Tuesday September 6, 1983

 Linthorpe Hotel, Middlesbrough

The Why Not?

Colin Black saw us this morning and informed me that I am to take out a protection order and become the temporary licensee of 'The Why Not?' at Hemlington, just two miles away. A Mr Fogarty, the incumbent licensee is flitting to Surrey on September 16 and we are to take up residence there on that day. Shock. Horror. Gasp. Thrill. Roy took us to see the place at 2. A pleasant place with good decor, but according to little Mr Fogarty it has a very rough, hooligan clientel. Mrs F is a shrinking violet who wouldn't say boo to a goose. Roy doesn't like them and he kept giving me old fashioned looks, if you get my drift. Back at the Linthorpe we took a lot of leg pulling. "If you have a full set of teeth in the Why Not you're a puff"..... Nevertheless we are going and are determined to make a go of it. Colin Black wants us to bring furniture from Club Street and we decide to go home tomorrow to arrange things. We could be at the Why Not for two months until a permanent manager can be found and installed. We decide we now want a car. It all falls into place quite easily when you put your mind to it. Ally and I opened up at 5:30. Busy. Middlesbrough played v. Newcastle Utd at Ayresome Park. We were rushed off our feet by 6:30. The staff found the idea of the Why Not a huge joke, but Ally decides it's jealousy.

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