Carlisle Xmas meet - 12th December 2020

Hi all,

I'd love for us all to attend our usual Carlisle Christmas meet at the brilliant restaurant of Rob40: https://www.lamezzalunacarlisle.co.uk/

I'm planning for the 12th December, but due to the current pandemic and area lockdowns and restrictions, I'm wondering whether to go ahead or postpone for this year?

How does everyone feel regarding this?

I'm thinking it would be great to go ahead as usual, but as this is Robs business, I don't want to book with him and then we end end having a second wave/people shielding, restrictions on travel, etc and none of us turn up, when he could have had the tables spare for local parties, etc.

On the other hand, if nothing really changes, we could go ahead with our meet up - Rob and his staff are all geared up regarding customers and COVID regulations, etc.

Obviously, trying to make a decision now or soon is better than last minute for Rob.

My thoughts are that if "we" had to cancel as a group it's likely that anyone else would be in the same boat. I don't think he would necessarily refill the restaurant if there's a tightening up of restrictions. I actually spoke to him about another matter earlier today and mentioned this, he says he's fine one way or the other (mind you he's far too decent a bloke and would probably say that anyway )

I think we should aim for it and if things start to deteriorate we have the option. If we do nothing now then decide to go later he may have no tables left....

Edinburgh +2 !

I was thinking that Rob is in England and Scotland and Wales have their own and different restrictions, but of course, that could change by December.

Rob would be able to fill his restaurant with local parties, but if the likes of us from Scotland and Wales have restrictions imposed on us, then it's not fair on Rob to keep room for us, when he could have had locals in that wouldn't be under the same restrictions as us.

I also say, at the moment, that we go for it and see how things are nearer the time


Edinburgh + 2
Theresa

Could happen the other way round too, T.....

1. Edinburgh+2
2. Theresa

If it's any reassurance regarding party numbers, we've just recently done some birthday and anniversary parties without a hitch. Anything over 12 people we just simply split them up into smaller table groups; A party of 20 becomes two tables of 10, a 16 becomes two of 8 etc. Still relatively close to each other that they can communicate with each other but not so far apart that they don't feel like being in one group.

Obviously if the rules change and we can't meet outside of our social bubbles then no amount of organising will remedy such a scenario and we'll all be back to square one. I could easily book one floor for the evening and break the party into accepted tables of 4 without falling foul of any restriction rules but will that make you feel like you are one group of friends catching up? I suppose it's what you make of the evening and the possible restrictions of gathering before or after the meal for a few drinks in local bars etc, as a group, may not be allowed although it's fine in a restaurant.

Bottom line is that as things stand, we are open for business as usual. I have reserved 20 spaces for the 12th and will keep this open until such time as I'm told otherwise. My only concern is that if for now you may feel it's best to postpone but then later on decide to go ahead, the spaces may well have gone and then it's out of my hands, I'd rather take the hit and keep the spaces available for as late as possible until there is a definite decision.

It would be great to see you all again, especially after all the cancellations of events this year that allow for mini catch-ups throughout the summer but even a small contingent from the usual group would at least round off a sh**y year for everyone. I think a safe cut-off for me would be mid November, that will leave me some time to use up the tables if this doesn't go ahead. Obviously if things change on a government level later on in the year then we'll have to address that at the time.

Stay safe peeps.

Thanks for that reassurance Rob, much appreciated

In the light of the announcement of a couple of hours ago from the government re gatherings in England a shadow is being cast on our plans I fear, unless things improve in the next couple of months...

I would love to come down to Carlisle to catch up with everyone, but I fear my wife would say no because of our lad. I’ve been toying with should I or not if everything’s OK regarding restrictions. This is the first time I could take my Coop down as well.

Thanks for holding a table for us Rob

As Rob has said, we'll wait until mid November to make a final decision as a lot can change over the next few weeks. It also gives Rob chance to give the table/s to someone else should we need to cancel.

Jim, I think other people and myself will understand if you or others can't make it. It's not worth the risk if you're worried about passing anything on or even catching it yourself.

I may need a table to myself as people won't want to sit next to me as I'm exposed to the virus all the time!

I'm in a bit of an odd spot too - I'd like to come but I'd have to fly in from Germany - which may by then not be possible...

So I'm a definite maybe in the event that it happens.

Neil

Now looking very unlikely for 12th december, but will drop in tuesday next week (29th) late lunchtime - coming down from Skye so can't really be more specific

Look forward to catching up with you, Neil.

I've discussed this with both Rob and Theresa, and the consensus is we should should probably call this off

We have held out in the event of a miracle but there are too many signs now that we should resign ourselves to this. Even if restrictions ease on 2nd December there are still liable to be strict limitations on how we dine, let alone all the travelling and accommodation involved.

Our best wishes to Rob and his ever-loyal staff that they can continue as best they can in the circumstances.

Yes, I'm gutted about this, but thought it was probably the best decision to make

I think this would have been our 11th year and am certainly going to miss meeting up with everyone, the food and even the often scary journey up there

Aye, it’s a bugger the situation that we are all in. On a selfish note, I was going to drive down in my Coop,

I'm sorry to see this wonderfull event not take place this year folks. I've always wanted to go one year and catch up with a few fccuk pals I've not met before and see also some pals I've met, once again.

Let's hope we can all enjoy each other's company another time.

Stay safe folks.

Good thoughts Joe, it would be great if you could both make it over next year

Gutted for everyone that our run of 10 years has had to come to an end, let's hope we can make up for it in the future.

Well I did turn up for this year's meet only a couple of months early!

You never know Joe our paths may cross if next year is a green light.

I hope so!

Gutted this isn't happening this year Maybe time for a summer meet next year, if things return to 'normal'

Me too, but Rob had hurt his foot so we didn't get to catch up

Are you climbing the wall Neil? I hope its down long before then