1059. 04.02.03 LONDON WC1 - BLOOMSBURY: WPR; Sec. A late first meeting of the new year was held in the "CALTHORPE ARMS" (Youngs), adjacent to the Secretary's place of work. The lunchtime patrons were entirely lone drinkers sitting around the perimeter of the bar, waiting to be entertained by the Australian barman. Snow flakes fell outside, making members inside wonder if they would be able to get home.
1060. 01.03.03 LONDON SW19 - THE WIMBLEDON TEN: WPR; SAR, N, Chair, BS, GR, Sec, Anita, Rick, TBA, Adrian2. Convened by WPR with the purpose of conducting some intensive old-style research in the Wimbledon area, and to aim for eight pubs, half a pint in each. The meeting started at the "ALEXANDRA" (Youngs), where Rick was present (this pub only), celebrating the stag night of musical Phil by smoking enormous cigars. The TBA arrived as the meeting moved to the "HOGSHEAD", a large and largely deserted pub next door, with very wide range of bitters. The Chair consumed a cloudy liquid which he said was cider, although the BS claimed the liquid was pale. Traditions were upheld by Sec who wore his hat on the way to the "PRINCE OF WALES", a large Victorian pub with heavily embossed wallpaper. Caledonian Deuchars beer had; the TBA lost his pen but found another. Next was "WEATHERSPOONS", a vast establishment completely out of control. Wibbas Down, Abbott Ale had; Chair lost money on a faulty quiz machine. Adrian2 joined meeting here. Extended consultancy with regard to food almost led to a cancellation of order. Flooded urinals noted. Diverting show with bouncer on door. The Irish and Australian theme pubs opposite were omitted in favour of Thai theme pub "JIM THOMPSON" Flaming Wok. Another flaming pub with a flaming lot of music and John Smiths beer. Seats lent a hand, and a picture was taken of SAR, N and a man with a large rocket. Chair, Sec and Anita left and others headed towards South Wimbledon. Continuing along Wimbledon Broadway and Merton Road a board was spotted indicating the "WAY INN" (John Smiths). Way Out man! Plush hotel bar in entire contrast to previous venue, with enormous portraits presumed to be of Nelson and Lady Hamilton. What would the society have thought 25 years ago? Heading further east, a gradual increase in seediness was noted. Omitting the Grove, where members had once witnessed Rick play, members progressed to the "KILKENNEY TAVERN" with Courage Best which was busy, with live music, i.e. one man plus machines. Full of random old junk - Beavis and Butthead figurines on bar, fox's head on wall and inverted coracles on ceiling. Members were unable to obtain a table for the first time in the evening. Tiring of the music, members moved on to the "PRINCESS ROYAL". "Grandma's front room". Abbott, Best and IPA had, spillage by TBA. Rapid departure by SAR and N, more protracted same by GR. The target of eight venues having been attained, it was redefined by the remaining members as ten, necessitating two more establishments in half an hour. "KING'S HEAD" (Youngs) exhibited a traditional food display cabinet. Excremental expletives used by Adrian2 in re: his lager. On reaching Collier's Wood, with seven minutes left, two boring smoky pubs were omitted (in one door and out the other) in favour of "CJ's". Members entered establishment at 10:55 in bold contradiction of "Strictly No Admittance After 10:30" sign outside. Caffreys had. WPR left to catch a Northern Line train, after which the BS, TBA and Adrian2 purchased a final round. The meeting closed at 12:20.
1061. 24.03.03 LONDON W1 - WPR; BS, SAR, N, GR, TBA. Meeting started in "THREE TUNS", Portman Mews Street behind M&S Marble Arch. Very nice pub - not too busy, good range of ales and interesting menu. Blazing fire on sunny spring day. Excellent meal at "Bistro 1" in James Street for �5. Times vouchers lived to see another restaurant. Meeting held on Monday to take advantage of free glass of wine. "THREE CHEERS" nearby - keg Boddingtons was drunk and outside was sat. The SAR and N left without giving excuse, GR left with headache / long journey / it's Monday, TBA left as he was "on call" / had to give maths lesson / cat waiting. BS and WPR proceeded to "LAMB AND FLAG", corner of Barrett Street / St Christophers Place for fresh Charles Welles Bombadier in Youngs glasses, once again sitting outside.
1062. 10.04.03 LONDON SW19 - WIMBLEDON: BS; WPR, Sec, TBA. The meeting started at 6:30pm in the "WIBBAS DOWN INN" (Weatherspoons) - Spitfire / Summer Lightning, to counter the morning's light snow. WPR managed to pinch the BS's drink without him noticing. Less busy than on previous visit, and no bouncers. Told that table was reserved after occupying it for 40 minutes. Conversation about LegalOwner class, Dead Ringers, Double Take, 2DTV and German place names ensued. Members then moved to "JIM THOMPSON'S ORIENTAL BAR AND RESTAURANT", 141 The Broadway at around 7:30pm to take advantage of the Times 'Meal for �5' offer. John Smiths and lager. Meal in a box. Also less rowdy than on previous visit. "HOGSHEAD". George Gale HSB (dark and fruity) / Boddingtons / Stella (wifebeater) / Ringwood / Timothy Taylor Landlord. Much busier than previous visit. Review of forthcoming musical events. Adrian2 joined making a group of five left handers.
1063. 19.04.03 LONDON W1 - COVENT GARDEN: WPR; Sec, BS, SAR, N. Easter Saturday research into hitherto overlooked central London establishments. "LAMB & FLAG", Rose Street. Young's / Bombadier. Unusually empty 17C inn. First SLBS meeting at the venue for the Sec, although a regular there in the late 1970s. SAR required directions via mobile phone and entered from rear / side entrance. SAR presented members with photographs and N presented the WPR with an Easter chick. WPR conducted party to the "Charing Cross Hotel" for another Times Meal although vouchers once more not collected. Decor identified by Sec as French Third Empire. There was a schism near the Strand, in which certain members declined to enter Soho for fear of catching the SARS [not SAR's] virus. "MARQUIS OF GRANBY", Chandos Street. The WPR made a very complicated mathematical calculation to work out how much change was due to each member. Orkney Red MacGregor (dark, full bodied, sweet aroma) / Squired Coach Gold (fresh and hoppy). The SAR produced and circulated numerous clippings and obituaries from the Daily Telegraph. SAR & N left to avoid SARS / to go for a long walk to Battersea / too far to next door pub. "HARP", Chandos Street. Breacan's Whisky Ale (dark, strong, spotty head). Cosy Irish hostelry, lined with portraits, except underneath flood-damaged section of ceiling, possibly due to gents sited above. Basic wooden benches underneath TV. Old trusty rattled off football scores to anyone and everyone. Sec left to go shopping. "GLOBE", Bow Street. BS and WPR concluded the meeting here, next to the Marquis of Anglesea. Adnams had. Another venue dating from 17C, this time with fake fire on ground floor and flooding in downstairs gents. Patron of the First Age also enjoyed a drink.
1064. 10.05.03 LONDON SE1 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Chair; WPR, BS, EAR, TBA, Sec, SOS. The meeting convened in the "THAMESIDE INN". Apologies received from SAR and N (in Montenegro), GR (attending wedding), Rick (cough) and Paul (Fiona working). The Chair displayed his extensive knowledge of international telephone dialing codes. The EAR announced that he had turned down an invitation to celebrate the national fiesta of Paraguay in order to attend this meeting. The bar boasted four handpumps, all of them off, one back on "possibly today". Against this setback, the attractions of the four in a row quiz machine were insufficient to hold the Society's custom and the party moved to the nearby "ANCHOR" to undertake its formal business. The Chair called for order and the following resolutions were put to the vote. 1. Proposed WPR, seconded in absentia SAR: "Owing to the overarching cultural significance of both events, the Annual General Meeting shall not coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest." Carried (for 2, against 0). 2. Proposed BS, seconded in absentia SAR: "Any dispute regarding direction must be resolved by convening in the nearest pub and purchasing drinks for consumption during the discussion." Carried (for 4, against 3). 2a. Proposed in absentia Rick: Add words "except in Finsbury Park" to 2 above. Not seconded. 3. Proposed SAR, seconded WPR. An EGM shall be arranged to sort out inconsistencies re: Committee membership, details to be arranged by SAR. Carried unanimously. The main business of the evening, i.e. drinking, then continued. Drunk but inoffensive Irish customer "robustly" removed from the premises by bar staff. Photos taken by WPR and EAR, and by an Australian sheila who kissed the EAR. East European coach party appeared later. The Chair, EAR, TBA and SOS departed at around 9pm whereupon the Sec, WPR and BS resolved to find a more suitable location to round off the evening. On leaving the pub, the WPR received a long distance telephone call from the SAR, who presented an on the spot report from Montenegro and, in an international cultural exchange, received one on the AGM. The BS and WPR both knew nearby Youngs pubs but before reaching either, instead serendipitously found the "MARKET PORTER", Stoney Street. Damn good pub. Tring Pieman (dark but fresh bitter, smooth), Milk Street Funky Monkey (light, bitter, nice and twangy) and Harveys had.
1065. 15.05.03 LONDON W1 - FITZROVIA: Rick; Judy, Sec, BS, WPR. Tumbling Dice once again treated an enthusiastic audience of PRS and post office staff to a lively and varied selection of their repertoire in the "DUKE OF YORK". Rick made a notable debut on saxophone but was told to turn it down. The evening's performance was interspersed with breaks for auctions, raffles and karaoke performances.
31.05.2003 Tendring Hundred Pictures
Number of Pictures:
2 of4
1066. 23.05.03 LONDON SW2 - BRIXTON: BS; Sec, WPR. Met in the "BEEHIVE" (Wetherspoons) prior to Dandy Warhols concert in Brixton Academy. Several pints of unmemorable bitter drank.
1067. 24.05.03 LONDON SE24 - TULSE HILL: BS; Sec. Following fish & chip lunch at "Ollies" in Herne Hill, BS and Sec stopped at "TULSE HILL TAVERN", accompanied by Natasha, for two pints.
1068. 31.05.03 TENDRING HUNDRED: EAR; WPR, SAR, Secretary, GR, 1st Lady, Chair. TBA (Tuvan throat singing competition), Rick (otherwise engaged), and BS (family commitment) had sent their apologies. On a hot and cloudless day, the WPR, SAR, Secretary and GR arrived from London by train, on which the EAR joined them at Colchester. The meeting began in the garden of the "GREYHOUND" (Greene King/Youngs), Wivenhoe, which opened slightly early for us (11h55). Here the Chair and 1st Lady joined us, having arrived separately by car. The party then proceeded to the "ROSE AND CROWN" (Greene King/Adnams), Wivenhoe, where it consumed Lunch at a table overlooking the river Colne. The party then repaired to the "STATION" (Greene King), Wivenhoe, opposite the Station (rail transport gateway) for a further drink while waiting for the next train. After an 8-minute rail journey, the party (followed by the Chair and 1st Lady in their car) alighted at Great Bentley, where it viewed the large village green and inspected the Red Lion (Trumans), superficially still a public house but now, sadly, an office. The party then restored its spirits by again pursuing the Object of the Society, in the garden of the "PLOUGH" (Greene King/Adnams). Here the WPR and the SAR proposed a constitutional amendment, concerning different classes of members, but the meeting accepted the Chair's direction to remit this for discussion at a future meeting. The party then proceeded to the "LOCK AND BARREL", Frinton on Sea (Shepherd Neame), for a further session of dedication to the Society's Object. The afternoon being by now well advanced, and it being a little cooler, most of the party walked along the sea front to Walton on the Naze, which activity animated us to pursue the Society's Object once more, at the "WALTON TAVERN" (Adnams/Ridleys). From here, the Secretary and the GR departed for the station and their journey home, followed at a more leisurely pace by the Chair and the 1st Lady, who were driving home. After a walk along Walton Pier, the WPR, SAR and EAR took the next train to Colchester, where they made the final libations of the meeting, in the "NORFOLK" (Greene King), adjourning at about 21h40.
1069. 20.06.03 LONDON W6 - HAMMERSMITH: WPR; Chair, SAR, Nadir, BS, Adrian2, SOS, TBA. The WPR decided to celebrate his birthday a day late but on a Friday, to accommodate working members. The WPR, Nadir and the Chair took advantage of their free time and of the hot weather to convene in mid afternoon at the "DOVE", a traditional Fuller's house on the Thames. After enjoying a number of drinks from their riverside table, they felt the need to stretch their legs as well as their throats, and moved on to the "RUTLAND", or rather outside it with hundreds of other summer drinkers. Here they were joined by the other members one by one, and drinks were procured with difficulty from the overcrowded bar. The Chair finally approved the amendments to the constitution. After a suitable number of drinks had been consumed, the WPR led the party to the "Patio Restaurant" in Goldhawk Road, which he had previously visited with the SOS. A vast Polish meal was consumed, along with Polish beer "we have Czech beer and we have Polish beer", and flavoured vodkas, to the approval of members, who resolved to conduct further eastern European dining research. It is reported that after the main party had left, the TBA and Adrian2 continued with more vodkas and slivovitz and then danced the night away at a fashionable West End night spot.
1070. 30.06.03 LONDON E15 - STRATFORD: SOS; WPR. The SOS and WPR attended a lecture in Stratford Public Library by Michael Foot, who managed to answer every question with a reference to Nye Bevan. The SOS bought a personally autographed book. Members then convened in the Golden Grove (Wetherspoons), despite a sign outside for the "Monday Club", which happily was not a 1970s far right organisation but instead a cheap beer promotion.
1071. 17.07.03 LONDON SE1 - LONDON BRIDGE: WPR; SOS. During a long run of very hot sunny days, the WPR invited the SOS to join him viewing the ancient Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, held on the Thames, during which, he had read, the colour and sound of the racing boats is outdone by the commotion of the following flotilla. In the event members stood waiting on the Millennium Bridge for half an hour in the cold and rain, thereby comprising two thirds of the audience, the other third being a retired lady of obvious stamina. They were diverted to note a school party being led along the northern shore where they were almost cut off by the rising tide. Eventually three oarsmen came into view, followed by half a dozen boats, and quickly rowed under the bridge and away the other side. Having witnessed this spectacle, members headed straight for the nearby Tate Modern to warm up. Subsequent lunch was taken at the "MARKET PORTER", along with halves of bitter (WPR) and mild (SOS), followed by short walk and exterior inspection of City Hall.
1072. 18.07.03 LONDON NW1 - CAMDEN TOWN: BS; Rick, Judy, Sec, WPR. Tumbling Dice performed at the "PRINCE ALBERT", Lyme Street, a new venue for the highly acclaimed musical duo. Comfortable seating was welcomed by members as a change from the "Duke of York". Deceptively strong "Old Trip" (Hardy & Hanson) made the BS and Sec both somewhat jaded the next morning.
1073. 19.07.03 KENT - ROMNEY MARSH: Sec; GR. The GR collected the Sec at Gravesend, and an intensive tour of Romney Marsh and its hinterland was undertaken on a hot summer's day, totalling 12 villages inspected. A sizeable lunch, and well kept "Spitfire" was sampled in the gardens of the "WALNUT TREE", Aldington, a large pub without, but a range of small rooms within. A mid afternoon break for Fuller's "Summer Ale" was spent at the "BLACK LION", Appledore, on the edge of the marsh, an establishment with a remarkably large bar menu, and a harassed proprietor fending off later telephone bookings for it throughout the visit.
1074. 26.07.03 LONDON SE10 - GREENWICH: BS; Rick, Chair, Sec. Members assembled to observe the BS's birthday at the "GATE CLOCK", Creek Road, a huge modern J. D. Wetherspoon venue, sampling "Titanic Iceberg", a refreshing summer ale. The Sec then led the party to the "RICHARD I", Royal Hill, the first Society visit for many years, for Youngs in the elegant back garden. The meeting then returned to the town centre for Harveys, lager, chilli / curry sandwiches and (essential) salad at the "CRICKETERS", a very traditional establishment alongside Greenwich Market, full of diverse cricketing and timekeeping memorabilia. The BS and Sec continued proceedings with Adnams at the "YACHT, a capacious timber lined riverside pub, with views downriver to the Dome.
1075. 26.07.03 LONDON WC1/WC2 - HOLBORN: BS; WPR. The BS met the WPR for an evening continuation of the lunchtime meeting, in by now very inclement weather conditions. Members visited the "SHAKESPEARE'S HEAD" (Wetherspoons), "PRINCESS LOUISE" (Sam Smith's), "PENDEREL'S OAK" (Wetherspoons), where food was taken.
1076. 30.07.03 LONDON SE24 - TULSE HILL: BS; WPR. The BS, who was home alone, invited the WPR to an evening in his local area, starting in the "RAILWAY TAVERN", a large establishment which the BS had not visited before. Members sat outside in the substantial garden before continuing to the "TULSE HILL TAVERN", where drinks were once again taken outside. Following this they proceeded to the BS's residence for fish and chips and more beer, and a wide variety of audio and visual entertainment.
1077. 19.08.03 LONDON EC1 - BARBICAN: SAR; Chair, WPR, EAR, GR, SOS, Sec, Gary, Graciela and Iran of Paraguay. The Chairman opened the meeting at the "SUTTON ARMS", Carthusian Street, adjacent to the SAR's office, with a brief introduction on the benefits of MRI technology. This unusually styled pub contained cheap cinema seats on which the Chair and Gary sat, and a juke box which was no longer free. A large turnout was achieved due to several members being left behind by wives who had gone to Brazil. Tolly Original was had and Old Bob until it ran out. The EAR was subject to mobile telephony attack by members. The Secretary arrived late after going to the wrong Sutton Arms. After two pints the meeting relocated nearby at the empty upstairs bar of "YE OLDE RED COW" for Shepherd Neame Master Brew. The bar was unusually much bigger on the first floor that on the ground floor - similarly the bar area was much more spacious at first floor level. Corny comments on beam, e.g. "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush�but nothing is worth a double at Ye Olde Red Cow". The WPR extolled the Peter Blake exhibition which he had just visited. Final drinks of Courage Best and Theakstons XB were taken in the "HAND AND SHEARS", another empty nearby venue where a display of banknotes caused mild excitement. The ambiguously worded (and originally unbracketed) menu "(Gammon Steak) or (Breaded Chicken) served with (((Salad) or (Fries)) and Peas)" was logically parsed and interpreted by the SAR. The saloon bar looked almost closed - chairs on tables at 9:15 pm reminiscent of Prague / Vienna, and only three other patrons present altogether. Contrasting early travel experiences with the present day, the SAR disparaged young people today and Ryanair, and the SOS in turn disparaged air travel, young people and package holidays.
1078. 17.11.03 LONDON WC2 - BLOOMSBURY / HOLBORN: Sec; GR, WPR. The �SHIP�, Little Turnstile. Speckled Hen, Bombadier. A youthful haunt of the Sec; very busy for a Monday; initially standing room only. The �OLD RED LION�, Holborn. IPA. Also popular early in the week. Very traditional; much woodwork, and etchings of 18th century churches prominent. �PENDEREL�S OAK�, Holborn. Arizona beer (very pale ale, so named as dry as as desert) and food. Huge timber-lined Wetherspoon�s establishment (possibly conversion from restaurant), with another sizeable bar in the basement.
1079. 29.11.03 HERTFORDSHIRE - BISHOP�S STORTFORD: Present: Chair; WPR, GR, Sec, TBA, BS, SAR, Nadir, 1st Lady, EAR, Anna. The Chair met the WPR, GR, Sec, TBA and BS at a rainy BS Station and the party commenced the meeting at the �ROSE & CROWN�, which was discovered to be far friendlier than expected. Greene King IPA and Abbot were consumed. The SAR had txtd the Chair to inform of his late arrival and a phone conversation from the pub confirmed that SAR/Nadir would go there. Hence, the party decided to move off before the SAR�s arrival (!) and so went on via the rain-soaked shopping area to the �BOAR�S HEAD�, where a blazing fire was noted and Adnams and London Pride were consumed along with various sandwiches before the arrival of the 1st lady, followed by the SAR and Nadir and finally, when the EAR and Anna arrived after walking from the Station Car Park, all 11 members proceeded to the �HALF MOON.� The consumption of Hobgoblin, Deuchars and IPA beers encouraged the appetite of those who had not eaten and as the pub did not do lunches, the �STAR� was next visited. The beer here was of lesser quality (Tetley�s, etc.) A disagreement occurred over the exact specification of the Yorkshire puddings and Ed was invited to help out with the cooking if he complained again about how long our order was taking. Then next the �GEORGE� (Tetley Imperial, Strongbow, Wine, and Coffee) was visited and as it was now getting dark, the following left for the station: SAR, Nadir, EAR, Anna, GR and Sec. The party continued up Hadham Road and called at the �BRICKLAYER�S ARMS� for Adnams and wine. A discussion about infestation by parasites and the trial of the Soham 2 took place. The 1st Lady set off up the hill homewards, while the remaining 4 members returned to the �HALF MOON� for more Leuchars, which was deemed to be the best ale of the meeting. After a longish walk to check the trains were running OK, the �THREE TUNS� near to the London-bound trains was the final stop, where Abbot was tried. The meeting was dissolved, three members catching the last fast train to London before they transformed themselves into buses.
1080. 23.12.03 LONDON SW1 - Westminster: Present in order of appearance - WPR; Secretary, GR, Nadir, SAR, BS, Chair, Rick & Judy, SOS & Valrita, TBA, COB & Sue. Apologies were received from the EAR. The WPR had arranged a dedicated table for the Society after the manager of "OLD SHADES" had detected the SLBS web site by searching for his pub on the Web. Members progressively sat at table in a west-east configuration. The Chair made a brief speech to announce the meeting open, and Goujons were taken at 7.45, with Champagne at approximately 9.30. Reduced alcohol intake due to health problems among the membership led to a subdued meeting.
The meeting started at the "ALEXANDRA" (Youngs), where Rick was present (this pub only), celebrating the stag night of musical Phil by smoking enormous cigars. The TBA arrived as the meeting moved to the "HOGSHEAD", a large and largely deserted pub next door, with very wide range of bitters. The Chair consumed a cloudy liquid which he said was cider, although the BS claimed the liquid was pale. Traditions were upheld by Sec who wore his hat on the way to the "PRINCE OF WALES", a large Victorian pub with heavily embossed wallpaper. Caledonian Deuchars beer had; the TBA lost his pen but found another. Next was "WEATHERSPOONS", a vast establishment completely out of control. Wibbas Down, Abbott Ale had; Chair lost money on a faulty quiz machine. Adrian2 joined meeting here. Extended consultancy with regard to food almost led to a cancellation of order. Flooded urinals noted. Diverting show with bouncer on door. The Irish and Australian theme pubs opposite were omitted in favour of Thai theme pub "JIM THOMPSON" Flaming Wok. Another flaming pub with a flaming lot of music and John Smiths beer. Seats lent a hand, and a picture was taken of SAR, N and a man with a large rocket. Chair, Sec and Anita left and others headed towards South Wimbledon. Continuing along Wimbledon Broadway and Merton Road a board was spotted indicating the "WAY INN" (John Smiths). Way Out man! Plush hotel bar in entire contrast to previous venue, with enormous portraits presumed to be of Nelson and Lady Hamilton. What would the society have thought 25 years ago? Heading further east, a gradual increase in seediness was noted. Omitting the Grove, where members had once witnessed Rick play, members progressed to the "KILKENNEY TAVERN" with Courage Best which was busy, with live music, i.e. one man plus machines. Full of random old junk - Beavis and Butthead figurines on bar, fox's head on wall and inverted coracles on ceiling. Members were unable to obtain a table for the first time in the evening. Tiring of the music, members moved on to the "PRINCESS ROYAL". "Grandma's front room". Abbott, Best and IPA had, spillage by TBA. Rapid departure by SAR and N, more protracted same by GR. The target of eight venues having been attained, it was redefined by the remaining members as ten, necessitating two more establishments in half an hour. "KING'S HEAD" (Youngs) exhibited a traditional food display cabinet. Excremental expletives used by Adrian2 in re: his lager. On reaching Collier's Wood, with seven minutes left, two boring smoky pubs were omitted (in one door and out the other) in favour of "CJ's". Members entered establishment at 10:55 in bold contradiction of "Strictly No Admittance After 10:30" sign outside. Caffreys had. WPR left to catch a Northern Line train, after which the BS, TBA and Adrian2 purchased a final round. The meeting closed at 12:20.
Chair; WPR, BS, EAR, TBA, Sec, SOS. The meeting convened in the "THAMESIDE INN". Apologies received from SAR and N (in Montenegro), GR (attending wedding), Rick (cough) and Paul (Fiona working). The Chair displayed his extensive knowledge of international telephone dialing codes. The EAR announced that he had turned down an invitation to celebrate the national fiesta of Paraguay in order to attend this meeting. The bar boasted four handpumps, all of them off, one back on "possibly today". Against this setback, the attractions of the four in a row quiz machine were insufficient to hold the Society's custom and the party moved to the nearby "ANCHOR" to undertake its formal business. The Chair called for order and the following resolutions were put to the vote. 1. Proposed WPR, seconded in absentia SAR: "Owing to the overarching cultural significance of both events, the Annual General Meeting shall not coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest." Carried (for 2, against 0). 2. Proposed BS, seconded in absentia SAR: "Any dispute regarding direction must be resolved by convening in the nearest pub and purchasing drinks for consumption during the discussion." Carried (for 4, against 3). 2a. Proposed in absentia Rick: Add words "except in Finsbury Park" to 2 above. Not seconded. 3. Proposed SAR, seconded WPR. An EGM shall be arranged to sort out inconsistencies re: Committee membership, details to be arranged by SAR. Carried unanimously. The main business of the evening, i.e. drinking, then continued. Drunk but inoffensive Irish customer "robustly" removed from the premises by bar staff. Photos taken by WPR and EAR, and by an Australian sheila who kissed the EAR. East European coach party appeared later. The Chair, EAR, TBA and SOS departed at around 9pm whereupon the Sec, WPR and BS resolved to find a more suitable location to round off the evening. On leaving the pub, the WPR received a long distance telephone call from the SAR, who presented an on the spot report from Montenegro and, in an international cultural exchange, received one on the AGM. The BS and WPR both knew nearby Youngs pubs but before reaching either, instead serendipitously found the "MARKET PORTER", Stoney Street. Damn good pub. Tring Pieman (dark but fresh bitter, smooth), Milk Street Funky Monkey (light, bitter, nice and twangy) and Harveys had.
Present: Chair; WPR, GR, Sec, TBA, BS, SAR, Nadir, 1st Lady, EAR, Anna. The Chair met the WPR, GR, Sec, TBA and BS at a rainy BS Station and the party commenced the meeting at the �ROSE & CROWN�, which was discovered to be far friendlier than expected. Greene King IPA and Abbot were consumed. 
The SAR had txtd the Chair to inform of his late arrival and a phone conversation from the pub confirmed that SAR/Nadir would go there. Hence, the party decided to move off before the SAR�s arrival (!) and so went on via the rain-soaked shopping area to the �BOAR�S HEAD�, where a blazing fire was noted and Adnams and London Pride were consumed along with various sandwiches before the arrival of the 1st lady, followed by the SAR and Nadir and finally, when the EAR and Anna arrived after walking from the Station Car Park, all 11 members proceeded to the �HALF MOON.� The consumption of Hobgoblin, Deuchars and IPA beers encouraged the appetite of those who had not eaten and as the pub did not do lunches, the �STAR� was next visited. The beer here was of lesser quality (Tetley�s, etc.) A disagreement occurred over the exact specification of the Yorkshire puddings and Ed was invited 
to help out with the cooking if he complained again about how long our order was taking. Then next the �GEORGE� (Tetley Imperial, Strongbow, Wine, and Coffee) was visited and as it was now getting dark, the following left for the station: SAR, Nadir, EAR, Anna, GR and Sec. The party continued up Hadham Road and called at the �BRICKLAYER�S ARMS� for Adnams and wine.
A discussion about infestation by parasites and the trial of the Soham 2 took place. The 1st Lady set off up the hill homewards, while the remaining 4 members returned to the �HALF MOON� for more Leuchars, which was deemed to be the best ale of the meeting. After a longish walk to check the trains were running OK, the �THREE TUNS� near to the London-bound trains was the final stop, where Abbot was tried. The meeting was dissolved, three members catching the last fast train to London before they transformed themselves into buses.
