The Cartwrights had their barbecue in June then we all (7 couples with kids in tow) went camping again, this time to Newhaven. After pitching the tents, quicker this year than last year, we started the fun. That is, walks, barbecues, pub lunches and generally making a noise (even without Kelvin on the first day) much to the annoyance of our neighbours. A brilliant weekend.

In June, some of us went to the Aston FC presentation night followed in July by the superb annual barbecue at the Cartwrights. It gets better every year; it doesn’t matter whether it’s warm or cold, wet or dry, it’s always excellent. Dave’s superb culinary expertise and Pauline’s quiet, sober subtlety. Later in the year, we attended a Race Night in the Community Centre and another Quasar and Bowling at the end of December. This time we finished up at the Harrisons.

1993
This is the year that saw the introduction of the final family to the FridayNighters social circle. Chris Harrison had been an acquaintance of most of us for a number of years. This year he started drinking with us on Fridays and the whole Harrison family joined in the activities. The first was a dinner/dance at La Gondola, which all 12 of us attended (the Mooney still being in USA). The meal was fine but the music for dancing was embarrassing to say the least. Still, we enjoyed it.

At the end of April, the Archers, Cartwrights, Marvills, Mooneys (now back with us and having renewed their membership), Roberts and Sewells, with all the kids in tow, went to Butlins at Skegness for a weekend. This was organised by Kelvin and Doreen, in conjunction with Columba junior football club. The weekend involved walking, snooker, eating (remember the Cumberland sausages), drinking, dancing and various other activities, such as raft making. The Grumbleweeds were the highlight of the entertainment.

In May, there was a quiz at the senior school (Cartwrights, Marvills and Sewells) and a walking Treasure Hunt in Melbourne, organised by the Sewells. Six families participated and the food and drink in the White Swan at the end, allowed everyone to complain about the clues. June started with the Cartwrights barbecue followed by the first camping weekend at Fenney Bentley. All 14 adults and most of the children attended and it was an event that cannot be forgotten (however hard one tries). The many highlights included Kev’s attempt to put up a tent, Ged’s dressing gown and cup of tea and Sue S’s desire to know the rules of rounders.

In September, the Roberts celebrated 25 years of married bliss (can you imagine, 25 years with Kelvin) and we all joined in the celebrations at their party. In October, there was a novel Guess Who party at the Sewell’s house. Many pictures of the FridayNighters were collected, some of the photos going back to the 1950s. They were posted on the wall and we had to guess who was who. There were some classic pictures. Kev bought a trophy for the winner and it was inscribed with “FridayNighters Trophy”. This was the first known formal recording of the term, FridayNighters, which has since become synonymous with “having a good time”. NB. Who IS the current holder of the trophy?

In November, Ged had a party to celebrate his 50th birthday then at Christmas, most of us paid a return visit to Quasar and Bowling before returning to the Cartwright’s for more food and drink and merriment. Again, the Marvills hosted the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

1992
There were a number of memorable occasions this year, the first of which was Sue’s 40th birthday party. It was organised along the lines of This Is Your Life with friends and relatives from early schooldays to the present attending. There was also a couple of celebrity ex-footballers there to embarrass her. The evening was compared by Kelvin Roberts (nee Aspel). The following week, we all went to the Hilton House for the last time.

In March, the Archers had a party, in July the Cartwright’s barbecue and on 19th July there was possibly the best single FridayNighters’ activity. Kev borrowed a canal narrowboat from a friend and the FridayNighters went on a round trip from and to Willington. It was memorable for the hot day, the plentiful supply of beer and wine, Pauline’s attempt on Sue S’s life, the pub lunch, Dave M’s three point turn and last, but not least, the camel.

In October, there was an Archers party and we all attended a superb 60s evening (somewhere!). Christmas saw the Archers, Cartwrights, Marvills and Sewells (and kids) have a game of Quasar followed by 10-pin bowling. After that, we all went to the Sewells for food and drink. New Year’s Eve was spent at the Marvills.

1991
After the Hilton House in January, Kev’s 40th was held at the Chellaston Community Centre. A good evening was enjoyed by all, especially Kev when he was confronted with a Strippagram (thanks, Kelvin). There was the usual summer of Chellaston activities and barbecues. In the autumn of 1991, Kev Sewell took over the management of the Aston U-13 football team. As this involved the sons of the Archers, Cartwrights, Marvills and Sewells, there were some rather heated debates over team selection.

November saw a Games night at the Sewells, mainly remembered for Ged’s interpretation of the rules of Cluedo. Chellaston CCA also organised a games night in December at which the Archers, Cartwrights, Marvills, Roberts and Sewells participated. Though there had been a number of previous pantomimes in Chellaston, the one on 9th December is the first one that was attended by the FridayNighters as a group. News Year’s Eve was spent at the Chellaston Community Centre with the Mooneys in attendance on a rare visit from good ole US of A.

1990
Early on in the year, the Mooney family went to California, USA for a couple of years. They were sadly missed, especially John on a Friday night, but they were visited during the year by the Cartwright and Sewell families. Hilton House was a bit later this year, February. The Cartwright’s barbecue was in July