The Cheshire Home Guard/Cheshire Pals were saddened to learn of the death of one of their most stalwart and enthusiastic supporters, Mr Mike Mercer of the Albion Inn Chester.
Mike welcomed us into the pub for meetings and invited us to provide “colour” to his famous WW1 Nights, and we were honoured to be able to do something for this most generous of men.
I’m going to quote – with his permission – the words of Mr Matt Baker, who has written what we are all feeling -
Almost a phenomenal 50 years as landlord at The Albion Inn, sadly our city has lost one of its most treasured characters. Mr Mike Mercer has been custodian of one the most cherished venues in Chester. For decades I have had the honour of entertaining thousands of people at his pianola, commemorating some of the most significant milestones in our history, and even accompanying veterens in the singing of some of the old favourites.
Mike, thanks for enriching so many people's lives, including my own. You were truly unique. Now you may be able to join the boys of the old brigade whose memory you have kept alive so beautifully and so respectfully.
My love goes to Christina, Clare, Lorna and the whole family as you journey onward to the Albion in the heavens, confident your spirit will stay close by them in all they do.
"There's a long, long trail a-winding
Into the land of my dreams,
Where the nightingales are singing
And a white moon beams.
There's a long, long night of waiting
Until my dreams all come true;
Till the day when I'll be going down
That long, long trail with you. "
Mike welcomed us into the pub for meetings and invited us to provide “colour” to his famous WW1 Nights, and we were honoured to be able to do something for this most generous of men.
I’m going to quote – with his permission – the words of Mr Matt Baker, who has written what we are all feeling -
Almost a phenomenal 50 years as landlord at The Albion Inn, sadly our city has lost one of its most treasured characters. Mr Mike Mercer has been custodian of one the most cherished venues in Chester. For decades I have had the honour of entertaining thousands of people at his pianola, commemorating some of the most significant milestones in our history, and even accompanying veterens in the singing of some of the old favourites.
Mike, thanks for enriching so many people's lives, including my own. You were truly unique. Now you may be able to join the boys of the old brigade whose memory you have kept alive so beautifully and so respectfully.
My love goes to Christina, Clare, Lorna and the whole family as you journey onward to the Albion in the heavens, confident your spirit will stay close by them in all they do.
"There's a long, long trail a-winding
Into the land of my dreams,
Where the nightingales are singing
And a white moon beams.
There's a long, long night of waiting
Until my dreams all come true;
Till the day when I'll be going down
That long, long trail with you. "
