blonde poker forum

Ok, the tickets for Jax v SF are on sale, who is in?

This is the tentative programme for the weekend.

Saturday 26th Oct,

Lunchtime: Meet up at a boozer somewhere to watch the lunchtime Sky match with lots of punting opportunities

Afternoon: Go to a lower league football match in London. Hopefully Barnet will be at home, that would be appropriate.

Evening: Dinner here  http://thehawksmoor.com/ hopefully, then onto the Vic for poker and drinking.


Sunday 27th Octiber

Afternoon: Another pub, more punting on afternoon football matches.

Evening: The main event Jacksonville v SF at Wembley. Tickets are £35, 45, 65 or 100. *EDIT, we are going for £65 tickets, these are the ones I will be booking. But still everyone welcome to come to the other stuff and book your own cheaper tickets for the NFL game*

If anyone interested wants to send me the money, I'll book the tickets together. Think we should book in the next couple of days.

Should be a fantastic weekend, hope it happens.


LIST OF CONFIRMED AS COMING AND PAID FOR NFL TICKETS. I will be booking on Saturday 12th January.

Me
Tikay
Karabiner
EvilPie
StuHopkin
Dazzler
Ant
Redarmi

Alternative for Saturday night, book a table at Wimbledon dogs?

Just tell me where to send the money.  Suppose I better back the 49ers to pay for it now!!!!

Sounds good. Where you want cash sent.

Accom. Wheres the best place to stay after the Vic. Im too old for all night binges, and my new kidney, sure wont allow it.

You've got my bank deets I think, send there.

What would be your preferred ticket price? (don't send until we have a consensus on that).

I am happy to go with the majority with regards to price.

Preferred ticket price? (send to my bank)

There's a Marriott opposite to the Vic, "Marriott Marble Arch" or a Hilton just down the road "Hilton Metropole"

If you want something a little cheaper, plenty of small hotels in Sussex Gardens if you do a search.

I'm not much into pubs & meals & that sort of stuff, I'm a bit grumpy actually, but I'd love the chance to hook up with as many of the chaps on this thread as possible. For that reason, count me IN please!

Will go with the flow as to what tickets we go for (cost) or whether we watch BRENTFORD or Barnet.

Thanks for setting this up & organising it Keith.

God willing, I'll be there.

I'll be in.

For lower league football we could always go to QPR.

Are we going with the £35 tickets?

I'll send a group PM with my bank details later tonight/tomorrow.

In, and I don't mind at what price for the tickets you are settling with, as long as there is no markup.

I don't really have a preference on tickets but would be great if we could didn't exclude anyone so for that reason alone I think 35 is best. 

I've been rumbled, I was planning on grimming everyone for £4.75 each.

Darn it.

Yes, that line works for me, too.

I'd like to be in for most of the things, especially all the punting opportunities in pubs but not really interested in the League One/Two football match, would rather stay in the pub, have some accas and rail them. The dogs would be world.

I think we'll be in for the early Sunday and pre-match stuff but book our own tickets for the match as I think the £35 tickets are the upper end zone seats and for the last couple of years we have sat in the lower sideline seats and really enjoyed the view.

Which price level is that?

I think its £100 but Jones always books them. I think he already may have done so actually will check when he gets back from his trip. Will defo see you down there.

Keith,

How much are the "better" seats please?

He hasn't booked them yet, he's gonna do it when he's back from Canada

£65 or £100

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3700495F9D5B3BB6?artistid=806015&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=102

I just spoke to Dave on skype live from the slopes, he says the £65 tickets are decent.

I'd definitely prefer these, if no one has any strong objections?

Only £2 a week to save up!

65 is good, will need to be reading up on the rules of the game tbh, but shady on that front.

Fine by me.

Will amend the OP, we are going for the 65 then.

Dont really mind. Wont know what Im watching anyway.

Whoever sits next to me will have 4 quarters of "what happened there?" and such like..

Deal me in please just let me know when you require shippage Keith.

It'll be my first NFL game since my cousins in NY took me to a Jets v Packers game in 1967.

Can send now Ralph as we've agreed on the price.

I'll book the tickets tomorrow or Saturday.

Interested for sure. Will let you know tomorrow Keith. Defo no football match for me though :-)

£65 PAID by Bank TX.

Are you a member?

£65 shipped.

really sounds good

unfourtantley i cant commit this far ahead at present

Sounds good and I would love to have come but I am actually attending the match with my old man. He isn't really into gambling on anything so that kind of rules me out.

I'm torn between I will either be doing my proverbials in Dublin that weekend or the one before and booking now would be silly and it'll be fun, I'll probably be able to sell the ticket in case of clash and anyway I came here to gamble

Will let you know when I finally get a Tails.

Hop you'll be able to come on the Saturday.

Be good to meet you.

]

thank you sir

and you

Even if it is the same weekend, this will probably be the one and only Fred bash, there's an IPO every year :)

Same answer as to horsey.. hopefully you'll be able to come on Saturday.

Be good to meet you.

Which football ? :)

Probs in but not bothered about going to the Ball game(s).

Can't pick a game until we know the fixture list!

If we want to go to Wimbledon dogs, going to Griffin Park might be a good idea.

How do you become a member?

If it's just posting on Fred then I'm in.

If it's stealing the bets off Fred I'm in.

If it's posting a tip on Fred then £2 on trap 4.

I went there for dinner on Derby quarter-final night a few years ago with Messrs. Kennedy and Winston and it was tremendously good value for about £22.50 per head which included admission, programme and a really surprisingly decent 3-course dinner.

The downside of course is that Wimbledon is a bitch to get to but if teetotal tikay were to rent a people-carrier...

too good.

Blimey Ralph, in 1967 you could have been at the Ice Bowl.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NFL_Championship_Game

I read somewhere that tho the crowd was 50,000 the amount of people that claim to have been there is 10 x that.Sorry to hijack the thread but 5 mins for some spare reading is suggested...

''''The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (then Wisconsin State University–La Crosse) Marching Chiefs band were scheduled to perform the pre-game and half-time shows. However, during warm-ups in the brutal cold, the woodwind instruments froze and would not play; the mouthpieces of brass instruments got stuck to the players' lips; and seven members of the band were transported to local hospitals for hypothermia. The band's further performances were canceled for the day'''

Schlepping from Barnet to Wimbledon doesn't sound too appealing for sure!

Will you able to make it Phil?

I meant Football or American football :)

Even I'm not that daft.

Dogs>>>>>>>>>>>meal.

Let me know tomorrow, I'm going to book the tickets on Saturday.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone east of New York call an American football match a "ball game"!

I'm not 100% sure at the moment Keith, I need to check what dates the Mrs has holiday's penciled in for.I will be there if free tho.

I am that daft, ldo.

I'd like to come but that weekend might be an Heineken Cup weekend and if they are away somewhere decent I'll be with the Ospreys. Could I transfer money on Stars for a ticket and then if I can't make it you can give it to someone?

The Saturday football.

Probs not in at all by the sound of Ralph's response.

Sigh

There is a race meeting at Newbury on Saturday October 26th

Straight from there to Wimbledon dogs and the to the Vic?

It's only hypothetical.and I'm already broke :D

Would it be easy enough to get back into London from Newbury?

You can get a train from the racecourse station, change at reading and it would get you to Paddington, if that's any use.

cheers Tal. if nobody fancies the footy maybe that's an option. I'm hoping its Sheff Utd away at Brentford in the Championship.

Nothing on at Kempton? Trekking from Newbury to London sounds like a chore to me.

GTFO You're deffo in to keep the drinkers honest.

Newbury was my favourite track when I lived in London due to it's easy access by rail.

It was a while ago but you didn't have to change trains.

Do you know the £65 tickets are behind an endzone Keith?

Might be worth getting the £70 ones and being higher up, but along the sideline, depends on your preference.

Will sort ours separately but defo meet you guys at some point.

Might be a few special services for race days. I only checked for this Saturday by way of example on a Trainline app. 75mins including the change BTW.

Paddington is walking distance from the Vic if that means anything to anyone.

I just had a look and you do have to change at Reading.

I could have sworn that there used to be a direct race-day service.

There was.  I used to catch it when I was betting on the course everyday.

PM sent to all who expressed an interest (and some that didn't!)

Want to book these tickets Friday, because it appears they are selling out. (altho that might be a marketing ploy obv)

Going to make this first 8 I receive money from I get tickets for. i will retransfer to whoever will buy the next batch what is over that amount.

5 spots left, although I just received another bank credit which I assume is from redarmi as he's the only one online now!

So 4 spots left.

Dazzler, I just got your PM, but can't reply by PM because I'm over my limit (didn't realise a limit existed until now!)

You are in if you transfer to "The Camel" on Stars.

Keith et al

For the last two years I have drank in the bar of the 5 a side footie right outside Wembley. Full of screens with footie on and very reasonable prices for London (obv much cheaper than the stadium itself).
Bar only has American footie fans in on match day.

Sounds perfect for Sunday lunchtime!

Name of bar?

Not sure on name but you cant miss it. As you walk towards wembley stadium it is on the right hand side. Tailgate party to the left, so those interested can do that too.

I've already got tickets for the NFL game via the season ticket option, so count me in please.

Discussed this at length with Mattu during curry night yesterday evening

Both in, will ship the money over now

Slight addition to the plan, you will find us in www.rasoi-uk.com on Friday night

In and shipped.

Seems too good to miss out on.

In, shipping in 5 mins, got held up on news Palace have signed Nimely on loan.

sent

Ok, this is really annoying and disappointing.

Nine people have sent money, and I am limited to 8 seats.

I will call Ticketmaster and see if they let me have 9 together, instead of the 8.

But if not, as I said in on of the posts, the last person to transfer me money will have to miss out... And I can't say who is last until tomorrow when the names of the people who transferred me money shows on my bank account!

Or maybe better if I get say 5, and someone else buys 4?

I currently have one spare in my row of four, if no joy.

That would be perfect!

Although on checking, a couple of people who confirmed they were in, haven't sent money yet.

So maybe wait for a day and see if they really are in and get someone else to buy more tickets?

I'm going to go ahead and buy 8 tickets now.

In for all festivities, bar American Football. Never enjoyed it.

8 tickets booked.

I'll be able to tell you who has missed out tomorrow.

Hopefully they will able to take Curtis's spare ticket.

Or, if people still want to go... start another list and buy more tickets tomorrow?

You two are definitely in, because I received the double payment first. (You didn't send the extra booking fee though.. you still owe me £11.30!)

90% I'm in for the curry on Friday night too.

bugger, sorry I wasn't online earlier. will deffo be included in the next batch if we get enough.

Ooops!

Should be there now.

Apologies

There most certainly used to be, but my knowledge of it does not extend beyond the Autumn of 1967, so it may have changed now....

And it gives me the chance to retell a tale I told a while back. (ZZZzzz....)

There used to be a "Newbury Race Special" back in the day, Paddington to Newbury, the train waited at Newbury all afternoon, & then returned to Paddington after Racing finished. Tales from that train, full of punters gamblers & all sorts of sorts, litter literature, be it stories of degen gamblers, or in Dick Francis novels.

In the Autumn of 1967, the train had returned to Paddington, &, as was the custom, the driver leaned out of the locomotive cab after it stopped, watching the passengers walk to the exit, & quite frequently, they would get a little tip, just sixpence or a shilling, for "being on time" or "nice smooth ride, Driver".

On this occasion, a dapper young man in a trilby stopped & whispered to the driver "back Frankincense for next season's Lincoln, it is 66/1, but it will soon be much shorter".

Frankincense duly trotted up, & the chap in the trilby, who was at the time Travelling Head Lad to John Oxley, was alleged to have had a total of £60,000 on it, & from the winnings, he purchased a Yard in Lambourn.

His name, of course, was Barry Hills, & he went on to train over 3,000 winners, & sire 4 sons, two of whom became very successful jockeys.

The driver of the train was Jimmy Kendall, who had never once had a bet in his life before that day. He had, I think, 2 shillings, or half a crown each way @ 66/1, & from then on, was a hooked punter for the rest of his life, & he too went on to sire a handsome son - now early middle-aged - who caught the betting bug from his Dad. 

 ;hattip;

a lovely story Tony.

It's seems my memory is fraying slightly at the edges when it comes to 1967, (they do say that if you remember it well then you weren't there after all) but I have tracked down the game that I attended with my NY cousins.

It was the NY Giants not the Jets, and it was a pre-season game which the Packers won 31-14 on Sertember 9th.

Ok, It turned out to be Tal was the unlucky number 9.

Bobby1 still wants to go and a couple of others have expressed interest so Tal is going to purchase some more tickets.

Same deal applies, you need to send him the money up front and he will do the business. PM him and he will tell you the crack.

ASAP please, chaps and chappesses. We don't want to be the other end of the ground to the first choicers ;)

Tell me in the next 24 hours that you're in and send me the money no later than 9am Monday and I'll buy as many lots of ticket money I have received.

I know of 4 people who have expressed an interest beyond the 8 Fastest Fingers, but PM me and I'll send you the details.

Simon

3 so far. One paid.

Keep em coming.

Cost is £65 + £5.85 handling fee. Total to send me £70.85.

4 spots left.

This already has big weekend potential.

Two people have previously PMd Camel expressing interest and I've PMd them to ask if they're still keen.

I have three people who've told me they're in and I've sent them my bank details. I can accommodate the other two but unless I hear from them, I won't be buying tickets (with the best will in the world, I would prefer the money up front)

If it's just the four of us that are in, I'll call Ticketmaster tonight and see if I can get tickets close to the Camel Eight. Doesn't seem to be any point hanging about and risking being at the other end of the ground.

So if you want to be included, let me know ASAP.

Thanks.

Tal,

If there are still spaces I would be for this - let me know.

You're in. PM sent.

Epic

Didn't see this thread til after Keef had booked tickets, n not that arsed anout egg chasing in motorcycling helmets anyways, but up for all other festivities, mostly the spending all day in the boozer betting on anything that moves. Think a day at the races is a million times better than watching lower league shite football, which always seems like a good idea before hand, and within five minutes has u wanting to walk out. Like the table at the dogs option too!

I didn't spot this before either.  Can't commit to both days, but up for the Sunday afternoon activities & NFL in evening. Let me know what I need to do...

PM sent.

Lower League football match + betting 1/3 of your net wealth on the game = an enjoyable experience.

Last chance. Expressions of interest to be in the group of tickets I'm buying must be with me by 8.30 tonight.

After that, obviously you can organise another group, but I want to make sure I and the others who are in get tickets.

2 seats left or I go with the 6 names I have.

Next batch purchased and those involved have PMs.

14 total now watching the egg-throwing.

This

Update on this?

What sort of update do you need?

It's not for another 9 months!

Tickets are sent out in July (I think).

We'll book a table for dinner at the dogs a couple of months before the weekend and decide whether we will go to the horses or football then too

Not sure I'll be attending at any point now, I expect I'll spend Saturday evening and Sunday daytime doing re-con on the best sniping positions in the stadium. Need somewhere with a good line of sight to the San Fran defensive and offensive coordinators.

Lol what you said there is all I needed to know.

Also, just how many numbers did it settle at in the end too, was a curiosity of mine?

I think 14 for the Wembley game.

With additions for various events by heathens who don't like the NFL.

I don't really like the NFL either, but it is nearly almost definitely because I don't know what is going on, nor have I given it any time of day. I do know however that I will enjoy it when I do give it my time, for a weird reason.

Nice one on the responses, sounds like it is going to be a great weekend.

99% sure they said they would send out the tickets in July, well I haven't received any..

Curtis/Simon, have yours arrived?

Also, probably wise to start thinking about whether we are doing football or horse racing on the Saturday.

I vote football!

Options:

Barnet v Kidderminster
Wimbledon v Oxford
Dagenham v Rochdale
Brentford v Shrewsbury
Orient v Rotherham
Reading v Millwall (at a push)
Spurs v Hull (maybe get a box for this if there's enough interest?)
Palace v Arsenal (good luck getting tix for that!)


I would favour Wimbledon v Oxford or Brentford v Shrews. Although I've never seen Bale play live and would fancy that too if it doesn't mean flying to Madrid.

Also, need to think about booking a table in the restaurant for the dogs. Wimbledon match followed by Wimbledon dogs has a certain simplicity to it...

Thoughts and ideas welcome.

No immediate rush, but I think we should be booking stuff before the end of August.

I'l come on the Saturday, obv would vote horses over football for a gambling weekend but will go with majority.

If you go for Wimbledon v Oxford I may well say hello to you all, either meeting up before going to the game or at the game itself :)

Newbury to Wimbledon is 63 miles.

Be pushing it to do both with raceday traffic (although I don't think it's a very busy day - St Simon Stakes day I think)

I'll go with majority.

100% will not do football and I think I can speak for Hopkin on that as well.

Happy with horses but if the majority go with footy I'll see you in the boozer afterwards.

Also I assume that some kind of hotel would be useful at some point? What area are we going to be in for the most part? Is it a Wembley type thing?

Wimbledon is South London, Wembley North London.

Bit of a pisser really.

I'm going to book something central.

Near the Vic sounds good to me.

Id prefer pub/gambling day over football if honest. Only because never great for big groups unless got a box

Forgot about Wimbledon dogs.

I'm no London expert but on my few trips there the tubes have been much more awkward / less frequent on a Sunday.

Wouldn't that make staying near Wembley for the NFL type thing more sensible?

Getting around on Friday / Saturday shouldn't be any kind of problem at all.

They will put on extra trains on the tube for the NFL game.

Don't think getting around will be any problem - game will finished by 9pm.

I'm quite happy with anything, tbh. Suspect finding broad agreement over a football game that isn't right by the dogs is going to be harder than finding a 'Spoons for the afternoon.

I've just checked ticketmaster:

"Your tickets will sent to you in August/September 2013."

(I shit you not)

I'm with EvilPie in that I'll probably need a hotel room for the night.

Nothing yet, but wasn't expecting them to arrive until nearer the time anyway.

Would prefer the dogs on saturday night if anywhere is running, and during the day on the saturday any football match would be preferred by me over the horses, but I am easy. What a freeroll this is, completely forgot about this.

Yeah tubes fine for the NFL. I travel up from South Coast so tube from Victoria. Always fine getting to Wembley. Bit busy straight after game but extra trains put on so not much waiting around

Happy to go with the flow, but if the decision were mine, I'd choose the Dogs over football.

Dogs is a +1 from me. Question is what we do in the afternoon, I think

Poker at The Vic followed by dinner at the dogs?

Dogs here too. Only get to go to Swindon and I dont think its fair reflection of how greyhound racing really is

I think dogs is a certainty.

It's just whether we do anything on Saturday afternoon is the question.

Ha! if you really want to see a fair reflection of greyhound racing as an industry go to a Bags meeting on a Tuesday afternoon.  Sadly.

I can see us all turning up at a dog track and barely having a bet given the ridiculous books these days. I've been to 2 BAGS meetings in the last few weeks socially and went to look at the prices for the first at Sheffield to find em betting 6 runners to 135%.

by chance the SP reporter stood next to me and was relaying them for the betting shop shows so I said to him 'you aren't really sending that lot as a show are you, it's a disgrace' and he said ' nowt I can do kid, I just send em but you are right'
when the hare is running was sounded they pushed every dog out one price to provide a lol competitive SP. the tote return for the winner was 'no return' cos there were about 10 punters there and nobody had backed it.

I just laid the 2 guys I was with a bet in each race and never had a bet myself all day. will be better at one of the big London tracks but we will prob end up betting between us.

 

No longer living in London but still keen to get involved in whatever activities get planned.

When I was a student I used to go dog racing in London at least 4 nights a week.  Used to often see Harry Findlay and all his mates flipping coins for odd/even traps for a couple of hundred a race even back then.  Sure we can come up with a better value way to punt between ourselves and then maybe just try and absolutely clatter the books there for one race to pay the exes for the weekend...

Could just play £2 a race and have a giggle on the way...

Got a group of about 10 of us all 49ers fans going, up for any gambling before hand at dogs or whatever...

Right

Who is in for Thursday night curry and where are we going;

Best get a table booked at some point then find a hotel and some train tickets.

Tamarind www.tamarindrestaurant.com
Quilon www.quilon.co.uk
Benares www.benaresrestaurant.com
Rasoi www.rasoi-uk.com

I thought the plan was for a meal on the Friday night.

Blinking heck, I'm not doing a week!

Probably makes a lot more sense to do this Friday!
Cant see it being the cheapest of weekends, let alone if we extend it by a day!

Park Plaza Lambeth £365 Fri - Mon

Not going myself, but have eaten at Quilon and it was excellent.

Lambeth? that's half way to Brighton.

Knew the plan was dinner Friday night!

In for whereever,

I just think that me, you, Matt and Neil could do this every morning when we walk out the hotel

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oimHJCURbo

Ok, enough phaffing around and time to make a decision!

I'm going to go to Wimbledon v Oxford on the Saturday afternoon.

I've never been to Kingsmeadow and it's nice and close to Wimbledon dog track so travel won't be an issue. Hope a few decide to come too.

Also, can I get numbers for the meal at Wimbledon dogs in the evening.

I know it's a couple of months ahead, but I expect the restaurant will get pretty booked up especially as we'll be looking for a table of 10 or more.

Going to book it later in the week, so if you want to come, let me know now please!

In. You want the dosh now?

In for the dogs dinner.

In for the dogs and the dinner. I see on the menu they do a massive ice cream. Hopefully no spiders in it.

Yeah in.

Bump.

5 of us? Is that all?

Was expecting to be booking a table for 12 or 16!

Going to book this on Friday, so speak now or forever hold your whatsit.

Me too if that's alright? Let me know where/when to send monies.

Ta

Yep in for dogs dinner

Dogs dinner and footy sounds good mate, I'm in.

cheers

Gwan then am in for this!

Yup just seen this and in please. All lovely and local enough for me too. You just booking the meal? Assume turning up on the day for the football? Have you stated a price for the booking?

Also many thanks for organising!

Same, just seen this.
I'm in too, if not too late.

I'll ring them up and book a table, if they ask for prepayment, I'll ask to reserve it for a week and get everyone to cough up.

I went a few years ago on Derby semi-finals night and it was very reasonable.

I think it was £22 per head for a 3-course dinner/entry/racecard.

The meal was surprisingly decent too.

Good stuff.

And nice on Camel.

Last call. No word from our Leader, Tikay are you in?

13 in. Here's the list so far:

Me
Big Adz
Ralph
Tal
redarmi
jakally
ed
dubai
bobby1
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral)
Ant
Dazzler
claypole

Ooh, sorry!

Yes, IN.

Best stick Stu and Matt down on the dogs dinner list as I'm sure they'll want in.

I think they're off gallivanting around Europe for some celebrity wedding which is being held in a "chateau" would you believe.

What a line-up!! Can't wait.

Updated 16 now

Me
Big Adz
Ralph
Tal
redarmi
jakally
ed
dubai
bobby1
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral)
Ant
Dazzler
claypole
Tikay
Stu H
EvilPie

Any more for any more?

May I say how wonderfully phrased that was.

None of that "ZOMG soooooo many heroes glglglgl #HeroesDinner" malarkey.

very jealous all

have a good trip

Surely that's a direct insult at Pleno?

Behave! Not at all. Quite capable of getting myself into trouble without outside assistance, thank you.

More the general lazy thinking & writing we typically see on Forums. I assume the expression originated on 2+2, & so everyone has to copy it & repeat it. 

If I ever see "so many heroes" again, directed at a table of random poker players I swear to God I'll punch someone smack in the conk. What sort of life do these people lead? Do they ever go out into the real world?

Sigh. Now you've wound me up, proper good, & it'll take me hours to calm down.

I should join these sorts, & say something really unoriginal & utterly stupid.

Joke

Bugger. I just did.

PS - Power to the Palace. Or, as I believe we are ritually obliged to say, in the style of mindless sheep, palarse. Oh how we laugh!

Surely Tikay and Channing have got to be in?

Why? You want to lead me astray, right, with gambling & stuff?

PS - Confirmed IN yesterday. Nothing is ever certain with me, but fingers crossed, I'll be there.

So sick

Well yes.

Sick. So so sick. This is so sick.

I shared a poker table with a young man, & it was fairly obvious that he'd been rivered pretty badly. He just sat there, for fully 2 minutes, shaking his head, & repeating, endlessly......

Sick, so so sick. Man, this is sick. Sickest thing ever.

I offered him use of my thesaurus, & he perused it momentarily. Sick book man, so so sick. 

 

Need quick feedback on this:

Do we want this package http://www.lovethedogs.co.uk/wimbledon/offer/5421 which is £52 per head, or just a meal in the restaurant which is £30?

Am easy. Gut feel is that the £52 would be chucking in a few things we're not really fussed about, though I am equally happy with either option.

Thanks for organising Keith :)

Not fussed about group photos, presentation races or all that hen/stag do jazz.

If it's better price than entry and a meal, obv it's a no brainer.


Edit: what ed said

Me neither, though a group photo would be quite something. That same group of people will NEVER all be together again.

Not bothered but can we have a poetry recital from Tal, and Tikay singing the National Anthem prior to the first race please

Surely it's worth a score to get the photo of so many heroes all together ;)

Everyone has their price.

I can see £23 per head for a group of 12+

Here: www.lovethedogs.co.uk/wimbledon/category/dine/26-10-2013/14

I'm sure we can hijack the photographer from another hen-party.

Will see if I can get my dog plotted up or the occasion ;)

Disclaimer: he is crap.

Perhaps we can all lay him ;)

Very good Marky, very good.

Think I may have got out of bed the wrong side this morning, had a bit of a ranty moment there.

So sick

Do we get all those women in the pic for £52? In

Ok, we'll go with the £23 a head jobbie, didn't spot that on first viewing.

Payment is advance, so you'll all have to cough up now I'm afraid.

Give you all a week to ship me the money, and I'll book it next Friday.

Sounds good to me.... thanks for organising this.
PM me bank info and I will send.

Sheeped

sick tekkers hero.

vvvwp

I see what you did there.

Dogs dinner money shipped.

zomg

[ x ]  >bobby

Oh how I have the power to be a pretty good troll, but I am just too Godamn polite, so much so I'm saying to Tal it was obv a wind up as you probably know and apols! Also I feel bad ures and Tikays responses amused me somewhat :)

Tikay, I have given up caring what Palace look like on a teamsheet, as you know from last year that doesnt quite matter. Optimism alone from me and damming reports from everyone else is the formula for survival and/or promotion. I think if Dubai actually carries on at his rate of Palace bashing on ReddieSteadyBet, I am pretty sure we'll make Europe, champo may be pushing it.

Same details as I sent before Camel? Will send today as soon as I know. Cheers again for this.

Mr H, can you pm BDeets please.

Where are the travellers looking to stay on Sat night?

Could someone pay for me until next week please, my Maldivian butler has misplaced my bank dongle.

Thanks.

I'd like to be in for dogs, dinner and football if it's not too late. Never spotted this, might be worth linking it in Fred?!

I'll ship yours Stu. Does Matt's  need sorting too?

However much I would have loved Matt to join me on my honeymoon.......

He should have been home on Tuesday, so can probably sort himself.

Will sort trains with you and Neil on Sunday, think Matt and I are thinking of heading back Sunday afternoon though so there may be a couple of spare tickets for the Sunday night.

Updated List 17 now - still got until next week to decide/pay if you want to come

Bank details sent - if you haven't received them, gimme a shout.

Me    - PAID
Big Adz - PAID
Ralph - PAID
Tal   - PAID
redarmi
jakally -PAID
ed _PAID
dubai - PAID
bobby1 -PAID
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral)
Ant
Dazzler PAID
claypole
Tikay   -  PAID
Stu H - PAID
EvilPie
JaffaCake

Shipped Stu's dinner money.

Updated list

Me    - PAID
Big Adz - PAID
Ralph - PAID
Tal   - PAID
redarmi
jakally
ed - PAID
dubai - PAID
bobby1
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral)
Ant
Dazzler
claypole
Tikay   -  PAID
Stu H - PAID
EvilPie
JaffaCake

Sent today

sent last night Keith, sorry for the delay.

Updated list - got until Friday early evening guys.

Me    - PAID
Big Adz - PAID
Ralph - PAID
Tal   - PAID
redarmi
jakally -PAID
ed - PAID
dubai - PAID
bobby1 -PAID
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral) - PAID
Ant
Dazzler - PAID
claypole
Tikay   -  PAID
Stu H - PAID
EvilPie
JaffaCake

Ditto I missed this too.  Provisionally in for the dogs/dinner but need to sweet talk the wife first as already out Sun/Mon evenings that weekend.

Going to book and pay for this on Friday Jamie.

If you send me the cash before then you're in!

Payment sent.

Updated list

Me    - PAID
Big Adz - PAID
Ralph - PAID
Tal   - PAID
redarmi
jakally - PAID
ed - PAID
dubai - PAID
bobby1 - PAID
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral) - PAID
Ant - PAID
Dazzler - PAID
claypole
Tikay   -  PAID
Stu H - PAID
EvilPie
JaffaCake - PAID

Sent

Where is everyone staying for this, is there one place where a few people are staying? Have you all booked accom already?

I've not booked yet myself, there are a few of us coming from Nottingham and we've narrowed the choice down a bit but have yet to ink it.

I've yet to start squiggling hotels, myself. By all means let me know when you have made a decision.

Think I might be pulling out so there's probably a ticket going if any late comers are after one.

That's a ticket for the NFL btw, I hadn't booked anything else.

Okay will do.

Yeah, me too.

Keith was on about going to Vic after, which seems a natural place to go, so will most be looking to head in that direction.

Keep meaning to book somewhere, but still not set time aside.

I will have an overnight bag obv but this means I can't take it to Wembley, apparently, as I'd be assumed to be a member of some improper organisation. That's galling, as there is a cracking train line from wembley to home. So, would either need to go back to somewhere to pick up the bag or be incredibly nice to one of you who might have a car nearby (does anyone drive in London?)

All sent Keith, sorry for delay

Updated list

Me    - PAID
Big Adz - PAID
Ralph - PAID
Tal   - PAID
redarmi - PAID
jakally - PAID
ed - PAID
dubai - PAID
bobby1 - PAID
Walsall fan club (aka eso kral) - PAID
Ant - PAID
Dazzler - PAID
claypole - PAID
Tikay   -  PAID
Stu H - PAID
EvilPie
JaffaCake - PAID
Jamier - PAID

This is the final list, booking it now for 17.

PMed EvilPie 3 times and he's not replied or sent any money, so I assume he doesn't want to come now.

I'm prob not going to bother booking a hotel for the Sunday night as I am sure we will end up somewhere to watch the late NFL game that night, Sports Cafe is normally a good place. Will just hang around after and try to get the first train home instead so anyone else that might fancy that could prob save on one nights hotel.

Well, booked it as far as I can.

Got this message:

Your booking is not yet guaranteed; you will receive your final confirmation very shortly, subject to a final checking of availability

Please note this booking is pending final confirmation and we will issue you with a booking reference number once your booking is guaranteed.


Which is a bit of a piss take because they charged me an online booking fee - yet I am waiting for a phone call!

Sports cafe closed down recently.

The Hippodrome casino in Leicester square I believe are showing all Nfl games on Sunday's this season on big screens.

Pretty decent place too.

http://www.nflinlondon.com/home (http://www.nflinlondon.com/home)

Anybody need a ticket for the NFL on the Sunday night? Mine's going spare as I can no longer make it.

Wouldn't normally ask for any money but Hopkin's already made an offer just so he can use it for his beer and hot dogs.

Any sensible offer accepted. Any ridiculous offers will be turned down as I'd rather have nothing.

SPT grand final the same weekend, then. Is this likely to count people out?

Doesn't change my plans BTW

Most of us signed up for this six months ago.

It's a little inconsiderate of that mob to arrange one of the few tourneys that I actually play on the same weekend as this event, even with my mad donating skillz I won't be able to manage that trick from London.

The Sky event was booked in in January.

Its why I've never been able to put my name down for this, unfortunately

Oh dear, hope this doesn't mean our leader is a non runner.

If he is I might make the effort and head down to London after all....

 ;carlocitrone;

Bloody hell, it's all gone Pete Tong. I just booked my flights yesterday!

Never fear, it's still all systems go and we'll still have a great time I'm sure.

Pretty sure his P.A is getting a broadside for that

Wouldn't like to be Jeeves about now.

Thanks Nico that's a pity about the Sports Cafe. The Hippodrome looks a good spot tho.

Train tickets are booked

If everyone is leaving it to me then I would plump for Quilon

So far we only have 4....

Me
Ralph
Neil
Keith

Anyone else?

!

Only just realised this........(after being prompted by someone)

Jeez.

Am trying to find a way to resolve my scheduling dilemma.

I've written to Keith to explain.

Ugh.

I've just discovered that there's a Paul Klee exhibition at Tate Modern from the middle of October. He was one of my favourite artists along with Picasso as a growing boy and I've never seen any of his work "live".

I've pencilled tikay in as I know he loves this kind of thing but might anyone else be interested a visit?

Think it would be pretty apt if the king of the misclick has cocked this up and double booked himself

I'll join you.

Hotel booked

Quilon booked for a table of 6 Friday 8pm

They have sent me the set menu's and a la carte menu, if anyone wants a look then PM me your email address and I will forward it over.

Thanks

 ;indestructable;

Good man.

I've also pencilled Tal in as I'm sure he likes that kind of thing and I'm planning on inviting my niece and nephew to join us possibly Sunday mid-dayish followed by dim-sum in Soho.

An afternoon of trying to offset the exes in The Vic afterwards before the armour-plated egg-chasing fiesta seems logical at this point.

Update/Bump

Who is in for Wimbledon v Oxford football?

Probably a decent idea to meet somewhere in Wimbledon for lunch, then get taxis to the football.

Anyone know the area, and suggest a decent pub/restaurant we could meet up?

Wimbledon dogs have sent me a REF number. Mention that at the gate and they'll let you in and direct you to the restaurant. They haven't said a time in the email but I guess set there at 6.30/7pm ish.

PM me for the REF number.

Anything else we need to sort out? I guess we ought to pick somewhere to meet up Sunday PM too. A pub near Wembley stadium.

Decent football on Sky. Tyne/Wear Derby at 1.30 and Chelsea v Man City at 4pm.

Assume the NFL kicks off at 6 (although it has been 5 too - depends which week the clocks go back in the States)

I know there's a big/decent pub near Wembley Park tube station which is ten on to be showing the football.

Can't remember the name for the life of me.

It will packed to the rafters for the 2 hours prior to kickoff, but if we get there at 1pm or something, we should be able to stake a claim to a couple of tables.


*EDIT* I think it's called The Torch.

Never been to Wimbledon's ground....but it looks nearer Kingston than Wimbledon. However it's overground to Kingston, tube to Wimbledon, if that's an issue?

There are a couple of good pubs,(and food) right next to each other on Wimbledon Common.....however its a bit of a walk (15/20 mins?) from Wimbledon tube up to posh! Wimbledon Village/Common behind it.

About 8/10 mins in a cab from those pubs to the ground.

http://www.youngs.co.uk/venues/show/414

http://www.thecrookedbilletwimbledon.com/


Also in Wimbledon Village there's The Dog and Fox...again good pub , but can get busy.

http://www.dogandfoxpub.co.uk/

The October games is a 5pm kickoff, thankfully, as it means there is a train back which doesn't involve leaving early.

Jags to provide their game of the season and take it to OT imo.

The way the niners have started, 17 points might be enough...

What obout the sports bar next to Wembley, where the five a side football pitches are. I have used that the last couple of years. Only let in those going to the NFL game as well, never been too busy and loads of screens showing the football

Went to Wembley today and the sports bar just outside was closed to general public, they were using it as a vip bar. They did have some sort of beer garden near thing put on by wembley/nfl but that looked shite. Not sure how feasible it would be in October either when the weather is not good.

Last chance for Quilon

Going to confirm the numbers on Friday

Currently at 7 people

Any takers for the Paul Klee exhibition at Tate Modern on the Sunday?

I'm presently planning to book tickets(~£15)for Sunday noon sometime next week.

I'm probably out for that, Mr Karabiner. Klee isn't my bag, really.

Am looking at hotels atm near Marylebone/Vic. Fair old wedge. Blooming London! Can't compete with your epicurean tastes, sir :)

I'm going to take my niece and nephew who I've not seen for ages and am working on young Giblin to come too. My plan currently is to go for a salt-beef sandwich in Selfridges (which is just around the corner from The Vic) afterwards.

You or anyone who fancies it could join us for a late lunch.

Just had a look at the wembley website. Under the list of banned items there's a series of questions (I think through Facebook?). One asks whether you can take a normal size rucksack. The answer from Wembley is yes.

Banned items include backpacks, duffel and grocery bags.

But rucksacks seem to be ok, which saves me a hassle after the game.

Why don't you just leave it in the cloakroom at The Vic and pick it up after the game?

What's the difference between a backpack and a rucksack?

I'm at work on the Monday, I'm afraid, so I'll very likely be heading back after the game, as there is a direct Chiltern train service from Wembley Stadium.

I'm surmising that a backpack is one you'd often see round both shoulders, where a rucksack is smaller and tends to be carried with both straps over just one shoulder.

At the risk of getting poker players to be organised, may I just get a handle on a rough itenerary?


Friday: dinner at the posh place
             Something afterwards?

Saturday: Meet up at...
                  Watch various sports in a pub
                  OR go to AFC Wimbledon
                  Wimbledon dogs, including dinner
                  Something afterwards involving cards?

Sunday: Somewhere for lunch and sports
                OR Paul Klee exhibition
                Footbawl on yer phowun...
                Vic

By all means fill in the blanks and paste in OP, so we can get a decent idea between us of arrangements. For my part, I'll just be there Saturday lunchtime to after the NFL game, I think.

Tix in hand yet Tal?

Not yet, although I've seen on the wembley site there are a few saying theirs have arrived today. Am expecting it on the mat this week.

Put me down.

Good man Tom I'll book the tix in the next couple of days.

There are concessions for students, under 16's and those who have borrowed tikay's bus-pass just in case you might be eligible.

I'm slightly disappointed that Tal's not coming as he'll miss out on meeting my nephew who's name actually is Tal, not to mention my very smart and rather lovely niece Yuval.;)

How thoughtful!

Your nephew has an excellent name.

Those of you going to Wimbledon v Oxford might want to order tickets. I doubt it will be a sell-out but you may well be limited to the worst terrace (YourGolfTravel) if buying on the day.

Main Stand and Family Stand have sold out but there are still seats in the Nongshim End which is behind a goal. If standing the EcoHouse Stand is behind the other goal and is better than the YGT for view and atmosphere.

http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/oxford-tickets-1103463.aspx

My set of tickets arrived this morning.

Again, though, there's a bag policy leaflet saying it will be strictly enforced and anything baglike will be confiscated. The rucksack I was expecting yesterday to take is now off the menu. It's 11cm x 16cm shoulder bags or clear plastic ones.

I'm sure there are excellent security reasons for all of this, of course

Am going to need a solution to this one, but I expect so are a lot of people there on the day.

11cm x 16cm?

You sure - that's the size of a purse.

Think that's the point

If its allowed sequins, I'm sure Tal has one

Ignore the leaflet.  Check NFL UK for the official policy as they backtracked on this quite severely, but ultimately ignore that too.

The bag policy at the Vikes-Steelers game worked just as it has in previous seasons and a normal rucksack is fine to take.

Not been following the thread closely recently but I might have one spare ticket for the game - front row, top tier, quite central - if anyone going to the bash needs one.  One of the guys in our group has dropped out.

Fab. Thanks.

The fashion police were pretty active last night at Wembley with several arrests for having flares.

 ;marks;

Ashamed smiley not needed Ralph - that was a great joke.

I've not been at all organised on this one but The Camel reminded me the weekend approaches rapidly.

 Am keen to enjoy some quality TFT time with as many of the great Fred regs while not distracting myself from the enormous amount of weekend punting.

 Not usually doing so much gambling on Friday night after about 8pm or Saturday about the same.

 Camel said come to the dogs.

 Is stuff happening on Friday? Are many people going to be around Friday or is the dogs the best way to see most people?

Probably only going for the evening and some cards, and drive back early morning. Staying over seems to much hassle for the amount I'm allowed to drink these days!

A few of us are going for a posh Indian on Friday Neil.

You're welcome to join us.

Thanks for this.

We better organise some tickets then.

Who is in?

Thinking about this further, I'm going to sack going to this match.

I've got a sick note. This sciatica is killing me, and walking to the ground and potentially standing for 90 minutes (or even perching my fat arse on a tiny seat) might fck me up for the entire weekend.

So I'm going to pass, anyone else who fancies going will have to make their own arrangements.

Have booked a hotel for Sat night. If anyone's still looking, PM me and I'll let you know.

(Not the same as Karabiner, I'm afraid. Would have needed a trip to the bank in a balaclava for that)

Im in for the dogs on Saturday night and pub build up before the game on the Sunday, from around 2ish, as I will be playing Sunday league in the morning.

I have already made my selections for the dogs btw if any of you wanted to know. Backing the number 2 all the way. Seen it work for someone else before so I think it is a solid strat.

If anyone is looking for a spare ticket to join in, let me know, I probably have one :(

Last call for the Paul Klee exhibition at noon on Sunday 27th Oct.

Culture vultures confirmed so far:

Karabiner and The Dazzler...

Afternoon.

Have plans been made about where and when to meet on Saturday? Now the footy is off the agenda, is it pub and racing or is owt else planned?

Question. If I drive to TheSmoke, can I park at Vic and venture out, assuming I sign in etc, and not get clobbered for parking when I leave early next morning?

The Vic really hate people doing that and they lecture you about how you aren't insured to leave it there, but in practise you can get away with it.

What's the agenda for the full weekend, starting Friday or Saturday? Saw Chompy in Luton, he was umming and ahhing, I thought he's be guest of honour

You do realise he'll turn up wearing a Peterborough United replica shirt, right?

Ok Thanks Neil.

I'm always getting lectured, at work, at home,  so that's water off a ducks back.

Funnily enough he had one on when I saw him. At least I think it must have been, I didn't recognise the strip and I didn't think Posh played in white but it was a footy top fo sho

In light of the antics of a spurs fan yesterday, I'm doubtful about whether the bag policy will be as loose as some have previously experienced.

On the Wembley website, someone has asked a question of whether there is anywhere to store luggage. The response from Wembley is no, but someone else has posted that, for "a small fee", you can leave a bag at The Green Man pub on Dagmar Avenue, which is round the corner.

Google gets you to the website (www.thegreenmanhotelatwembley.co.uk ) and you might be interested to know it also has parking facilities for match days: www.wembleyparkingservices.com

Should add I spoke to someone who went to the Steelers-Vikes game and he said he saw a few people get turned away for having bags. Suppose it's steward-dependant, as ever.

The favoured solution is for you to wear your tighter closes first day and then put your looser clothing on the second day over the top. If you bring disposable toothbrush and deodorant, you have know need for a bag for your return journey.

A helpful tip I picked up from an old Viz.

Or just a massive coat?

So I will be able to make the Dogs on Saturday night without much else beforehand and the same with the Sunday before the game. I guess times for these meets are most important?

What time/where is it best to meet up for the Dogs tickets beforehand and the same for the NFL tickets on Sunday, guess they could be given out at the Dogs? Cheers.

Does anyone know the best way to get from Marble Arch to Wimbledon dogs please?

What time is the table booked for Keith?

cheers

Are people likely to get a taxi from [insert name of establishment showing sport] to Wimbledon? Is anything like that likely to be more than £20 between four or five?

Underground to Wimbledon then five minute mini-cab ride or half hour walk.

I'm planning on leaving from The Vic probably around 5pm so if you want to hook up there Phil you're most welcome.

Think I'd do jubilee line to Waterloo  then overground (platforms 1-4) to Earlsfield, reckon it's prob a bit quicker.

Cheers Ralph, I'm going to be at Newbury on Friday and might go racing there again on Saturday, if not will head into London on Saturday and will be great to meet up then. If I do go racing on Saturday then will probably be a last minute dash to get to the dogs via the hotel.

Do you/or does anyone else fancy racing on either Friday or Saturday?


Cheers for the directions Ed.

If someone can find a decent pub/bar to watch Soccer Saturday in West London, I'm in for that. Or the Vic.

I'm easy really.

I have a code to get in the dogs, if everyone who needs it can PM me, I'll let them have it by return.

I assume/think we have the table(s) all night Phil. I',m going to aim to get there for about 7.

Meet in The Torch on Sunday at 1ish? And we can purloin a couple of tables to watch the football.

I adore Newbury Phil it used to be my favourite racecourse when I was a somewhat feckless and considerably reckless youth. I don't think I've visited since the 1970's but alas I won't be able to make it this time.

Remind me to tell you about the waiter and his scam in the restaurant at Newbury.

I'm quite looking forward to this weekend.

Will be looking to watch the racing either way.

If its on in Vic likely I will stay there and go cross town with you Ralph.

Just perused the menu at Quillon.

Drooling slightly now.

I am really gutted about this but something has come up in Florida which means I almost certainly am not going to be able to make it.  Am trying to get it changed but it looks unlikely in which case both my ticket for the dogs and game are available.  If there is someone that couldn't otherwise afford to go then they would get priority and can have them for free.  Otherwise put a tub of lard in my seat I guess......sorry guys I was really looking forward to this.

You are most welcome to join us Adz as long as you promise that there will be no Wenger-bashing during the journey.

Just in case I don't spot your "WengerOut" tee-shirt perhaps you could PM me your mobile no. :)

Palace away.......I think we should be good for one more week!

Very disappointing news.

Was looking forward to taking you to the cleaners with Wembley prop bets.

Hope the situation changes and you can make it after all Stu.

Still the case and like Stu, happy for someone that would make full use of it to go.  Free to someone under it, pay what you think it's worth to you if not.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/16/article-2421791-1BD18DCB000005DC-903_306x379.jpg)

lol i don't recognise either of these people or the shirt ^^^

Is the plan to spend the day in a Wimbledon pub punting and watching soccer saturday while warming up the vocal chords to shout 'FFS THE ONE DOG' in the evening? Sounds okay to me, who's in, and where?

Can't say I like the sound of a posh Indian (?!) so think I'm just in for all day Saturday

I'm planning on spending Saturday afternoon in The Vic trying to offset the weekend's exes and catching up with a few old friends a doubtless a few old foes before setting off for Wimbledon.

I'll tell you all about the posh Indian when I see you.

I'm expecting that there will be some form of casino visit after the dogs, no? Not fussed where, mind.

My plans post-dogs are fluid.

My next appointment is Tate Modern at 1.30pm Sunday.

Can I bring somebody to the 'posh Indian' dinner?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdo79znnHl8

"What's the blandest thing on the menu?" always cracks me up

Stu"StuartHopkin"Hopkin made the reservation so I suggest you drop him a PM.

Haven't seen that in years.

"And.....24 plates of chips" :)

Top stuff.

Have found out there's a bag storage facility at Paddington Station (same line as Wembley and one stop away from Marylebone). Costs £9 per item for 24hours. Think this might be the best way forward. Also means getting the train home from Marylebone I'll get a seat ;)

There is an easier solution Simon.

They have a cloakroom at The Vic, where everyone is required to leave bags, rucksacks etc before entering. You get given a raffle ticket, then produce that ticket when you want the bag back.

Just enter The Vic by the main entrance, the Bag Drop is up the mini flight of stairs, on your left, hand the bag in, & get the ticket. Personally, if it were me, I would not to mention that I would not be returning to collect it for 24 hours. Job done, free, & only minutes from both Paddington & Marleybone Stations.

The free bit is useful, thanks. At least I have options. Will assess at the weekend. Would essentially be dropping off before the game and picking it up ASAP afterwards. If people are going back to the Vic after the game, I'm happy to accompany if it's near to the train home.

Jobzaguddun

Still no closer to knowing what the plan is, tho I'm now an expert on baggage facilities in London if anyone ever asks

Let us try again


I will be in London from 2ish and will go straight to my hotel to check in. Will be looking for somewhere to watch Soccer Saturday or the-like near Regent's Park/Marylebone/Edgware Road. Happy then to [go back to room, change and] head to Wimbledon. Think best way is tube from Edgware Road? The green one on the map ;)

Jeff, will PM you my number. Worst case scenario, you can find me. Yes, yes...that is the worst case scenario... ::)

Ha, always good to have a fall back! I'm not that keen on the Vic, can do if that's where majority are but punting in a pub much better, and I live south so coming into town to then go to Wimbledon seems daft. I know Ralph has got a few people to catch up with in the Vic but not sure what Camel and the posh indians are doing?

I dont really have a plan for Saturday pm

Options seem to be

Vic with Ralph
Giblin and I head to the Hippodrome
Find a pub that is relatively close to a bookies and has the racing on

Hippodrome is basically atop Leicester Square tube,
Leicester square tube is 5mins to Waterloo,
Waterloo is a 12mins train to Earlsfield,
Earlsfield is a 10min walk to the dogs.

The Vic is a 5mins walk to Edgware Road,
Estate Road is a 30min tube to Wimbledon,
Wimbledon is a 10min taxi to the dags.

Sorry for radio silence on Fred, work been v busy.

Looking forward to it immensely.

The pub near the bookies sounds good to me.

Although my hotel has got a hot tub and three hours in that to sooth my dodgy back is appealing too!

In for pub and bookies, don't fancy the Vic

Pub in Earsfield or Wimbledon makes sense surely

Am gonna meet you guys at Wimbledon dogs, Saturday at around 7pm.  Keith has some password or code to gain entry, I think?

Have to go to Nottingham for SPT first, so will leave there at around 4pm & drive south.

Looking forward to it.

FML, Saturday night at the dogs with Dubai. I'm doomed to degeneracy.

Flushy coming too now I think.

You'll be $500 richer than before you came, admittedly its unlikely you will still have it at the end :)

St Leger heats, so will be getting stuck into some short ones

Ha, happy days. $500 in, £500 out.

Think we ought to punt big, as much as £2 per race maybe.

Also, I'll dust off my secret algorithm for dog meetings. Can't fail.

I like this idea...but pub anywhere preferable to casino. Where's your hotel keef? Guess u gotta come to Wimbledon anyway tho

I'm near KX station.

Northern line to South Wimbledon looks my best bet.

If someone can work out a decent pub, I'll be there at 1ish

I don't know the area at all.

The Hand and Racquet near Wimbledon station has always been my favourite place to watch the football. Turns out there's a Ladbrokes just up the road as well. Just putting it out there. Might even be tempted to make an appearance before work.

Was supposed to be coming to the Indian, but can't make it because of a work do tonight. Hopefully you guys have a good time though! I'm going to the NFL game on Sunday though, so may bump into some of you there.

Prefer pub and bookies to Keith's hot tub idea, but thanks for the offer.

Can be at the Tap and Whistle/the Queen Mum's Arms/the Two and Eight/Other Cockney name for Pub in Wimbledon 3.15ish at a guess.

I prob won't make any of the Saturday stuff as I have to spread my love around on my flying visit to the smoke, so I will see you at whichever pub on Sunday before niffle.

This gets some decent reviews and is close to station. Shall we nominate this place from say 1pm onwards for those going to Wimbledon early?

Can always cab somewhere else if it's rubbish. I can be there 130 Saturday, let's do this!

Will be there about 3

will ask about for any other bar suggestions but let's do that one on Saturday then. I love it when a plan comes together

Will see you guys at the dogs for 7ish. I have heard good things about the cuisine for the price.

I'll be disappointed if it's not chicken in a basket

I got my weekends mixed up until Dubai phoned today - I have doubled booked with a birthday at Crazy Bear - unfortneately the Beaconsfield one.  I am sure Flushy will enjoy my chicken in a basket - tell him its on the slate.

Have a great day - sorry I am missing it

Pub is ideal situated, we'll wait there and post here if we decided to move on, I'll be there 1.30pm

http://gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-wimbledon/hand-and-racquet-pub/

I know you are in good company with the likes of Dubai there for the dog selections but Farloe Tango is a standout even money chance with Ladbrokes this morning, it's my headline tip on the website and think its price is inflated due to Droopys Posh being in there, 4/6 elsewhere I believe.

And Fear Emoski in heat 2 at 11/10 with WH. No one else is even offering evens.

Is there a "code" or Password to gain entry to the Wimbledon dogs tonight?

Can someone send it to me by PM please?

me too please.

thanks in advance.

Should be joining at the Hand and Racquet at around 4pm. Looking forward to it.

  What,Ed going to Wimbledon Dawgs..............now there is a suprise. Please ignore all his 'Dawg Tips'.

I'm looking for one consensus tip from the dogs gurus to lump on to pay for the entire weekend.

Ty in advance.

Anything with Droopys or Westmead in it, natch.

If there's one called Droopys Westmead, empty the clip.

Late shout for me but going to the Palace Arsenal game through a spare ticket, so will stay out and meet up at the pub probably around the same time as Ed.

Farloe >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Westmead >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Droopys

imo

Wouldn't know a dog from a cat but reckon ye should be backing the Blondes for the day/weekend that's in it.

19.45 Yarmouth: Blonde Sid
19.58 Wimbledon: Blonde Razor
20.15 Yarmouth: BlondeTango
22.15 Yarmouth: Pompey Blonde

Shirley worth a Lucky 15. GLGL and have fun all!

Careful what you say...they're all blooming gooners... ::)

Do a win.

Shortly to board train to Dannydyersville

Tickets...check
Bills tshirt for the journey...check
Wallet...gulp...check
Hotel reservation paraphernalia...check
Sherlock Holmes book...check
Momentary self esteem...check

Good.

Disappointed to not be there but hope everyone has a good enough time to make a repeat next year a runner!!!

This

Shame u can't make it red....feel free to suggest another around the times you're in the uk as u live so far away, pretty sure whenever you're here will be as good a time as any for the rest

Have fun all.

This.

Pics and stories over the weekend please.

No need.

Evening meal will be like this but with greyhounds:

(https://www.conferencecambridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/conferences-00-08-530x398.jpg)

NFL will be like this but possibly without Woody Allen:

(http://thesevensees.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/To-Rome-with-Love-watching-opera.jpg)

This hand and racquet pub is not up to scratch. One tv by the gents, showing bbc. We might come back for gumball on strictly but for soccer Saturday n nags we need a new suggestion?

Give the fog in Earlsfield a call on 020 8874 2715.

Know my mate who is an Earlsfield local and racing fan goes there a fair bit so seems feasible.

Four square says there a sports bar 20m up the road will report back!

and this, have a good day chaps

There's a slug and lettuce or walkabout or something similarly heinous on hartfield road about 2mins walk away but it is properly ghastly.

Edit: have you tried calling the fog? Think now called country house or similar.

Edit: also last time I was in the corner pin (nearest to the dogs) they had hooky satellite but it's more somewhere for one pint than 8...

Ok checked with my mate who lives in Wimbledon he says the Alexandra is fine for watching sport, 20m further up the road from here, basically out the station turn right and walk past this one

See you there at HT in the 3pm kick-offs.

Ha this pub is literally next door, has about 8 screens including a massive one showing the egg chasing, even got £5 poker tournament....was someone winding us up sending us next door? Alexandra ftw

Do not order the nuts from there! Be there in two mins

Am presently negotiating the NeesApMavvaBrairn Underground. 4ish sounds about right. Thanks for arranging suitable vantage points, chaps.

Me & Hopkin in the Alexandra now.... drinking Guiness. No sign of anyone else yet.

  Full in play  trip report required please. Pictures etc. Plenty of time on my hands as I suprisingly donked out the Sky comp......

Anyone got any money left?

Dubai has

Gonna be turning up at 4pm at the torch, will u still be there? About to get on the tube system. If any of you guys who are with Camel or indeed are him, give me his number via pm please if you have it? Just in case u move on towards the stadium. Cheers

Only one of us was confident enough to turn up with a satchel to take your winnings home. I coulda sewed up my pockets

A fine weekend.

Hope everyone had a good time.

Looking forward to Mk II already, but someone else is going to have to organise it :)

I will if ye'll all come to Dublin! Get the exes on Harvey Logan in the last at Galway today ;)

Excellent weekend. Hope those of you getting trains home this morning have been able to do so.

Heartily recommend the NFL Wembley games to anyone. Fantastic spectacle and something completely different.

Many thanks to Mr Camel for his peerless organisational endeavours. Nice to meet a few avatars and screen names.

Any photos?

For those of you interested, Tal was surprisingly normal.

Not the monacled Little Lord Fauntleroy I was half expecting/hoping for!

I'll you what, this a VERY decent shout.

Well up for a weekend in Dublin, a bit of hurling/greyhound/horse racing action to boot.

Tikay has a group photo from the hounds if he cares to share it.

Yup, will do, soonest.

Also need to thank everyone, Keith especially, too, but I'm just on catch-up at the mo after a bit of a heavy week, & dreadful drive home last night, so will do my "thanks & Trip Report" soonest, with special reference & thanks to Ed Gas for marking our card with that winner. Which finished 6th. Jeez, we had a shocking trap draw, whereas Camel, Ant & Methuselah binked the red box with Shallow.

Shocker. 

Yep the weekend was great. I did not expect Neyo at the beginning either for a short medley. Not his biggest fan but appreciate the effort.

The zip lining Jaguar mascot was really a Wtf moment and all a part of the American spectacle.

A highlight was they were shooting t shirts into the croud and they hit our row twice, got a firm grip on one of them but a bloke behind me had two hands and I appreciated someone going up with two hands as that is unconventional, so I turned around, nodded approvingly and relinquished the shirt in victorious defeat.

Cheers for organising Camel, and nice meeting all of you.

Huge thank you to Keith for organisational endeavours, excellent work.

Huge apologies to all that backed the bitch in 3 in the ohsohighstandard A7, not Bernie the trainer's finest hour (or mine for that matter...!!)

Great to meet you all, and to say hello again to those I've met before.

I guess you have a lot of experience of victorious defeats being a Palace fan Ant.

Good to meet you and am glad you had a good time.

Meanwhile all trains home cancelled today, am stuck in the smoke for another night.

Good to meet you Ed.

As an old mentor of mine used to say "Better to be a good judge of judges than a good judge".

I'm happy to report on Table Dubai we didn't get involved on the Bernie coup.  ;D

Woot Woot.

Haha, your table definitely came out on top! It was a pleasure to witness Dubai in full flight. Obviously his reputation precedes him, but sometimes people can be prone to exaggerate a tad... I can happily say this was true in no way whatsoever of Dave. Anyone who 'oi oiiiiis' a 7/1 shot from the 2nd bend, orders half a case of champagne before the race is done, and then apologises profusely that 'this was all they had' is alright by me!!

Photos incoming, add your own words.......

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD14_zps4bcb279e.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD14_zps4bcb279e.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD1_zpsc2eab0a4.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD1_zpsc2eab0a4.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD2_zps8bcb650e.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD2_zps8bcb650e.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD3_zps1e20e97b.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD3_zps1e20e97b.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD4_zps126412af.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD4_zps126412af.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD5_zps72ddf44f.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD5_zps72ddf44f.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD6_zps2c2b947b.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD6_zps2c2b947b.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD7_zpsccb8cd9f.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD7_zpsccb8cd9f.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD8_zpsb27e08fe.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD8_zpsb27e08fe.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD10_zps093acea9.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD10_zps093acea9.jpg.html)

For those who got a bad trap draw(Trap Ed), which was Bobby1, Lord Grumpy, Adzy, Tal, Jaffa, & me,  this is all we could afford, 6 of us, 3 course meal AND drinks came to £30.  


(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD11_zpsef04a299.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD11_zpsef04a299.jpg.html)

Meanwhile, whilst we were all getting a headache from constant "oi oi's" from Table Shallow-Camel, they were dining & drinking a tad better.

Even worse, they got a bloody discount.

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD12_zps61ecdead.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD12_zps61ecdead.jpg.html)

(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD13_zpsa03d78fe.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD13_zpsa03d78fe.jpg.html)

Shallow even tipped our waitress a whole bottle of bubbly. Incredibly, she is on work experience & she is 80 years old.


(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD9_zps2b3d43e5.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/NEW%20ALBUM/FDD9_zps2b3d43e5.jpg.html)

Was a bit weird when the girl from the Tote started shoving tenners up people's noses,

Shame you didn't get a picture of Martha (the waitress) giving Dubai a kiss and a cuddle.

I was too busy sulking, we were backing 4/6 losers (Ed has "connections") & you lot were backing 12/1 winners.

I'll never forgive any of you. Or Ed.

Value pie courtesy of Bernie (tipped at 6s, went off 7/2), but, as we know, value pie isn't the most fulfilling dinner. I realised on the journey home I went through the card without a single winner, pretttty strong!!

I wouldn't forgive me either to be fair, though more for the dull colour the troos I sported than my errant tipping!

Think I backed one winner (4/5) from 4 bets.

Meanwhile - no names, because what happens in Las Wimbledon has to stay in Las Wimbledon, but rumour has it, one of our lot made more in 1 x 42 second dog race than Fred has made in 18 months.

Pleasure to meet u all, a disappointing lack of weirdos, everyone was very normal and good fun. Well up for a second installment, please don't make it dogs again, they're so boring! Let's go horse racing, the double whammy of more fun and it's during the day so plenty of time for a few sherbets afterwards, or a game of poker. There is an NBA game in January but I don't think enough Freddies like their hoopies?

At the moment it looks about 75% chance I will be in UK for first couple of months of next year so I would be up for the NBA game even if it wasn't a Fred thing.

It was great to meet up with a lot of the names on here, sorry to have missed the dogs as it sounded like it was a cracker. Looking forward to the next one!

Last couple of years I've organised a group outing for the lads in our fantasy basketball comp plus some stragglers who like NBA, more the merrier, like DM u before I order tix this time. It's Brooklyn this year and Fred has a bet on them and everything!

Who is next to ant? And who is next to Dubai?

I'm sure I recognise the guy next to ant.

Keith ;)

:)

That's Adz.

Other side?   Brad Pitt?

Ha, have we met? You look familiar.

Goonies obv

Not sure Celtic. If you look like your avatar, then probably not!

Used to play a fair bit back in the day, normally find me in the company of a younger Mr T Blake.

On form tonight.. Check your fb messages.

Hmmm, might have been a few years ago. Well, 4 or 5. Maybe you remind me of someone. Never mind :)

I will take the role of Chunk, as you bagsyed Sloth

Ha, thought you had given up drinking?

;)

Looks like a great day!

Forgot to ask, what did you guys think of Quilon?

Quilon was top notch, lovely food and great service. A great choice.
Mr Channing was undoubtedly table captain, I brought a friend of mine and she thought he was absolutely hilarious.

Eat yer hearts out young degens.

Mr Hawkins and I still haven't got home 2 days later and I fell asleep standing up in the VIP area in one establishment after being awake for 27 hours ( ok, it was only the first class lounge at Kings x) luckily I half landed on a poor old women so no real damage was done other than a bumped arm and a bit of coffee down the poor lady.Flicked it in for another hotel  room on the spot. ;o)

Was great to meet up again with some old friends and lovely to meet Tal ,Adz and Jamier and Ed  for the first time, tho sad to report Tal is a Nando's man.

Looking forward to the next get together  guys tho perhaps oop north where we get wind and rain all the time and still manage to get around.

cheers

What?

I thought he was posh, a man of refined tastes & palate?

That's good, I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be to everyone's tastes, and I've no doubt that he was :D

Good effort lads!

A plain nando's chicken burger is the spiciest thing I can eat. It was also about 30 yards from my hotel, opposite a Starbucks.

I think I've disappointed a few by being - and I quote - normal. Says more about their ideal of normal than it does about me, frankly. These are people that play spoof to decide who pays for a taxi.

Just got home an hour or so ago after being forced to stay an extra night.

Excellent few days and the delay meant that I had a good chance to spend yesterday at The Vic and catch up with loads of old friends and the odd old foe.

Jakally was a superb partner in crime and tremendous company for the entire trip despite his penchant for occasionally sounding like a cross between a leaf-blower and a chain-saw at strange hours of the night.

Always nice to hook up with old friends and it was great to actually meet Tom(The Dazzler), Bid Adz, Ed Gascoigne and Simon(Tal) in the flesh as well as Ant who finally twigged after seven races which dogs wore which colour jacket.

An evening at the dogs with Dubai was a truly unforgettable experience and I don't say that lightly. The Camel's "Oi-Oi"s are not that far behind especially when he is sitting next to you.

Quilon was another fantastic evening on Friday to set the ball rolling, both the food and the craic were first-class. Mr Channing was on top form and I'm sure that our waiter will not forget us in a hurry.

All in all a great few days and I'm pleasantly knackered.  

 Quilon was really nice - it's been there 15 years so I can't believe I'd never been there before.

 For those that liked it I have remembered the name of the really good Indian place in Belgravia I struggled to think of...

 http://www.amaya.biz/

 Nice to meet everyone there.

 Thanks for organising stuff Keith and sorry I missed some people by being a bit of a lightweight on the drinking. Dogs was fun but being split into three tables meant it was hard to really catch-up with everyone.

 I'd be up for doing it again and NBA sounds good to me.

<3 spoof

Belatedly......


Big thanks to Keith for organising this, & I'm sorry I could not do the whole weekend, that was a cruel Diary clash.

Anyway, Saturday at the Dogs was memorable in so many ways, & it was grand to see the lads there, especially those I had not previously met, Adzy & Ant. Both are relatively normal in real life, pleasant even. Ant never mentioned Palace once, & Adzy came in handy for telling us the winners, though only after the races had run.

Delighted that various Elders turned up, including Lord Grumpy, Dubai, Bobby &, of course, the man who started it all, Camel. Plenty of us disciples helped make it a great mix.    

Was a shame that the likes of redarmi, horsey, hector, Marky, Tighty, Mere & many others too numerous to name could not be there, that would have been quite something, as they've done so much for Fred.

What a thing Fred has turned out to be, mainly down to the Elders, but also to everone who supplies the Recommends.

18 months on, & we've turned a decent profit. Who'd have thunk, how do these things happen?