2024
The Friday-Nighters continue but in a much more passive way. Most communication is online, WhatsApp and email. We all met up in January, at Swarkestone nursery, for a coffee and chat.

The low point of the year was the very sad news that a mainstay of the Friday-Nighters, Jean, died in June. She was always the life-and-soul of any party and her “discussions” are missed on a Friday night. Jean, we will miss you greatly.

The relationship with the Lawns has deteriorated again. We thought we’d found our new “home” in the function room when it was opened to drinkers. That didn’t last long and we were asked to move. We were not impressed. The green room was blocked off and the bar area proved unsatisfactory so we have relocated to R&R’s. We are made welcome, there’s a good atmosphere and the beer is excellent (and cheaper). We also have an occasional treat by going to the equally welcoming Brookfield in Barrow-on-Trent.

We finished the year with our annual Christmas meal, this time at the Dog and Duck in Shardlow. It was nice to get together again and good to catch up on everyone's news. It is only a few years ago that we were dancing till 1:00 in the morning; this year we were home by 21:00.

 2023
Our quietest year on record. The Friday evenings at the Lawns continue but there are now only 5 regular attendees. A shame but time moves on.

For the first time since 2005, there was no Christmas meal. Instead we all met for coffee and mince pie (or more) at the Swarkestone nursery. We caught up with all the news especially concerning the grandchildren and own “aches and pains”.

2022
The year started at the end of January in Darwin’s for Sue’s 70th. A full attendance, plus other friends, and a very good evening.

In September we all went for lunch at the Clock in Shardlow. It was lovely getting everyone together face-to-face. A lot of chat and, as when old people get together, a lot of reminiscing.

The year’s events finished with our Christmas meal at Bistro Pierre’s. Covid prevented Ged and Jean’s company but it was an enjoyable evening

2021
As last year, covid has dominated the year and most of the Friday night Zoom meetings, which continue every week. Our paths cross every now and then in the village but the only get together was at Pierre's in November. A very good meal and we chatted away as if we still meet every week, which, in a way, we do. Nothing at Christmas or New Year, which was a shame, but at least we all met up with our families. Next year must be better ....... surely.

2020
The year has been dominated by covid. A relatively normal start to the year then the lockdown hit us in March. No Friday nights at the pub, never mind parties, walks or weekends away. We still met, but over zoom every Friday night, enjoying the beer and chat (all too often about covid and its consequences). Nothing over Christmas and just a zoom meeting, plus quiz, for New Year's Eve.