Adam’s Weekly Blog: Skem’s Best Places!

Hello Clarice.

Another week and another blog! Some exciting things are in the works- the About the Town team had a work meeting today and I will have several articles in our upcoming mag that will be my babies! I have some really great Christmas, New Year’s, and general content coming! As a Halloween Supremacist, it will be a little strange writing about things happening in December, but I suppose it comes with the job!

This week’s blog is a bit more of my observations about Skelmersdale and its surrounding areas. As some of you may know, I live outside of the town, and get a ride in every day I work. Before my work here started, I only knew Skelmersdale as an Asda, a KFC, and a lot of big and confusing roundabouts- not very well at all if I’m honest. So, now that I’m working here, I’m engaged and familiar with the community, and have been hanging around more and more, I’ve found some of Skelmersdale’s true gems that I’m going to talk about and share with you! I present to you, in no particular order, three of my favourite spots in Skelmersdale and Up Holland- if you haven’t checked them out already, I give them the full Adam seal of approval!!

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1: Shakespeare’s Café- Upholland.

This venue is one of About the Town’s favourite places for business meetings, and for good reason. Run by our friends at Artz Centre, this is a book lover’s paradise! It’s pretty much what I think of when I think of a home environment, dark wood, comfy chairs, green (my favourite colour) walls, and books as far as the eye can see! It’s basically a mini library in there, with books from History, to Crime and Horror and Young Adult fiction, there’s something in there for everyone. Plus, all the books are completely free to borrow! Left to my own devices, I think I could probably spend a long time in there with a good book and a drink. We love it so much; our Autumn Issue even has a voucher for two for one drinks there- an even bigger incentive to check this place out! It deserves the attention, as such a great environment and business. We’ll be hosting our Taletober readings there, as well as the Skelmersdale Story Project meetings, so if you follow those ventures, you’re sure to see the café soon!

2: Siesta Coffee- Skelmersdale Concourse

Another café? I know but this venue is also worth note. While waiting for buses or for pick-ups at the Concourse, this is my prime location. I have a favourite booth tucked in a corner, with a plug so I can charge my phone or work, and even pick up the Wi-Fi! I love the drinks here- a vanilla frappe with caramel is exactly what I need after a long day in the office, and it’s made very well by the staff, which are my other favourite part of the experience. Everyone at Siesta coffee is very friendly and welcoming- all the times I’ve been there one of their workers has engaged me in a cheerful conversation that’s made my day. The first time I went I had a five minute discussion about anime after one caught me reading manga, and another when I had a comic book, a good chat about how the waitress’s husband loved superheroes! I can’t help but feel connected to the workers here, and always feel welcome to sit, have a drink, and while away the hours. 

3: The Walmsley Alternative- Skelmersdale Concourse

By weekdays I’m a big bear in smart-casual clothing, ready for business and to make a good impression on our clients, and on those floating through the Your Protection office where About the Town works. But by weekends, I’m a scruffy punk with ripped jeans, pins and giant boots (or as I call them, zombie stompers). My favourite movie’s been the Nightmare Before Christmas since I was around two, and my earphones are often blasting face melting scene music when I’m looking nice and serene on the bus. It’s not a phase I promise- I’ve been this way since I was allowed to dress myself and continue to be so.

Thus, the Walmsley Alternative is an amazing stop for me whenever I’m in the Concourse. They have a bunch of awesome shirts and hoodies which are all really high quality, and perfect for an edgy boy such as myself. I bought a shirt for just ten pounds and I love it a lot. What’s more they even have comics! I got a Hulkling volume for just one pound! If you’re a bit different then it’s definitely a place to check out! I always find that those existing outside the mainstream, the alternative and nerdy people of the world, understand each other. So when going into an alternative shop like this one, I find some of my people, and thus we, once again, have a really nice conversation. They’re friendly in here too- so even if you aren’t part of the subculture and just looking for a gift, I’m sure the staff will be happy to assist and recommend. I can guarantee after my pay checks, I’ll be splurging on a few new outfits here!!

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So, those are my Skem favourites! As I get more accustomed to the town, I’m sure this list will grow, but in the meantime, I can’t recommend these local businesses enough! They do an amazing job of making me feel inspired, welcome, and comfortable in a town where I previously was a stranger. If you get the chance, check them out! I’m sure you won’t regret giving them all a visit!

That’s it for this week! Once again, next week’s post is a bit up in the air, but I look forward to making it, and hearing your thoughts. Last week I heard such kind words from what people thought of my blog on Mental Health and Gaming, and even reports I’d managed to help some people out, which warms my heart. I’m glad you all enjoy and can take things away from my content- because I enjoy giving it to you!

Much love my jammy darlings.