I lived in Hartlepool and Seaton Carew for a while, and the tension between West Hartlepool and Hartlepool over this event was almost tangible.

One side blamed the other for the demise of the luckless Simian, but I'm damned if I can remember which one was to blame.

Watson,

The Vin Garbutt song says it all. (As far as I can remember.)

In closing, I now play in a band called Wall Street, previously known as 'the Manchester Scene'.

In the above's latter incarnation they were booked to play in Hartlepool, but were asked not to mention the above at their arrival at the gig. (As if!)

Keith the guitar player, on the opening chords to the first song says, "Whats this about a F**king Monkey then....'

One other thing, you never see anyone riding a bike in Hartlepool, they use their handlebars to carry sacks of sea coal. I've done it and been there.

I could tell you some stories...