Thu 19th December 2019 - the Port Forum Christmas Bash

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:53 Fri 15 Mar 2019

I'd like to propose Thursday 19th of December as the date of our 2019 Port Forum Christmas extravaganza. (This ties in with my Ipswich team Christmas lunch so puts me in the right place at the right time.)

I haven't asked Tom yet, but I am hoping that he will kindly agree to host the Christmas offline again at the White Horse in Newport. The nearest train station to the pub is Newport (Essex), which is a 10 minute walk from the White Horse. Those staying overnight usually stay at the Saffron Hotel in Saffron Walden, a 10 minute car journey from the White Horse, at the Tollhouse B&B in Newport or at the Cricketer's Arms in Rickling Green (a 7 minute drive and where I will stay).

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

Space at the White Horse is a little 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 probably be Dirk Niepoort since he has first refusal.

Last Year's attendees were as set out below. Last year's attendees have until end of May to confirm their intention to attend in 2019 and to book their place (which can be cancelled later, if required).

Uncle Tom (confirmed)
CMAG (confirmed)
Axel Probst (confirmed)
AHB (confirmed)
IDJ (confirmed)
MPM (confirmed)
WS1 (confirmed)
CPR (confirmed)
PW (confirmed)
vacant - awaiting response from WG

RESERVES

WG
RGO
Ralph
Rich_n (for 2020)

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. If you'd like to be on the reserve list, please say so.

Current draft of the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc.

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 13:56 Fri 15 Mar 2019

I am hoping that I will have had the summer season at the B&B and able to come to London for a few days for some port so would like to be added if possible please.

Post by **PhilW** » 16:30 Fri 15 Mar 2019

Please add me to the reserve list this year; thanks.

Post by **flash_uk** » 17:11 Fri 15 Mar 2019

Count me in Alex, thx.

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 18:49 Fri 15 Mar 2019

Count me in please

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Caparica · Post by **Caparica** » 21:16 Fri 15 Mar 2019

Please, if possible add me to the reserve ...
Thank you

Alex M · Post by **Alex M** » 08:45 Sat 16 Mar 2019

Yes please, count me in.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 15:13 Wed 20 Mar 2019

I would like to attend as well please.

Regards
WS1

/2alph · Post by **/2alph** » 18:28 Wed 20 Mar 2019

Please put me on the reserve list. Is there a tasting a day before like in 2018?

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 18:39 Wed 20 Mar 2019

Reconfirming!

Axel P · Post by **Axel P** » 08:47 Mon 01 Apr 2019

Confirmed. Thanks, Alex

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:30 Mon 29 Jul 2019

Unfortunately the Cricketer's Arms in Rickling Green has closed at short notice due to "unforeseen circumstances". For reasons I'm happy to explain face to face I really don't want to stay at the Saffron Hotel so I have booked myself into Buriton House B&B, which is just next to Newport railway station and about 10 minutes walk from the White Horse. Buriton House has two rooms, the Toll House Inn (3 minutes walk from the White Horse, but 15 minutes from the station) has two rooms and can sleep up to five people. In addition, Airbnb has a complete 2 bed cottage available in Newport (4 minutes walk; 15 from the station).

Please don't leave your overnight accommodation arrangements to the last minute if you're a confirmed attendee!

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 13:39 Mon 29 Jul 2019

Thanks for the heads up Alex, I am now booked into the Buriton B&B

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 16:26 Sat 12 Oct 2019

Please can I be added to the reserve list? It seems more likely I may be able to attend (space and accommodation allowing).

Alex M · Post by **Alex M** » 17:01 Tue 15 Oct 2019

Work commitments prevent my attendance this year. Please offer my place to the first reserve. Have a great evening!

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:21 Tue 15 Oct 2019

I have just found out that the Cricketer's Arms reopened in August under new management - and is getting great reviews on TripAdvisor.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:22 Tue 15 Oct 2019

Alex M wrote: ↑17:01 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Work commitments prevent my attendance this year. Please offer my place to the first reserve. Have a great evening!

Noted and will do. Thanks for the early notice.

Phil - do you want the spot?

Post by **PhilW** » 14:42 Sun 27 Oct 2019

AHB wrote: ↑21:22 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Phil - do you want the spot?

Yes please.

Christopher · Post by **Christopher** » 12:30 Thu 31 Oct 2019

Rather long reserve list but can I please be added thank you

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 08:07 Wed 06 Nov 2019

I am afraid I will have to miss out in this tasting yet again. A combination of proposed SWR industrial action that would scupper my travel and unknown as yet timings of some renovation works at the B&B mean that I am unable to commit. Apologies, but I hope one of the reserve list will now have a wonderful evening instead.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:38 Wed 06 Nov 2019

Current draft of the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc.

Is specifies.unzipped.baths correct?

Post by **flash_uk** » 12:40 Wed 06 Nov 2019

jdaw1 wrote: ↑11:38 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Is specifies.unzipped.baths correct?

More like escorting.blending.digestion

But close enough

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:23 Wed 06 Nov 2019

flash_uk wrote: ↑12:40 Wed 06 Nov 2019
jdaw1 wrote: ↑11:38 Wed 06 Nov 2019Is specifies.unzipped.baths correct?
More like escorting.blending.digestion

Updated draft of the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc.

Post by **flash_uk** » 14:06 Wed 06 Nov 2019

jdaw1 wrote: ↑13:23 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Updated draft of the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc.

I think Axel may have been missed.

Post by **jdaw1** » 14:51 Wed 06 Nov 2019

flash_uk wrote: ↑14:06 Wed 06 Nov 2019
jdaw1 wrote: ↑13:23 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Updated draft of the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc.
I think Axel may have been missed.

Thank you. Added.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:10 Wed 06 Nov 2019

Dia - Simon's vacated seat is yours, if you can make it. If you can, please say so here within a week.

Thanks,

Alex

Constandia · Post by **Constandia** » 22:21 Wed 06 Nov 2019

AHB wrote: ↑21:10 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Dia - Simon's vacated seat is yours, if you can make it. If you can, please say so here within a week.

Thanks,

Alex

Hi Alex, sadly I'll have to miss this ever so indulging gathering. Being right at the end of our very busy Christmas period it will be all hands to the pumps... I really appreciate you letting me know! Many thanks, D.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 23:00 Wed 06 Nov 2019

Thanks for letting us know, Dia.

Next up is Ralph...

Post by **flash_uk** » 11:47 Tue 19 Nov 2019

AHB wrote: ↑13:30 Mon 29 Jul 2019 Unfortunately the Cricketer's Arms in Rickling Green has closed at short notice due to "unforeseen circumstances". For reasons I'm happy to explain face to face I really don't want to stay at the Saffron Hotel so I have booked myself into Buriton House B&B, which is just next to Newport railway station and about 10 minutes walk from the White Horse. Buriton House has two rooms, the Toll House Inn (3 minutes walk from the White Horse, but 15 minutes from the station) has two rooms and can sleep up to five people. In addition, Airbnb has a complete 2 bed cottage available in Newport (4 minutes walk; 15 from the station).

Please don't leave your overnight accommodation arrangements to the last minute if you're a confirmed attendee!

I've booked into The Cricketers.

Post by **PhilW** » 18:55 Tue 19 Nov 2019

flash_uk wrote: ↑11:47 Tue 19 Nov 2019 I've booked into The Cricketers.

As have I.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 10:29 Wed 20 Nov 2019

AHB wrote: ↑23:00 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Thanks for letting us know, Dia.

Next up is Ralph...

Ralph - please let me know by the end of this week if you would like the empty seat.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 16:02 Sun 08 Dec 2019

Ralph has failed to respond to the opportunity to attend the Christmas event in Newport, Essex.

Rich - you’re next up. Would you like the seat?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 16:03 Sun 08 Dec 2019

In addition, a number of Industry Guests have declined the chance to join us. That leaves a seat for Christopher, should he want it.

Christopher · Post by **Christopher** » 19:20 Mon 09 Dec 2019

Yes please
Can you add RGO to the reserve list
Thanks

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 15:57 Tue 10 Dec 2019

@AHB thanks for the heads up but I now have plans on this date. I would like to be added to the reserve list for 2020, as and when that becomes open!

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 17:47 Tue 10 Dec 2019

So we move on to Wolfgang - would you like the spare seat Wolfgang?

Post by **jdaw1** » 00:02 Sat 14 Dec 2019

Who is to print the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 18:52 Sat 14 Dec 2019

jdaw1 wrote: ↑00:02 Sat 14 Dec 2019 Who is to print the sticky labels, TNs, vote recorders, etc?

I will do so on Monday

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 17:28 Sun 15 Dec 2019

Will be putting in the steak order tomorrow.

Unless anyone has dietary restrictions, the menu for all will be:

Smoked salmon
14oz fillet steak with chips and peas
Vanilla ice cream with gravy
Unpasteurised cheeses + biccies
Heston Mince pies and Stollen slices

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 19:56 Sun 15 Dec 2019

Sounds fabulous.

As in previous years, I will bring my Port tongs so we can open the bottles and identify the wine from the branding on the corks. Hopefully we can have an open fire burning again.

Christopher · Post by **Christopher** » 21:08 Sun 15 Dec 2019

Any news as to whether RGO has the spare spot so can sort out logistics

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 21:36 Sun 15 Dec 2019

Fire is well fuelled - in fact the wood is so dry, we are racing through it - might have to put green logs on the fire come the end of January..

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 12:00 Mon 16 Dec 2019

Christopher wrote: ↑21:08 Sun 15 Dec 2019 Any news as to whether RGO has the spare spot so can sort out logistics

I've asked Wolfgang to answer today whether he can take the seat or not. I'll let you know tomorrow if RGO can take it.

Placemats etc have been printed.

Axel P · Post by **Axel P** » 17:57 Mon 16 Dec 2019

I just talked to Wolfgang, he would be game.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 20:11 Mon 16 Dec 2019

Ten steaks it is then..

My usual cheese supplier is fresh out of Stichelton (unpasteurised Stilton) - have secured a wedge of Colston Bassett in lieu, but if anyone is passing a Neal's Yard shop, could they grab a half pound of Stich.. and I'll refund..

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:29 Mon 16 Dec 2019

I can pass by a Paxton & Whitfield on Wednesday evening, but not Neal's Yard. However, Paxton & Whitfield do sell Stichelton and I can pick some up - how much would you like @ £33 per kg?

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 23:17 Mon 16 Dec 2019

Half a pound should be plenty thanks - I refuse to quote cheese in metric measure..!

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:32 Mon 16 Dec 2019

uncle tom wrote: ↑23:17 Mon 16 Dec 2019I refuse to quote cheese in metric measure..!

There are only two sensible measures for the mass of cheese. Either one works in yocto-micro Solar Masses (¼ymM☉, ≈ twice Tom’s order, being a sensible amount of cheese for three people), or, which is much less scientific, in micro-yocto Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limits. The latter is a bad plan: just don’t.

/2alph · Post by **/2alph** » 05:50 Tue 17 Dec 2019

AHB wrote: ↑10:29 Wed 20 Nov 2019
AHB wrote: ↑23:00 Wed 06 Nov 2019 Thanks for letting us know, Dia.

Next up is Ralph...
Ralph - please let me know by the end of this week if you would like the empty seat.

Sorry for late response. Cannot make it. Wish you a lot of fun. Plese put me on the reserve list for 2020.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 08:14 Thu 19 Dec 2019

250g of Stitch are on their way to Newport.