X-mas bash

[Nasher]

All

As quite a few of you are aware, over the last few years we’ve had a Christmas ‘do’ for rib.net members to get together, have a meal, a laugh, and hand out some daft awards.

They have always been a good night out, and been very well attended with people coming from all over the UK and overseas to join in the fun.

I’ll be doing one for this festive season, possibly at the lightship floating restaurant again, but the purpose of this thread is to discuss timing.

Up until last year it was always arranged for just before Christmas, which meant some who wanted to attend couldn’t, or had to decide to attend instead of other commitments such as works events or family commitments, and although not outrageously expensive at under £30 a head it’s an extra expense at an already expensive time of year.

The last one for various reasons was not held until late February this year, and most comments I received suggested it was a much better time to hold it. Comments such as:-
“It doesn’t clash with other Christmas commitments.”
“The silly season is over.”
“Most have recovered from Christmas physically and financially.”
“Something to look forward to in a ‘dead’ part of the year.”

So, before Christmas, or mid to late February?
Some comments please from those that might want to attend.

Personally I agree that the mid to late February timing worked well, but I’m happy to arrange it for whenever the majority want it.
I am only asking now as a pre-Christmas event needs some effort putting in relatively soon.

Let me know.

Nasher

[Steve_B]

Nasher

Thanks for having a go at this task again. I/we would prefer the same timing as last year. Could I be bold and suggest not the Light ship (sorry). The dinning arrangement was not the best, although we did enjoy the food. Somewhere more confortable. There are lots of places in and between Portsmouth and Southampton (or even Poole) that have waterside views.

Thanks again
Steve

[Nasher]

Steve hi, hope you are well.

That’s One vote, apart from mine, for February then.

Thanks for the comment, I'm getting a bit bored with the Lightship myself and as you say it's not the best seating arrangement.

The benefit, apart from it’s quirky nature, was that they stick us up in the bow where we can’t disturb other diners and to give us our own private area, but of course the Bow area is normally a lounge so the seats and tables are not meant for dining.

I do have a couple of other ideas which I’m looking in to and will post soon, but I’d like the venue to have something different about it.


Nasher.

[ianhappy]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Steve hi, hope you are well.

That’s One vote, apart from mine, for February then.

Thanks for the comment, I'm getting a bit bored with the Lightship myself and as you say it's not the best seating arrangement.

The benefit, apart from it’s quirky nature, was that they stick us up in the bow where we can’t disturb other diners and to give us our own private area, but of course the Bow area is normally a lounge so the seats and tables are not meant for dining.

I do have a couple of other ideas which I’m looking in to and will post soon, but I’d like the venue to have something different about it.


Nasher.

Hi Nasher

As Steve has said, thanks for taking this on again, it's really good of you

I really enjoyed last year, having it in Feb made a nice change and was something to look forward to after Christmas

As for venue, I agree quirky/different is good. I'm happy to pitch up wherever is decided on, possibly even before dessert arrives .

Thanks again, if you need a hand with anything let me know - I'm often around the Hamble so can check out possible venues if that helps.

Ian

[9D280]

If you are looking for something different, hows about a mobile venue with twin "propellers" of pitch zero?

Well, not quite, Waverley & Balmoral are available as a whole or part ship to hire, and appear to do catering.

http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/groups.htm

Balmoral might be more suitable for you guys down south?

[biffer]

i'm in, as i've always said, you don't need an excuse to have a bash, just some mates, there is some good venue's in southampton, down on the waterfront

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by 9D280

If you are looking for something different, hows about a mobile venue with twin "propellers" of pitch zero?

Well, not quite, Waverley & Balmoral are available as a whole or part ship to hire, and appear to do catering.

http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/groups.htm

Balmoral might be more suitable for you guys down south?

I have been looking a something very similar, but need some more details as I don't want to go with anything too expensive and put people off.

I also have the possibility of a live band this year as a favour for next to nothing.

I'll give it a few days for more to comment, but it looks like February at the moment, and I'll post something about venues when I have some options.

Nasher

[Ian M]

Another vote for Februrary, and this time I will try not to be ill Don't care where, provided there is room under the tables

[Maximus]

We enjoyed the Christmas run last year,so will endevour to make it whenever! With our very own ''F.C.''- ['Avocett'] Shhhh, it would'nt Bode well to miss it!: Good of Nasher to organise it!

[bingomike]

Hi Nasher,

February would be good - Try and avoid school holiday if possible, 'Her indoors' go mad if I go walkabout at half term!.

Anywhere around Portsmouth/Southampton good for me as my family still live in Fareham and digs for the night easy to arrange!

Mike

[Nos4r2]

Another vote for feb here, and anywhere!

[Hightower]

Feb for me too But can I request you make it any date during Feb except for the days/weekend leading up to lent (should be in Germany celebrating Karnival ).

As for venue. How about the Submarine museum or Fort Nelson, both do functions and have free access to the museum (I think).

[Tim M]

http://www.4charter.co.uk/barges/index.php

[Into The Blue]

February works here, count both of in for another spectacular night of wit, wisdom and jollification.
Any help needed, let me know

[bogib]

February for me, anywhere as very moveable.

Nasher you are doing great job as usual.

Will try to get missus along....... heck of a job....... but not impossible I hope..... time will tell

Bogi

p.s.
Perhaps the RIB.net duck may have gone another adventure trip before the gathering.....

[Avocet]

Originally Posted by Maximus

We enjoyed the Christmas run last year,so will endevour to make it whenever! With our very own ''F.C.''- ['Avocett'] Shhhh, it would'nt Bode well to miss it!: Good of Nasher to organise it!

You had me puzzled there for a moment (F.C. = Football Club? French Connection? F****** C***?) but as a thought I wonder if eight reindeer could legally tow my boat instead of a Volvo? And if they were flying, who would pull me over anyway!

Seriously though, I agree with Feb, although Mrs A and I will try and make it whenever and wherever after last year's success.

And well done again Nasher for stepping up once more.

[Solent Ribman]

Originally Posted by Nasher

I have been looking a something very similar, but need some more details as I don't want to go with anything too expensive and put people off.

I also have the possibility of a live band this year as a favour for next to nothing.

I'll give it a few days for more to comment, but it looks like February at the moment, and I'll post something about venues when I have some options.

Nasher

I'd like to have chance to meet some of the folk, but please no band! It's not pleasurable having to shout at one another across a table and try and listen to a conversation with music drowning it out! Another date to avoid in Feb of course is 14th or closest weekend, as restaurants get booked up.

[bingomike]

Any news on dates/venue?

Just trying to start next years diary.. LOL

Mike

[Nasher]

All should be revealed early next week

Nasher.

[boristhebold]

Feb sounds a good time, before Christmas I have too many parties to attend in London. It's a hard life.

As to venues I would expect in feb we could get a great deal in most places. Here are some suggestions.

In a yacht club in cowes or lymington, many have suitable venues and catering.
Poole harbours, a few nice places on quay.
Christchurch, fairly new hotel on river.
Bovington tank museum