One of Merlins Rest’s most notable friends is the writer Bill Watkins, or “Wild Bill” as we sometimes refer to him. You can find him here a few times per week sharing his stories of a life spent in his native Ireland and around the United Kingdom. And he makes kilts to order for a number of our patrons and friends, as well as helps schedule or lead cultural and music events. Further, Bill is the man who has selected nearly every piece that decorates our pub, including the family crests along the upper walls.
If you have an interest in obtaining your own crest or a kilt, just flag him down. Fridays, for instance, is a good night, as that’s the Kilt Night. And Wednesdays you’ll often find him taking part in the folk jam. You might also leave an email for him through the pub.
A bit about Bill’s background, work and books follows.
BACKGROUND
Bill Watkins was born in Birmingham in 1950 into a Welsh/Irish family. As a teenager he traveled to “Sister Scotland,” where he discovered “a country that’s like Ireland but without the rules.”
He has made a living as a musician, maritime radio operator, theater lighting director, and film-lighting gaffer. He has also contributed numerous articles to Private Eye (a satirical magazine in the UK), The Glasgow Herald, and the Irish Gazette, an Irish-American publication from Minneapolis-St. Paul. He lives and entertains in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he is a freelance druid.
PUB DESIGN
Bill’s company, KELTCOM, designs and builds Irish and British Isles pubs. Recent clients include Merlins Rest in Minneapolis and Carmody Irish Pub in Duluth. If you are interested in obtaining his services, you may contact him by email or here at Merlins.
BOOKS
Bill’s Celtic memoir trilogy is nearly complete! The third book, The Once and Future Celt, was published in May 2008 by Scarletta Press. The previous two, Celtic Childhood and Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish are available for purchase through various online retailers, but the best way to acquire a copy is with a pint at the pub! Ask the bartender.
WooHoo! Looking forward to Bill’s third book. The first two were very interesting, fun and well written. I had many a laugh out loud. Some sad moments as well. I hope to be back in for a pint or two soon.
A hearty thanks to staff and customers for making Katie’s birthday such fun, she really had a ball - well done Merlins!
le meas, Bill
Happy birthday hottie hunk,
love, Katie
We enjoyed meeting you Saturday and lifting a few as well. I’ve added your books to my reading pile and hope to get to them soon.
Hi Willie (wild bill),
I hope all is well with you and yours.
When is your new book out?
Books 1 & 2 have been well read by family and friends.
Nick passed after a long period of illness in August 07.
The very best,
Chas Dutton
PS: Is there good money in Kilts?
To Tim’s dear friends-
A celebration of Tim Dickson’s life will beheld:
10 A.M., Monday, May 12, 2008
St Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove, Minneapolis (across the street from the Walker Art Ctr)
All of Tim’s friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to:
Signal Hill Trust
Security State Bank
PO Box 250
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Thank you to all who offered hugs and tears when we visited Merlins last Saturday. My family looks forward to seeing you on Monday.
Thanks to all who made out two book launch parties go so well, it was a great fun time.
Bill
Woo! Loved the first book, thumping good read.
Nick told me of a tea chest full of bullets which you used to detonate, he also thought could have been a lot more to write about to which I shall not mention. And what is this about hedgehogs baked in clay?
P.S Nick had many fond memories of you and Wotton Wawen.
Bernie from Bathurst NSW Australia here saying ‘g’day’! Have loved Bill’s books since I discovered Scotland is not for the Squeamish when it first came oot! Spreading the word about how good the Once and Future Celt is.
Bill has just been left by the delightful Riana and I am heading off noo to read some more.
Would love to head to Minne and stop in at Merlin’s for a wee dram one day!
Slan Bill!
Bernadette
Bill
Thanks for making a beautiful Morrison kilt for me.
Barry
Bill: On behalf of The Book Shelf, thanks so much for your lively reading and festive music. The Irish/Celtic spirit appears to be alive and well in Winona, MN and those who attended were happy to hear your tales. We appreciate the time you took out of your schedule for us. Thanks, again. Don’t be surprised to see some Winonan’s at your pub in the near future.
Lisa Gray
Events Coordinator
The Book Shelf
Chris Livingston, Owner
The Book Shelf, Winona MN
Congratulations on the third book, Bill - the trilogy is complete - Well done! Can’t wait to read The Once and Future Celt.
Very best to you and Kate!
In admiration,
Mary (your once and former editor)
A big thanks to all we met on our recent tour of La Crosse, WI, Peoria Il, and Galena, Il.
Bill,
Yes, sad but true - John Galaba did die this month (August). John Galaba played on the Sunday Quiz night team - “The Galwegians”. As you know, The Galwegians frequently enlist my mom - Ann (from Belfast) as their spiritual guide.
John is survived by his three children - Noreen, Kevin, and Dan. His wife Bernadette (from Galway) died in September of 2007.
Sorely missed -
Bill,
I finally completed Celtic Childhood, have started the second book and will purchase the third. You are a brilliant storyteller! Your writing deserves all the recognition the world can give it. I learned a lot about a culture of which I am part, often while laughing. These are my kind of textbooks! I hope to meet up with you again at Merlin’s on my next trip to the big city.
Britt
Dear friends, my mother (and muse) Monica MacDonagh passed away from stomach cancer on the 29th Oct in Birmingham, England. She went on her own terms and in no pain. Her final words were typical of the amazingly strong Celtic woman she was:
“Bugger off now, all of ye - I have things to take care of.” She died
10 minutes later in the company of a Gaelic-speaking priest and two
Irish nurses.
Mam’s requiem service took place at St. Bridget’s RC church in
Northfield, Birmingham last Thursday. As per her wishes, it was held in both English and Irish, and was very beautiful.
Shona turas abhaile mo mathair, bennacht le Dia agus solas nan neamh.
My deepest thanks to all who have expressed their condolences,
le bronaich,
Bill Watkins
Just found out about Merlins Rest, and “Bill Watkins” after making my home in the Minneapolis area for the last ten years. I’m a born “brummie” too (with some Welsh blood also I might add) - although like Bill I have traveled around the Isles somewhat.
Bill: Condolences. My last ‘home’ in the UK was in Northfield, Birmingham. (Seems surreal to be sitting here in Minnesota writing to a stranger about Northfield Birmingham.)
I intend to check out “Merlins” very soon and hope to find a welcoming familiarity with some friendly faces, a cool ‘’shandy” and great grub!!
AAJones
Bill,
Believe it or not it is coming up on one month since I made the move to Boston. After spending so much time in Minnesota, I can truely say that the winter here is WIMPY! I do miss the gang at Merlin’s and you and Katie especially. I will be back for Burn’s Night, so make plans for a late evening somewhere!
Found a great and cheap fish shop with both a restaurant and fish for sale but i need a suggestion for a really good bar. Until you get that to me I will close with Rabbie; “Better a wee buss than nae beild”
More later