2009
The first event of the year was, as usual, the Chellaston panto. However this year was different in that it was not a traditional pantomine and it was very entertaining, even funny. A couple of weeks later we went to the Clock in Shardlow where we had an excellent value-for-money meal, really good beer and an excellent night of skittles; the eventual winner was Kelvin. On Easter Monday, the Marvills organised a walk in and around Melbourne. Unfortunately, the Roberts' walk on May Day Monday was rained off. On 16 May, we all celebrated Pauline's 60th at Pride Park, and a good time was had by all. The Spring Bank Holiday walk was at Fradley Junction though the highlight was, evidently, the beer at the end of the walk.

After years of planning, the Melbourne pub crawl actually happened; in July. However, only the Blue Bell and the Alma were visited and it poured down with rain. Still good fun. Like buses coming in pairs, Melbourne was revisited again a few weeks later; it was still raining. After a year's gap, the Cartwrights held their barbecue on August Bank Holiday Saturday and it was as good as ever. A couple of days later, we went on a walk near Shardlow and had lunch at the Clock.

The busy summer continued with a weekend away, just one night this year, at Redmile in Leicestershire. A long walk on Saturday afternoon, a meal in the evening and another walk, at Wymeswold, on Sunday morning. A week later and we were back in Melbourne, and there was no rain for a change, for the Arts Festival (well some singers in the back room of the Blue Bell).

Towards the end of the year and our annual Christmas dinner/dance at the Hilton House. The usual fare (we know what to expect) but still a very good evening. The traditional Christmas Eve drink was in the Rose and Crown and the year ended with a party at the Cartwrights.

2008
We started the year, well some of us did, not at a pantomime but at a musical comedy. Only the Chellaston players can make a musical comedy, and a good one at that, out of Frankenstein. In the first week of February, we had our AGM at the Lawns. It was the usual well-disciplined, organised, professional meeting. First we nominated the new secretary, Kelvin, and thanked John for his tireless efforts over the past few years. We then decided on our calendar of events; and a very busy year it's going to be. The new logo, which will appear on all FridayNighter documents, was designed by Kath. Congratulations.

The first organised event of the year was at the end of March; a ovely walk in Allestree / Duffield (more details available). Then on Friday 2nd May, we all went on the Trent cruise. Due to a bereavement, the other party didn’t turn up so we had the boat to ourselves. There was some concern over the potential lack of atmosphere but we made up for it. The food and drink were good, disco was OK and the company excellent. The three hours went very quickly. A few days later, the Marvill’s organised a walk round the Melbourne / Ticknall area. Everyone was there and all enjoyed it (there were no “slight inclines”). Refreshments were enjoyed afterwards at the Blubell.

Three weeks later, another bank holiday and so another walk, this time organised by the Mooney’s. It was a longer walk than usual which started and finished at the Ferrers Arms in Lount. The main event in June was the weekend away, this year in Stratford. Because the previous years have been so successful, it was decided to stay an extra day and a good decision it was. The weekend started on Friday with a light lunch then a walk in the afternoon. It was a short, flat pleasant walk along the river, just right to set up the next day's longer walk. Friday evening was spent in the bar and restaurant at the Blue Boar (Temple Grafton). This was a eminently suitable establishment with an superb menu and a few draft beers. Saturday's walk was much further and a bit more testing. Half way round, we stopped at a pub for lunch then continued, though the biggest challenge was the long grass. We finished in Alcester and were entertained by a number of morris dancers. The evening was similar to the previous evening. On Sunday morning, most people went to Stratford and an entertaining and informative boat trip. The final entertainment was watching the end of a raft race. A brilliant weekend.

In August, we had two events in three days. On the 23rd, Ged and Jean held a party followed, two days later, by a walk in Repton and lunch at the Bull's Head. The main autumn event was a trip to the Nottingham greyhounds. This consisted of a meal, drinks, chatting, betting ..... and losing money. Still, we enjoyed it as it made a change to do something different.

It was a quieter than usual December, for various reasons. All except the Mooneys (due to illness) enjoyed the Christmas meal at the Crewe and Harpur, which was surprisingly good. Most of us enjoyed Christmas Eve in the Lawns and it was nice to be joined by a number of "the kids". This year's New Year's Eve party was at the Archers but, unfortunately, illness considerably reduced the attendance. A great shame as it was a good evening with exceptional food, thanks to Jean, Jo and Julie.

2007
The first event of the year was, as usual, the panto. The FridayNighters were there, which was just as well as we featured in the script. However, it was a poor turn-out with only the Cartwrights and Sewells representing the group. Shame on the rest of you; you should be ashamed of yourselves. You missed a high-quality entertaining show full of fun and singing and jollity.

On 7 February, we all met at the Lawns for our second annual AGM. A full diary of events was organised for the year; the first one being a quiz night in March. Well, I think it was agreed but as the minutes weren't published until after the proposed date and as the proposed hosts were totally unaware of the party, it didn't happen. Maybe AGMs shouldn't be held in pubs! 17 February was a sad day as Don Conejo, partner of ex-FridayNighter Chris, died. It was not unexpected but still very unfortunate. At the end of February, Doreen retired from work and is now a kept woman.

At the start of March, we were all disappointed to hear that Sasha (Cartwright) had died she was 13 years old (91 in adult years) and will be sorely missed on the FridayNighters weekends away and walks. On 9 April there was a walk at Milford. It was a bright sunny day and we met, and finished at, the Strutt Arms. The walk took us through Chevin golf course, where we were dodging balls from all directions. April ended with a Pub Quiz at the Roberts', which everyone enjoyed. The food and wine were excellent. To quote one participant "Our aged brains didn't necessarily work as quickly as we would like, but we most probably put up a reasonable showing. Even though we beat the clock, the questions did test us greatly". The yellow team of Kath, John, Dave C and Doreen won by 3 points.

In early June, we all went on our annual walking weekend; this time to Ladybower. The weather forecast was for rain, but the first afternoon was glorious. After sandwiches and drinks, we set off on the first walk described as "excellent views for little effort". That statement was half right. There was an exceptionally steep start and finish but it was a good walk and the view was spectacular. Though the walk was more tiring than expected, everyone enjoyed it. After a few drinks outside the pub and a rest, we reconvened for more drinks and a meal. It was excellent. Next morning we had breakfast and thanked the hosts, who were superb. We drove to Parwich for the second walk. The weather started fairly dull but we were grateful as the walk was fairly strenuous; one hill in particular. We walked through Tissington and arrived back at the Sycamore Inn for sandwiches and drinks. By now, the weather had cleared so we finished the weekend by sunning ourselves in the pub garden. Yet another excellent weekend.

After many weeks of rain, we had the Cartwright's annual barbecue and, luckily, a fairly dry evening. A very good evening though the less said about Jim's legs, the better. This was followed, a week later on 28 July, by Paul Sewell's wedding. The FridayNighters were invited to the evening bash and it was excellent ....... having got over the shock of seeing Kev all dressed up in a suit. Good food, good drink, good dancing but most of all, good company. Two weeks later, was the Calke concert; a tribute night. Madness were disappointing, Abba were OK but Queen (Magic) were absolutely brilliant It was the best hour's entertainment for a long time. Yet more excitement in a short space of time, this time a cruise on the River Trent with drink, food and a disco. Great fun, temporary FridayNighters from Bulwell and Hucknall and more knowledge than we care for about what Ged keeps in his underpants. Only drawback was Sue and Jean complaining "Where's me puddin".

After a bit of a break, on 6th October we had Dave Cartwright's 60th party. A frightening thought, but more than half of us are now over 60. Anyway, we all had a good night with more talking and drinking than dancing. November was the time for holidays (how times have changed) and Christmas started with the annual visit to the Hilton House, which was as good as ever; in fact, the music was the best ever. We all met in the Lawns on Christmas Eve and went to a fancy dress party at the Roberts' on New Year's Eve. There were some excellent outfits (with the prize going to Jean's vicar), a good quiz, plenty of food and drink, a dog, a parrot, George Bush ....... and Kev achieved his ambition.

2006
The first occasion of the year was a walk to and from Melbourne. This was followed a week later by the first AGM, which was well chaired by John. Many of this year’s events were discussed and we’re set for another year full of activities. Later in January, most of the FridayNighters endured another Chellaston panto, though this year’s show was better than average. February started with drinks in the Standing Order and the annual meal at Bistro Victoire.

The first party of the year was early March when Kath and Dave organised a quiz night. University Challenge it was not but we all enjoyed it. On April 5, another grandchild for us – Lucy Ellen Cartwright. On April 17, all the FridayNighters, except Kev but with Mick, met at the Carpenters Arms in Dale Abbey (near Spondon) and went for a 4.5 mile walk followed by drinks at the pub.

On May day, most of us went on a walk at Muggington, starting and finishing at the Cock Inn. It was quite a hilly 5 mile walk, including one totally unnecessary hill (thanks Doreen!).

Early June saw the main event of the year, the walking weekend; this year at Eyam. Absolutely brilliant weather greeted us when we arrived on the Saturday lunchtime. The weekend started with a light lunch outside the Miners Arms. Most then ventured on a lovely, peaceful walk, though a couple of us sneaked off to the Institute to watch England in the World Cup. I say peaceful walk because the normally loudest group member was quietened by listening to the match on his earphones. Many were grateful. Though England won, I think the walkers made the right decision. A couple of hours rest was followed by a few pints, bottles of wine and an excellent meal. The Sunday was equally hot and after breakfast we drove to Birchover. Another enjoyable walk was followed by the most expensive sandwiches in the UK, at the Druids. Mid-afternoon, we gradually drifted away; it was still exceptionally hot.

June 20 saw another grandchild for us. Welcome Bethany Roberts. At the end of July, we went to the Cartwrights’ annual (and excellent) barbecue. Thanks to the Archers for the cabaret.

Mid August saw us attend the Calke classical concert with the English National Orchestra (not the ELO). Despite the cold weather, there was plenty of eating, drinking and flagging. A slow start but an excellent second half though a disappointing finish when the fireworks were cancelled due to the wind. At the end of August, a reduced number went on a walk at Ellaston.

On 16 Dec, all 12 of us went to the Hilton House for the first time since 1992. Unfortunately, Kelvin and Doreen had to leave early as Kelvin was ill. The meal was excellent and was followed by some dancing. There was only a small dance floor so some of us did the honourable thing and sat out most of the dances so the younger people could enjoy themselves. The year finished off in the normal way. Christmas Eve in the Lawns where we all joined in the spontaneous carol singing. Sue’s descant added a bit of class to the renditioning. The Mooneys hosted an excellent New Year’s Eve party.

2005
An early start to the activities this year. The Archers arranged for us to go to a 60s disco at the Rolls-Royce Welfare on 13th January. This was shortly followed by the annual visit to the Chellaston panto. This year’s event was made even more memorable by Kelvin’s now infamous “lamp, lamp” echo.

In February, Kelvin and Doreen had the excellent idea of “putting something back”. In other words, we would do some fundraising for Cancer and Spinal Research. To kick it off, on 12th March, they organised the Roberts Race Evening. None of us had any interest whatsoever in horse-racing but, within in the hour, we were all yelling for our horses to win. Pauline, somehow, came out the overall winner. A week later, we went to Nottingham to see Riverdance, preceded by an excellent meal in Café Rouge. John should remember the night well; even if he doesn’t, the rest of us will remember John.

On Easter Monday, there was a walk round Ingleby followed by drinks in the John Thompson. On Mayday Monday, the FridayNighters went for a walk round Melbourne, followed by a drink and lunch at the Pack Horse in King’s Newton. On 14 May, went to Jean’s 60th birthday party. Excellent evening.

The weekend of July 16 / 17 was spent in Eyam. We all arrived at the Miners Arms between 14:00 and 14:30 and, after checking in, went on a 3.5 mile walk. After five miles, we met up with Kev, who supplied us with welcome drinks and snacks. We had a short break then continued on our way. After another two or three miles, we returned to base absolutely knackered. It was a lovely walk but fairly up and down, though nothing like last year’s steep incline. We met up in the pub in the evening for a few drinks and a lovely meal. We were fairly loud, as usual, but it was hardly noticeable because it was in a “local pub” atmosphere.

Next morning, we got up and put on our FridayNighters t-shirts. We thought we looked brill; others probably thought we looked like prats. After a superb breakfast, we checked out and prepared for a walk. The barmaid thought she’d got rid of us; she was wrong. It was a beautiful sunny day and this walk was not so strenuous. Sue’s damaged toe got the better of her and, half way round, she wimped out and got a lift with Kev. The designated watering hole looked excellent with a superb menu. Unfortunately, they would let any dogs in, not even into the garden. So for anyone reading this web-page, don’t go to the Chequers Inn near Froggatt Edge. They’re miserable sods. A quick soft drink and the last part of the walk saw us return to the Miners Arms for sandwiches and a proper drink. The barmaid’s face was a picture when we arrived. Mid-afternoon, we returned to Chellaston after a brilliant weekend.

At the end of July we went to the Cartwrights annual barbecue. It was a bit wet and cold but we weren’t bothered. Mid August, we went to the Calke concert and saw the Bootleg Beatles and the Commitments. August Bank holiday meant another walk, this time round Morley and a drink at the Three Horseshoes. The main event in Autumn was Kelvin’s 60th. Doreen organised a surprise party at the BR Training Centre. It was attending by many friends, family and work colleagues as well as the FridayNighters. Kelvin had no idea and was gobsmacked though he managed an emotional speech later in the evening.

As soon as December arrived, we were blessed with our sixth grandchild; Grace “Mooney”. As usual, we all piled into the Lawns on Christmas Eve and went to the Cartwrights to celebrate the New Year.