Oxford Road casino event
Thursday 23rd October

I'm in the car, driving along Oxford Road in Manchester. It's busy with lots of traffic on the roads tonight.
Driving closer to the universities a queue builds up at the traffic lights. In the rear view mirror is a police car which is following closely.

Usually if a police car is following I pull over and stop to let them pass, because the police are like that, that if you make a tiny mistake they can give hassle. When I used to drive a Ford Orion with bodykit I was once pulled over twice in 10 minutes. You'd think they've got something better to do then chase my modified Orion around. Also, I once bought a Volvo 340 for £80, it was to tie me over between cars. I liked the car and kept it a while but when I drove through nice neighbourhoods the police would put the lights on and pull me over. They thought they were detectives investing a low cost car in a nice area – has to be a criminal right?

Once when a car drove in the back of my Volvo at over 30mph on Wilbraham Road while I was stationary, bent the chassis and wrote it off. There was glass and debris all over the road, but the cars were driveable, just, so the police said on the phone they wouldn't come out. When the insurance claim came through – obviously not my fault – I ended up going to Moss Side police station to be asked lots of questions in an interview room. All I could get the jist of was that the lady who drove into the back of my car was a doctor so was using her position of trust and trying to talk her way out of it. I'm sure some police do a good job, but most of the ones I encountered just wanted drivers licences and were asking where I'm going.

Ok. So I'm still in this queue of traffic and looking out of the left side window there's a crowd of people outside the students' union. They're probably all looking forward to watching one of the many gigs put on at the students' union by impressive bands. A few years ago in the venue called Manchester Academy, I went with friends from university to watch Chesney Hawkes! He played I am the one and only! Top night.

The lights change and it's go. I turn right down a sidestreet passing Jabez Clegg and drive around a bit. Some people going to see the band have parked their cars on loading bays, bits of grass, every piece of land is taken!
It's an unusual atmosphere here, as if everyone just dumped their cars anywhere to get to the big show as fast as possible. I drive around the block and start to edge out onto Oxford Road. There are cars parked on the double yellow lines on Oxford Road so as I drive out it's difficult to see traffic coming down the road. Edging the car slowly out a cyclist appears from the right travelling at 30mph with dim lights on his bike. He weaves around the front of the bonnet of my car.

It would be better if cyclists didn't use Oxford Road – it's dangerous he way they weave in between the traffic. They like the adrenaline rush and inrease the chance of accidents. Parallel to Oxford Road are some very nice quieter roads with trees and speed bumps. The cyclists should use the sidestreets and have an enjoyable ride.

Anyway, I find a space on another sidestreet, park the car, and walk the 3 minutes to the bar where the event is held. It's a nice night, the weather is warm and although it's wet on the ground it's not raining now.

I'm wearing black trousers, black shoes and a nicely fitted light blue shirt. I'm pleased about the shirt because it looks very smart and was good value.

I arrive at the Burlington Rooms at Manchester University.
Organiser: "Hi, how are you?"
Me: "Good thanks."
Organiser: "Are you here for the casino night?"
Me: "Yes."
Organiser: "It's upstairs and Jenny will sort you out with some chips."

The event is a casino night but played with chocolates and sweets instead of real money. It's sometimes fun to do something different and take part in an activity. It's new people, new experiences, and new things to talk about.
I play craps and it's my turn to throw the dice.
I throw them, everyone watches as they land on the table.
Croupier: "SEVEN! Roll again."
I roll them again.
Croupier: "SEVEN AGAIN! Roll again!"
I throw them again.
Croupier: "NOT A SEVEN!" he says joking.
Croupier: "Throw again!"
I roll the dice.
Croupier: "SEVEN AGAIN! That's lucky!"

This casino night is a lot of fun. I leave at 11pm.

Overall it's a good night. The organisers made it enjoyable. I also end up with lots of chocolate winnings to take home!


Summary and reviews: Thursday 23rd October

Burlington Rooms
Medium busy. Decor: 7/10.
Notes: Includes a bar, function rooms and a vegetarian cafe.


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© Alex Remizo