Back to the ever-popular Dobbie's Garden Centre restaurant again on Saturday 2nd for T@3. Dobbie's is in Fenny Stratford, just south of Milton Keynes. We will probably be in the conservatory out behind the restaurant, so look for the Mblem on a table.
Find us in the Golding's Room at the Vat & Fiddle from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th for our monthly get together. The pub is near Nottingham railway station and has parking right outside on Queensbridge Road or adjacent Traffic Street. Soft drinks and coffee available if you're driving or don't want alcohol.
We start off on Thursday 7th at 9.00pm with a visit to The Fish, Fish Street, Northampton. If you enter by the main door on the corner of The Ridings then you should find us around a table at the far end. As we've been quiet for four months there should be plenty of gossip to catch up with. This is a pedestrian area so you will need to find somewhere to park nearby if you come by car.
On Thursday 7th from 8.15pm we have FThOTM at the Millstream, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the station.
We continue with our favourite pursuits of talking whilst eating. Firstly, our regular 2SaOTM lunchtime pub discussion at the Adam and Eve on Lindum Hill, Lincoln, Saturday 9th at 12.05pm. 'How far should the state regulate personal relationships?' will get us started on our wide-ranging discussion which may continue well into the afternoon. Lunch is available if desired.
Ah, the stress and hassle of trying to find that perfect Mother's Day present! Will they like it? Is it the right colour? Stress! Stress! Stress! Well, to try and help you out this year, why not take a break from your last-minute Mother's Day shopping and meet us for relaxing Tea and Cakes in Brucciani's in Churchgate, Leicester at about 11.00am? Have a good look around for the Mensa magazine on a table to find me, call me.
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.
Monday 11th at 7.30 for 8.00 pm: Evening Meal out - The Cock Inn, Church Lane, Sarratt WD3 6HH. This is a lovely venue and comes highly recommended. Starters £3.30 to £6.95; main courses £9.50 to £17.60; vegetarian options from £10.95 to £13.25. Table D'hôte menu is £13.95 for two courses. Take a look here - www.cockinn.net I will need to know if you are attending to book the correct number of places. So please get in touch and let me know as early as possible!
I'm hosting an "at home" event from 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th in Langley Mill. Tea, coffee and nibbles provided or bring whatever you wish to drink. Come for a cheap and sociable night out with the option of playing a boardgame or two. Contact me for directions and to let me know you'll be there. I would also love to hear from you if you'd be prepared to host an "at home" event some time during the year.
We will be going to see "Yes, Prime Minister" at the Wycombe Swan on Tuesday 12th. This is a new, updated satire about a country on the brink of financial meltdown whose PM is staring disaster in the face. The original writers of the classic TV series have reunited for this anniversary production set in the modern world of BlackBerrys, spin and "sexed-up" dossiers. The fun starts at 7:30pm.
More details from www.wycombeswan.co.uk. Please obtain your own tickets from the theatre, but let me know you are coming so I can look out for you. There may be an opportunity to meet up for a coffee or quick snack before the performance.
On Thursday 14th it's our "natter & nosh" event at the Beekeeper pub/restaurant in Beeston. Drop in any time from 7.30pm until late for food or just a drink. People come and go all evening and you'll find us near the food order point at the end of the bar with a yellow Mblem on the table.
On Monday 18th we continue our new Third Monday of the Month meetings at The Barge at Woolstone. 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. If possible, please let me know beforehand if you're coming so we can reserve a big enough table.
Join us for a meal or just a drink at the Standing Order (Wetherspoons) on Irongate in the city centre any time from 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th. We'll be at the rear of the pub on a long table with a yellow Mblem on display. There can be anything between half a dozen of us (on a snowy day - thanks to those who ventured out in January) to 20 members and guests. Usually an evening of good conversations. Contact me for any information or just turn up on the night. All welcome.
The first Roadshow meeting of 2013 is two weeks later: Thursday 21st at 8.00pm and we head south to The Coffee Pot, High Street, Yardley Gobion, NN12 7TN. The village is just off the A508, just north of the Buckinghamshire border. We will try to grab the table in the bay window just to the right of the main entrance.
As Easter is very early this year, Last Friday is Penultimate Friday but still, as ever, we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station) from 8.00pm on Friday 22nd. The pub is next to the railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough.
At 11.00am on Saturday 23rd we have something different. If you have a dog (or can even borrow one!) please join us for "Bark For Life" taking place at Shipley Country Park near Heanor. This is Race For Life for canines! A sponsored 3 mile walk on woodland paths around the park raising money for Cancer Research UK. There's a £10 registration fee - with £5 for additional dogs at the same address - and each will receive a doggie bandana on the day. You are welcome to come along to this fun event without a dog too. Please contact me for further information or download a registration form from www.nottinghamrelay.co.uk
Our Alford philosophy group meets at my house on Sunday 24th from 3.00-5.00pm, where I will supply plenty of cake and tea while we discuss Nietzsche, starting from his view that saints act well only from fear.
On Sunday 24th we will try the "Eat as much as you can" option at the Sunshine Chinese restaurant, 21A High Street, High Wycombe, near the Crendon Street traffic lights and only a short walk from the station. Cost is £14.80. Meet at the restaurant at 1.00pm. Family and friends are welcome to join us for a relaxed, informal meal and chat.
I will need to book a table so, if you can, please let me know you are coming by Monday 18th. You will still be welcome if you just arrive on the day.
Our "eating meeting" at 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th takes places at Ania's on Mansfield Road in Sherwood. This is a Polish restaurant serving large portions of authentic dishes at reasonable prices. The owner is also the head chef and is very welcoming. Please contact me by 22nd to reserve your place as it's only a small restaurant and quite popular.
On Wednesday 27th we will meet as usual at the Old Mill at 7.45-ish; the pub is set back from the London Road, next door to the Esso petrol station. Look for the Mensa Mag on the table.
Come and chat and see what happens.
Our Fourth Thursday of the Month will indeed be taking place on the Fourth Thursday (I'm in Mensa, donchaknow? I can work these things out!). Usual place - The Craddock Inn; usual time - 8.00pm in the evening. We're normally in the bottom bit, but please feel free to call or email me to let me know you're coming, and we'll look out for you.