend Philip Walsh for sending over some photos from his round at the new Caddy Shack Mini Golf course during his recent stay on the Isle of Wight.

Caddy Shack Mini Golf at Shanklin Seafront. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

The Caddy Shack indoor Mini Golf course can be found at Shanklin Seafront.

Caddy Shack Mini Golf at Shanklin Seafront. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020
The rules

Caddy Shack Mini Golf at Shanklin Seafront. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020
A sanitisation point and queuing area at the course

Caddy Shack Mini Golf at Shanklin Seafront. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020
A glow-in-the-dark section of the course


Visit the Shanklin Seafront website for more information.


Shanklin Seafront is also home to two other outdoor minigolf courses - one is a Pirate-themed adventure golf layout and the other is a Jurassic course.

It'll be brilliant to make a return visit to the Isle of Wight on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. We've had some day trips there in the past and played a lot of courses, but need at least a long weekend there to play them all.

Philip has also been to the brand new Shanklin Crazy Golf course, the Putting Course at Luccombe Hall HotelRylstone Crazy Golf and Tea Gardens in Shanklin and the Mini Golf course and Billiard Golf tables in Puerto Colón, Tenerife this year.

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Pickle Rick's in Stockport

There's a Pickle Rick's Pizza place in Hazel Grove, Stockport!

Pickle Rick's in Stockport

Blockbuster Video Express in Westcliff-on-Sea

A look at the old Blockbuster Video Express in Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend.


Blockbuster Video Express on London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. Photo by Mark Routh, July 2020

Many thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Mark Routh for sending me these photos of the old Blockbuster Video Express store in Westcliff on Sea, Essex.

Blockbuster Video Express on London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. Photo by Mark Routh, July 2020

It's amazing the signs are still up seven years since the demise of the brand.

Blockbuster Video Express on London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. Photo by Mark Routh, July 2020

Blockbuster Video Express on London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. Photo by Mark Routh, July 2020

Since I found the remains of the Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester last October I've been intrigued to see the brand still has a lingering presence on the high street. It's always fun to see ghost signs, remnants of old & dead brands and interesting signage while out and about on our travels.

I found out the Blockbuster signage was still in place at the Westcliff-on-Sea store via this post on Instagram.

We should've been visiting family in Southend-on-Sea this summer but that trip has been postponed. Hopefully we'll get back down there soon so I can check out the old Blockbuster store too.

Check out Mark's superb postcard blog at Mark's Postcard Chat and his Facebook Page. The blog is a wonderful insight into the world of postcard collecting and social history.

Minigolfing in Dovercourt, Essex

A look back at the minigolf course we played in Dovercourt, Essex.


Minigolf in Dovercourt, Essex

We played the 6-hole Swedish Felt Mini Golf course on Low Road in Dovercourt, Essex back in 2009.

Minigolfing in Dovercourt, Essex

It was the 92nd played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Minigolf in Dovercourt, Essex

Minigolf in Dovercourt, Essex

Related blog posts:
- Swedish Felt Mini Golf courses in Essex
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Essex

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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Mini Golf Putting at Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Finding out about a hotel Putting Course in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.


A big thank you to our friend Philip Walsh for sending over some snaps of a grass Putting Course he found during his recent stay on the Isle of Wight.

Putting Green at Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

It looks like a nice little course for a putt around.

Putting Green at Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

Visit the Luccombe Hall Hotel website for more information.


We're looking forward to a return visit to the Isle of Wight on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. We've had a couple of day trips there in the past and played quite a few courses, but need at least a long weekend to play them all.

Philip has also been to the brand new Shanklin Crazy Golf courseRylstone Crazy Golf and Tea Gardens in Shanklin and the Mini Golf course and Billiard Golf tables in Puerto Colón, Tenerife this year.

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New Crazy Golf course in Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Finding out about a new minigolf course in Shanklin Village on the Isle of Wight.


Shanklin Crazy Golf on the Isle of Wight. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

Many thanks to our friend Philip Walsh for letting me know about a new crazy golf course he found while on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight.

Shanklin Crazy Golf on the Isle of Wight. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

The course can be found at the ice cream/donut/slush cafe opposite the parking in the old village. The finishing touches were being put to the course when he was there so he didn't have the chance to play a round. He did however let me know that the ice cream they served was very good.

Shanklin Crazy Golf on the Isle of Wight. Photo by Philip Walsh, July 2020

The course is a 9-hole layout and costs £3 a round.

We're looking forward to a return visit to the Isle of Wight on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour in the future. A number of new miniature golf courses have opened since our last trip to the island.

Philip has also been to the Rylstone Crazy Golf and Tea Gardens in Shanklin and the Mini Golf course and Billiard Golf tables in Puerto Colón, Tenerife this year.

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Adventure Mini Golf opening in Stoke-On-Trent

New Adventure Mini Golf centre opening in Stoke-On-Trent.


Adventure Mini Golf centre opening in Stoke-On-Trent.

A brand new Adventure Mini Golf venue is opening next to Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire.

For more information visit the Adventure Mini Golf website.


The two-course, 36-hole indoor adventure golf centre is the sister site of Adventure Island Minigolf at Star City in Birmingham. We've played there many many times over the years, including a number of tournaments and leagues.

Adventure Mini Golf in Birmingham

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Crazy World of Minigolf Tour update - July 2020

A Crazy World of Minigolf Tour update.


Before the coronavirus pandemic we were closing in on visiting the final 40 courses of the original 600 we set out to play in 2006. We're also getting very close to hitting 1,000 course visits overall.

We'd had a very strong start to the year and visited 20 courses in the first 20 days of 2020.

We're now up to 949 course visits since September 2006.

Who knows where and when our 950th course visit will be...?

Crazy World of Minigolf Tour update - July 2020

Minigolf in the time of Coronavirus

I've been blogging about Minigolf in the time of Coronavirus with examples of social distancing and Covid-19 hygiene measures in place.

There are a number of new minigolf courses being planned, designed, built and opened in the UK too. This month has seen a range of new indoor and outdoor courses open for the first time in Wolverhampton, Burnley, Gainsborough, London and Northampton.

The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing

It's always nice when I start the day seeing purchases of my minigolf marketing ebook


My ebook to help minigolf players better market themselves, their clubs, tournaments and courses is available to purchase from Amazon and Kobo.

The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing

Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy, read it, used it and reviewed it.

If you're looking at running a minigolf project do get in touch to see how I can help.


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Vegas, baby, Vegas!

Las Vegas meme

Cooltrader

A look at Cooltrader shops.


Cooltrader in Blackpool
Cooltrader in Blackpool. Can you see the tower?

One of my favourite fairly obscure supermarket brands. What's yours?

Cooltrader in Stockport
Cooltrader in Edgeley, Stockport. The first branch of the chain I saw

Cooltrader was formerly a brand owned by Iceland. 54 of the 58 Cooltrader stores were bought by Heron Foods in 2012. Heron Foods is now owned by B&M. Some Heron Foods shops are located in old Woolworths sites.

Cooltrader in Blackpool
The closed Cooltrader in Blackpool

Cooltrader in Shrewsbury
Cooltrader in Shrewsbury. One of only two I've seen open on my travels

Happy National Hot Dog Day

Today is National Hot Dog Day.


Happy National Hot Dog Day

The whole of July is National Hot Dog Month.

Find out more about National Hot Dog Day and National Hot Dog Month on the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council website.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Putt18 World Pro League - Week 2

I'll be teeing-off in week 2 of the Putt18 World Pro League at 4.15pm this Friday, 24th July.

Putt18

You can watch my round live on Facebook.


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More information on the Putt18 golf game mat can be found on the Putt18 website.


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Bart Simpson at Stonham Barns Crazy Golf

A bootleg Bart on a miniature golf course.


Stonham Barns Crazy Golf
The Crazy Golf course at Stonham Barns was the 33rd visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in August 2007. We've now been to 949 courses since 2006

The old Crazy Golf course at Stonham Barns Golf Park has now been replaced by the Smugglers Bay Adventure Golf course. That was the 815th we visited.