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Tom has kindly agreed to organise the Christmas offline again, which will be at The Bell in Wenden's Ambo the White Horse in Newport. The nearest train station to the pub is Audley End Newport (Essex), which is a 10 minute walk from the Bell White Horse. Those staying overnight usually stay at the Saffron Hotel in Saffron Walden, a 10 minute car journey from the Bell White Horse, at the Tollhouse B&B in Newport or at the Cricketer's Arms in Rickling Green (a 7 minute drive).

The theme will be the usual, that is The Unknown Shipper and His Peculiar Friends

Space in the private room at the Bell has been extremely tight so numbers attending have to be limited to 10. Normal practice is to offer those who attended the previous year first refusal. The industry guest will be Dirk Niepoort.

1 - Uncle Tom
2 - EDN
3 - Axel Probst
4 - AHB
5 - DM
6 - CMAG
7 - WS1
8 - DJ
9 - RLC
10 - IDJ

RESERVES
JDAW


Because of last minute drop-outs one place was not filled in 2014, MPM was the first person to volunteer and so gets first refusal for that last spot. If you'd like to go on the reserves list then please post here. There are usually one or two people who can't make it at the last minute each year so being on the reserve list gives you a decent chance to attend.


Edit by jdaw1, by permission of AHB: current draft of the stickies and TN pages.

Please sir, may I?

The date is in my diary.

Could I please be a reserve?

flash_uk wrote:Could I please be a reserve?

No. Last year I withdrew, and should be penalised for that. MPM in; JDAW reserve.

jdaw1 wrote:

flash_uk wrote:Could I please be a reserve?

No. Last year I withdrew, and should be penalised for that. MPM in; JDAW reserve.

Flash is in, JDAW is reserve.

I have every reason to expect at least one of the current named participants to be unavailable so I would recommend to JDAW that he plans on being at the Bell.

jdaw1 wrote:

flash_uk wrote:Could I please be a reserve?

No. Last year I withdrew, and should be penalised for that. MPM in; JDAW reserve.

Very kind [doff of hat]. Thank you.

Already booked the flight as I would not want to miss this for the world.

Axel

Could I be put down on the reserve list please? I should be able supply something appropriate for such an event.

I will ask Dirk. I will probably see him in the Douro in June.

Axel

Can I ask, after last year's shenanigans, where do we plan on staying? Was a satisfactory response received from the Saffron?

EDN has put it into his diary and want to attend. I booked similar to last year the Toll House since conveniently located close to Tom's pub and Newport rail station.

regards

WS1

djewesbury wrote:Can I ask, after last year's shenanigans, where do we plan on staying? Was a satisfactory response received from the Saffron?

I received no response from the Saffron so have followed Wolfgang's advice and have booked into the Toll House.

Just as a heads up ...For those either booked or looking to book The Toll House in Newport it has been put on the market...it is possible that, if sold, the new owners may not plan to offer B&B.

Whilst here may I make a suggestion...even though The Bell has been a wonderful venue for this annual event should we consider moving to The White Horse (Tom's Pub)....I am assured the steaks will be as good if not cheaper....I mean..better and can accommodate the reserve list...thoughts please.

The move to the White Horse was mooted at a recent tasting and given that I'm one of those who would benefit from this move I'm happy to give this suggestion my tacit approval!

Cookie wrote:Just as a heads up ...For those either booked or looking to book The Toll House in Newport it has been put on the market...it is possible that, if sold, the new owners may not plan to offer B&B.

Whilst here may I make a suggestion...even though The Bell has been a wonderful venue for this annual event should we consider moving to The White Horse (Tom's Pub)....I am assured the steaks will be as good if not cheaper....I mean..better and can accommodate the reserve list...thoughts please.

Does this mean my booking with the Toll House is void? I have already paid!

Cookie wrote:Just as a heads up ...For those either booked or looking to book The Toll House in Newport it has been put on the market...it is possible that, if sold, the new owners may not plan to offer B&B.

If you hear of a sale going through, please let us know so we can contact the new owners and find out whether they bought a B&B business or a new family home. If I need to change accommodation I will head for the Cricketer's Arms in Rickling Green where I was well looked after last time I stayed.

Cookie wrote:Whilst here may I make a suggestion...even though The Bell has been a wonderful venue for this annual event should we consider moving to The White Horse (Tom's Pub)....I am assured the steaks will be as good if not cheaper....I mean..better and can accommodate the reserve list...thoughts please.

I believe Tom was minded to make this change but wanted to check on a few details first. If you see him in his pub then give him a gentle reminder from me please.

I believe Tom was minded to make this change but wanted to check on a few details first. If you see him in his pub then give him a gentle reminder from me please.

The White Horse could expand the number of possible attendees slightly and also afford a significant saving on food and corkage.

14oz Aberdeen Angus fillets + usual trimmings + corkage can be arranged for £30pp, with exclusive use of the saloon bar for the evening.

If people would like to make the switch, then please advise..

uncle tom wrote:The White Horse could expand the number of possible attendees slightly and also afford a significant saving on food and corkage.

14oz Aberdeen Angus fillets + usual trimmings + corkage can be arranged for £30pp, with exclusive use of the saloon bar for the evening.

If people would like to make the switch, then please advise..

Yes please! It would be nice to accommodate a few more people.

If driving, where is the best place to park in Newport?

If driving, where is the best place to park in Newport?

We have a small secret car park just 100 yards from the White Horse - Look up Gaces Acre, Newport on Google maps and you'll see it nestling in the south eastern corner - an alleyway from the car park emerges opposite the pub.

AHB wrote:

uncle tom wrote:The White Horse could expand the number of possible attendees slightly and also afford a significant saving on food and corkage.
...
If people would like to make the switch, then please advise..

Yes please! It would be nice to accommodate a few more people.

Also fine by me.

Is this move to The White Horse now being taken as read ie as second reserve and thus benefiting from the relocation should I be looking to book accommodation now?

idj123 wrote:Is this move to The White Horse now being taken as read ie as second reserve and thus benefiting from the relocation should I be looking to book accommodation now?

Probably best to check with Tom tomorrow

What time do the Christmas bashes tend to finish? I was pondering getting a cab back home, as it might not be much different cost than a hotel stay plus train fare in the morning.

flash_uk wrote:What time do the Christmas bashes tend to finish? I was pondering getting a cab back home, as it might not be much different cost than a hotel stay plus train fare in the morning.

I think you're adventurous to try and get a cab from Saffron at that time of night, whatever that time is. Traditionally it isn't too late but if we're in the White Horse it may be later. Ray or Tom will advise but you might as well stay over.