COLIN XI- Countdown in Lincoln, 24-25 January 2015

[Ben Wilson]

Good evening c4cers

Following on from the success of the last decade of Countdowning in Lincoln it is with a good heaping chunk of delight that I announce the launch of the eleventh Countdown in Lincoln (COLIN) tournament, to be held over the weekend of the 24th and 25th of January 2015.

If you've never attended COLIN- or any other co-event- before, the format is quite simple. All the players are divided into groups of 3 where one player acts as 'host' whilst the other two play an old-fashioned 9 round game of Countdown. Everyone has a turn hosting (enabling everyone on the table to play the other two players once each), and after 3 of these rounds, when everyone has played 6 games and hosted 3, the top two players (sorted by number of wins, then by number of points scored) play in the grand final to determine the overall winner, and who gets to take home the COLIN perpetual trophy for the next year. There will also be plenty of additional spot prizes available on the day, details of which I'll reveal over the coming few weeks.

…And that's just the Saturday. Following the success of last year's hangover event (seriously- more people played in that than most early COLINs) there will be another Sunday event for those who see 6 (potentially 7) games as just not enough. As with last year it'll be a shorter event- just 2 rounds, followed by a final for those who are staying over on the Saturday night/are unable to attend the Saturday event but still want to join in with the COLIN fun.

This year, though, the hangover will be more than just 'a bit more countdown'. Prior to the event all players will be divided into one of two teams. Each time someone from one team plays someone on the opposing team, that score will also be counted on a separate 'team vs team' leaderboard, and at the end of the day, everyone on the winning team will each win a small, separate prize! I haven't figured out yet exactly what this prize is, but rest assured, it'll be cheap.

Entry fee and location is unchanged from last year- for the fifth year running, we're at the Memorial Hall on Newark Road in North Hykeham for the Saturday event, and at the Village Hall on Boundary Road in South Hykeham for the Sunday. Entry to COLIN is a mere £10 whilst the hangover is just £7, or you can enter both for just £15! I accept payment by paypal to hulla.mahulla@btopenworld.com................................ or by cheque to my home address (available upon request).

For that bargain price, in addition to entry to the tournament, you will get the annual COLIN goodie bag, which this year will include pens, notepads and, of course, the latest edition of the puzzle mag, which for 2015 is going to include more than just puzzles- the rumours (if there were any) are true- for the 'special gift' this year I have produced a COLIN-themed sticker album for all attendees! Throughout the day all players will be distributed stickers to stick into the album or swap to complete their collection. There'll be 29 stickers in total featuring famous faces from COLIN past and present.

Of course, what everyone comes for is the atmosphere and the chance to meet all the names and faces you've seen on the show or on apterous. Last year, 49 people attended COLIN and/or the hangover- with your help, this year we might just top the half-century mark!

In case of tl;dr- COLIN XI, 24/1/15, £10, The Hangover, 25/1/15, £7, or £15 for both. Be there.

Entry lists-

COLIN XI (47)-

Zarte Siempre
Callum Todd
Gevin Chapwell
Graeme Cole
Jen Steadman
Jim Bentley
Mark Deeks
Jon Corby
Alan Young
Jon O'Neill
Heather Styles
Adam Dexter
Lucy Westwood
Jeff Clayton
Andy McGurn
Kirk Bevins
Ryan Taylor
Michelle Nevitt
James Laverty
Lee Fisher
Giles Hutchings
Innis Carson
Paul Worsley
Jack Worsley
Mark Davies
May Battlefield
Laura Heyman
Matt Morrison
Tom Rowell
Thomas Carey
James Robinson
Tracey Mills
Conor Travers
Rob Foster
Dylan Taylor
Mike Brown
Philip Jarvis
Stewart Gordon
Jamie McNeill
Dinos Sfyris
Jonathan Rawlinson
Jonathan Wynn
Rhys Benjamin
John Vivian
Chris Marshall
Andy Platt
George Ford

COLIN XI: The Hangover (31)-

Zeke Siempre
Callum Bundy
Vote Chapwell
Dirty Graeme Cole
Chardonnay Steadman
Jim Bentley
Adam Gillard
Mark Deeks
Jon Corby's grin
Alan Young
HobO'Neill
Heather's Tiles
Adam Dexter
Lucy Westwood
Kork Bevan
Ryan Taylor
Michelle Nevitt
James Laverty
Lee Fisher
Innis Carson
Paul Worsley
Jack Worsley
Mark Davies
Matt Baywatch
Lauren Baywatch
Tom Rowell
Thomas Carey
James Robinson
Conor Travers
Stewart Gordon
Jamie McNeill

[Zarte Siempre]

INNNNNNNNNNNN

[Callum Todd]

In

[James S Roper]

Count me in

[Gavin Chipper]

For that bargain price, in addition to entry to the tournament, you will get the annual COLIN goodie bag, which this year will include pens, notepads and, of course, the latest edition of the puzzle mag, which for 2015 is going to include more than just puzzles- the rumours (if there were any) are true- for the 'special gift' this year I have produced a COLIN-themed sticker album for all attendees!

Get Elfeshire on the case!

(Also, in.)

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total. What did you get, Corby?

[Zarte Siempre]

For that bargain price, in addition to entry to the tournament, you will get the annual COLIN goodie bag, which this year will include pens, notepads and, of course, the latest edition of the puzzle mag, which for 2015 is going to include more than just puzzles- the rumours (if there were any) are true- for the 'special gift' this year I have produced a COLIN-themed sticker album for all attendees!

Get Elfeshire on the case!

(Also, in.)

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total. What did you get, Corby?

You paid THAT much. You should've got in earlier.

[Gavin Chipper]

For that bargain price, in addition to entry to the tournament, you will get the annual COLIN goodie bag, which this year will include pens, notepads and, of course, the latest edition of the puzzle mag, which for 2015 is going to include more than just puzzles- the rumours (if there were any) are true- for the 'special gift' this year I have produced a COLIN-themed sticker album for all attendees!

Get Elfeshire on the case!

(Also, in.)

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total. What did you get, Corby?

You paid THAT much. You should've got in earlier.

Shut up you.

[Jennifer Steadman]

PS. Ben has promised me a free lapdance from Jono if I am one of the first 11 people to pay up. Even more up for this now.

[James Robinson]

Barring an FA Cup 4th round appearance by Huddersfield Town against a super good club, count me in

[JimBentley]

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total.

Interesting strategy. My record is £12/£12 in 2012 (I think a few of us got that) but I don't think they offer those sorts of prices any more. £28/£34 actually doesn't look too bad but I'm definitely holding out until at least the next random sale thing they do.

Oh in please Ben by the way, for both. Money on way.

[Adam Gillard]

Never really paid attention to the COLIN prices before - big credit to Ben for keeping entrance fees so cheap.

[Phil Collinge]

I'd say we're about 75% certain to be there - decision nearer the time.

[Mark Deeks]

[Jack Worsley]

I should be there again!

[James Laverty]

Hopefully will be around, will confirm nearer the time

[Gavin Chipper]

Wow, how much did it cost to stay there?

[Jon Corby]

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total. What did you get, Corby?

FFS, mine were £31 & £35. I knew I should have waited. Oh well, I'll just overcharge you for the train, you prick.

[Ben Wilson]

Morning peeps

The initial response to COLIN has been promising, with ten people already paid up (assuming you include ‘redeeming free entry’ in the same category as ‘paid’) and several more announcing their intention to attend on facebook and apterous, so I figure now is as good a time as any to go into detail about some of the goodies and extra features of the weekend, starting with the mighty hype that surrounds the sticker album. J

First off, please don’t ask if you can have your face on a sticker. You can’t. The sticker content has already been decided, and will consist of everyone who’s ever won or finished second at a COLIN, countdowning couples, countdowning bromances, and those who have made a significant contribution to COLIN in the past. Adding in the logo and the trophy, that’s 29 stickers in total that’ll be handed out to people throughout the day. Here’s the preview pic I put on facebook for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet-



There won't be a prize for finishing the sticker album first, unless you consider a completed sticker album to be a prize. Some stickers will be rarer than others, as people will inevitably hoard their own stickers/Mark will inevitably hoard the Deeks/Cole bromance sticker.

[Matt Morrison]

Morning peeps

The initial response to COLIN has been promising, with ten people already paid up (assuming you include ‘redeeming free entry’ in the same category as ‘paid’) and several more announcing their intention to attend on facebook and apterous, so I figure now is as good a time as any to go into detail about some of the goodies and extra features of the weekend, starting with the mighty hype that surrounds the sticker album. J

First off, please don’t ask if you can have your face on a sticker. You can’t. The sticker content has already been decided, and will consist of everyone who’s ever won or finished second at a COLIN, countdowning couples, countdowning bromances, and those who have made a significant contribution to COLIN in the past. Adding in the logo and the trophy, that’s 29 stickers in total that’ll be handed out to people throughout the day. Here’s the preview pic I put on facebook for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet-



There won't be a prize for finishing the sticker album first, unless you consider a completed sticker album to be a prize. Some stickers will be rarer than others, as people will inevitably hoard their own stickers/Mark will inevitably hoard the Deeks/Cole bromance sticker.

Pop quiz: how do we know that Ben composed this message in a Microsoft Office product? (hope I'm right or I'll look silly...)

[Graeme Cole]

Pop quiz: how do we know that Ben composed this message in a Microsoft Office product? (hope I'm right or I'll look silly...)

‘Fancy quotes’?

[Matt Morrison]

Pop quiz: how do we know that Ben composed this message in a Microsoft Office product? (hope I'm right or I'll look silly...)

‘Fancy quotes’?

Nope. Well, that is a sign of sorts but I don't think that's exclusive to Office.

I was thinking of this:

...now is as good a time as any to go into detail about some of the goodies and extra features of the weekend, starting with the mighty hype that surrounds the sticker album. J

Office products (almost definitely Word or Outlook) automatically switch ":-)" or ":)" into a smiley face, but they use a non-standards-compliant way of doing it, I think using the Wingdings font, which means that the smiley face renders as a "J" in pretty much all non-Microsoft products. A sad face comes out as an "L".



It's pretty annoying as I like the smileys. They look nice, but unless you know for sure someone else is reading your email in Outlook you have to kill them all. I should probably turn off the auto-change feature. That or stop sending smileys in work emails.

Now just need Ben to adjudicate.

[Ben Wilson]

We had new computers at work last week that are finding a million different ways of being faulty. Rest assured that with the exception of the odd promotional post like the one above, all actual work for COLIN XI will be done on my home computer where I can be sure that everything actually works the way it's meant to (or at the very least, I know how to bodge it when it doesn't).

And I wondered where that J had come from, I assumed it was just my crappy tpying.

[Jon Corby]

Thanks for clearing that up Ben.

[Ben Wilson]

A little bit on this year's hangover:

Popular opinion stated that the hangover was a good thing. My target for entries for last year's hangover was 18- I got 30 (or 27, or 28.5 depending on how you look at it) and 19 people voted for an annual event, so annual event it is.

However, many people- all of whom actually attended the hangover- said that it needed something different, rather than just being 'more Countdown'. There were multiple ways I thought about doing this- the 'numbers/conundrum knockout' was an idea but ultimately I'd prefer to do something where everybody will be able to participate for the whole day (final excepted, of course). Someone (Graeme, I think) mentioned the idea of a variants tournament, but the trick is finding variants that don't create weird handicaps (factoring in unlimited specialists, for example). Pretty much everyone loves Goatdown, so that's an option, but even there it raises the question of where I'd get the extra equipment necessary to play it, and even then there are specialists (though in fairness, Rob Foster hasn't actually entered yet).

And then the idea of the team tournament hit me. Jack's team event last year was a very fun addition to COLIN, and (slight time issues aside) is something the likes of which I'd love to see more of at COLIN. With time constraints being tighter than ever this year at the main event (due to a bit of a balls-up with the booking) the hangover is the perfect place for this sort of thing.

Entry in the team tourney will be mandatory, but won't interfere with the main individual tournament. Only games between people on opposing teams will count, so a table could feasibly have three players from the same team on it, but hopefully there'll be enough games to make it competitive enough. And to reiterate, EVERY member of the winning team will get a prize of some description.

[Jon Corby]

For those travelling up from faaackin' Laaahndaaahn, I just decided to have a look at the East Coast website to see if they still did sexy group discounts for us.

It looks as if the discounted train fares will be available in about three or four weeks. The 15:08 is no longer the cheapest train, but that's at 08:30 though so I guess we won't be going for that. The 15:08 from King's Cross on the Friday looks like it's going to be £20pp, and the return journey on the Sunday £11.85pp. We have a choice of 15:08 or 18:13 on the way home, I think we went for the later one last time because we weren't sure when the hangover would finish, and as it turned out we probably could have easily caught the 15:08 back, I have no real preference either way.

Let me know in here or by PM if you want to be included in the group (discount is about 25%).

[Ben Wilson]

Evening alls

Realised I haven’t posted it yet so here are the official itineraries for COLIN & the hangover (if that isn’t a band and/or movie name, it should be) if you need it to plan travel arrangements. Note the slightly earlier ending time on Saturday- this is due to a weird double-booking that I was only made aware of a short while ago. Also, by popular demand, the hangover starts slightly later on Sunday with a shorter meal break.

Also just fyi, this is likely to be the last year COLIN will be at the Memorial Hall. I have a probable replacement venue lined up for 2016, but it’s not as close to Hykeham Station/Thorpe Travelodge as the current one. I’m mentioning this here as I know some people book their hotels & train tickets well in advance. Sometimes as soon after the previous COLIN as possible (not naming any names here). j

10:00 doors open
11:30 draw for round 1
11:50 round 1
13:10 lunch
14:00 round 2
15:20 break
15:35 round 3
16:50 break
17:05 grand final
17:30 prizegiving

And for the hangover-

11:00 Round 1
12:10 Break
12:40 Round 2
14:00 Final
14:15 Prizegiving

[Gavin Chipper]

j

You've done it again.

[Matt Morrison]

j

You've done it again.

It's lower case. Normal smiley comes out as capital J. This is an excellent joke from Ben that you fell for OR another MS smiley I'm not aware of.

[Ben Wilson]

excellent

J!

[Matt Morrison]

excellent

J!

[Ciaran McCarthy]

In please

[Adam Dexter]

Also, I've just booked the Travelodge. I'm not fucking about this year, waiting for the prices to possibly go down. They're not too bad right now. I paid £28 for the Friday and £34 for the Saturday, making £62 in total. What did you get, Corby?

FFS, mine were £31 & £35. I knew I should have waited. Oh well, I'll just overcharge you for the train, you prick.

I managed £35 for the Saturday night. About £25 cheaper than I have before. If Lucy (the Mrs) doesn't come with me, I'll have the single pullout style bed available for a tenner if anyone wants it. Also, if anyone wants taking from Brum area, I'm quite happy to pick up to save on fuel

EDIT: Lucy is coming with, so the offer of the spare bed is off (unless you play your cards right ). Also, may not be able to do a lift as the car usually only has 2 seats as the back is a tip.

[Ben Wilson]

As we pass the 'three months to go' mark entries (paid entries at any rate) seem to have slowed a bit. Maybe everyone's waiting to see if they win the apterous tourney that will confer onto the winner free entry into both COLIN XI and the winner?

Entry into the apterous tourney closes at 7pm, with the round 1 draw following immediately afterwards. Entry into COLIN, of course, doesn't close until about 5 minutes before it starts.

[Jon Corby]

Maybe everyone's waiting to see if they win the apterous tourney that will confer onto the winner free entry into both COLIN XI and the winner?

wat

[Ben Wilson]

Maybe everyone's waiting to see if they win the apterous tourney that will confer onto the winner free entry into both COLIN XI and the winner?

wat

That should read COLIN XI and the hangover. Look at the time the message was written- surely you can't possibly expect me to be capable to coherent thought before 9am?

[Jon Corby]

surely you can't possibly expect me to be capable to coherent thought before 9am?

wat

[Ben Wilson]

surely you can't possibly expect me to be capable to coherent thought before 9am?

wat

Or after 9am.

[Adam Dexter]

As we pass the 'three months to go' mark entries (paid entries at any rate) seem to have slowed a bit. Maybe everyone's waiting to see if they win the apterous tourney that will confer onto the winner free entry into both COLIN XI and the winner?

Entry into the apterous tourney closes at 7pm, with the round 1 draw following immediately afterwards. Entry into COLIN, of course, doesn't close until about 5 minutes before it starts.

I'll put my £15 in on Friday (payday). Unsure at present whether Lucy'll come (I think Co:Edi might be the deciding factor).

[Zarte Siempre]

I had a bizarre dream (well quite a few tbh) last night which included Co:Lin getting cancelled. Despite it being full of other hideous things, this seemed to be the one that upset me the most...

Then again, it might be for real unless more people sign-up soon... would you like me to prod everyone with a stick, Ben?

[Matt Morrison]

Colin will never get cancelled ever.

[Zarte Siempre]

Shhhhh, I'm trying to make everyone sign up

[Matt Morrison]

You made me realise apparently I haven't paid! So it worked

[Zarte Siempre]

\o/

[Ben Wilson]

Colin will never get cancelled ever.

After I'm gone this will require a format change to make it a hybrid of Countdown and Ouija, but I'm sure I can find a way to make it work.

[James Laverty]

Looking likely I'll be coming now , just need my bank to clear up a mistake on my account before I can pay though

[Kirk Bevins]

I'll be coming to both events so stick me down please. I'm assuming several of you will be down on the Friday night too? I can't decide whether to drive down Friday afternoon or Saturday morning

[Gavin Chipper]

I'll be coming to both events so stick me down please. I'm assuming several of you will be down on the Friday night too? I can't decide whether to drive down Friday afternoon or Saturday morning

Obviously get there on Friday.

[Jennifer Steadman]

I'll be coming to both events so stick me down please. I'm assuming several of you will be down on the Friday night too? I can't decide whether to drive down Friday afternoon or Saturday morning

Obviously get there on Friday.

+1. The Friday evening's the best bit.

[Ryan Taylor]

I believe that Me, Michelle, Alan, Innis and Dan are heading down from Scotland on the Friday. I also think me and Michelle haven't paid for this yet!

[Ben Wilson]

I believe that Me, Michelle, Alan, Innis and Dan are heading down from Scotland on the Friday. I also think me and Michelle haven't paid for this yet!

Good, and correct.

[Ryan Taylor]

I believe that Me, Michelle, Alan, Innis and Dan are heading down from Scotland on the Friday. I also think me and Michelle haven't paid for this yet!

Good, and correct.

You sent £30.00 GBP to hulla.mahulla@btopenworld.com

[Ben Wilson]

I believe that Me, Michelle, Alan, Innis and Dan are heading down from Scotland on the Friday. I also think me and Michelle haven't paid for this yet!

Good, and correct.

You sent £30.00 GBP to hulla.mahulla@btopenworld.com

[Ben Wilson]

It occurred to me last night that places for the hangover are filling up faster than I anticipated- to the extent that it's already half-full. As anyone who went to the hangover last year will confirm, the venue really can't accommodate any more than 36 people, so if you're planning on making it a double-header you'll need to get payment to me asap to avoid disappointment. Also, I'm probably not going to run to a 'show up anyway if you feel like it and I'll add you to the list' rule like I did last year.

The main event has a theoretical maximum capacity of 60 so it isn't likely to fill, but attendance numbers have steadily risen year on year...

[Zarte Siempre]

4 weeks to go, aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

[Ben Wilson]

4 weeks to go, aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Also, it's the traditional time of year to ask if anyone is able to bring along copies of the board game, please let me know now so I won't be flapping around like a loony right up to the start of the event itself.

Normally I'd ask for dictionaries as well, but I'm hoping to do something a bit different this year that'll allow me to use the apterous wordlist as a final adjudicator for any disagreements. However, if you're willing to cart an ODE3 along to COLIN, then by all means!

[mark b davies]

Hi Ben
I've sent my entry fee to your paypal for both. Thanks.

[Gavin Chipper]

I won a book as one of the prizes last time, but I doubt I'll ever read it, so can I donate it back into the prize pot? Also, do you accept donations of stuff generally as prizes?

[Ben Wilson]

I won a book as one of the prizes last time, but I doubt I'll ever read it, so can I donate it back into the prize pot? Also, do you accept donations of stuff generally as prizes?

Normally yes, however I've already got a massive pile of crap to dish out this year and will probably take a good chunk of it home anyway so it's up to you really.

[Gavin Chipper]

I won a book as one of the prizes last time, but I doubt I'll ever read it, so can I donate it back into the prize pot? Also, do you accept donations of stuff generally as prizes?

Normally yes, however I've already got a massive pile of crap to dish out this year and will probably take a good chunk of it home anyway so it's up to you really.

Maybe everyone can be a winner this year.

[Jon Corby]

You're thinking of donating the book you wrote, aren't you Gev?