The Phantom Coach public house is located strategically close to Coventry Crematorium. Many a mourner has stopped off for a 'stiffener' (maybe not the most appropriate word to use in this context) before or after a funeral. Indeed quite a few did both.
One lunchtime I had arranged to meet a few people at the pub and it became apparent that mourners going to a funeral would meet up first at the pub and then go en masse to the crematorium and return likewise after paying their respects to the dear departed. The 'before' and 'after' atmosphere of these groups was interesting: hushed tones before and party like afterwards.
When 'before' and 'after' groups were in the pub at the same time it felt somewhat embarrassing. One felt that there should be pre-funeral and after-funeral bars.
One of my work colleagues reckoned he could visit the Phantom Coach any weekday and not have to pay a penny for his drinks. He would find out the name of the deceased and make sure he was standing close to the person ordering drinks. Once one group moved on he would attach himself to the next group.
KENT COMMUNITY ACTIVIST: acerbic, carping, caustic, curmudgeonly,critical, cynical, grumpy, moaning, sardonic and plain speaking.
No comments:
Post a Comment