S
SpottyDog
Guest
NORTHERN REUNION 2002
This is just a brief synopsis of the chaos that was the Northern Reunion 2002. As we split up for personal time quite a bit, I cant vouch for what everyone was doin most of the time. And I cant be held responsible for bein accurate in who was where.., when or .with who (I meant their kids- not what you were thinkin !) V didnt make notes, and I had too much alcohol to have owt but a smatterin of detail of the true facts. Yerve been warned.
FRIDAY 22nd Nov
2pm Astrid was first to arrive at the Holiday Inn Express, closely followed by DaveFM, BevFM and me. Michelle and Neil were soon with us.
2.05 and our first crisis of the weekend NO BODDINGTONS!! The hotel had changed their supplier and were experimentin with delivery rates and this was one of the weeks theyd got it wrong! We quickly assessed the situation while orderin drinks wed not normally give to the dog but it was alcohol so had some charm and negotiated a very agreeable solution with Susan, our liaison person with the hotel (she just works there but was very agreeable so we adopted her as our pet staff member- ie she gave us everything we asked for Thanks,Susan!) Shed already agreed that we could have the free use of one of their function rooms for the Satdy night and it was ok to bring in our own beer and nibbles etc.
Could we use the room tonight and go do an Asda run?
Susan, she say Yes and all was well with the world again.
4pm and Alison and Shaun arrive. We all catch up with each other then head off to The Metro Centre for tea and a look round. We ate in the food court and DaveFM was served last- as usual. Alison and Shaun got tickets for the new Bond film for Satdy afty to reduce the time Shaun would have to look for tasteless shirts.
6pm and wed had enough of the shops and Chrimbo decorations so we made a much needed booze run to Asda.
7ish and back to HIE it seems the Boddingtons was workin after all but wed got the beer in now so wed still use the room rather than the bar to hold our Friday intro party thingywhatsit.
Neil and Michelle returned from feedin the dogs and brought Natalie and Stephanie with them. Valerie arrived with Gaz and Julie (she works late Fridays so came on her own) and BevS and Katie followed soon behind. We set up our bar in the room and the party started.
9pm and Mandy and Mark arrived from the airport and we could get on with the main drinkin of the night so we did and I dont know a great deal about what happened after that. Shaun generously provided a bottle of whisky and Neil and I helped him drink it. It seems everyone had a great time and DFM was the main speaker passin on all his knowledge of Crusin with Mickey and Im told several bookin commitments were made (please quote reference DFM when making your Disney reservation!)
Im told we went to bed around 2ish.
Saturday 23rd
7.30am and up for brekkie. Astrid was first up but she had gone early (around 12ish). The general concensus was never again but they musnt have meant it as they were all there Satdy night just the same.
9ish and we started ferryin folks around and over to The Metro Centre for the main shoppin event of the day. I even went with V and the kids. We went our separate ways and I think some arranged to meet or team up. I know V went to Costco with Astrid. Mandy just went shoppin with a glint in her eye and Mark in tow like a love-sick schoolboy (awhhh J).
12ish me and the kids headed off to the footy match and me minds since been erased of all memory of it for some reason.
2ish Sian,Pip,Will and Robin arrived and went to the pictures to see the new Bond movie I dont know if they saw Shaun and Alison but if they did the kids didnt look too traumatised by Bonzo. Matt and Deb also arrived around this time and I assume they stayed with Matts prized Subaru Imprezza all day as it still had wheels the next mornin.
6pm we all reconvened in the room and quickly assessed wed need more booze after last nights warm-up session. A quick shoppin list was drawn up and a delegation of blokes were sent over to Asda. Phil joined us tonight as well as Sian,Pip,Will and Robin and Deb and Matt. The rest of the guest list was the same as the night before with the exception of Natalie Squit Ill let those that embarrassed the poor bairn last night explain why she chose to stay home.
7ish and The Reunion was officially opened with a presentation to Astrid for all shed done and bein so gracious to invite us all to HER Meet. A very tasteful flatulent gnome (motion activated) was deemed appropriate to remember us by (and apparently her Staffy Phoebe is most perplexed at its performance whenever she passes it!) and Astrids joy was almost eclipsed by Debs reaction we know what Mattll putin in YOUR stockin Deb, Pet Ive hardly seen a woman so overcome with tears of laughter. A cocktail maker, including one sample cocktail ingredients, accompanied Astrids main present so she could then drink herself into forgetfulness once the memory of us became too much.
8ish and the quizzes started. In Northern Reunion tradition, teams were drawn to make people give up the seats theyd so carefully hogged and saved all night. V and Julie presented their where in the world quiz and Astrid treated us to several rounds of her music intro quiz. We also did a quiz kindly provided by Nigel and Gail. I have no idea who won what but it wasnt me or Matt coz we wouldnt divulge our scores.
10ish and the party was in full flow. Did I say we got another bottle of whisky? Well, we did and Neil,Shaun and Me paid it the same respect as its cousin the night before. So I dont recall much of 10ish onwards. I do remember thinkin to meself that I wasnt anywhere near as drunk as I was the night before and promptly fell asleep. Im told we went to bed around 2am.
SUNDAY 24th
8.30ish and time for brekkie. Astrid was first up as shed gone to bed first. The general consensus was definitely never again! and Neil won the prize for lookin as if he was sufferin most- but Shaun was unusually quiet and looked awful (were only used to him bein loud and lookin awful).
10ish and Alison and Shaun were despatched to the airport while Sian and the kids went off to do family things and the rest of us sat round lookin quiet, tired and generally sorry for ourselves (well the lads did anyway). V had to take Julie to her StageSchool. Phil took Katie home. Sian ,V, Phil and assorted kids were meetin us later at Shields for our curry at 7pm.
12ish and we chose Frankie and Bennies to assemble as a rabble for lunch. It was very nice and I think wed all recommend it to any (like me) that have never eaten there. Excellent menu and not too pricey. The food was first class and the drinks were me personal favourite price free, coz Astrid treated us all from a windfall inheritance (Ta,BB, Pet). During the meal a ransom note was delivered to Astrid. It appears her pet corkscrew/bottle opener had been kidnapped and she was to be very afraid and await instructions. She had the ingenious idea of getting everyone to write a key word on a piece of paper so she could compare it to the note. This would, of course, identify the kidnapper and she could deliver a swift blow to the side of their head while demanding the return of her beloved implement. This caused great hilarity as Alison had been commissioned to write the bloomin thing!
2ish and we returned to the hotel to chill and wait for the time to come round to 6pm when we could set off to Shields for our traditional end of reunion curry. Mandy dragged Mark back to the shops before the romance wears off. Astrid paid a visit to Asda but had no whisky when she returned so I assumed it had been shut. Astrid decided not to stay for the curry after all as she had a long drive ahead of her. As she didnt have whisky, we didnt argue and bade her a safe journey.
6ish and Mandy and Mark were deposited at the airport before the remaining crew made their way to Shields to meet the rest of the gang. A good curry was had despite (and I mean despite) the staff. Farewells were made and see yers at The Beach party noises, as is customary, were made. Oh, and durin the meal Astrid rang Michelle and warned us if the corkscrews not returned unharmed, the gnome gets it!!
Monday 24th
Neil, Michelle and Me assembled at HIE to say bye byes to Dave and Bev and they went to the airport too.
And that was that till next year.
WATCH THIS SPACE
This is just a brief synopsis of the chaos that was the Northern Reunion 2002. As we split up for personal time quite a bit, I cant vouch for what everyone was doin most of the time. And I cant be held responsible for bein accurate in who was where.., when or .with who (I meant their kids- not what you were thinkin !) V didnt make notes, and I had too much alcohol to have owt but a smatterin of detail of the true facts. Yerve been warned.
FRIDAY 22nd Nov
2pm Astrid was first to arrive at the Holiday Inn Express, closely followed by DaveFM, BevFM and me. Michelle and Neil were soon with us.
2.05 and our first crisis of the weekend NO BODDINGTONS!! The hotel had changed their supplier and were experimentin with delivery rates and this was one of the weeks theyd got it wrong! We quickly assessed the situation while orderin drinks wed not normally give to the dog but it was alcohol so had some charm and negotiated a very agreeable solution with Susan, our liaison person with the hotel (she just works there but was very agreeable so we adopted her as our pet staff member- ie she gave us everything we asked for Thanks,Susan!) Shed already agreed that we could have the free use of one of their function rooms for the Satdy night and it was ok to bring in our own beer and nibbles etc.
Could we use the room tonight and go do an Asda run?
Susan, she say Yes and all was well with the world again.
4pm and Alison and Shaun arrive. We all catch up with each other then head off to The Metro Centre for tea and a look round. We ate in the food court and DaveFM was served last- as usual. Alison and Shaun got tickets for the new Bond film for Satdy afty to reduce the time Shaun would have to look for tasteless shirts.
6pm and wed had enough of the shops and Chrimbo decorations so we made a much needed booze run to Asda.
7ish and back to HIE it seems the Boddingtons was workin after all but wed got the beer in now so wed still use the room rather than the bar to hold our Friday intro party thingywhatsit.
Neil and Michelle returned from feedin the dogs and brought Natalie and Stephanie with them. Valerie arrived with Gaz and Julie (she works late Fridays so came on her own) and BevS and Katie followed soon behind. We set up our bar in the room and the party started.
9pm and Mandy and Mark arrived from the airport and we could get on with the main drinkin of the night so we did and I dont know a great deal about what happened after that. Shaun generously provided a bottle of whisky and Neil and I helped him drink it. It seems everyone had a great time and DFM was the main speaker passin on all his knowledge of Crusin with Mickey and Im told several bookin commitments were made (please quote reference DFM when making your Disney reservation!)
Im told we went to bed around 2ish.
Saturday 23rd
7.30am and up for brekkie. Astrid was first up but she had gone early (around 12ish). The general concensus was never again but they musnt have meant it as they were all there Satdy night just the same.
9ish and we started ferryin folks around and over to The Metro Centre for the main shoppin event of the day. I even went with V and the kids. We went our separate ways and I think some arranged to meet or team up. I know V went to Costco with Astrid. Mandy just went shoppin with a glint in her eye and Mark in tow like a love-sick schoolboy (awhhh J).
12ish me and the kids headed off to the footy match and me minds since been erased of all memory of it for some reason.
2ish Sian,Pip,Will and Robin arrived and went to the pictures to see the new Bond movie I dont know if they saw Shaun and Alison but if they did the kids didnt look too traumatised by Bonzo. Matt and Deb also arrived around this time and I assume they stayed with Matts prized Subaru Imprezza all day as it still had wheels the next mornin.
6pm we all reconvened in the room and quickly assessed wed need more booze after last nights warm-up session. A quick shoppin list was drawn up and a delegation of blokes were sent over to Asda. Phil joined us tonight as well as Sian,Pip,Will and Robin and Deb and Matt. The rest of the guest list was the same as the night before with the exception of Natalie Squit Ill let those that embarrassed the poor bairn last night explain why she chose to stay home.
7ish and The Reunion was officially opened with a presentation to Astrid for all shed done and bein so gracious to invite us all to HER Meet. A very tasteful flatulent gnome (motion activated) was deemed appropriate to remember us by (and apparently her Staffy Phoebe is most perplexed at its performance whenever she passes it!) and Astrids joy was almost eclipsed by Debs reaction we know what Mattll putin in YOUR stockin Deb, Pet Ive hardly seen a woman so overcome with tears of laughter. A cocktail maker, including one sample cocktail ingredients, accompanied Astrids main present so she could then drink herself into forgetfulness once the memory of us became too much.
8ish and the quizzes started. In Northern Reunion tradition, teams were drawn to make people give up the seats theyd so carefully hogged and saved all night. V and Julie presented their where in the world quiz and Astrid treated us to several rounds of her music intro quiz. We also did a quiz kindly provided by Nigel and Gail. I have no idea who won what but it wasnt me or Matt coz we wouldnt divulge our scores.
10ish and the party was in full flow. Did I say we got another bottle of whisky? Well, we did and Neil,Shaun and Me paid it the same respect as its cousin the night before. So I dont recall much of 10ish onwards. I do remember thinkin to meself that I wasnt anywhere near as drunk as I was the night before and promptly fell asleep. Im told we went to bed around 2am.
SUNDAY 24th
8.30ish and time for brekkie. Astrid was first up as shed gone to bed first. The general consensus was definitely never again! and Neil won the prize for lookin as if he was sufferin most- but Shaun was unusually quiet and looked awful (were only used to him bein loud and lookin awful).
10ish and Alison and Shaun were despatched to the airport while Sian and the kids went off to do family things and the rest of us sat round lookin quiet, tired and generally sorry for ourselves (well the lads did anyway). V had to take Julie to her StageSchool. Phil took Katie home. Sian ,V, Phil and assorted kids were meetin us later at Shields for our curry at 7pm.
12ish and we chose Frankie and Bennies to assemble as a rabble for lunch. It was very nice and I think wed all recommend it to any (like me) that have never eaten there. Excellent menu and not too pricey. The food was first class and the drinks were me personal favourite price free, coz Astrid treated us all from a windfall inheritance (Ta,BB, Pet). During the meal a ransom note was delivered to Astrid. It appears her pet corkscrew/bottle opener had been kidnapped and she was to be very afraid and await instructions. She had the ingenious idea of getting everyone to write a key word on a piece of paper so she could compare it to the note. This would, of course, identify the kidnapper and she could deliver a swift blow to the side of their head while demanding the return of her beloved implement. This caused great hilarity as Alison had been commissioned to write the bloomin thing!
2ish and we returned to the hotel to chill and wait for the time to come round to 6pm when we could set off to Shields for our traditional end of reunion curry. Mandy dragged Mark back to the shops before the romance wears off. Astrid paid a visit to Asda but had no whisky when she returned so I assumed it had been shut. Astrid decided not to stay for the curry after all as she had a long drive ahead of her. As she didnt have whisky, we didnt argue and bade her a safe journey.
6ish and Mandy and Mark were deposited at the airport before the remaining crew made their way to Shields to meet the rest of the gang. A good curry was had despite (and I mean despite) the staff. Farewells were made and see yers at The Beach party noises, as is customary, were made. Oh, and durin the meal Astrid rang Michelle and warned us if the corkscrews not returned unharmed, the gnome gets it!!
Monday 24th
Neil, Michelle and Me assembled at HIE to say bye byes to Dave and Bev and they went to the airport too.
And that was that till next year.
WATCH THIS SPACE
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