Castle Combe, May 2023

[Saltire]

Hi Dave

Very happy with the arrangements ~ I'll arrive Friday around lunch time

Not sure what we'll do without the Smoking Dog ~ there's a "rustic" pub with "rustic" locals one end of the village and the other pub at the far end is graced with a grumpy landlord

Not sure which pub is which from your descriptions!!!! I have used the Rose & Crown as a stop-off on the way to or from the curry house, but (apart from the nice dog) it didn't do a lot for me.... I'm sure that there are more than just the 2 - but the trick is finding one worthy of the custom. Lets be honest, the Dog was only worthwhile because of the music/beer/cider/BBQ event - surely there must be a 'proper' place in the town where we can grab a bite to eat and a drink?

I’m making some enquiries from friends who live in the town (I’m four miles out, so don’t use any of the town pubs)

UPDATE: Intel from my reporter on the spot: “there’s the Kings Arms, but I think they are more tapas. The Whole Hog does nice basic food. The only others are the Italian restaurant (La Campagna) or The Birdcage for pizzas.

There are several other decent pubs, but sadly none within walking distance.

[dapinky]

I did look at both the Birdcage and La Campagna online earlier, and although they look nice enough, I wasn't blown away with what I saw.....

.... if it is a nice evening I am happy with a bite to eat and a few drinks at the campsite (I'll have the gazebo in case it is a tad drizzly) - either a take-away or a BBQ - but I am also happy to go out to eat and will go with the flow.

I'm not sure if the posh people (Alan & Trevor) who are staying under a solid roof have any plans - a drive out isn't the end of the world!

[alan e]

I'm not sure if the posh people (Alan & Trevor) who are staying under a solid roof have any plans - a drive out isn't the end of the world!

One of the posh people here i will only eat posh food so is there a McDonald's anywhere nearby. But the pub with the grumpy landlord could be fun.

[Saltire]

Nearest McDonalds is in Cirencester, 8 miles. KFC same (Mind you, the nearest Uber is an hour away - we’re in the country here!)

If we’re talking about a reasonable number of people (8-10??), you’d be very welcome to BBQ chez moi in Crudwell. I have a decent-sized gas BBQ. We’d probably find a taxi prepared to collect and deliver if you don’t want to drink drive and risk the wrath of the local magistrate

Anybody want to start a list?

[nicowalker1]

1. Mark (Rambo)
2. Jim (Muley)
3. TrevorB
4. Pinky
5. Howard (Rusty Wishbond) e)
6. Tuga2112
7. Mike (MPx) - Saturday only
8. Spud (Spud) - Mmm, watching Spuds in Leeds on the Sunday afternoon.....
9. Tony (Blaster)
10. Chris.t
11. RonR
12. Texas - will try to make it - combine a trip to see the kids and grandson
13. Simon_P
14. Hector 2021 - Too new to have even met anyone yet, but sounds like an event not to miss.
15. Alan e But i don't know what i will turn up in.
16. Kathryn
17. John (Fredjohn) with Grace

Have a good one guys, sorry we can’t make it this year. List amended.

[TrevorB]

One of the posh people here i will only eat posh food so is there a McDonald's anywhere nearby. But the pub with the grumpy landlord could be fun.

The other posh person 'ere, sorry here. I'm not fussed but do need feeding at some stage. I'm sure I can squeeze in the Evora, Alan, and we can find a
suitable eating establishment. Depending on what the campers are doing we should be able to join up with them at some stage even if it's at the camp
site?



Trevor

[Fredjohn]

Have just spoken to Karen and we are booked into ''our Lotus'' back field for Saturday night.
Grace and I are in the motorhome so when you are all pitching your tents on Friday/Saturday we would be extremely grateful if you could leave enough space to get our 6.5m (21ft) motorhome in. Preferably along the hedge where the power points are.
Many thanks. See you all at CC. Grace arriving c4-4.30pm.

[Rambo]

Fellow LEC'rs. Something has cropped up at this end out of the blue and I now find I have to look after my dog Sid for the w/e. I will therefore be unable to make CC for the Sat. meet unfortunately.

I have amended the list accordingly. Have a good w/e

1.
2. Jim (Muley)
3. TrevorB
4. Pinky
5. Howard (Rusty Wishbond) e)
6. Tuga2112
7. Mike (MPx) - Saturday only
8. Spud (Spud) - Mmm, watching Spuds in Leeds on the Sunday afternoon.....
9. Tony (Blaster)
10. Chris.t
11. RonR
12. Texas - will try to make it - combine a trip to see the kids and grandson
13. Simon_P
14. Hector 2021 - Too new to have even met anyone yet, but sounds like an event not to miss.
15. Alan e But i don't know what i will turn up in.
16. Kathryn
17. John (Fredjohn) with Grace

[Saltire]

The Smoking Dog has reopened with a new team, and is serving food

I have not visited . . . Yet!

[dapinky]

Ooh well, that seems like something that should be visited.....

[epipete]

Ooh well, that seems like something that should be visited.....

Is that an invite?

Are we drinking somewhere on Friday night?

[dapinky]

Ooh well, that seems like something that should be visited.....

Is that an invite?

Are we drinking somewhere on Friday night?

In the absence of anyone else actually coming up with a plan, I am now going to stick my neck out and call this a plan!

I (along with any other intrepid campers/B&Bers/locals who wish to come and play) shall be attending the newly re-opened Smoking Dog PH on Friday night.

(Jonathan, any idea if we would/will need to book a table, or if walk-ins are okay.... accepting that we may need to break into smaller groups)

Failing that, a few beers and a chippy tea afterwards will do.

[TrevorB]

In the absence of anyone else actually coming up with a plan, I am now going to stick my neck out and call this a plan!

I (along with any other intrepid campers/B&Bers/locals who wish to come and play) shall be attending the newly re-opened Smoking Dog PH on Friday night.

(Jonathan, any idea if we would/will need to book a table, or if walk-ins are okay.... accepting that we may need to break into smaller groups)

Failing that, a few beers and a chippy tea afterwards will do.

I'm up for that also, especially if we can get some food.



Trevor

[Saltire]

(Jonathan, any idea if we would/will need to book a table, or if walk-ins are okay.... accepting that we may need to break into smaller groups)

I will enquire tomorrow

[epipete]

Yeah, I love a plan.

[Saltire]

(Jonathan, any idea if we would/will need to book a table, or if walk-ins are okay.... accepting that we may need to break into smaller groups)

I will enquire tomorrow

I’ve spoken to the DogFather. There will be food on Friday week evening. Booking advisable, but I haven’t done so yet as I didn’t know how many would be going.

List? LIST?. Did somebody say . . . oh, all right:

1.
2.
3.
4.

[dapinky]

Does this mean that you have elected yourself the organiser for Friday evening as well as Saturday evening? I can see a change in your forum title coming on to reflect your social gathering expertise!

I love a list, but don't want to be the only one on it, still, we have to start somewhere..... I'm quite happy to fit in with whatever time they can accommodate us.

1) Pinky
2)
3)
4)

[alan e]

Does this mean that you have elected yourself the organiser for Friday evening as well as Saturday evening? I can see a change in your forum title coming on to reflect your social gathering expertise!

I love a list, but don't want to be the only one on it, still, we have to start somewhere..... I'm quite happy to fit in with whatever time they can accommodate us.

1) Pinky
2Alan E but only if its posh.
3)
4)

[Saltire]

Does this mean that you have elected yourself the organiser for Friday evening as well as Saturday evening? I can see a change in your forum title coming on to reflect your social gathering expertise!

Just trying to be helpful It’s not often you find the words “Jonathan” and “organiser” in the same sentence. Actually, I’m not even sure I’ll be there on Friday evening - I believe the Steering Committee has other plans . . .

2Alan E but only if its posh

Well, you’ll be expected to dress for dinner, if that’s what you mean. John Deere overalls, Mole Valley farmers welly boots, and a belt made of baler twine should do it

[alan e]

Does this mean that you have elected yourself the organiser for Friday evening as well as Saturday evening? I can see a change in your forum title coming on to reflect your social gathering expertise!

Just trying to be helpful It’s not often you find the words “Jonathan” and “organiser” in the same sentence. Actually, I’m not even sure I’ll be there on Friday evening - I believe the Steering Committee has other plans . . .

2Alan E but only if its posh

Well, you’ll be expected to dress for dinner, if that’s what you mean. John Deere overalls, Mole Valley farmers welly boots, and a belt made of baler twine should do it

For me that will be over dressed.