Hey guys, I know Christmas is the last thing we want to think about now the sun has just started to shine, but if we want a club celebration at the end of the year, alas we must plan it now. And I guess that is the first question…do we want an Eastern region celebration of Christmas? If yes, what type of celebration? For the last few years we have had a formal Christmas meal at Ufford Park, Woodbridge, which many people have enjoyed. However, this would be our fourth year at the same venue and although the price has increased year on year, it was felt that the quality of food and experience had not. So, we have a chance to do things differently. Here are the options:
We find another hotel which would offer a formal dinner just for us maximum cost £35 pp, plus accommodation (same as Ufford Park.) Possible venues so far include Bedford Lodge hotel, Newmarket, Barnham Broom hotel Norfolk, or Cambridge Belfry hotel, Cambourne. (No costings have yet been requested.)
We book tables at a larger event, for example Delia’s restaurant at Norwich FC host an extremely popular evening with a dinner dance, reasonably priced and there is of course a holiday inn next to the football ground.
We host our own Christmas party, with caterers providing a buffet and hire a band or DJ, but unlikely to have the option of staying over on mass.
We have a Christmas lights drive around one of our chosen towns, and drive to a restaurant and have a meal.
We wish each other a happy Christmas at our various monthly meetings, eat humbugs and spend the money on petrol during the summer.
Please share your thoughts on these options, and if possible, could joint A/Cs discuss with members at the next round of meetings, so we can make a club decision? If anyone is clever enough to set up a poll for these 5 options, then that would be great. Although, we may all get a bit fed up with voting during this month…!
I reckon it’s a tough call - all have merit, even spending money on petrol!
It’s also tricky when you have small people at home to consider too, so an overnighter is out unless you have a very sweet MiL, or it’s babysitter time!!
But then a party is a party!
And I/we have never yet made an ER Christmas bash cos work ones tend to coincide or the whole Christmas cost gets overwhelming!
So, for my four-penneth and money, I’d just be happy if, no matter what we do, as many people as possible incl. ourselves are able to come!
I am now currently waiting for quotes from 10 hotels in the Norwich Area and Santa’s Little Helper is getting 8 quotes from the Bury Area, understandably I cannot get quotes from hotels I do not know as they may not be up to scratch. so…
If you know of a good hotel, forward the e-mail address to jamie@mx5easternregion.co.uk and i will mail them with the spec we require to get a quote.
I will be collating the quotes between now and mid July, then I will looking to recruit a willing volunteer or two near to the venue to help organise things.
We have now canvassed some 25 or so Hotels within the Region as follows…
18 we had no response from at all
3 where booked
3 where unsuitable - far too expensive
2 look ok but one of them has only 6 rooms so…
There is only one possibility which happens to be at Newmarket is the Best Western Heath Court
If anybody knows of or can tell me anything about the hotel or is close enough to take a look and let us know I would appreciate it.
Alternatively Kevin Allen from the Norfolk meet has also booked a couple of tables at Delia Smiths venue in Norwich as a bit of an add on for those who can make it on the 11th of December, full details here: http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/19237.aspx
All Eastern Region members will be more than welcome
There was indeed such a hotel, which was an enjoyable venue for many years. But last year the prices went up and attendance went down. Also it was not easily accessible for all members and as such, it was agreed that other possibilities would be explored. Talking of which, well done to Jamie and other members who contacted 25 hotels to find out the options. I have the seen the spreadsheet containing all of the details, very impressive!! It is not possible to please all the people all of the time, but it is clear that every attempt has been made…so roll on Easter!
Well - not sure if that is an alternative or what - I was really keeping out of this but I have got a bit confused with the Norwich Christmas Do the previous week. Is that instead of or are we still going with the 11th? Anway, Bury St E being a logical central starting place I typed it into the interweb and got this:
As far as the eventual location goes I find the Bury argument is a mute point, the majority of attendees were prepared to travel and stay over at Ufford Park which was hardly the centre of the universe, if the venue is a good one location won’t matter.
