Sloggers and Betters – Leicester, May 4th

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Just to let you know in good time to put the date in your diary that this year’s ‘Derby Day’, arranged by the East Midlands Consortium [Chris and Lynette {aka Bert and Joyce}, Conrad and Alison Cork, Peter {Kathryn’s Dad} and me] will be, for the first time, in Leicester [just one main railway stop further or nearer, respectively, from the north or south and a no-change rail journey for the Cambridge contingent].

We have booked a congenial area, with good space to circulate, in The Old Horse, an old coaching [and real ale] inn, well known for its selection of beers, lagers and ciders and a wide range of reasonably-priced food. The pub is just 15 minutes’ walk [or four bus stops] from the station and a brisk walk or short bus ride into town, should you wish to visit the tomb of Richard III and the Visitor Centre while you’re here.

It’s now [hard to believe] eight years since our first East Midlands S and B, so most of you know what to expect – and the fact that you keep coming back surely speaks for itself. As last year, we’ve had a number of new contributors recently and it would be great to see some more new faces to match to names. The first-timers from last year will, I hope, confirm that we don’t bite. 😉

We generally meet around 12.00 [the pub opens at 11.00 for early arrivals] and go on as long as people wish. We’ve decided not to go for the buffet option this time, in view of the range of choice on offer, as the pub landlady is perfectly willing for folk to order as and when they wish – and that worked well at Cambridge and Nottingham. It’s a time to meet up with old friends and make new ones, chat about crosswords – or whatever – and raise a glass or two. We usually manage to get quite a few of the setters along and some of them – and some enthusiastic and talented amateur setters – bring a puzzle along as take-home presents, as I always think of them but some can’t resist tackling them on the spot. It’s whatever you want to do.

Because we don’t have to give numbers for food, there’s no need to make a firm commitment, but it would, of course, be helpful and interesting for us and other potential attenders if you would indicate your interest here. We’ll give further details as to how to get there, etc, nearer the time.

If you’ve any queries or qualms, just ask – we’re really looking forward to seeing you!

34 comments on “Sloggers and Betters – Leicester, May 4th”

  1. Thanks Eileen – I’ll be there if I can (looks fine at the moment, but it is my Dad’s birthday and that may become problematic)…

  3. I hope to be there – as one of the newbie bloggers, I’ve enjoyed conversing with the rest of you via blog comments, but have been looking forward to the chance to meet you properly.

  7. Thanks, B and J @5! [I’ve been out] and Flashling @6.

    How did I forget to say that the other members of the East Midlands Consortium are Chris and Lynette [Bert and Joyce], Conrad and Alison Cork and Peter [Kathryn’s Dad]? My apologies to them.

  8. I lived a stone’s throw away in Stoneygate for 20 years and used to walk past The Old Horse to get to work. And now I live 200 miles away. 🙁

    Philip Larkin used to live at 172 London Road, about 10 doors down the road. It’s now known as Victoria House, fact fans.

  10. It will be good to see you, Jenny and Charles. – we missed you last year.

    Blorenge @8 – we’ve had people come further than that. 😉

  15. I saw this and thought I could finally make it, but am booked for a Schubert day in Leamington (another of what my family kindly call my obsessions). Next year perhaps.

  16. Last year (in Derby) I couldn’t attend. But what a difference one day can make (4 instead of 5 May)! Count me in.

     

  17. Hi Marienkaefer @15 – that’s a real shame: I’d really like to meet you. Enjoy your day, though. [And, of course, it’s good that you other three are coming. 😉 ]

  18. Alas, I’m away that weekend – Papworth Hospital (where my wife works) is shutting their old site and opening at a new site near Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, and that weekend is the weekend of the Outpatients move (which my wife is heading up). So I’m taking my daughter to my parents’ house for the weekend so that we’re out of her hair – it’s going to be a pretty hectic weekend… Hope it goes well!

  20. Well, after reading Marienkaefer@15 I looked up the Leamington details and I’m torn two ways – but I think the S&B wins out.  So I should be there.

  24. It’s my day to blog The Guardian Saturday prize puzzle (will it be a Bank Holiday special from Maskarade, I wonder?) so I will have something to do on the train, and lots of people to help with any queries, so that’s an incentive for me to put in appearance. Look forward to meeting everyone.

  25. bridgesong @24 – no, the Guardian holiday specials are Christmas, Easter and August bank holiday and have been for as long as I can remember!

  26. I’d love to come providing i can find a flight at a reasonable price.  Does anyone happen to know of reasonably priced accommodation near the venue?

  27. Hi Anna

    I have only just seen your post and have to go out soon. I’ll do a bit of research later on.

  28. To Eileen @27

    Thanks, I would appreciate that.  There’s no huge rush, so take your time 🙂  I won’t be able to look at the site tomorrow until late afternoon, anyway.

  31. Due to a prior engagement Kath and I can’t make it to Leicester on 4/5. Very disappointed. Hope everyone has a great time.

  32. Hi Ron [Poins/Peto] and Kath

    That’s very disappointing: I’d been hoping that our do would coincide with one of your transatlantic trips, as it has so luckily done in the past. I suppose we can’t win every time, though. We’ll miss you. xx

  33. I will try to be there, as I know I won’t be able to get to York in October. It’s a bit of a frenetic weekend, for various reasons, so I will only be able to decide on the Saturday morning. If I can’t make it I hope everyone there will have a great time.

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