Today was an opportunity to meet up with some of the Old Croydonians Association Committee from my days as their Chair (2010 until 2016).
It was one of those increasingly rare occasions when I took the train to London from Kettering to St Pancras International (I don’t get out much these days!). Roger met me as I exited the barriers at St P, and then it was the short hop to Blackfriars plus a brief walk to The Doggett’s on Blackfriars Bridge. That short final hop allowed us to begin the mammoth catch-up of what we’ve both been up to, since we last saw each other (around two-plus years ago!) 👍
The Doggett’s was a regular watering hole for me back in the late 80s as part of my day job (although Ann and I had dropped in here for another OCA event back in February! 😋) and it was good to be back with its all-round views across the Thames. Roger and I headed for the Bar and grabbed a table by the window that looked across Blackfriars Bridge.
Bob and Valerie joined us soon after, completing the foursome, and we were soon nattering. They had both recently celebrated a ‘milestone’ birthday, and today was partly about a joint celebration, especially with Roger’s also just around the corner! I was (politely) reminded that I was the youngest (at the tender age of just 68!). It makes a change these days to be the baby in the room! 😆
To use a current phrase, we could be described as a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ as collectively, we’d all been the driving force behind plenty of OCA successes during my tenure on the Committee. It felt fantastic to see everyone together again. The last time we were like this, we probably had an important agenda in our hands! Today, it was just great to be simply enjoying each other’s company!😉
The only other important piece of paper was the Menu… and it didn’t take us long to decide! 🙂
The Doggett’s is famous for its pies – and who were we to break with tradition! 😋😋😋😋
Could we squeeze in a Dessert?
Of course we could! 👍
What a thoroughly enjoyable day together! Oh, and a free Easter Bunny for each of us from Valerie! 😍
I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!
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