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Post by bigbopper on Dec 3, 2006 1:13:12 GMT
A fantastic evening was had by all, including one bloke who looked like Spencer Smith. Playing the host, and noting the likeness, I went to shake his hand and said "Ah, you must be Spencer Smith". "Oh yeah, hi," he said. Ah. It WAS Spencer Smith. Bel gets the A-list guests at her parties! It was a great evening. Everyone had a great time, although no-one got drunk. The nearest was Nelson PK. Plenty of photos were taken, and pictures were drawn (in a srubbishbook). We'll try and get them online. It was great to meet everyone. See you next year! Well done to Bel, who proved to be the hostess with the mostess. BB
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Post by belaqua on Dec 3, 2006 1:33:33 GMT
Can I just say thank you to everyone for turning up and making the evening a great success. It was superb night and everyone really got on well. thank you all and merry christmas ho ho ho
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Post by foggy on Dec 3, 2006 1:58:22 GMT
And I thought I was gonna be the first to post a 'Xmas Report' Had a great night, went something as follows (wonder if I can do a wilbur...) Realising there was no chance of a Sunday training session jumped on the turbo trainer before I went out. This made me late...very late. Quick shower, lightning change and ran most of the way to the station. Leapt on board only to realise the map I had printed out to get to the restaurant was still sitting on my coffee table. Bugger. Phoned the Mrs and got directions...sorted. Got to the restaurant and most people were already there, recognised a few faces then saw SPENCER FRIKKIN SMITH!!!!!! Casually marked down as one of Robbotri's +3! Re-met Bel and BB and took a seat next to the far too fast Fiona (Sorry...no idea what your TT name is...) and proceeded to bore the daylights out of poor Barnetrose. Had a really nice meal, good food, good company (had a spare seat in front of me that people used to mingle). Finally met the illustrious Strides (who entered last, of course, to a round of applause....), top folk! No comments about the zebra crossing though. Time seemed to go very quickly and before I knew it dinner had passed and time was getting on. Finally met the legendary mediator...PaulL (dont forget the Ludlow link), and then all of a sudden it seemed to start getting quiet. Met a couple more TT folk and before I knew it it was time to leave to catch the last train home. Unfortunately once out the door I realised I was going to miss the last train home so ran to Goodge street station, then down all 136 steps to leap onboard a train about to depart. Train journey back to waterloo was fun as 2 random blokes broke into a fight. Only me and another chap seemed concerned enough to stop them. I (somehow) got to pull off the big bloke whilst the punk chap pulled back the little one. Once we explained to the littler guy (who was getting a right hoofing) that the big bloke wasnt eyeing up his girlfriend things seemed to calm down. Got off the tube with 2 minutes till my train was due to leave, ran from Northern line to platform 1 of Waterloo (which is a frikkin long way) only to find out my train was delayed. Got on the train and called the cab company...bloke laughed and told me it was going to be at least an hour and a half before they could pick me up. Fine - dont bother. Got to Esher station and decided "I dont need a cab, I am a triathlete, I can run home". Took off my 'intermediary smart shoes' (no laughing Mr Stride) as I decided they would be uncomfortable and I would be better off bare foot... Only 3 miles though. Got to the high street and wasnt doing too bad until stopped by a large group of lads about 1.5k from home...got ready for a kicking, until they asked me how to get to Amarillo.. . Started running again, unfortunately ran straight over a broken pint glass. Note to self...next time either wear shoes or look where your running. Finally got home around 1:45 (after leaving at 11:45...) and am now picking glass out of my feet. All in all, had a bloody fantastic evening. Just wanted to say 'Thank You' to Bel and BB for a) organising such a d**n fine evening and b) being such excellent hosts, to Barnetrose for being such thoroughly pleasant company and feigning interest so convincingly for so long, Spencer Smith for coming along - its people like you that make triathlon what it is, and to everyone else for making such a great evening. Have blabbered on enough now, better head to bed! Very much looking forward to the next big meet up
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Post by wiganer on Dec 3, 2006 8:40:21 GMT
now that is something like a night out !!!!!
more entertainment than a BBC soap !!
hope the cut foot isnt too bad though as it sounds like it could be a nightmare.....(visions of you legging it through the street with a pair of shoes in one hand.....ala trotters...lol)
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Post by foggy on Dec 3, 2006 9:48:45 GMT
hope the cut foot isnt too bad though as it sounds like it could be a nightmare.....(visions of you legging it through the street with a pair of shoes in one hand.....ala trotters...lol) Thankfully its not too bad at all mate, got feet like old leather so only 2 smallish cuts and a lot of dents.
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Post by p00key on Dec 3, 2006 9:54:35 GMT
sounds like a cracking evening well done Bel and BB ....OMG Spencer Smith Bel tell me what he is like ;D ;D
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Post by belaqua on Dec 3, 2006 10:55:19 GMT
OMG Foggy -what an eventful night but glad you got home ok! You poor thing though having to rush, breaking up a fight, getting glass in your foot!! So glad you enjoyed it. Pookey - after he had declared his undying love for me (or is that the other way round) he was a very friendly, peaceable guy. I did consider asking him whether he remembered promising to sign something pink for me when he came to this country but considering the only pink thing I was wearing was my bra, and his wife was sitting next to him, I thought better of it. BTW everyone - illustrations were very nice.
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Post by stephstride on Dec 3, 2006 16:19:03 GMT
Had a really nice evening - cheers for organising that Bel. Sorry we were late (it wasn't on purpose - honest!). My fault, wrote down the address wrong and it wasn't within walking distance of where we were afterall. Oops.
Good to put some more faces to avatars. Always a bit weird as people are never as you expect them to be. Have to say though, Smallangryman is indeed very small - I would go so far as putting him in the "dinky" category. However, despite my best efforts, I could not make him angry - I shall try harder next time. Had a good laugh at dinner with TonyP and his lovely wife, and Badger (who also looked nothing like I had expected).
All in all, a good time was had by all. Well done Bel and BB.
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Post by paull on Dec 3, 2006 18:12:28 GMT
All my photos are up in the Photo section. It was a great night, I'll write more later as I've got to go now. Cheers, Paul.
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Post by smallangryman on Dec 3, 2006 18:56:26 GMT
Thanks Bel for all the organizing - we had a great time and were very disappointed to have to slope off early. Great to meet everyone, it's an odd experience meeting people for the first time while also knowing a fair bit about them already. The good thing about TT meets is that people really do turn out to be as nice a bunch as you would expect from reading the forum. Christmas parties seem don't seem to bring out my, these days rather suppressed, angry side- apologies to Steph for any dissapointment. Still, should I spend any significant amount of time in the dinky category I may be able to alleviate some of said dissapointment... Merry Christmas all! ;D Andrew
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Post by stephstride on Dec 3, 2006 20:30:22 GMT
Christmas parties seem don't seem to bring out my, these days rather suppressed, angry side- apologies to Steph for any dissapointment. Still, should I spend any significant amount of time in the dinky category I may be able to alleviate some of said dissapointment... Hey now Tiny Tim, you're not getting a little annoyed by any chance are you?! It was lovely to meet you Andrew - shame you had to leave so early. Although it was actually a pretty tame affair. I don't think anyone disgraced themselves and there wasn't a chilli vodka in sight.
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tonyp
Couch potato
Posts: 8
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Post by tonyp on Dec 3, 2006 21:12:58 GMT
Firstly many thanks to Bel and BB for taking the time to organise this. What a bloody nice couple - enough to make you puke!! ;D
Nice to put faces to names, some of which were not how I imagined them to be. Really enjoyed the evening and so did MrsP too. Thoroughly entertained by the mad ramblings of Nelson PK and OH! Sorry I didn't drag my bum off the chair to make the effort of meeting more of you it was just that I was actually enjoying having the p*ss taken out of me all night by steph - go girl.
Mr Stride certainly made an impression on MrsP - he smoothed his way over wearing a really gay cheap velvet jacket and within 5 minutes, I kid you not, he drops his strides to show her his happy pants! What a guy - small c*ck though according to MrsP ;D
Look forward to meeting you all some time soon.
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Post by robert on Dec 3, 2006 21:33:46 GMT
I don't think anyone disgraced themselves and there wasn't a chilli vodka in sight. The two factors are inextricably linked!! ;D I'd like to add my thanks to Bel for sorting it out, especially trying to figure out the drinks bill at the end! As for the Spencer stories, I'd like to add one. I was merrily chatting away with PaulL, blissfully unaware of who had just enetered the room. Anyways, some bloke sat next to me, I turned my head and I did a double take, Harry Enfield style! Just then, everyone started introducing themselves, so I asked Spencer (tongue firmly in cheek!) whether he did any triathlons.... "I dabble a bit..." was the response. Classic one-liner, the man's a born comedian! ;D
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Post by dre on Dec 3, 2006 21:50:14 GMT
Looks like you all had fun - disappointed there were no vodka shots going on - very civilised ! who needs dre when you've got the pink master there.
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Post by doug on Dec 3, 2006 21:53:20 GMT
I would like to have been there, but I was trying to track down a marathon pb at Luton today.
Sounds like it was a great night !
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Post by stephstride on Dec 4, 2006 7:54:41 GMT
Mr Stride certainly made an impression on MrsP - he smoothed his way over wearing a really gay cheap velvet jacket and within 5 minutes, I kid you not, he drops his strides to show her his happy pants! What a guy - small c*ck though according to MrsP ;D Sssshhhhh, I've told him it is really big and that anymore than a mouthful is a waste. Don't shatter his illusions. Seriously Mr P, happy pants are the way forward. They are a mood sensation!
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Post by dalecannonman on Dec 4, 2006 8:06:15 GMT
A typical double whammy in my case. I cry off the party because I'm aiming to have a good un' at the Luton marathon - and I can't even manage that because my ageing body gives up every time I try to my hand at a marathon. Perhaps next year, I'll spend my post IMUK time training for the party to end all parties rathe tan some stupid 26 mile race!
Dale Cannonman
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legs
Novice
Posts: 48
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Post by legs on Dec 4, 2006 8:13:57 GMT
Looks like you all had a great night and what a coop to get SS at the do!! Who worked the magic there??
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tonyp
Couch potato
Posts: 8
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Post by tonyp on Dec 4, 2006 8:32:30 GMT
Sssshhhhh, I've told him it is really big and that anymore than a mouthful is a waste. Don't shatter his illusions. Seriously Mr P, happy pants are the way forward. They are a mood sensation! You're so rude - I do now believe we were seperated at birth! ;D I'm going to get some happy pants defo today and I'll show you mine if you show me yours?
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tonyp
Couch potato
Posts: 8
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Post by tonyp on Dec 4, 2006 8:33:35 GMT
Looks like you all had a great night and what a coop to get SS at the do!! Who worked the magic there?? Steph Stride would turn up anywhere where there is booze.
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Post by stephstride on Dec 4, 2006 8:40:00 GMT
I'm going to get some happy pants defo today and I'll show you mine if you show me yours? Righto. Next Sat - we'll have a mass happy pants reveal. Be warned Barnetrose, Younggun and Bel.......
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tonyp
Couch potato
Posts: 8
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Post by tonyp on Dec 4, 2006 9:25:14 GMT
I'm going to get some happy pants defo today and I'll show you mine if you show me yours? Righto. Next Sat - we'll have a mass happy pants reveal. Be warned Barnetrose, Younggun and Bel....... If I can see yours, Bels and BR's pants then that'll certainly make me happy!! Younggun you can keep your trousers on as you do absolutely nothing for me.. I told MrsP this may end up as some depraved orgy.
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Post by dirtydavey on Dec 4, 2006 9:36:12 GMT
Was a good night, sorry I didn't get to say hi to more of you. Mrs Nelson PK kept me pinned down with converstaions on computers, Dell and children for most of the night, does she ever take a breath? Lovely lady though.
Meal was very nice, top marks to Bel for organising a great night.
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Post by barnetrose on Dec 4, 2006 9:49:35 GMT
Had a great night out - thanks Bel and BB for organising it and for being such utterly charming and attentive hosts. Nice to see some familiar faces again and to make some new acquaintances too. I missed out on meeting some people down the other end of the long table, so can we do it all again soon?!
Unfortunately I can't say I 'met' Spencer Smith as I didn't actually speak to him!
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Post by bigbopper on Dec 4, 2006 10:25:50 GMT
I was a bit too starstruck to talk to him, but I managed a quick chat, before pudding. In the end I just grabbed him as he was leaving and got a photo taken. BB
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Daz
Sprint
Como estas triathleto
Posts: 161
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Post by Daz on Dec 4, 2006 10:32:43 GMT
dc, I think we will sort out a party-night after imuk next year so if the race does go pear-shaped (which it wont) we have drinks and merriment to fall back on. noice A typical double whammy in my case. I cry off the party because I'm aiming to have a good un' at the Luton marathon - and I can't even manage that because my ageing body gives up every time I try to my hand at a marathon. Perhaps next year, I'll spend my post IMUK time training for the party to end all parties rathe tan some stupid 26 mile race! Dale Cannonman
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Post by robert on Dec 4, 2006 10:35:36 GMT
Hahahahaha
"Grabbed" is an understatement!
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badger
Sprint
Kneel before Le Blaireau
Posts: 127
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Post by badger on Dec 4, 2006 11:21:19 GMT
I got there on the stroke of 7:30, late as usual. Apologies to all who by my avatar think I should look like Bernard Hinault. I'm nowhere near that good looking and should just post a photo of a burrowing mammal to reflect my true bearing. Also apologies to those I didn't get a chance to talk to, but in times of nervousness I tend to either focus or flit. I can say that with conspicuously only two beers in me that the evening didn't revolve around me shouting and gesticulating. (About that party in March: what is the "vodka" equivalent to "Lager Lout"?) Sober, I managed half-decent conversation even. TonyP and the missus, NelsonPK and his missus, Dirty Davey and Louise (sorry my hearing is rubbish in crowds), and first Bel, then Steph (my oh my she's tall) were my company and we managed to gripe about being parents enough that DD&L are having third and fourth thoughts by now. The roast veg didn't make me jump for joy - should've gone with the bresaola - but the chicken risotto made up for it. The brownie with the tiramisu top - should've had the "nut ball" but I ate it. I'm a triathlete, after all, not Heston Blumenthal. I didn't get to see how the drawings turned out - all I know is my rendering of Peter (NelsonPK) looked more like Spencer Smith. I heard the art was good, apart from TonyP's artist licence with Bel (Punch, perhaps?). I shook hands with SS on leaving to thank him for coming and his wife commented on my accent - she's a Septic too, if I recall - and chatted about missing Thanksgiving. Mr Stride: envious of that jacket, velvet's a winner. I tiptoed into the house at 12:45 - quite quick, actually, for Northern Line/Charing Cross/London Bridge/stopping train to East Croydon/the last 198 bus (on time, luckily). About an hour all told. Oh, and yes, Adam, BB, I do need that many layers. Minnesotans like a "dry cold"; British winds go right to my bones. Badger
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Post by dirtydavey on Dec 4, 2006 11:58:03 GMT
The roast veg didn't make me jump for joy - should've gone with the bresaola I have to second that, tasted more like pickled onion to me. The salmon main was nice though.
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Post by dalecannonman on Dec 4, 2006 12:08:51 GMT
Badger - Septic? Ah, septic tank/yank! For a moment, I thought we were talking wa......
Dale Cannonman
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