Finally, I have chance to sit any post my thoughts about the Randall & Hopkirk Meet from a little over a week ago.
An early start on Saturday morning for me with the drive to South Mimms on what was thankfully a dry day. Arriving at the hotel just before midday, a squad was already forming in the shape of myself, John Steed, The Saint, Delboy, Dirty Epic and Steve Austin. It was still a bit too early to check in to the hotel so we set off for the first pint of the day in the excellent Old Guinea. A lovely, warm welcoming Inn which I'm sure we'll visit again and again. Gradually, we filled the Old Guinea as other squad members arrived, including Windy Miller, Vienna, Charles Bronson, Get Carter & Candy Girl. Another pint later we decided to head over to The Edgwarebury (The Manor Elstree), where Carter & Peter Picard also joined us. Before long it was time to head back to the hotel and check in.
The evening saw us head out around 6.30 for a meal and drinks. We had some difficulty in finding any of the local establishments that weren't already fully booked which threatened our evening plans a little but then I remembered a great Turkish Restaurant not too far away that I had been to before. The Saint made a quick call and happily they could accommodate our large group. So off we headed, with most of us parking our cars at The Saint's pad and walking to the restaurant. Free parking - you can't beat it! (Thanks ST!) The meal was superb and we headed back to the hotel for a nightcap or 2.
Sunday morning we all awoke to glorious blue skies. A little on the chilly side to start but it soon warmed up. A great breakfast in the Hart & Spool, Borehamwood set the tone for the day with caustic wit and banter flying all around the gaff.
Back to the car park for the official Meet up and well done to each and every attendee who turned up in ample time so I was able to get the Meet underway bang on time.
Having been to these locations myself before, I knew the squad would enjoy and appreciate them. They didn't disappoint. Choclate box villages brought to life with beautiful sunshine. A great start to the Meet. Both of these first locations were some distance away but we then gradually travelled back towards base to the next location. The Orange Tree in Totteridge Village. The exterior of this pub feature in R&H(d) episode 'It's Supposed To Be Thicker Than Water'. Sadly, no sign of Liz Fraser this time but the pub delivered in all other areas. Highly recommended.
A couple of hours shot by and it was time to head out on the final leg of the tour. Even with trafiic now a little heavier, it was a relaxed drive to the final 4 locations of the day, ending at the fantastic Grims Dyke Hotel. Only time for a quick look around and a drink here before it was time to head off for our evening meal at The Battleaxes. Another great meal with the only slight disappointment being that quite a number of the items on the menu were unavailable.
All too soon it was time to bid the remaining squad members goodbye before the rest of us headed back to the hotel for a final drink and chat for the last couple of hours of the day.
Monday morning rolled around far to quickly, and with it came the rain. The last few of us headed off for a breakfast in Potters Bar and then it was time to make the journey home.
What a weekend!
As ever, everyone really got on well with each other, as has become the norm over the years.
My thanks in no particular order go to John Steed for taking on the hotel booking on behalf of him and myself. Also for being great company in the car on the journey to and from South Mimms. Cheers John
Then I'd like to thank the Saint immensely for firstly booking the tables at both Meze Mangal on Saturday, and The Battleaxes on Sunday. Even bigger thanks to The Saint for driving myself, Sam & Del around all day on Saturday & Sunday. As I drove us around for the Life On Mars Meet in October, it was nice to sit back and be driven this time around. It was a big ask for you to do so much driving but it is appreciated. Thanks ST
On that note, thanks to Sam, Saint & Del for being top company in the Saints car on Sunday. It's an absolute tonic to be able to laugh so much for hours on end. Thanks lads
Thanks also to Windy, Steve Austin & Peter Picard for the alcoholic gifts you bestowed upon me by way of thanks. Very very much appreciated lads
Thanks to Del boy who get the chips in at the Orange Tree on Sunday too. Spot on those chips were
Huge thanks to Stan, who despite my protests, insisted on paying for my meal on Sunday night too. Above and beyond Stan but very much appreciated, thankyou
Huge thanks to Dirty Epic for getting my breakfast on Monday too. Again, I protested but DE was insistant. Cheers DE
Big big thanks to Candy Girl who took on the duties of printing off the Meet booklets this time. They are a great addition to the day and help bring the locations to life. Thanks Candy.
Thanks also to Get Carter, who for the second Meet in a row, brought me a gift in the shape of a Roger Whittaker LP! For the record (no pun intended), it's the Mrs who likes Roger Whittaker, not the Gene Genie
Thanks to John, Del, Windy, Dirty, Charels Bronson & Vienna who each brought me a drink over the course of the weekend too
As ever, these Meets come and go in the bat of an eye and Monday leaves me feeling somewhat deflated that it is all over for another 6 months. It was mentioned a few times during the weekend that it would be good if they were every 3 months rather than 6 but sadly there is no way I could pull these things together in time due to family and work commitments. I'd love to, but it's not possible unfortunately.
So onwards and upwards.
I already know what we will be doing for the next Meet but for now, I'll leave you all with my thanks for making this and all other Meets an extra special weekend.
Gene.