2014
2014 started like most others, with a visit to the Chellaston panto. Only 4 of us went, the rest knew better. Very disappointing. Good idea but it just didn't work. At the start of March, we went to the evening do of John and Lynne Marvill's wedding at the Fish Pond in Matlock Bath. A very good evening, with a different selection of beers than usual and a couple of older-than-average DJs. We all stayed over at various hostelries to make a weekend of it.

This year's weekend away, in August, was at the Ladybower Inn, just outside Bamford (thanks to John and Lynne). Saturday lunch in Hope was followed by a walk to Castleton and back (thanks to Doreen and Kelvin). The evening meal was excellent and the beer and wine caused a fair amount of jollity (and noise). Sunday's walk was very good but the constant showers took the edge of it. It finished at Hathersage station, from where the remaining walkers made their way home.

The year is slowly coming to a close but there are still some occasions to be enjoyed. Starting with the Roundhouse. We were all present, dressed up and ready to party. The drink was plentiful, the food good, the entertainment was excellent. A good night was had by all.

Most of us were in the Lawns for Christmas Eve and the New Year was celebrated, also in the Lawns.

2013
Again some of the more hardy FridayNighters braved the snow and went to the Chellaston panto; probably one of the better ones. In February, we celebrated Paul Marvill's wedding to Amanda at the Newton Park in Newton Solney. On Spring Bank holiday Monday, most of us took advantage of the good weather and went for a walk round Ticknall and Calke. That was followed by an excellent lunch in the Blue Bell at Melbourne.

The weekend away, in the middle of August, was in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Ashford-in-the Water. After a light lunch, the walkers crossed the A6 and headed for Sheldon. Not surprisingly there were a few slight inclines but, with the exception of a few stiff calves and sore toes, everyone survived. The evening meal and drinks were excellent; as good as any on our weekends away. We'd all recommend the Ashford Arms. The next day started with an excellent breakfast followed by a Dave Marvill inspired walk around the Monsal Head area. Despite the climbs, and some dubious map-reading, everyone enjoyed it. The views, as yesterday, were breathtaking. After a drink in Great Longstone, we set off for home. Thanks to John for organising a superb weekend.

A week later we had the Cartwrights' barbecue, which was as good as ever. The rain never materialised and we enjoyed being protected from the wind in the gazebo. Excellent food, plenty of alcohol and loads of banter. And ten days later, what a busy August, there was the lovely flat walk from Tutbury through Rollaston. Finished with expensive refreshments from the Dog and Partridge.

It's getting towards the end of the year but there is a major occasion at the start of November. Ged is 70 and we all celebrate with a party at his posh, renovated palace. Just before Christmas, our annual "do" was held at the Roundhouse, and an excellent night was enjoyed by all; possibly the best ever. As usual, we went to the Lawns on Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve.

2012
The year started with a (slightly) below average Chellaston panto followed, a day later, by Sue's 60th birthday party. It was an excellent evening with family, friends, work colleagues as well as the FridayNighters. Drinking, eating, chatting and dancing; the usual party activities were enjoyed by all.

It was a quiet summer but we all did a Melbourne pub crawl, the Blue Bell, in September followed, a week later, by an excellent meal in the Lawns.

The Christmas dinner dance was again held at the Littleover Lodge. We celebrated Christmas Eve in the Lawns and New Year's Eve also in the Lawns.

At the end of June, we went to Hayfield in north west Derbyshire. Unfortunately, the Marvills couldn't join us but maybe it was just as well, as the walks chosen proved to be rather strenuous. The Hayfield walk started and finished wet but the weather was clear for the bulk of the walk. It was quite hilly in parts but was considered an achievement by the end. The hotel, drinks and food was enjoyed by all of us, though maybe Dave won't want to comment on the breakfast. The Sunday walk was at Moneyash and was in totally different weather conditions. It was exceptionally hot and sunny and a lot of the pathways were limestone, which made walking rather treacherous. Overall, it was probably enjoyed but not as much as the drinks at the end. Another successful weekend.

The Cartwright's annual barbecue took place again this year and it was another success, despite the weather's attempt to put a dampener of things. It takes more than a bit of rain to ruin our evenings. However, the rain didn't hold off for the August Bank Holiday walk, this time at Rosliston. It was a good walk, finishing off at the Bull's Head.

The biggest social event of the year was on 16 September, when we all went to Richard Mooney's wedding to Donna in Oxfordshire. Not only did the rain hold off, but the sun shone on the beautiful grounds of Caswell House. DaveM and Kev looked particularly smart in their suits, whatever colour they were. It was a wonderful wedding followed by an excellent meal, with a few drinks and some dancing. We stayed overnight before a good breakfast and then going our separate ways.

The end of the year approaches and Christmas starts with the annual dinner/dance, again at the Littleover Lodge. It was as good as last year, if not better as there were more people there so a better atmosphere. A good night. The year finished with Christmas Eve festivities at the Lawns and circumstances dictated reduced numbers at the New Year's Eve celebration, also at the Lawns.

2010
The year started with inconvenience as the pantomime and a village quiz co-incided. Therefore the panto was poorly attended by us (evidently it was a bit disappointing) and the quiz representatives came 7th out of 14; not bad. The Lawns reopened in March and there was a mixed response to the refurbishment but the reaction was generally favourable.We are now back at our spiritual home.

The first walk of the year, on Easter Monday, was local (Chellaston, Barrow, Swarkestone) with drinks at the Crewe and Harpur. A few weeks later was the second walk, on May Bank Holiday, at Weston, followed by food and drinks at the Clock in Shardlow.

A quiet summer but a lovely walk, at Shardlow, was organised for August Bank Holiday Monday. The annual Christmas meal was at a new venue; the Littleover Lodge. The meal was excellent and the disco good. There was also plenty of room so that the "old and knackered" could talk. A very enjoyable evening.

The year finished with Christmas Eve at the Lawns and New Year's Eve also at the Lawns.