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London is an easier venue for me to attend than the rural no-where that is Wenden's Ambo. I would prefer a London venue, but would happily substitute TCP for the RAF Club if we were looking for a more informal venue.

I would also find a London venue easier and it would not entail a hotel, which makes it easier to obtain a pass these days. Hotels result in Mrs Read being left to deal with two kids at both bed and breakfast time!

DRT wrote:The following note has been added to the main organisation post above in the interest of fairness:

Note: "Birthday Boys" have been added to the confirmed list of attendees by default but must confirm attendance no later than 31 January 2012 otherwise they might have to forfeit their place for someone on a reserve list, should such a list form between now and then.

Gentlemen...now I have emerged from the 'dark side' pretty much unscathed, so if acceptable, I declare myself available for this event

Sadly the year of my birth did not afford the weather necessary to provide a VP so perhaps I could adopt a year close to it, but would like to take advice please.

Based on the plans above, I also have a birthday within ±6 months of the date of the event.

RLC re-added to the attendee list.

The date remains 29 March 2012 and the venue will be in London.

benread wrote:I would also find a London venue easier and it would not entail a hotel, which makes it easier to obtain a pass these days. Hotels result in Mrs Read being left to deal with two kids at both bed and breakfast time!

PS: As requested, I also confirm myself available for 29th March at a London venue! (And very likely to be thirsty!)

It is time to decide what to do.

My proposal is:

Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
Venue: The Bung Hole, London
Theme!

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

Objections?

DRT wrote:Theme!

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

In which case the beer would have to be that of TBH, which should be quality-controlled in advance. I’ll take one for the team.

jdaw1 wrote:

DRT wrote:Theme!

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

In which case the beer would have to be that of TBH, which should be quality-controlled in advance. I’ll take one for the team.

Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.

Cookie wrote:Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.

If the Syms or TFP took one bottle from the production line, and tested just that one, would you think that sufficient quality control? Of course not. And we should also adopt the highest standards of thoroughness in quality control, even if that means ‘sacrificing’ one member of the team for that purpose. Nobly, to save others the anguish, I have volunteered myself.

jdaw1 wrote:

Cookie wrote:Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.

If the Syms or TFP took one bottle from the production line, and tested just that one, would you think that sufficient quality control? Of course not. And we should also adopt the highest standards of thoroughness in quality control, even if that means ‘sacrificing’ one member of the team for that purpose. Nobly, to save others the anguish, I have volunteered myself.

Your selfless sacrifice is very much appreciated. I think it is essential that a test be performed to determine the respective merits of drinking Wallop from glass v pewter. Unfortunately this means you will have to "take two for the team". Will that be a problem?

DRT wrote:

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

May I be excused from the entree? Or perhaps bring my own entree?

AHB wrote:

DRT wrote:

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

May I be excused from the entree? Or perhaps bring my own entree?

I think vegetarian entrees are available, such as apple-based sludge.

Wallop, in glass, tastes artificially carbonated. It is an acceptable beer, but partly for the reason in the previous sentence, not of the first rank.

There has been a suggestion that six Ruby Reserves might not be enough. How large can an Amuse-bouche be before it ceases to be amusing?

DRT wrote:There has been a suggestion that six Ruby Reserves might not be enough. How large can an Amuse-bouche be before it ceases to be amusing?

They do not necessarily have to be finished - small portions may be sufficient to make your assessment.

They can then wait in the wings, ready for actions should a port emergency arise at 10.00pm or otherwise to be taken at the end of the evening by the various participants for home drinking.

My GSG has arrived. I am about to perform a quality assurance test on one sixth of the delivery.

I visited 3 Fleet Street last week to purchase the Churchill Reserve. Unfortunately, it has been a sandwich shop for the past two years since the wine merchant that once resided there closed down.

Can someone tell me if I need to do anything other than bring a bottle of the year of my birth (or thereabouts in my case) as I know nothing of this ruby reserve exercise other than what I have read...which makes no sense to me hence this post

Has the venue been booked?

DRT wrote:It is time to decide what to do.

My proposal is:

Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
Venue: The Bung Hole, London
Theme!

• Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
• Entrée: Beer break.
• Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

Objections?

Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

Not after Monday!

AHB wrote:

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

Not after Monday!

Julian?

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

I don’t recall booking it. Somebody cope by phone I won’t have an opportunity for most of a week.

jdaw1 wrote:

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

I don’t recall booking it. Somebody cope by phone I won’t have an opportunity for most of a week.

I remember you telling me you had booked, and that you had left both names. Was I dreaming?

DRT wrote:I remember you telling me you had booked, and that you had left both names. Was I dreaming?

No recollection. Please cope.