Local writers - Bill Jones

What's the potted biography?
I was born in the Welsh borderlands and grew up in Shrewsbury. After graduating from Aberystwyth University I got a job at Manchester University. I became Director of Extra-Mural Studies 1986-91 but then had a stroke whilst out jogging. I retired on medical grounds but I still teach part-time at the university and write a number of reasonably successful books on British politics. I also write a blog on the same subject at Skipper.

Why live in Heaton Moor?
I've lived in Heaton Moor since 1979 after divorcing. Back then, it was part of a new beginning for me. First I lived in Moorside Road for two years, then in Parsonage Road for 20 years, and latterly in Mount Road, Heaton Norris, close to the Nursery pub. I think this is a good place to live.

What's good about the Moor?
I like the Edwardian architecture. I used to live in such a house in Parsonage Rd - where developers have allowed it to survive amoung those newbuild 'luxury apartments' of every kind. I also like the greenery and the pubs - especially The Nursery - and the people who are for the most part very friendly and fun to live with.

Any dislikes?
I'm furious about lots of things but top of my list is the extent to which Heaton Moor is litter strewn and marred by chewing gum on the pavements. That's my Victor Meldrew moment over.

What are your current projects?
At the moment I'm writing a new kind of textbook on British politics and trying to develop some creative writing of various kinds. I also do occasional broadcasting - like today on Radio Manchester!

Pubs on the Moor

Heaton Moor appears to be well-blessed in terms of its pubs, but visits to them are likely to prove that they are not as varied as their appearance might suggest. The following are in descending order of desirability.

The Nursery
A regular award-winner in CAMERA's 'Pub of the Month' competition. The main feature is a comfortable wood-panelled lounge. Relaxed on opening hours. Food well-rated. Clientele completely divided between darts players in the Smoke Room and mature conversationalists in the Lounge. Recommended. [Green Lane]

The Griffin
The most attractive features here are the stunning Victorian curved etched-glass bar and a selection of comfortable side rooms. Clientele divided between Manchester City supporters and taxi-cab drivers. Killer feature - beer at less than £1.50 a pint. Beware of the landlady. [Didsbury Road]

The Moor Top
The traditional pub sign shows a shepherd with crook and (rather bizaarely) three-piece suit, plus his trusty collie waiting to round up sheep. Inside, the ambiance is wide-screen Sky TV, with In-ger-lund buntings throughout the year. Clientele: OAPs at lunch time, and Youf the rest of the day, with baseball cap, tatoos, and the white Ford escort in the car park. Beer - over-priced rubbish. Oh - one plus. There's free broadband access if you need it. [Heaton Moor Road]

The Crown
Quaint traditional Robinson's pub situated in conservation area of Heaton Mersey. Country-style low ceilings, snugs, and olde-worlde furnishings. Comfortable, but suffers from a culture of militant Nationalist ambiance which seems to persist (rather like the Royal Oak in Didsbury) from previous eras. Handy for recently-notorious dogging spot in local car park. [Didsbury Road]