2019
We are definitely slowing down. No walks, no parties, no weekends away, no barbeques. Worse still, it looks like the Lawns may have deserted us. A change in management from the lovely Charles to the less-than-pleasant brothers grim, has meant that we are less than welcome. We've tried R&R's but it is too noisey; can't always hear the person sat next to you! What will next year bring?

The Rose and Crown, where we met in our early days, was demolished; just for a Lidl car park. A very sad day. Other than Friday nights, there was the annual Christmas dinner at the Derby Conference Centre , which was very good. Finally, 3 couples spent New Year's Eve at the Sewells; chatting, a quiz and drinking.

2018
We are slowly getting older and slowing down. There have been no significant events this year, though the weekly Friday nights at the Lawns continue. The year ended in the usual array of celebrations. That is, Christmas Eve in the Lawns, our annual Christmas dinner at the Dragon in Willington and a quiet New Year's Eve in the Lawns

2017
The new year started, not at the panto, but at Amanda's 40th birthday party. It was an enjoyable, if loud, event. Four of the FridayNighters braved the panto and probably for the last time. However, the second half was better than the rather dire first half.

October 25 was a very sad day as John died after a long battle with cancer. We all went to his funeral on November 14 followed by food and drink at, where else, the Lawns. John will be greatly missed by all his friends. To see his memorial page, click here.

We had our usual Christmas dinner / dance but this year we went to Morley Hayes and an excellent evening was had by all. The year finished at the Lawns in a very noisy disco (we're getting old) then the quieter bar.

2016
As usual, the first event of the year was the Chellaston panto and, this year, 8 of us braved the cold weather to be entertained. Some of it was hilarious but some parts fell a bit flat. Generally, it was better than average and I'm sure we'll be there next year.

This was followed by an evening in the Community Centre to support the "Save the Rose and Crown" campaign. All the FridayNighters attended but our time was wasted. What a pathetic attempt to support a good cause. If this is typical then Chello doesn't deserve the excellent pub. In April, we attended Dave Marvill's surprise 70th birthday party in the Lawns.

As we get older, the years pass quicker. Our relative affluence has meant more holidays and less time for our various mid-year occasions. So we reached the end of the year and started by celebrating Christmas at the Roundhouse. Eating, drinking and dancing provided an excellent evening, which was enjoyed by all attendees.

As usual, we spent Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in the Lawns.

2015
The first event of the year was, as usual, the Chellaston panto and 6 of us were brave enough to attend. It was a mixture of funny and not-so-funny!

The year continued with regular Friday evenings at the Lawns but the first occasion of the year was not until October. This year's walking weekend was held in Bradwell. The Saturday walk was good, with a couple of complaints that it was "a bit hilly". Everyone was re-assured that Sunday's walk was on even ground. The Bowling Green supplied good beer and wine, an excellent meal and nice rooms. Sunday was a beautiful day and the walk had exceptional views. However, it was more hilly than yesterday! A good weekend.

At the beginning of the year, Kev was challenged to make a short video and he decided to make the FridayNighters the subject matter. The resulting film was premiered at a party at the end of October and it was enjoyed by all (I think). This was followed by reminiscing over some videos (thanks to Dave C) of our camping exploits in 1993/4.

December already and so we have our annual Christmas party; again at the excellent Roundhouse. The food was good, the wine flowed and there was a fair bit of dancing as well. After 5½ hours, it was taxis home and a well deserved sleep.

As usual, we were in the Lawns on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.