Any suggestions for a date?

Bloomin eck Neil, you're even in advance of Theresa!

It's likely to be the 9th or 16th - the latter sounds rather late, so maybe the 9th if that's ok by Rob. I can ask him but at this early stage he'll probably turn round and tell me to take a jump

Bloody hell Neil you'rte keen for a date already, I'm still trying to juggle January

Us retired folk like to plan things a long way in advance, so we can be twirly.

Twirly

The sooner it’s booked, the less chance of any disappointments.
Strange as it may sound, we already have bookings for Xmas this year;
Pirelli, M&S, some hospital depts. and a few other regular customers so if you’d like me to pencil it in for now I’ll gladly do so.
I just need a maximum number, it’s easier to remove tables nearer the time than trying to add them.

Let's go for the 9th as there have been no objections so far Rob, and numbers - who knows but we could say same as this year, 16? Or maybe 17 if Neil really is twirly

1.Edinburgh +2

1.Edinburgh +2
2. CC + 1

0. Barnacle + 1
1.Edinburgh +2
2. CC + 1

I thought you'd stop at nothing Neil

I saw what you did there.

0. Barnacle + 1
1.Edinburgh +2
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa

Guaranteed to tempt you out of hiding T

Haha

It's Robs bolognese to take home that does it for me

The grandsons had some too and when I asked them which they preferred, they bluntly said Robs

Sook!

Sook!

Ok. As it stands, I have room for 20 left so have booked it at that for now. Confirmation nearer the time will be helpful.
What time would you prefer?

7pm works for me Rob, allows plenty of time for a nice meal and then down the Cocktail bar with Jim and my lovely

Sorted

Agree with 1900 hrs

0. Barnacle + 1
1.Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1

Anyone booked rooms yet? I'm currently in the nightmare of trying to plan a trip when a major event isn't yet finalised, so this is the only date I know...

Looking at the Ibis for a change.

Neil

Is this why you're learning Italian Simon ?

I'm a pizza fun ghi

Nothing at the Abberley when I looked, so next cheapest was the Crown and Mitre, so I'm trying there this year.

I've been improving my English by speaking to a Dutchman, while on holiday here in France.

Try it out in Carlisle Paul

0. Barnacle + 1
1.Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1 Travelodge booked (£91 inc Unlimited Breakfast)

0. Barnacle + 1
1. Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1 Travelodge booked (£91 inc Unlimited Breakfast)
5. Dianne and Paul.

Finally got my act together and booked the Ibis for a change (and a car park!).

Though everything else is in a state of flux and nothing else therefore booked yet, including the tunnel...

0. Barnacle + 1 Ibis booked
1. Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1 Travelodge booked (£91 inc Unlimited Breakfast)
5. Dianne and Paul.

Neil

Barnacle + 1 Ibis booked
1. Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1 Travelodge booked (£91 inc Unlimited Breakfast)
5. Dianne and Paul.
6. PaulL and Valerie. (tbc)

I'm sorry but we won't be able to come on Saturday night. We just have too much on at the moment.

I hope that you all have a good evening.

Very best wishes to everyone for Christmas and New Year

Paul

That's a shame Paul, hope all is well.

Way it goes sometimes, Paul. Another year.

We've made it from Berlin to Ashford, but we have to go to Barnsley to Carlisle via Skye...

Neil

Sat nav kaput Neil ?

This time still valid?

Yep

Barnacle + 1 Ibis booked
1. Edinburgh +2 Abberley House booked
2. CC + 1
3. Theresa
4. Rosso + 1 Travelodge booked (£91 inc Unlimited Breakfast)
5. Dianne and Paul.
6. PaulL and Valerie. (tbc)

Pre drinks?

Ooh yes, up at the Howard Arms as usual?

Well we won't be, it closed in the autumn

Ah that is a shame about the Howard.I cannot make it this year for a few things not least my darling wife rushed to hospital with hepatitis, gutted. Not going into much detail but I honestly thought this is it. It’s all been a bit hectic the last couple of months or so. This has edged us on to think things out with a different view. Hope you all enjoy the Xmas meet. Have a nice one .

A big thanks to everyone for making the journey to the annual pilgrimage, it was great to be able to sit down and enjoy dinner with you all for once.

Hope you all have a safe journey home and enjoy a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Rob and the gang.

Sorry to hear about your wife Jim, wishing you both all the best and a speedy recovery

Cracking meal, thanks to Rob and his amazing staff; had the same stuff as usual

But amazing food, the prosciutto was even better than the Italian stuff

Kip was somewhat the worse for wear but just about managed the trip back even though not eating yet

One of the wettest journeys we've ever had.

All the best Jim to your missus for a speedy recovery, just as well you stayed and missed out on a difficult return journey.

As an afterthought it's very special to me how welcoming everyone is, past and present, to Ben and Kip; Ben has chummed me back from Joe's a couple of times and intends to come to Turin, and Kip (my daughter's ex), his stepdad used to own a broomy years back so those are their meagre coupé-related claims.

They wouldn't miss this annual visit for anything


Oh and as a PS when I dropped Ben off at home he asked if I could give his wife's Mondeo a jump-start...what better timing in the pouring rain for the bl00dy bonnet release cable to fail

Aye, we just love 'em....

Not to mention a big thank-you to Neil and missus taking the large consignment of Dutch calendars on board on their way to the UK

Lovely food Rob, we really enjoyed the evening catching up

Hope your Mrs is on the mend Jim and you guys have a great Xmas.

Thanks for the lovely evening again, nice to see everyone and lovely to have Rob join us this time.

Hope both Jackie and Kip have now recovered

Hope your wife gets better soon Jim and hopefully see you in Carlisle next year.

She feels better today T

.... these youngsters, lol

Lol, glad she feels better Apologise to her for me please, as I never seem to get around to chatting to her and last year was the same

So when's next years' then? Can/should we do it when the days are a bit longer/drier/warmer?

Neil (what? Too soon? )