Finally, I have chance to sit down and post my thoughts on the weekend that was Auf Wiedersehen Pet 2 heaven.
It's been hugely rewarding to read through everyone's posts above who were with me last weekend. Each and very one of you made it a fantastic event yet again.
The weekend started for me with a drive over to John Steed's gaff to pick him up on Saturday morning. Then it was off to Bingham without sparing the horses. We arrived just after mid day and were greeted on the car park by Del, The Saint & Brown Granada. Without wasting a second we were off on foot to the nearest boozer. One pint in, - we broke away for a bag of chips before returning to the pub. One by one, we were joined by the remaining 11 people and stayed put until 4.30pm. Heading back to the hotel for a quick wash & brush up, we all meet up again in the foyer before heading off to The Barley Mow for the evening session.
This was a poignant moment for us, given the breaking news that weekend was that The Barley Mow - aka The Windmill, had been sold and our evening there was to be the last evening of trade before handing over the keys to it's new owner. We now await news of the fate of the place, hoping that it is not to be redeveloped but rather that it remain as the wonderful historic pub that it is.
The evening soon went by, and before we knew it, we were heading back to Bingham for last orders in The Horse & Plough.
Sunday morning saw us descend for a full English in the hotel before meeting outside for the morning walkabout tour of Bingham. Here we took in the Cafe where Barry & Oz are tracked by the Gamekeeper. We also saw the frontage of Howard Radcliffe's office. Not a lot has changed in Bingham since filming took place so it was great to see the place again.
Back at the hotel, we all got into various motors and hit the road to Thornely Manor. I have visited the place more times than I care to remember and it still gives me goosebumps when you see it across the fields from the A616. Here, we parked up and set off on foot towards Thornely Manor - taking special care to remain on the public right of way that takes you right up to the house. Close up it was again a sight to behold. It could have been the mid 80's again looking at the place with scaffold all around it. A truly iconic location and one of my favourites from all the location meets I've ever done.
Back to the cars, it was on to a succession of more fantastic iconic locations from series 2 including Sir James' house & The Cross Keys gatehouse before stopping for refreshments in another location - that of "Harry's Boozer" aka The Manners Arms. All a bit Hooray Henry and full of Mr Treadaway type punters. We moved on.....
Not far though. Just around the corner in fact to the lovely village of Knipton. This village is full of locations. Dennis' Little Office, Mrs Chatterley's House, The Tramp Bus Stop, Why Are You Annoying My Dog, Dennis breaking the news of the job in Spain, The corner shop where Neville meets Sir James & Sgt Bellamy's House.
Onwards, we headed to the town of Beeston, where we had another welcome refreshment break at Barry's local - The Bel & Dragon aka The Star Inn. This is a great little pub. Great beer and bar snacks aplenty for the hour we were there and then it was off around the corner to see Barry's house, Hazel's flat & Rod's School. None of these locations have changed at all since filming took place so were again a real pleasure to visit.
All too soon our location tour was drawing to a close. Not before we had finished at the most appropriate of locations. Wall Meet Again. We all gathered on the spot where to phone box was that Wayne & co called Arthur to say goodbye from. A fitting end to what was for me a fantastic Meet through and through.
Heading swiftly back to the hotel, we had a quick wash & change again before having a fantastic Chinese meal in the restaurant that is part of the Hotel. Very attentive staff ensured we were well catered for all evening with food and drink.
The evening flew by and sadly, it was time to call it a day.
Monday morning saw what was left of us gather for a full English before going our separate ways.
This Meet for me compared very well with the previous Newcastle Meet. The quality of locations is second to none. Better still, the same can be said for the company of all who joined me on this trip. It was a real pleasure for me to organise it and be part of the whole event. Long may it continue.
Thank you all for your positive comments. They reflect a successful event and show people, who have never joined us on a 43tv Meet, what they are missing and as such, I'm sure you'll all agree that anyone thinking of attending their first meet will be hooked and feel part of a great team once they do so.
Thanks to Steve Austin for taking on the task of contacting The Barley Mow to book the meal. It really was a chance not to be missed given it was THE last night of trading for the foreseeable future, if not ever. Thanks also for stepping in at the last minute to ferry myself, Sam & Del around in comfort for what amounted to around 100 miles during Sunday - Cheers mate
On the subject of travel, thanks to Sam, Del & Steve for the non-stop banter throughout the journey on Sunday. We all had tears in our eyes at times from laughing
Thanks also to Steve for that wonderful gesture in the shape of a bottle of Chivas Regal. That'll be savoured pal I can assure you
Thanks to Dirty Epic for the booze selection he also presented me with. They've already been sunk mate and I enjoyed every drop
Thanks also to Windy Miller for the bottle of fine wine. Unfortunately, Bolly clocked that when I was unloading the car so she necked that earlier in the week. Cheers pal
Thanks to all the other lads who got me a drink over the course of the weekend. Much appreciated lads
Thanks to The Saint for making the Hotel booking all those months ago. I'm glad I suggested the Bingham Townhouse now as it proved to be a great place to stay and somewhere I will certainly go again
Finally, thank you to each and every one of you for making these Meets the great events they are and for all playing your part in making the atmosphere throughout superb.
What next I hear some of you say....
I talked at length with a few of you last weekend and I think the consensus was.........
Watch this space!
Gene.