TOPIC:

hey Guys - Sorry - I've slackened off a little on this ! my real life keeps getting in the way - (goddamn grown up commitments !! now I know what Tom Waits was on about !!!)

I did mean to call in to Flash yesterday (Sunday) As I know he's usually around doin the grub & whatnot - but as I've said other things got in the way - I'll ring the pub today & find out when he's in & catch up with him - I'll keep you posted - Seeing as the 15th is this Saturday - If he gives us the go-ahead - is everyone ok to meet up ?? ]
- Tube - don't know if oul Val will make an appearance though !!

AFAIK this Saturday is OK for me.

Could possibly make it as well, the sooner I had a definate go ahead the better chance I'd have.
With a tasting I presume ?

Cool !
So I spoke to Flash on the phone - would've preferred to do it in person but I just couldn't seem to get in - anyway - after doing the rounds I think he was able to place me, so the upshot of it is good - he's agreed to give us a room on Saturday - I need to get back to him on Thursday with a close approximation of numbers
He had two Concerns:
1. there wouldn't be enough numbers to justify heating/lighting a room - I've told him that at the moment there is @ 6- 8 of us so he seemed ok with that for now, but I think he would rather if there were more people - the room he has in mind holds @ 20 - 30 people - I can't see us getting that many in - but like he said the 6-8 for now seems ok !!
I know of a couple of other guys that are doing kits at the moment who may also come along

2. He agreed to the sampling but was concerned that he would be giving the room to a bunch of guys that would just be bringing their own drink in and not purchasing his
I've reassured him that we're not just looking for a room to knock back our own bottles, and we would be buying some of his craft beers .
Another interesting point that came of it was that he mentioned that he had a beer tasting session recently with a professional brewer - did blind tastings and guided punters through the experience & what-not also mentioned something along the lines of using a professional brewer to taste our wares and give pointers- not quiet sure if he meant for our meets at some point or if this was what was done on the night he spoke of.
Anyway he said he's willing to try it for the first meet and I guess if we behave ourselves he would be willing to host it regularly -

So Is Saturday @ 2pm until @ 6pm Good for Everyone ? maybe we can get a confirmation form people by Thursday so I can give him a ring with the numbers ?

Oooh, I've onlhy just seen this, definitely up for a Saturday afternoon session errrr I mean feedback and analysis event <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

Another suggestion for venue - I put a tap into Waterford Boat Club last week, it's just re-opened after being closed for 8 weeks. The new manager might be willing to let us use that, as it might be quiet enough on a Saturday afternoon anyway - if you like, I can ask her? It's a little bit out of the way though.

Failing that, there's always the People's Park....(kidding!)

hey Grainne ! how's it going ?

typical typical ... been thrashing venue about the last few weeks finally get one sorted and someone comes and throws a spanners in the works !!! just kidding !!
although seeing as I'm after getting the go ahead from Flash - I don't really want to ring him back & say thanks but no thanks !! unless if the other guys really want to go to the boat club ? (and they agree to host it & allow sampling of Home brews )
Maybe we could keep it open as another option in the future should Flash decide to throw us out ???
Anyway - If you can come down it would be great to get your opinion on some of the brews, I would definitely love to pick your brain on all things brewing (oh yeah - I'm barred from the Peoples park !!! apparently skinny dipping in the fountain is frowned upon )