And the winner is...

In which G.M. Norton sees his periodical crowned the best vintage blog in Manchester.

Well gentle reader, I cannot lie. I am afraid that I need to confess behaviour that is unbefitting of a gentleman – I arrived late for the Vintage Manchester awards ceremony where I was a finalist in the Best Vintage Lifestyle Blog category. And not just by a few paltry minutes, it was by a good thirty of the things.

I will not bore you with the reason for my poor punctuality but needless to say, it involved a fateful wrong turn, being trapped amongst a throng of football supporters, a thirty mile dash and an unofficial world record attempt to change into full evening garb.

Despite this timekeeping travesty, my beloved and I arrived at the plush Manchester 235 casino before any of the vintage shenanigans had got underway. I am not so egotistical to think that the whole event was delayed on account of my failure to turn up on time, it was more of a happy coincidence. Lord and Lady Luck must have been smiling down on your favourite protagonist it seems.

Doesn’t my beloved look ravishing with her Bethany Jane Davies-style ‘do and monochrome frock?

All dressed up

A week in the life of a gentleman

In which G.M. Norton offers a tantalising glimpse into the week of an aspiring English gentleman.

I will place my cards on the table, dear readers. The last seven days have not been what one would call 'a typical week' for your favourite protagonist. In fact, it has been a week of surprises and new experiences in many ways. If I may be so bold, I would like to run you through each day (no need to actually exert yourself, your horrified expression at the prospect of more than a light jog has been duly noted).

Sunday 

Ah, good old Sunday. The day when Britain collectively sits around the dinner table and devours a veritable feast of the finest roast beef in the land, mountains of roast potatoes, a few vegetables to add a dash of colour and lashings of gravy goodness. I'm sorry, is that your stomach I can hear rumbling? 

Mr. Eccles Cake

In which G.M. Norton portrays James Birch, the original Eccles Cake purveyor from the 18^th century.

Today I have not quite been myself. I have been Mr. James Birch instead – the person first credited with selling Eccles Cakes almost 200 years ago from his premises on the corner of Vicarage Road and Church Street.

To explain my temporary change in identity, I must explain that for the past week it has been the Eccles Cake Festival.

Another dalliance with His Vintage Life

In which G.M. Norton strikes a pose (and any oncoming ruffians).

Following my moustache feature in the inaugural edition of His Vintage Life magazine, much to my delight, the editorial team asked me to write a little something for the second issue.

Available now from selected establishments of Messrs W.H. & Smith, this time my second three-page article concerns the gentlemanly form of self-defence, Bartitsu.