During my visit to Runcorn’s Halton Lea shopping centre earlier today I bumped into a Viking. You wouldn’t credit it would you? So, being of sound stock, I plucked up the doughty reserve and wandered across.
“Greetings old warrior,” I called, in careful and friendly tones. “I come in peace on behalf of Smokefree Northwest. Are you under the yoke?”, I asked. “Y’know smoke cigarettes and such?”
Dashed foolish penguin am I!
This wasn’t any old Nordic warrior; it was Kemik, mascot to the mighty Widnes Vikings rugby league club. How very embarrassing for me – a sportsman such as he doesn’t smoke!
I apologised and he was most gracious (on this evidence Vikings seem to have an ill-earned reputation). As we chatted it became clear that old ‘K’ had heard I was in town and wanted to lend his support to the whole enterprise.
How flattering! Kemik gave a real boost to our team today. Not that they need it; SUPPORT, the Halton and St Helens PCT Stop Smoking Service, helped 2,858 smokers pack in last year. Utterly sumptuous, what? If you want to find out how NHS stop smoking services can help you quit, do call my Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252.
I asked Kemik where I could go to wind down in Halton after a busy day on the frontline. He urged me to visit Norton Priory - the ruins of a castle lie nearby; then to cross the spectacular Runcorn and Widnes Bridge - the River Mersey separates the towns; then to visit the Catalyst museum to find out about the area’s industrial history; and finally to spend some time in the picturesque village of Hale.
I’ve a day off tomorrow, so I’m delighted there’s plenty to do around these parts. Especially since the weather is becoming much more pleasing. It’s getting lovely and cold – don’t you think? Maybe I shall spend some time paddling along the shoreline before I head inland for my final foray into Greater Manchester.
Cheshire, you’ve been an utter darling! Till Trafford!
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