Given Ross's quick invite to Horsham Piazza I thought I'd get my skates on regarding the (now) traditional Grasshopper meet.

Given the short period between Horsham and Brooklands I wondered if early April or sometime in June (Sunday 15th.?) is better for most?
A quick straw poll will be good to gauge opinion and then we can set the date.

Added a poll for people's date preference Chris.

Grasshopper meet single choice
	I would prefer early April
	June suits me better.
Votes accepted starting: 16/01/2014 12:40 You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

i'm in and either month is good for me .

Pete- Many thanks!!
Nismo- noted!

Early April is good too Chris

April we have Horsham, June off to Italy for some of us. What about a third option March???

we don't come out of hibernation until the 1st April

I'll be up for this, im guessings it open non club members!

If so early April is good with me or mid June onwards. The only Grasshopper I know is the Westerham A25?

That's the one Richie, and yes, it's open to all.

Cool Most weekends are ok with me as long as I have a months notice

I'll go with any date.

Both good with me!

April the ?

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave
2) Nismo
3) petep
4) Pondman
5) Richie007
6) Serg1
7) MrC
8) Barnacle

I'm free on any weekend at the moment so whatever date is best with everyone else will be good with me

Did I miss some out

Me

But I have superpowers, so I missed me in.

Thanks Ross for taking up the baton- I've not looked at the forum for a week,so many thanks.

It would appear April is the preferred month. How about Sunday 6th. as it's far enough away from Horsham and Easter weekend and the dreaded Mother's Day stampede for eateries (especially places like the Grasshopper)!

We can organise the carvery lunch once we know the numbers but it would be good to book reasonably early.

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave- Lunch x 2
2) Nismo
3) petep
4) Pondman
5) Richie007
6) Serg1
7) MrC
8) Barnacle

Sunday 6th suits me Chris.

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave- Lunch x 2
2) Nismo
3) petep
4) Pondman
5) Richie007
6) Serg1 Lunch - x 2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave- Lunch x 2
2) Nismo - x 1
3) petep
4) Pondman
5) Richie007
6) Serg1 Lunch - x 2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave- Lunch x 2
2) Nismo - x 1
3) petep
4) Pondman
5) Richie007
6) Serg1 Lunch - x 2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle x 2

Carvery Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep
4) Pondman - x1 (at the moment)
5) Richie007
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2

Carvery Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep - & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 (at the moment)
5) Richie007
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2

Can mark me as confirmed for 1 person. I should be a fully signed up member by then along with Barnacle's book!

Maybe you could get him to sign it for you

Carvery Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 (at the moment)
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2
_________________________

I'll sign anything, except IOUs and cheques!

Repair Bills?

Carvery Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 (at the moment)
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)

If this is open to non-coupe owning traitors then please count me in also...

Carvery Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 (at the moment)
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)

Just thought I'd give this one a little lift.
Have you booked this yet Chris?

If its a nice day I might pop down for a drive...

Hi friends!

I rang the Grasshopper last week and spoke to a junior member of staff who suggested we needed to speak to their 'events manager' and muttered something about £50.00 to hire a room!

I have been trying to get hold of the manager and today I have been successful (or not!!).

She has confirmed that they will not be able to accommodate us in the general restaurant at all that day and that the Churchill Room is available for £50.00 (all day) and that holds 20 Max.

Does anybody know if this has changed owners since we have never had this before?! She also muttered dark threats about needing car marshals in case we got lively! I assured her that we were (are) just normal law abiding citizens.

So we probably need a new venue with a large car park and in Kent or Surrey who don't want to charge us the privilege of sitting down for an hour or so!- any ideas?

I think we just turn up and go in for a sunday roast when we are ready , they cant turn you away !

If it comes to it I dont mind popping down there and sorting the booking out, regardless of whether I can make it or not. I only live 2 mins away so Im sure I can make a diversion!

Shame the Grasshopper was a good venue.

There must be somewhere else local we could go.

That's a ball ache Chris!
Sounds like they have a "job's worth" on duty.
A "car marshal"! Just what sort of members does she think we are

Not anywhere near the Grasshopper but nice and close to me and has a nice big car park. Link

i cant believe you need to book an events room, must be able to get a table for 25 odd people. Its the same booking a table for a birthday party or similar

If your looking at Wetherspoons pubs there is one in Oxted with a large car park next to it.

The Cricketers Cobham? The satellite picture shows a nice size car park nearby!

Cricketers Cobham is a nice pub. Gets my vote.

How about The White Bear its very near to where we were originally going. Which I guess was chosen as its central to most people. Its got a very large car park and a nice drive to get to it.

I used to live near it and the food was very good

Menu for the Whte Bear.
Looks good to me (+1 vote), better reviews, and as said, good location.

I'm happy with the White bear.

I'll go with the flow .

Ditto. So long as we know before the day!

No one fancy beaconsfield services then?

Sorry for radio silence but I have been up to to my ears on Friday and Saturday.

Right- firstly thanks to all for the responses and suggestions.

I firstly rang the White Bear- very helpful but already got two car clubs on Sunday 6th. for lunch so no space. If we wanted to change to Saturday 5th. Nicole could have accommodated us (excuse innuendo!).

Just rang Cricketers in Cobham- no problem!- we are booked in for 2:00 pm on Sunday 6th.; presently for 25 people. That should cover all current attendees. I said I would confirm final numbers next weekend.

Could any others who would like to have lunch please let me know by next Sunday?

It looks a great venue thanks to workshy and Serg1 for suggestion and endorsement. Do you know if they do roasts on Sunday- it doesn't appear on their web menu?

James and workshy- do you fancy joining us?

Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)

Good work Chris, looking forward to it

Great we're sorted.

Drove pass the White Bear this afternoon and stopped off for lunch. Great pub, good food and more important large car park. Maybe would could try it next time.

Surely they'll do a Sunday roast? It's the law isn't it? ...Have to make do with the 12oz rump if not!

Put me down as confirmed (+ other half) anyway!


Now driving a Sprinty... (Really must change my signature pic!)

Not sure if i can make it, i may turn up last minute.

I'm a little confused, title says Cobham, some posts infer the White Bear.

If the social is relocating to Cobham and The Cricketeers I may not be able to attend. If it is the White Bear then I will be able to.

It's the Cricketers in Cobham, the White Bear could not fit us in.
See Thunderbox's last post.

Thanks to Pete and Ross for editing etc.

The current list is:
Lunch Sunday 6th April

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2

With lunch booked for 2:00pm we could either arrive earlier and chat etc. in the car park before lunch or have lunch and look at the cars afterwards. If the first method then the car park may be very busy with the other early diners if the second method the car park is less busy but we may want to get away after lunch. My suggestion is therefore to meet up from 12:30pm and have lunch after the ritualistic bonnet gorping and annual Thunderbox shut-lines debate!

Looking forward to blowing the cobwebs away and seeing old and new friends in a new venue.

If people could confirm attendance sometime during this week it would be easier for me to confirm numbers to The Cricketers next weekend. Currently:
5 confirmed
22 signed up but yet to conform
25 potentially

The reason for it, is there has been several pistonhead meetings there, which have filled up the car park and people trying to get in that aren't on the list. There is also the occasional hooning that has happened when people leave the place as well.

I'd be up for Cobham, no idea if wanting food though

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2

Begbie,
You're always welcome and not too far for you- have your lunch at home and show up! But if you do want lunch just let me know.

Thanks for the 'heads up' re: The Grasshopper- when the woman was talking to me I got the impression that they didn't want any more car people and that it must have been the cerebrally challenged that ruined it for the rest of us!

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 Lunch - x2
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2
14) Begbie- TBC

mark me as Confirmed

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2
14) Begbie- TBC

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2
14) Begbie- TBC

Apologies but I'm going to duck out. It was only going to be a quick pit as my son's got his GCSE's to revise for so that bit further is probably a no - as it's like pulling teeth at the best of times.

I'll try and catch you all to say hi at Horsham & Brooklands.

I may be able to go to this but will have to see.

It's funny, because the missus and I were saying it's a shame it wasn't The White Bear as it's our favourite pub for steak- and it's 35 miles away! Annoyingly, we're planning to go there on the Saturday before... I'll have a think... Coop will be freshly re-sprayed then so it'd be nice to show it off!!

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2
14) Begbie- TBC

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2- confirmed
2) Nismo - x1
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy- x2
12) Jame5- possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T- x2
14) Begbie- TBC
15) Naf

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 - (possibly with son tbc)
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2
14) Begbie - TBC
15) Naf

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)-Not Coming?
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 - (possibly with son tbc)-Not Coming?
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2- Confirmed
14) Begbie - possibly
15) Naf-possibly

I make that 16 definites for lunch and 3 possibles.

I shall contact the pub and let them know. I imagine if the "possibles" (or any others) want lunch that it can be accommodated, though perhaps not together.

See you on 6th. from 12:30pm onwards in the car park- lunch booked for 2:00 pm.

Well done Chris, I'd better get an MOT then

Just got my MOT, will tax from 1st April, so no excuse now...

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - (possibly 3 with daughter tbc)-Not Coming?
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 - (possibly with son tbc)-Not Coming?
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2- Confirmed
14) Begbie - possibly
15) Naf-possibly
16) DaveG - x1 confirmed (+ wife + 2 sons possible)

Jean-the-brave and I went for a drive out there yesterday to see the place and have a swift half.

Looks very nice, with friendly staff although at 4:00 pm it had no customers, only the two middle-aged alcoholics that arrived! The approach lane to the pub is very tight but the car park looks like it is large enough to cater for all comers.

I told them that we had 16 definites and 3 possibles but I imagine that extras can/will be accommodated. They had originally thought we may be 25.

They definitely do roasts on a Sunday (it's the law- workshy!)so all looks set for a decent afternoon. Just need a no rain or snow day!

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 confirmed
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 - (possibly with son tbc)-Not Coming?
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2- Confirmed
14) Begbie - possibly
15) Naf-possibly
16) DaveG - x1 confirmed (+ wife + 2 sons possible)

Following DaveG and Submariner's confirmation and Alan and Jan now not able to make it:

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 confirmed
10) Cyborg7 - x 2 - (possibly with son tbc)-Not Coming?
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2- Not Coming
14) Begbie - possibly
15) Naf-possibly
16) DaveG - x1 confirmed (+ wife + 2 sons possible)

That's 17 confirmed for lunch with 6 "possibles". If those possibles could be conformed or otherwise by Thursday night then I shall ring the Cricketers with final numbers. After that all others are welcome to negotiate with the pub for extra space. All are welcome but in order that those who have signed up get their seats and not to mess the pub about I'll close the booking on Thursday night, hope that's OK?

Apologies but I won't be able to make this. Have fun and I'll try and catch you all to say hi at Horsham & Brooklands.

Put me down as confirmed x 1, maybe x 2 as Becky doesn't know if she is working yet or not.

^^^ aaahhhh I'm out then ^^^

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - confirmed
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - confirmed
10) Cyborg7 - x2 - (possibly with son tbc) - Not Coming
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2 - Not Coming ?
14) Begbie - x1 - confirmed maybe x2
15) Naf - possibly
16) DaveG - x1 - confirmed (+ wife + 2 sons possible)#
17) technics - possibly if a nice day

Regrettably we'll now not be able to attend due to family issues. By my reckoning there is enough space now for the definites and half-definites.
Sorry to bale out but troubling times here.

I don't think I will be eating, but will try to come along to say hello.

It will be good to see you again Emjay. I shall probably bring the X1/9 rather than the coupe.

Have you seen the forecast Pete? It may have dissolved by the time you get to the pub ;->

Rain is good. It might hide the crevasses that pass for paint on my bonnet. It might even cause something to grow!

Sorry to hear about that Chris hope it's not too serious.

Hope to see you and Jean at Horsham.

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - Not Coming
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - confirmed
10) Cyborg7 - x2 - (possibly with son tbc) - Not Coming
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2 - Not Coming ?
14) Begbie - x1 - confirmed maybe x2
15) Naf - possibly
16) DaveG - x1 - confirmed (+ wife + 2 sons possible)#
17) technics - possibly if a nice day
18) Emjay - possibly

Sorry off topic but I always have a chuckle when I see 'Buzby' (aka Beggers) name with a +1/+2 as this was a necessity with his previous 'brick' so that they could give him a push start

Now is this still the case......?

I've had one break down in the 3 years of the car running and it was first week of running. The fuel return line had popped off, pulled over and a friend happened to be driving past pulled over, used his tools all fixed and off I went.

Sorted that for you Alexis!

Think I might have to bring some cress seeds to put on your bonnet!

Plenty of opportunity for them to grow: I'm deliberately not washing the car before it's sprayed.

Hi all, Chris aka Thunderbox has asked me to help finalise this one for him.
I will be there a bit late (as usual, as I have to take my son to Rugby on Sunday morning and help out with the training). I think Chris said to meet from 12 and eat at 2. I assume that Chris has confirmed the meal arrangements with the pub but I will check j.i.c.

1) Thunderbox & Jean-the-Brave - x2 - Unable to attend
2) Nismo - x1 - confirmed
3) petep & James - x2 - confirmed
4) Pondman - x1 - confirmed
5) Richie007 - x1 - confirmed
6) Serg1 - x2 - confirmed
7) MrC – x1 - confirmed
8) Barnacle - x2 - confirmed
9) Submariner - x2 - confirmed
10) Cyborg7 - x2 - (possibly with son tbc) - Unable to attend
11) Workshy - x2 - confirmed
12) Jame5 - possibly
13) Mr and Mrs T - x2 - Unable to attend
14) Begbie - x1 - confirmed maybe x2
15) Naf - possibly
16) DaveG - x4 - confirmed
17) technics - possibly if a nice day
18) Emjay - possibly

"That's 17 confirmed for lunch with 6 "possibles". If those possibles could be conformed or otherwise by Thursday night then I shall ring the Cricketers with final numbers. After that all others are welcome to negotiate with the pub for extra space. All are welcome but in order that those who have signed up get their seats and not to mess the pub about I'll close the booking on Thursday night, hope that's OK?"

I assume all the people on the above list are still up for this rain or shine as it looks to be a wet one for Sunday looking forward to seeing all of you there.

Sorry, missed the original post asking to confirm by Thursday night...but anyway it's me (+1) confirmed with the other 2 arriving by 2pm for lunch, ie: 4 confirmed

Booking confirmed for 20ish, for a 2pm lunch.

good to catch up with everyone and I hope you all made it home safely

Agree, it was nice to meet some new faces (and old of course Mr. Emjay)! Pete, I love the X19!

But my word, when a pub can't organise a pissup in a brewery... I bet they don't invite us back?

(I saw you Chris, trying to see 2.5mpg on the widget!)

Nice to see everyone and thanks to Chris and Ross for sorting the location out, just a shame I don't think any of us will be going back there.

For you BBC F1 viewers, I recommend you watch the highlights. What a race! Who would of thought Max Chilton getting on the podium

Ian, what happened on the slip road? Shame the M5 didn't want to play.

I was reading the sign posts so that I didnt miss the m25 , rematch when leaving brooklands ?

Thanks to all who attended.
Another pub that can't seem to do what they should do well and do an a daily basis! What is going on in the world of hostelries
Anyway, my food was nice, when it arrived.
Sorry I didn't catch up with all there, my usual late arrival put pay to that, but at least I had "12 minutes to spare" as said
Cheers all, see some for the Piazza Italia meet
Regards, Ross.
P.S. I had a great run back through the Surry Hills, I thoroughly recommend a foray, much fun to be had

Good to see some new and old faces. MrC just seems to get younger - must be a picture in an attic somewhere getting a hammering. DaveG - good to meet the whole gang. Also good to see other ladies: Anita, Debi, Alexis etc

Thanks Mark, it was nice to bring the Coupe along to a meet, after it being off the road since Xmas 2011, and nice to meet some new (to me) faces. I did take some pics, I'll try to put them up later (sorry, Ross, didn't get any of the Forester )

I'll let you off Dave

1) late arrival
2) It's a Subaru!

Heh. Mine in 'desert storm' camo!

Won't look like that in a week; it's in for the respray in the morning.