Yes I know it’s early but wanted to suggest a possible venue for those of us in the Kent, Sussex, Surrey area to meet up for a Christmas meal and chinwag.

Website here https://www.woodmanidehill.co.uk

The Woodman
Goathurst Common,
Ide Hill,
Sevenoaks,
TN14 6BU

Any other suggestions for a location or weekend date?

It’s a good hour and a half for us in Winchester so would prefer somewhere slightly closer but am open to suggestions!

I'm in for a Christmas met, eat and drink.

Ashley,
We’re in too and thanks for kicking it off. Ide Hill is a great gig but maybe John has a point . Maybe Surrey is more equidistant?

How about the White Bear Warlingham, again, or somewhere different?

I’ll give it some thought to a venue but we can’t make the weekend 14/15th December is already over booked with Christmas celebrations!!

The White Bear seems as far if not further than Ide Hill. Would prefer more West Sussex if possible (Hampshire would be better!) but if the majority decision is further afield then so be it. We can then decide one way or the other to join in or not.

Bolney stage?

Not a bad shout Bolney, We would be ok with that location.

Happy with Bolney too.

Bolney Stage is fine. Had a nice meal there last time

Looks like we have a venue. Now we have to decide on a date.

Needless to say we’re completely relaxed about the venue! If everyone else is happy so are we!! Look forward to knowing the date.

Bolney is good with me. I can’t do the 7th December it’s my misses 40th so I’ll end up getting shot!

8th is a possibility depending on hangovers bit risky if it’s lunch time.
Or Saturday 30th November which is probably best with us

If we are looking at a Sunday lunchtime then presume it’s going to have to be December 1st or 8th as Chris & Jean can’t make 15th and 22nd maybe too close to Xmas?

I'm ok with either 1st or 8th.

Maybe 1st?

We can make 1st or 8th.

We should be fine for 1st or 8th too

If it has to be a Sunday, not sure why, I won’t be able to go to either, I have plans on the 1st and the 8th I doubt I’ll be under the drink drive limit by midday

If it’s those weekends then we could do Saturday or Sunday; if that helps.

We can do Saturday or Sunday too

Sunday 1st December, lunchtime
1. Serg1 x 1
2.

Having checked with my social secretary it seems we can’t do the 8th December and would struggle with the 1st December also. We could do 30th November however.

That's my wife's birthday and she hates cars, so I would probably have problems that day.

Sunday before, 24th Nov???

24th November would be OK as long as aren’t looking for a Xmas meal as Bolney Xmas menu not available until 29th Nov

In the spirit of being helpful- if getting a mutually acceptable date- what about a New Year meeting: more choice of venue and less busy people? We can still do the days we could before Christmas but it would be a shame to miss people just because they’re double- booked.

Chris, a very good suggestion and clearly our diaries will hopefully be more flexible.

Good to see such industry and enthusiasm from you guys to agree on a deal

Don’t have a problem with that either

At least it's likely to be a meal deal

If your looking at January every weekend is clear. But the earlier a date is decided the better. Misses works for nhs and her shifts are up to End November and Xmas week. Won’t be long till January shifts are arranged for January.

I'm happy whatever is chosen apart from 30th November.

Ok so how about 12th January ?

12th Jan looks good for us

12th January is fine for me Ashley.

As Mr Humphries would say - “ we’re free!” ( I don’t know if I’ve broken any 2019 social codes by saying that?)- if so apologies all round. Just back from Porto weekend and very relaxed!

Early Jan might be a better option.

12th is good with me

OK, It looks like we have a date that appears to work for us as there are no outright no’s.
Serg, does this work for you? If ok can we look at numbers if so so we can make a booking.

12th good for me, looks like we have a date!

2 for the 12th please!

It great for us- 2 please? Location sorted?

The Bolney Stage seemed a popular option, any others?

1 please.

Ok so far we have;
Pete P x 1
Thunderbox x 2
Lappers x 2
Serg x 1
Cooperman x 2

I have booked a table for 10 just in case we have some further interested parties. I had a choice of either 12.15 or 2.15 as bookings are obviously already in place so I went for 2.15pm. Hope this is ok.

Thanks Ashley, sounds fine. As it’s a Sunday and is post Christmas I presume a Sunday Lunch should be on offer?

Yes indeed Sunday menu
Sunday Roasts and Mains
Braised shoulder of lamb with rosemary gravy 17.25

Mixed roast beef and roast pork with all the trimmings 15.95

Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding 14.75

Roast loin of pork with sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce 13.75

Squash, quinoa and cashew nut roast with redcurrant jus 11.95

All roasts are served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy

10oz Ribeye with Dijon and tarragon butter, Portabello mushrooms, tomato and chips 24.95

Fish pie salmon, smoked haddock and prawns with French style peas 14.95

Chicken, ham hock and leek pie with buttered greens, mash and tarragon cream sauce 14.95

Deep fried cod in beer batter with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce 14.25 / 10.95

Steak burger topped with grilled bacon and Cheddar, served with coleslaw and chips 13.75

Cajun chicken burger with cheese served with honey mustard mayo, salsa and fries 13.95

Pork and leek sausages with mash, buttered greens and onion gravy 12.75 / 9.95

Mushroom Bourguignon pie with mash, greens and red currant jus (ve) 13.95

Teriyaki sea bass salad with crispy wasabi rice balls, pickled ginger and soy and sesame dressing 16.95

Honey roasted ham (served cold) with eggs and chips 12.45 / 9.95

Quite a varied selection of options

Looking forward to it

Ashley

Ashley,
All sound good! Broad menu and agree 2:15 sounds the best.
Thank you. Do you need deposits and: or choices at this stage?

Let me give them a call and check arrangements but happy to sort deposit if needed.

I'm happy with 2.15.

Happy New Year to all. Any plans for 12 th Jan? Happy to assist Ashley just let me know.

Any chance to add on Punto16VT x 1 ?

Hi All, I hope you have had a great Christmas and new year break. I have confirmed the booking for our table for 10 @ 2.15pm. No deposits req.d which is helpful so we just need to confirm final numbers etc. Punto 16 VT you are welcome to join us

It maybe that we could meet up at a central point and enjoy a short drive to the venue so any suggestions welcome but suggest we aim for say 1pm to meet up. What are your thoughts?

Happy new year.
Ashley & Jan

Happy New Year to all.

Count me in and any plans to meet before heading off to the Bolney Stage.

I might be in the Abarth, hope it's not too much of a problem. Plus is wrapped up for the winter.

I'll be in my Meriva John so I wouldn't worry,as I haven't yet got round to fitting the new brake servo to the coupe, nor do I want to use the X1/9 until the spring..

I might be in the Abarth but as we are probably coming from a different direction to most others we might be easier meeting everybody at the pub?

I think we’ll be the only ones from the south of Bolney but could meet if there is a consensus of where to meet. We’ll be in in the Coupe if the weather is kind or Alfa 159 Sportwagon if not. Either way it’s been a while so looking forward to to it and meeting Punto.

Two Abarths...wound that be regarded as Abarth meet?

Given the likely hood that our Coupes may well be either keeping dry under cover or laid up for maintenance then shall we just meet at the Bolney Stage at say 1.45pm for a drink before lunch?
Ashley

That seems like a plan Ashley

Sounds good to me.

Hi All, It was a good meal & time yesterday and catch up with everyone. Looking forward to Eastbourne show already.

Thanks Ashley for organising a very enjoyable lunch!

Thanks Ashley for arranging yesterday.

Thanks from me too Ashley.

And from us too!

I would have made it three as my Coop's due for re-shelling + a refurb.

Sincere apologies for missing the meal, I got tied up with work and lost track of time.
If I need to pay anyone for my "lost deposit" please PM me, PayPal or Direct transfer can be done.

No problem or lost deposit maybe see you on a future meet?