While we've been on the subject of my Coupe and Rob40 and me going to Carlisle to pick up my 'new' Coupe from Rob, I booked our Christmas meet date and table while I was there

I know it seems early, but thought I'd mention it now so people can book time off work and hotels, etc

As per usual or for anyone new, we all arrive in Carlisle from around 5pm ish onwards, meet up for drinks, then head to Rob's restaurant http://lamezzalunacarlisle.co.uk/ later on for some excellent food and service and then head off to the bars and clubs afterwards.
In the morning, we also usually meet up for breakfast/a chat, etc., before heading back home

You can all come along and thank Rob personally for keeping me in Coupe ownership, as well as having an enjoyable night out

Please add your names below if you can come along

1. Theresa

Blimey T, you're organised

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB

Be rude not to. Hopefully a bit less water around this year!

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)

I've had a private word with Him upstairs, asking if he can delay any forthcoming deluge until after the Xmas party. It would have been nice to have sat down for a natter with you guys and enjoy the evening, but as you remember, I had to scarper as I had over 4 feet of water swilling around inside my house!

Please note numbers are limited so early confirmation would really help during this busy month.

Anyone here interested in a "Group Buy" from the Club Clothing Shop? An order over £50 comes with free postage (£4.50 for a single item )

I'll post this link on the Members area section too

I'll start with a cap at £9....

It's about time I think

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1

Ach I've been giving much thought about this, put me down. hopefully things will come together at my end.....

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy

Will be good to meet you jimboy

Anyone looking for accomodation, there's quite a few places to stay all within easy walking distance of each other, Rob's restaurant and the pubs/clubs.
The Ibis
The County
Crown and Mitre
Cornerhouse Guesthouse

to name just a few, but anything around that area should be ok - just look for parking restrictions, etc. The Travel Lodge for example, has no parking, so you would have to pay to park in the nearest car park.

Now I am a resident of the North. Why are you always organising these things at sensible times of the year when I am still abroad?

How the hell does a travel lodge have no parking btw? Hahahahaha! What a strange set-up!

It is a bit strange, but I suppose with Carlisle being a city, there's a need for accomodation, just not the room for parking.
At the Ibis, the parking is free if you're staying at their hotel, but otherwise, it's a public car park and you have to pay.
The County hotel has a small car park, but if you don't get there and claim a space, you would have to a pay for parking somewhere.
The Cornerhouse Guesthouse has on street parking, which is free, but need a permit from them to park on the street.

Just the way it is I suppose.

We could always have a meet at your house on Christmas Day, when you're home Phil All the roast potatoes are mine though

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh x3
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy

updated

Erm...

What time do we guess we'd be getting into the food for this adventure...?

Just to update the accommodation situation the Corner House which is where we usually stay only has two rooms left, one twin and one single.
Corner House contact Phone rather than go online.

Other accommodation is available through this site

Bed and Breakfast searcher Carlisle


Finally, after consultation with Rob and Theresa would anyone have objections to starting the meal by 7.30 ? This would allow for one or two to make it down and still catch trains home....

For simplicity, if no objection, no comment needed.

There is also this B+B, 2 doors up from me and only a 5 minute walk to the restaurant. It has private off-street parking for anyone driving.

http://www.howard-lodge.co.uk/

£51 Ibis booked can't wait... anyone else staying here?

Us three laddies at are the Townhouse in Warwick Road, about 5 mins away, breakfast included

I emailed these last night and they are away for a family wedding the weekend we are in Carlisle, so they won't be open to guests

Not sure how my name didn't find its way on this....

Obviously I'll be there. It's just half way up the country

[quote=Sedicivalvole][quote=Edinburgh]1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh x3
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb

Looking forward to seeing everyone

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh x3
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3 (maybe)

Hey Dave and Rhubarb, good show!

Nick your name still didn't get added to the list

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh x3
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3 (maybe)
12. Sedicivalvole

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh x3
3. Rosso x2
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle x2 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible +1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3 (maybe)
12. Sedicivalvole
13. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners

Any more people want to come along to this?

Also, is everyone on the list confirmed or can you confirm asap as Rob needs numbers asap to make sure there's enough room for us or take bookings from other people if there aren't enough of us.

Please remember that this is Rob's business and I don't want him losing bookings if people can't be bothered to turn up - at least let us know, thanks

I'm in for sure. Reminds me I must book a place to sleep........

I'm also in for sure Thersa. Coming down by train afternoon time just to make sure I arrive on time. Where are people meeting up if a wee bit early?

Definitely in for me + Anita, booked a place at the travelodge.

Me, Ben and Kip all arriving!

Depends how early? I usually get there around 4pm ish and usually head up to the Ibis and Rob's place to see who's around.
I usually end up meeting up with Matt and go to Robs to get a quick couple of pints of Peroni in

Thanks Theresa. Haven't really been in this neck of the woods before. Nearly not going to make it. Our son was rushed to hospital a wee while back & it was very serious. It could have went either way, he pulled through, but the stress showed on both my wife & myself. My colitis flared up, then I landed in hospital. A couple of days ago I got the all clear with an endoscopy, not a pleasant experience all round, but at least I saw things for myself. So there we have it. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

I'm booked into the Cornerhouse by the way.

Jimboy. If I could've found last-minute coop safe luxury accommodation in the area you'd have been assured terrible company early on as well as an Electric Blue guide southbound. Hope luck turns your way and all pans out well. Take care matey and remember, no kissing the other coopsters.

Thanks Barney. As you know I'm a half glass full type of guy, but hey ho things happen. Our paths will meet again, as for the kissing, lets see what's on offer......

Can you count me in + 1 please
Thanks

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh + 2
3. Rosso + 1
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle + 1 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible + 1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3 (maybe)
12. Sedicivalvole
13. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners
14. Boxerboy + 1

jimboy, sorry to hear of your troubles and hope all will be ok to be able make this meet
Not sure about the kisses though, I got into trouble the last time I gave more than a peck on the cheek

Mario/nismo, any signs of a confirmation from you two lovers yet?

Hi can you count me in please

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh + 4
3. Rosso + 1
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle + 1 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible + 1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3
12. Sedicivalvole
13. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners
14. Boxerboy + 1


Increased my party from 3 to 4

Hey who's altered my post

Not me! It should read + 3.

You're already on the list Paulie3


1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh + 3
3. Rosso + 1
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle + 1 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible + 1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3
13. Sedicivalvole
14. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners
15. Boxerboy + 1

and Paulie3 has been altered....albeit correctly

it had said "(maybe)"........

Mario/nismo, can you confirm yet?

Need to know asap please

Take us both off the list as I can't say yes/no at the moment .

'Hello'!!

Sorry- this is me confirming!!

I've just booked my train ticket from Great Malvern to Carlisle, £19.00 so I assume for that price I'll be sitting on the roof

Ah that'll be the Corbyn express

Sitting on the roof? You'll be at the back, mate, pushing.

Ed, DG, Paulie3, Jimboy either of you guys heading down in the coupes on Saturday?

I'm going by train Rosso. Hope the rail will be fine & bad weather free. See you all there.

Yep Brian me and the lads are meeting up at the fuel station at M74 J13 around 4.00, maybe just before.....

Think we did that last year in the pouring rain?

Fancy joining in?

Not sure what time Paul's leaving, DG may get a lift with him but if not will get the train down ......and back in the evening

I had sort of been thinking of getting down to Carlisle earlish or at least in the daylight. So possibly no leaving no later than 2. Is that too early for you Simon?

Ok I'll speak to the lads who are coming from Falkirk and meeting me at aforesaid....also depends a bit if I'm giving DG a lift.

Don't change your plans just for us amigos

That be great Simon.

Im awaiting our friends with the energy green coupe so could be a wee convoy down and hopefully a nice cool crisp dry drive

What time will it be dark in Carlisle? Back of 4?

Sunset 1547, so dark about 1620......

From the other direction - I'll be coming up from Cambridge area, but will be in the coupe only if the weather is good... I had planned to use the coupe and it was wearing winter tyres but I had to spend an hour last night putting them on the Bravo instead, so if it's forecast like last year it'll be the Bravo.

No time as yet set, but Anita will be just back from Forn Parts and therefore a couple of hours jetlagged, so it's unlikely to be before noon

Thereby being able to take the dogs for a walk or am I reading too much into this

Waiting on advice from the lads and DG....

Nope we have babsitters for them this trip.

Bill and Rubina the new coupe owners have confirmed so they will be in convoy too.

I guess if we meet you at j13 at around 2pm that should be okay.

I've got the ok from one of the 3 so far. DG has domestic matters to fit in and his departure time is dependent on that.

It's an hour + a couple of minutes from j13 to Carlisle.

You'd best go on ahead then as I think we might push it to get to j13 much before 2.30

Maybe we'll catch up with you

Two down....might be able to do 2.15?

Have to tighten up things this end!

Simon,

Is Jim or Paul couping it down?

Keep us posted but don't worry either way.

Jim unfortunately has to pull out.

Which means we're probably clear to all meet up at J13.

Think Paul is couping but he's not got back to me in a bit.....

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh + 3
3. Rosso + 1
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle + 1 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC with a possible + 1
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3
13. Sedicivalvole
14. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners
15. Boxerboy + 1


Dante G has had to pull out, sorry

Ah! bad news about Jim. I'm now on holiday for a week, so I'm going to take things easy. Looking forward to the meet. Unfortunately both my diesel hack & Coop require attention & I'll have to attend to that..... Bugger, more expense & juggling about.

At the moment, it looks like there is high pressure dominating and that the weather will be fine and dry (and cold, but probably not freezing) this weekend.

Updated.

1. Theresa
2. Edinburgh + 3
3. Rosso + 1
4. Dante Giacosa
5. Nismo (maybe)
6. Mariocirillo (maybe)
7. mattB
8. Barnacle + 1 (oh dear, company xmas do the day before...)
9. CC (Just myself)
10. Jimboy
11. Flyingcustard & Rhubarb
12. Paulie3
13. Sedicivalvole
14. Bill & Rubina... New coupe owners
15. Boxerboy + 1

I hope everyone has a safe journey here tomorrow, the weather is eerily mild and calm for December and Sunday looks excellent too for travelling home.

Your table is available from 6.45pm so feel free to come in for a few drinks and settle down before your meal.

Looking forward to catching up with you guys again, definitely won't need to run home straight afterwards this time

Cheers Rob, definitely not last year's nightmare.

We'll be at the Moo Bar, 3 Devonshire St, initially then mosey down to your place nearer the time you've given

Thanks Rob. Way things have worked out with trains I'll be in Carlisle 1.30pm. Corner house B&B. Keeping away from Hotels, too early & all that

Looking forward to this as usual and yes, weather is a lot different to this time last year

Looking forward to catching up with everyone

I should be there between about 4 - 5pm. Feel free to start drinking Jim, you can have a head start, I'll soon catch up

See you all later

Edinburgh. Moo bar has shut up shop. See you later people

Have a good time guys and girls , wish I could have made it but very busy with work , maybe next year .

Don't know when we'll get up but we expect between three and five - a few things we need to do in Cambridge first.

See you later.

Thanks for the heads up Dave, is there anywhere like it with such a range of ales?

Keep me posted where you end up Simon as I'm partial to a pint or two of real ale

I'm presently on a train enjoying public transporT

Follow this link for a Camra interactive map, click on the pint glass to find the pub info. Loads to choose from it seems - Cumbrian water makes for great ale.

How's life on the train, Joe? Bet you're like the Stig

King's Head or the Howard Arms probably the only 2 cask ale bars left, other than your regular Woodrow Wilson.b

Thanks Huw, great link

As for me being a train wa**er this afternoon, Virginia trains are quite nice, too bloody hot though

And bang on your door step Rob

KH and HA sound good to me, we'll make our way in about 15 mins

Hi all have we made up our mind which pub we are going to? Heading in town would be nice to meet before going over to Robs.

Rob knows more than me Simon my bins go out more than I do 😣 going to pick the Mrs up now from the hairdressers so keep an eye out for me 😉 I got all exited about seeing a different coupe parked in Carlisle then I realised what night it was and that it wasn't a new owner lol v plate on Warwick rd. See you soon

I had to get this translated

A really great night amongst coupe lovers and their partners crowned by Rob's excellent cuisine and staff

My lads love it too!

Might have pics soon......

OMFG. We're in Walkabout right now. Paid to get in, for the privilege of buying more alcohol. Within 30 seconds (as the blood drips from my ears) I question how the f*** did I enjoy this as a teen-ager! All conversation has ceased and none of us know sign language. When did I get so old?!
Yes. I'm enjoying myself. Go figure.

Was delightful to meet old friends and new. Infinite respect to Rob, Angelo and the staff for a quality evening. Sincere thanks to everyone for making the effort.

Looks like someone was having a nice time :))))

Genuinely Phil, I did. Ears hurting this morning.

Mine don't

A big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all that made the effort to make this annual pilgrimage the success that it is.
It was great to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.

Thank you so much for the unexpected gifts, it's very humbling to be in the presence of such genuine friends, a testament to the quality of the club.

Hats off to Neil, epic journey
Barney, great to catch up with you again mate
Brian, Simon, Bill, Matt, Jim and the rest of the Scottish clan, and lasses, hope to see you at a Northern meet in the new year
Joe, about bloody time I'll catch you at your gaff in June.
Dave, time to push for the Lakes Meet again, our B roads are missing the 5-pot torture
Conrad, don't give her the keys, you won't see your coop again
T, thanks again for organising this, your a legend

Accuracy is everything Rob


After last night I have learnt a new dimension of "barn find"

Mezzaluna Crescent



Happy diners


Edit: only just noticed the bling on your bootlid Neil, thought it was just me

Many thanks to everyone for coming along, it was lovely to catch up and lovely to meet some new ones too, although I'm usually too drunk to chat properly at this meet

I couldn't join the photo opportunity due to possibly being over the drink drive limit and nobody would walk to my b&b to get my Coupe for me lol

Thanks to Rob, Angelo, Sophia for the lovely welcome and food, as usual, as well as all their lovely staff

That's me home, even I'm pissed off with my own company with all the travelling..
Really great to meet everyone, new & old. Can't believe how young everyone looks that I've read & communicated with on the forum. EVERYONE was a winner in my book, it really was a very special trip for me. I don't do things like this nowadays.

A vast change & exciting experience for me, far removed from my Highland domain ticking over ever so nicely...

Thanks for listening everyone......

Counting the trip to Cambridge to start the weekend, 315 miles going north and 275 back south... eighty quid's worth of three-star turned into smoke

Amazingly, T passed us on the way south just before her turn-off from the M6, and then we pulled into Keele services for a pee and found Joe there... it's like buses; none for ages and then three at once!

Ah good to hear you're back safe and sound Jim after what I hear was an unimpressive start to your return from Carlisle, stowed out and loads of drunken hooligans - or was that just you and Bern

Yep this is an annual must, a great start to Christmassy stuff.
We get the added bonus of mini-convoys from here, both directions in daylight - and this year in great weather

Journey home started badly this morning when I wished Neil goodnight!
Jimboy did well and got a seat, nicely away from the dross who added to the frustrations in C carriage. First class No class.
Soon as Joe posts we'll know he found his way home. Covered so much ground after the pub I hear Google wanted to strap a camera on him.

Aye Barney, you'd been better off with me & my bletherings.....

Thought about it Jim! For a whole second I did.
Sorry I didn't say ta-ra in Edinburgh mate, ran for my connection. Made all the difference between just missing it and completely missing it.

Both me an Hev had a great night. Catching up with the regulars and newbies. Had a great meal and a real laugh with Benjamin Chris and Becky. Going to plan the bar crawl better next year as there are miles better places to drink and chat. Walkabout was unbelievable...... got in at 4 this morning and had a wee hangover all day so I missed the morning meet up sorry. Roll on next year

He got home hours ago (phew!)

Now I've got to get used to not being ready-and-mobile for a little bit.... but I've already learnt a couple of things from the coupe-master about how it drives

Thanks to Rob, family and staff for an awesome evening and meal, food and company was great, especially meeting new faces

Yes I took a slight detour when I left the pub, ended up walking totally the wrong way to the Travelodge but I did seeing some interesting sights of Carlisle

Bumblebee was back in the hive by 4pm so a pretty easy cruise back quicker then returning by train but the handling was a little lively at times and certainly not on rails



Neil the Punk



Add me again for next year for sure