Manchester - the fallout (Photos, no spoilers)

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 12:35 am

A small band of hardened pleasure seekers will be in Manchester on Tues 17th November for post and pre-finals filming revelry. Unable to afford the inflated price of the Jury Inn (or the 'Contestants' Hotel Proper' as defined by Dinos O'Neill of Essex),those of us funding our own stay have plumped for the Youth Hostel some 500 yards down the road at an agreeable £25 a night (cheaper if you're a member). Monies saved can be either converted into lager and curry, or simply flushed down the toilet to cut out the middle man.

If it's an idea that appeals to YOU....organise yourself to be there.

Photos on http://www.picasaweb.com/soozalbums Manchester trip.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:25 pm

Myself and Rich Priest have opted for this Martin Lewis-approved cheapo option as well.

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:18 am

HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I'm coming.

And I'm very excited about it.

I realise I don't have tickets to come in, but I'm at least going to come for a celebratory beverage and whatever the meal of choice (please let it be curry...) is!

Marvellous

(PS Please let me know whether people are going out on the 17th or 18th as 2 nights may be pushing it somewhat. But lordy I'll do my best!)

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:40 am

Lesley Hines wrote:HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I'm coming.

And I'm very excited about it.

I realise I don't have tickets to come in, but I'm at least going to come for a celebratory beverage and whatever the meal of choice (please let it be curry...) is!

Marvellous

(PS Please let me know whether people are going out on the 17th or 18th as 2 nights may be pushing it somewhat. But lordy I'll do my best!)

That's brilliant, Lesley! Sue will be very happy too. As much as she likes hanging with the boys, it's also nice to have another female to chat to, and you seem to have a bit in common.

Apparently some people are going out for curries on the Tuesday 17th.

Can't see any harm in you turning up at the studios just in case either, because they sometimes have last minute cancellations, or people who just simply don't turn up.

Enjoy!

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:55 am

Hurrah!

The inaugral meeting of TBNT club!

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:59 am

Lesley Hines wrote:HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I'm coming.

So that's what it sounds like...

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:20 am

Yo! So Lesley, have you been onto Saralee? She managed to fit me and my mam onto Wednesday morning's list just last week when i enquired as to availability, while confirming we're coming for the afternoon recordings.

We're arriving Wednesday morning early so if anyone is up for a breakfast gathering let me know. Definitely staying Wednesday night (although still haven't booked a place to stay yet), which is also the night of France V Ireland second leg. After yesterdays one nil defeat at home i'm not really as excited as i was about it but nonetheless i'll still want to be near a telly with it on so if anyone else would be interested in watching it let me know or maybe someone can tip me off on a good local footy watching spot/irish pub.

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:00 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:So that's what it sounds like...

Fair play. I wouldn't have admitted not knowing that.

Other arrangements gently under way!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:24 pm

I wish I was there, Sue.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:29 pm

My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:44 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.

What's wrong with the train (apart from cost)?

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:54 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Junaid Mubeen wrote:My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.
What's wrong with the train (apart from cost)?

Cost. Less sleep. Unreliable. Fear of trains.

(I made the last one up)

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:55 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.

That's close. I'm picking Derek up on Tuesday morning from Coventry train station. Coming back Wed evening, leaving Manchester about 9pm. So if it's worth you getting a night's accom....we're in the Youth Hostel - it's around £20 in a dorm.

Need to know by about 6pm tomorrow (Mon)

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:34 am

Sue Sanders wrote:
Junaid Mubeen wrote:My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.
That's close. I'm picking Derek up on Tuesday morning from Coventry train station. Coming back Wed evening, leaving Manchester about 9pm. So if it's worth you getting a night's accom....we're in the Youth Hostel - it's around £20 in a dorm.

Need to know by about 6pm tomorrow (Mon)

Sue, thanks so much, this is very kind of you. Unfortunately I can't make the Tuesday, but if the offer is still there I may well take you up on the return journey on Wednesday evening (assuming you are going through Coventry). In any case, we can discuss this on Wednesday.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:04 am

Junaid Mubeen wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:
Junaid Mubeen wrote:My lift has bailed but I remain undeterred. Is anyone driving past Oxford or Coventry on the Wednesday with 2 spaces in the car? If so, I can offer transport costs and much anagrammy love.
That's close. I'm picking Derek up on Tuesday morning from Coventry train station. Coming back Wed evening, leaving Manchester about 9pm. So if it's worth you getting a night's accom....we're in the Youth Hostel - it's around £20 in a dorm.

Need to know by about 6pm tomorrow (Mon)
Sue, thanks so much, this is very kind of you. Unfortunately I can't make the Tuesday, but if the offer is still there I may well take you up on the return journey on Wednesday evening (assuming you are going through Coventry). In any case, we can discuss this on Wednesday.

We're going back to Leamington Spa so a drop off in Cov is no prob.

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:07 am

Sue, why would you send Junaid to Coventry?

We all like Junaid. He's a nice guy.

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:09 am

I need to be back in Worcester by 7pm on Wednesday so if anyone's going to the morning session and needs to get back to the Midlands let me know. I've got tickets for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Off to try to contain my joy, but I'm not holding out much hope!!!

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:11 am

Lesley Hines wrote:I need to be back in Worcester by 7pm on Wednesday so if anyone's going to the morning session and needs to get back to the Midlands let me know. I've got tickets for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Off to try to contain my joy, but I'm not holding out much hope!!!

Lesley is the girl who puts the sauce in Worcestershire!

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:16 am

Derek Hazell wrote:Sue, why would you send Junaid to Coventry?

We all like Junaid. He's a nice guy.

Are you channelling Jason?

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:18 am

Sue Sanders wrote:
Derek Hazell wrote:Sue, why would you send Junaid to Coventry?

We all like Junaid. He's a nice guy.
Are you channelling Jason?

Is that a euphemism?

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:27 am

Marc Meakin wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:
Derek Hazell wrote:Sue, why would you send Junaid to Coventry?

We all like Junaid. He's a nice guy.
Are you channelling Jason?
Is that a euphemism?

Yes, it is.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:43 pm

Lesley - I'm taking a hairdryer and straighteners if you want to borrow!

Ha Ha. Audaciously girlie post on C4C scandal!

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 5:35 pm

Unfortunately, I'm now unable to make it. On the plus side, this will free up 3 spaces.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 5:43 pm

Sue, I mean to be positive and I can tell you're making fun of me.

That's almost exactly like Damian, but he's "a good joker."

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:14 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:Unfortunately, I'm now unable to make it. On the plus side, this will free up 3 spaces.

Have you put on weight recently?

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:17 pm

Jason Larsen wrote:Sue, I mean to be positive and I can tell you're making fun of me.

That's almost exactly like Damian, but he's "a good joker."

WTF?

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:29 pm

Marc, Damian is a good joker because he means well.

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:56 pm

Sue Sanders wrote: Ha Ha. Audaciously girlie post on C4C scandal!

Hurrah! Woman after my own heart. I'm bring hair polish

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:46 pm

What?

I don't understand this!

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:09 am

And they say Americans don't do irony.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:28 am

Jason Larsen wrote:Marc, Damian is a good joker because he means well.

I don't understand why Lara doesn't like him.

Really? News to me.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:46 am

Damian is a good joker because he means well.

I expect he's got that planned for his epitaph.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:15 am

When I was comparing the producers, Lara said "she is indeed very sweet, as is Kate, Damian, not so much."

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:16 am

Also, I agree with you, Sue.

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 am

Jason Larsen wrote:What?

I don't understand this!

I am not sure anybody understands anything anymore.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:02 pm

D Eadie wrote:
Jason Larsen wrote:What?

I don't understand this!

I am not sure anybody understands anything anymore.

Ahh, never mind Damian, I'm sure you mean well...you joker, you!

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:29 am

Really nice meeting so many of you today.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:33 am

Andy Wilson wrote:Really nice meeting so many of you today.

^This. Met lots of new faces and caught up with old ones (eg Howard)

Was cool to finally see what Derek looks like (after he dropped the lamentable charade with his afro wig!) and cheers Lesley for teaching me how to play pool proper.

Lots of other names I'd like to mention but I'd rather go play apterous tbh, so I'll just say you're all sound as a pound!

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:34 am

Andy Wilson wrote:Really nice meeting so many of you today.

Likewise, Andy. Except that it's yesterday now.

Alec Rivers · Post by **Alec Rivers** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:15 am

Andy Wilson wrote:Really nice meeting so many of you today.

Same here. I'm really glad I made the trips up.

John Bosley · Post by **John Bosley** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:07 am

Saw Kirk trying to do a conundrum - that of how to get on a train at Platform 3, Manchester Piccadilly, with hundreds of people pushing.
Don't worry, Kirk, didn't hear any 'spoilers' - couldn't get near enough and was surrounded by Polish speakers or summat like that.

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:25 am

A really tremendous couple of days. Thanks are due to so many people:

The contestants, for some excellent games
The production team and the presenters for making the whole thing possible
The many friends, some of who I'd seen before, and many whose faces I was seeing for the first time, for the company.
The kangaroo, for dying so that I could enjoy the curry.
And finally Sue, for kindly seeing me home afterwards.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:22 pm

John Bosley wrote:Saw Kirk trying to do a conundrum - that of how to get on a train at Platform 3, Manchester Piccadilly, with hundreds of people pushing.
Don't worry, Kirk, didn't hear any 'spoilers' - couldn't get near enough and was surrounded by Polish speakers or summat like that.

You should have come and said hello. What were you doing there anyway - coming home from work?

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:48 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Was cool to finally see what Derek looks like (after he dropped the lamentable charade with his afro wig!)

Have just managed to get Derek and Sue out of my house, having watched them munch their way through my entire month's supply of Chocolate HobNobs while trying my utmost not to ask spoilery questions. It was worth it though just to sort out all the other regular forumers' personal problems (and to get to hear Dez's comedy Wiltshire accent).

John Bosley · Post by **John Bosley** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:22 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
John Bosley wrote:Saw Kirk trying to do a conundrum - that of how to get on a train at Platform 3, Manchester Piccadilly, with hundreds of people pushing.
Don't worry, Kirk, didn't hear any 'spoilers' - couldn't get near enough and was surrounded by Polish speakers or summat like that.
You should have come and said hello. What were you doing there anyway - coming home from work?

Work? at my age? - no, I had been to a lecture at the Uni, by A.C.Grayling, about how Darwin changed the world and upset an awful lot of 'fundies'.

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:40 pm

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Was cool to finally see what Derek looks like (after he dropped the lamentable charade with his afro wig!) and cheers Lesley for teaching me how to play pool proper.

I enjoyed meeting you too Dinos, and was amused to find out that your hair has genuinely turned ginger since Sue combined you with Jono. Almost thought you were the one wearing the wig.

Didn't realise Lesley was giving life lessons though, I might have strained myself to wandering over to the pool table had I known.

But I had an interesting time talking to the Countdown enclyopaedia Mike Brown while you were playing, and the wiki king Howard while waiting for the shows to begin, and really enjoyed meeting various other names from here, as well as one particular finalist. Chatted to Andy Wilson for quite a long time last night too - another really good bloke who's a member.

Really good to meet forum great Phil today, and eat him out of house and home. (Doesn't mean you can quote me cleverly missing off the "of house and home" bit out Dinos!)

Right, now all that's out of the way, can I go back to being a prat?

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:02 pm

Sue Sanders wrote: Photos on http://www.picasaweb.com/soozalbums Manchester trip.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:17 pm

What was the hostel you stayed in? I feel like I recognise it.

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:31 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:What was the hostel you stayed in? I feel like I recognise it.

Wait for it......

Manchester!

Actually, fair enough question as 'other hostel providers are available'. The Youth Hostel in Potato Wharf. Very good.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:34 pm

Sue Sanders wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote: Photos on http://www.picasaweb.com/soozalbums Manchester trip.

I'm actually PMSL as I relive through photo-documentation, the roller-coaster ride of emotions that was the Series 61 finals. Nice one Sue. Good work on the captions. Will show Emma when she gets in

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:36 pm

Superb! Thanks - really enjoyed that

(the photos and the time - obviously!)

I've never looked lovelier, and on reflection maybe it's a look that we discouraged Dez from too early. It may catch on (like swine flu). It's not the first time I've been on room 101!

I had a really great time - thanks to all

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:50 pm

And I'm mightily disappointed that I wasn't invited to your Chinese restaurant - you guys disappeared and didn't tell us where you'd gone until too late. I tried ringing a couple of you but you were underground and had no signal

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:53 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:And I'm mightily disappointed that I wasn't invited to your Chinese restaurant - you guys disappeared and didn't tell us where you'd gone until too late. I tried ringing a couple of you but you were underground and had no signal

Likewise those of us who didn't get the 'come back to the hotel' invite, which it seems you made but it didn't filter down the line to someone who would have had the wherewithall to respond!!! Oh well, we'll get it all better organised another time!

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:53 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:And I'm mightily disappointed that I wasn't invited to your Chinese restaurant - you guys disappeared and didn't tell us where you'd gone until too late. I tried ringing a couple of you but you were underground and had no signal

No way gutted! We kept wondering where you were and waiting for you and in the end decided (while standing in the pouring rain unable to get hold of you) that you weren't coming.

Never mind, there'll be plenty more opportunities

Looking forward to them!

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:55 pm

Lesley Hines wrote:Superb! Thanks - really enjoyed that (the photos and the time - obviously!)

I've never looked lovelier, and on reflection maybe it's a look that we discouraged Dez from too early. It may catch on (like swine flu). It's not the first time I've been on room 101!

I had a really great time - thanks to all

Me too. Looking forward to more TBNT club meetings.

Mind you, we might have to create a Lifetime TAAT presidency for you before long!

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:23 pm

Sue Sanders wrote:
Likewise those of us who didn't get the 'come back to the hotel' invite, which it seems you made but it didn't filter down the line to someone who would have had the wherewithall to respond!!! Oh well, we'll get it all better organised another time!

I was on the phone to Ryan and specifically said tell Sue that we're in the hotel and you should all come back!

Sue Sanders · Post by **Sue Sanders** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:02 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:
Likewise those of us who didn't get the 'come back to the hotel' invite, which it seems you made but it didn't filter down the line to someone who would have had the wherewithall to respond!!! Oh well, we'll get it all better organised another time!
I was on the phone to Ryan and specifically said tell Sue that we're in the hotel and you should all come back!

The message stopped with Derek, who assumed you were joking.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:21 pm

Sue Sanders wrote:
The message stopped with Derek, who assumed you were joking.

Why!? What part of "we're in the hotel, come and join us - Brian Selway and [....removed spoilers] are here too" was funny?

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:29 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:The message stopped with Derek, who assumed you were joking.
Why!? What part of "we're in the hotel, come and join us - Brian Selway and [....removed spoilers] are here too" was funny?

No idea! All I heard was "are you coming back to the hotel?"
"No, we're staying at the youth hostel"
"Oh, Kirk would like to meet you - I told him about your hair"
Or words to that affect.
There was a jolly atmosphere, and Ryan was a great guy. Think we just got caught up in the moment with the drinks and all . . . particularly as the food was so bad!

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:30 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:
The message stopped with Derek, who assumed you were joking.
Why!? What part of "we're in the hotel, come and join us - Brian Selway and [....removed spoilers] are here too" was funny?

Derek's sense of what's funny might be somewhat at odds with everyone else's.