Join us at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road in Nottingham from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th. We're usually in the Golding's Room to the left of the bar although it was hired out on a recent visit so we sat in the main bar. Typically we had new faces and old faces returning along with the regulars so it became quite cosy, but a good evening was had by all. There will be a yellow Mblem on display or just ask the bar staff. Real ale is supplied by the adjacent Castle Rock brewery, there are good value soft or hot drinks, plus the usual wines and spirits.
The recent Social Pillar survey revealed that a surprising number of members are nervous about coming to a meeting of an established group in case it's cliquey and they feel left out. Well, naturally we don't think we're cliquey, but we do realise it can be daunting joining a bunch of people who already know each other! Also some people would prefer daytime meetings. I will therefore be in the restaurant of Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford at 10.30am on Thursday 7th February if any new members, or those who haven't been to a meeting for a few years, would care to join me for coffee. I will probably be in the conservatory area at the back, with an Mblem on show, but please call my mobile if you can't find me. Feel free to call me beforehand if you need any encouragement. And in the nicest possible way, I'd like regular meeting attendees to give this one a miss.
On 7th from 8.15pm we're back to our regular First Thursday slot at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! The pub is about ten minutes' walk from Hitchin station.
Firstly, the 2SaOTM pub discussion at the Adam & Eve on Lindum Hill on 9th from 12.05pm; do join us for as long as you like, have lunch or just a quick drink. This month's topic is 'Should we celebrate the centenary of all the major events of WWI?'
Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15am on Sunday 10th at Wetherspoon's on Midsummer Boulevard West, next to Chiquito's and not far up from the railway station (NOT the other Lloyds/Wetherspoons nearer the shopping centre and next to Jurys Inn). Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink - look for the Mblem on a table.
Watford on Monday 11th at 8.00pm: Life on other planets - what would they be like? (Dave Silver will be hosting) This was top of our list amongst members' selections for our 2013 agenda. Bring your thoughts and ideas for what should be a very interesting evening. I have already started some research into size of planet, size of star, gravity effects for life forms, biological composition (or otherwise). Fascinating Mr. Spock! . . . Please let me know if you plan on attending and I can let you have Dave's address. Please bring the usual small amount of nibbles/crisps etc..
It's a while since we have indulged ourselves at Jung's Continental Bakery and Patisserie on the Broadway in Beaconsfield. Join me there for relaxed coffee, delicious cakes and pastries and pleasant chat from 10.30am onwards on Wednesday 13th.
See http://www.hpjung.com/aboutus.shtml for more details of this firm and its excellent range of tempting products.
Our "natter & nosh" event falls on Thursday 14th so don't stay home alone on Valentine's Day. Either bring your loved one out for the night or come along on your own for a meal and/or a drink any time from 7.30pm until late. Find us on the long table beyond the food order point at the end of the bar at the Beekeeper, Meadow Lane, Beeston.
On Friday 15th we have another of our visits to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium to take part in a new charity tournament. Tickets (admission and race card) cost £5 each with accompanied under 18s free. There is food and drink available at the venue as well as ample free car parking on the Colwick park and ride site right next to the stadium. Gates open at 6.00pm with the first race at 6.28pm and the last race finished by 10.30pm so you can arrive/leave when you like, but there will be a rendez-vous point at 7.00pm. As tickets have been donated all money raised will go to Cancer Research UK. Come and cheer on our allocated dog and enjoy a sociable - and sometimes profitable - night out. Last time there were 60 of us. Can we sell all 100 tickets this time?
For further information or to obtain tickets for the greyhound racing please contact me.
On Monday 18th we have the first of our new Third Monday of the Month meetings at The Barge at Woolstone. A few of us have road tested their quiz recently and it's very well run, as well as being in aid of charity, so we've decided to run it as a monthly event. Join us from 7.30pm if you wish to eat or chat beforehand, and then from 9.00pm we will form one or more teams for the quiz. Cost is £1 per person. See www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebargewoolstone/ for location and menu details.
We'll be at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre from 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th. Why not join us for reasonably priced food or just a drink? Find us in the low ceiling area at the rear of the pub. Phone in advance for further information or parking suggestions or just turn up on the night. All welcome.
Next, another of what may turn into a regular 2-monthly mid-week evening eating meeting: a Chinese meal at the Newport Arch on Wednesday 20th at 7.00pm, (please book with me by Saturday 16th thanks).
On Friday 22nd from 8.00pm we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station) for LFOTM. The pub is next to the railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough.
The Thirty Nine Steps, as adapted by Patrick Barlow is coming to the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury in February. I will be going to the Saturday afternoon performance on 23rd. The production has won several awards and is described as "the world's favourite comedy"! Further information is available at www.love39steps.com. If you would like to join me please obtain your own tickets from the theatre, but let me know you are coming so we can meet up. We will choose somewhere to eat after the show.
Then, it's tea and cakes at my house near Alford on Sunday 24th, 3.00-5.00pm, to aid deliberation on 'Marx'.
On February 25th a pub meeting at the King's Head, Bridge Road, Hunton Bridge WD4 8RE. We usually meet upstairs in the 'gallery' area furthest from the bar. The pub is easy to find from the dual carriageway (A41 Watford Road). From Watford turn right at the traffic lights, over the small bridge and then on the right. Look for the magazine or ask at the bar. New members are warmly welcomed.
At 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th we're going to sample the curries at Maazi, Causeway Lane, Matlock. This Indian restaurant comes highly recommended and you can find their menu at www.maazi.co.uk. Please reserve your place by 22nd latest so a table can be booked.
On Wednesday 27th we will meet as usual at the Old Mill at 7.45-ish., the pub set back from the London Road, next door to the Esso petrol station. Look for the Mensa Mag on the table. Come and drink/eat if you wish and discuss life, not too seriously.