Do you mean "why haven't you pasted the invite you techno-phobe" or are you saying let's go.

Have been thinking (no comments needed) and it would be great to have you lot over for Sat or Sun lunch. If it were a Sat then we could go to the Stroud farmers market late morning, but Sun would also be nice.

If we all supplied a bottle and something delicious, and we could then have a long walk afterwards, back here for a few cups of tea and buttered teacakes and off into the night, able to drive.

If I were to invite:

Goose
GK
Duncan
Bacchus
Shezza
Chabod
Suiko

Would I have missed anyone out? That's everyone who's posted over 20 posts. If you'd like to, can you email me saying whether you're free on:

8 Nov
21 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
5 Dec
6 Dec

And let me know if in fact you don't want to come. Should I open it up to wives/partners. Maybe not, as they could possibly be bored senseless by the conversation's main subject.

Let me know.

x

_________________
mel

Interesting Mel, let me have a think. The December dates are out for me as that's my 40th weekend, having a bit of a knees up. If I came down I would have to look for a local B&B, I dont drive after even one glass.

BTW, you're brave

Considered doing night time, but it seems a little scary to have 5-6 complete strangers on a sleepover, without a protector.

_________________
mel

Agreed, that Duncan has something of the night about him, and as for that Bacchus....



(Thats Goose in the corner hiding behind a barrel of oak matured, lees aged SB from Winkyplinky Cove).

Well said GK. She's a great lass

Generous as well - Now I've just looked at the Calendar, and consulted with
management !

December does not suit me well either, as I have my youngest daughters 28th birthday on the week-end of the 5 & 6th and old friends booked for 13 & 14th, the next one after is the 20th and the run-up to Christmas.

So.... November is quite good at the moment. my Misses has friends in Stroud which she has not seen for yonks - So there is some co-ordination. But, she also has the dreaded OFSTED due in November, and as the head, she has to be extra prepared.

The Last week-end in November is favourite for me, and the 1st week-end is 2nd Favourite.

BTW - GK, when you hit 40, life begins, You are officially nominated to the Fine and Upstanding League of Gentlemen, those around you are now required to take notice

Blimey, was writing that reply when GK takes a pop

_________________
Duncan

Stupendous pic GK, fell off the d**n chair in tears. 40? wozzat? can't remember...

Mel, I sent original response via email

In case it didn't turn up (thanks to my unreliable work mail server), I'm not going to be able to attend anything this side of New Year I'm afraid.

The 5hr/300mile round trip might also mean that I'd have to make a visit a stop off as part of a weekend trip away to make it justifiable which would mean ditching the wife and girls somewhere while I enjoy wine and buttered teacakes.

Thanks for the invite.


GK, that pic was brilliant!

Shezza

I got the email but was waiting for more responses. A great pity, but completely understandable.

_________________
mel

Yeah, the train services to Reading from the other side of London are probably rubbish ! And stupidly expensive - dont know.

Could offer, would enjoy providing you full chauffeur service from Reading Station..D doffs cap

Shezz - How was that Yarra Valley Pinot on Saturday - Enquiring minds

_________________
Duncan

Travel is no problem for me as I live about five minutes from the Swansea to Paddington line calling at Swansea Bridgend ( that's me ) Cardiff Central Newport Bristol Parkway Swindon Reading and Paddington. Wherever we meet i'm sure to be within easy taxi distance of one of those.

However, I can't guarantee any date as a close family member is undergoing chemo. The latest CT scans show that the chemo has done it's job with no bad cells left at all but the effects of the chemo on the body are scary. Five hospitalisations so far with mouth ulcers ( 73 at one time being the record ) and pneumonia being the worst.

If I can make it I will bring a De Ladoucette and a 2009 Clifford Bay reserve if I can find one.

But I will only be able to give 48 hours notice at most.

I am sorry. Will firm up everyone else and leave you to decide at the last min.

73! Jesus, poor thing.

_________________
mel

Dunc, Thanks for the chauffeur offer.

Would probably be easier (and potentially quicker) for me to to gun it round the '25 to you than to get a train

didn't make much of a note on the TF yarra PN other than delicious, juicey and moreish. Was too busy enjoying the steak I think
Will have to use the next bottle to make a proper assessment but as mentioned before, both Jancis and Mel have reviewed it well in the past.
Would be interesting to get the view of a Pinotphile like yourself


Goose, sorry to hear about the family member. Good news that the Chemo has done its job
seem to be coming across more and more cases of the big C nowadays
My sister in law contracted it last year (fortunately she responded well to treatment too) and 2 of my dad's cousins also falling victim