By BrianC
July 13 2004

Those of you who have been there over the past couple of years will know that our gathering at Henley has become one of the major events in our summer calendar.

Henley 2004

Initially it was thought that there would be a dozen or so of us beside the river having a barbeque and taking in the Henley International Sevens. That first year over sixty turned up. Last year, with the Fatbloke sevens running alongside the tournament the numbers were into their hundreds. We restricted the BBQ numbers to a hundred.

Due to redevelopment at the ground there is no Henley Sevens this season which is a shame. Despite that, so many of us who have been there before have enjoyed the day that we have decided to go for it anyway. In the absence of any rugby we'll just make it a family fun and sports day by the river (Rounders, Frisbee, Volleyball, Egg and Spoon, whatever we can think of...). A collection of sports, activities and generally mucking around by the river. As there is no rugby this year I might even get round to doing some river trips.

The date is Saturday 31st July at Fawley Meadow. The plan is to gather during the morning with a substantial lunch at around one. During the afternoon and evening, whilst there won't be another full meal we'll keep a BBQ going and, if past experience is anything to go by, nobody will go hungry.

Before, during and after lunch there will no doubt be one or two glasses of whatever liquid comes to hand consumed. As with all such occasions this is a bring-your-own-booze (BYOB) event. I've never yet been to a LI event where there is a shortage but it does no harm whatsoever to remind people.

The logistics involved pulling this together are substantial. As food has to be pre-ordered and paid for we need to know in advance how many are coming and to get payment from those people. This year, as with the last two, we will charge £10 per adult £5 per child for the barbeque. (I would say under twelve but I'll leave it to those of you who are coming to decide if your ten year old eats an adult portion or your 14 year old a child's). Any surplus will be given to a suitable worthy cause. Those who have been to our previous Henley gatherings will testify that given the quality, variety and quantity of food, this is a bargain.

It should be stressed that if you do not wish to take part in the BBQ but want to pop in for all or part of the day you will be very welcome. It is the catering in particular that is a major operation, hence our need to pre-plan and to restrict numbers. If you wish to bring a group and cater for yourselves, as far as we are concerned that is great. It's less work for the Willy & the Six Tits catering company.

Dubinannette is coordinating numbers and payments this year. I will start a roll call on the board, if you are coming and wish to eat with us please let us know on the thread how many of you there are then send payment to her. Cheques should be made payable to Annette Delaney then sent to her at:

Sunday sees 'Rage against the poteen' playing at the Allied Arms. The initial plan is that we bring stragglers, or those who want to, up to Reading from Henley by river. This is subject to numbers, watch this space for more details.

All in all it looks set to be a big weekend. We're starting with a roll call on the message board. It's time to put your name down.