To mark the anniversary of the Ash Bash at Stansted on May 20, 2000 (and because there have been no PPRuNe gatherings in Essex since that date) I thought it would be nice to have a bit of a reunion at STN this year on Saturday May 20.
Sadly, we cannot go back to the Ash for technical reasons, but the Prince of Wales (a favourite watering hole of former Go pilots) might be the perfect alternative.
The pub has changed hands since those days and for a while was an Indian restaurant/pub. It is now a traditional pub again, but also features an Italian restaurant.
The plan would be to assemble from lunchtime or mid afternoon and have a few drinks and a natter and drift off for a meal when ever people feel like it.
Anyone interested?

Provisionally yes, will confirm for sure tomorrow :)

T'is in my Diary....Bring photo's if anyone has them.

H

Sounds good to me
Temps

I've still not had a chance to go to the pub, but it does have a website under it's restaurant name, Cattinis, that includes interior pictures showing that it has not changed a great deal layout-wise since 2000.

When I phoned the pub last week to ask if they would mind a few ex-Stansted staff turning up, they seemed very welcoming. When they asked how many might attend I said I was not sure..but guessed that it could be 20 or more.

That's what we told the management at the Ash in 2000, but in the end about 130-odd turned up from all over the world.:ok:

The plan this year is for a much more informal do, open to all - from original AshBashers to more recent PPRuNers. I have not got the time to arrange catering, tickets, accommodation etc, so this time I would prefer that there will be no set charge and no sit down meal. Just turn up and stay as long as you like. Come along for the duration or just nip in for a racing pint and a chat on the way home from work at STN.

Once I have a rough idea how many are coming and how many want to eat I will ask the pub managers how they would like us to place bookings for tables in the restaurant.

I still have the original guest list for the 2000 AshBash. It will be interesting to see how many can make the return trip to STN. Anyone got any pics from the 2000? I lost all mine in a computer crash a few years ago.

cheers
SS

Stan

Hope to be there. Will confirm closer to the date when I have my roster. :ok:

Airclues

Airclues
Could you contact me by PM or e-mail? I need to nip over to the PoW fairly soon to check the beer and would welcome a second opinion. Do you have any free lunchtimes or evenings in the next few weeks?
regards
SS

Should be okay. My roster doesn't go that far yet, but I have plenty of warning to book leave!

Stan Sted,

Sounds good! I'll confirm when I get my roster.

:ok:

I'll put in the roster request tomorrow. :}

Saturday's are good days...

I am currently betwixt jobs at the moment so cannot confirm for definate but will do my upper most to get down for a pint or twelve with ya'll. :)

VFE.

I think this would be great, roster permitting, and perhaps some hints on overnight accommodation, and I'll share a few pints with the original reprobates (and others!)

Good idea Stan,

Snigs

It's in my diary. Can't believe it will be six years since the Ash Bash!

Found some pics of the Ash Bash May 2000 event plus a copy of the article that Nick Bloom wrote...

Hamrah, what's an EADI? :E

Hi Reddo
Could you post a few of the 2000 bash piccies here?
Snigs
Will report back on overnight accommodation asap.
Nice to hear from other stalwart Ashbashers.

Ha! Some real blasts from the past crawling out of the woodwork to post here. Mooney - how the 'eck are ya? And Snigsy, you kept promising you'd make your students fly to my 'new' place of work on x/c exercises. Roll on May! :ok:

Got the time off ..... so I will be there :ok:

Found 120 odd pics on a CD :\ and although the quality is not too great (no mega pixel stuff back in those days !!), I will post a few here when I can.

Here's one to start :D



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash110.jpg

Oh Blimey!! I didn't mean post pics of me!

Got any of Flypuppy and his bagpipes outside the Ash?

Still got my troppo shirt that Zippy bought from Brizzy and the PPRuNe Bashing For Scotland t-shirt. Dunno if they will fit though.

Ummm. I might just be able to make this. Sounds like it could be good fun. It will certainly be good to see everyone.

Don

It would be great to see you there IFR...long time no see

A few more to remind us ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash117.jpg

A subdued flapsforty :) , Reddo, and Tarantella.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/Ashbash18.jpg

Just young boys back then .... 10W, BFU and ComJam. The years must have taken their toll :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/Ashbash49.jpg

Danny, 'Aled G', PPRuNe Towers, and Stan Sted

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/Ashbash52.jpg

The lovely McD, and the not so lovely blokes ... Mooney, 10W and PPRuNe Towers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/Ashbash60.jpg

Flypuppy fighting an octopus .... hotel lobby rules anyone ?? ;)

Wow!!
Keep posting pics Dubs!!

Stan Sted, great idea. :ok:

Like AerBabe, I can't look that far ahead, but it's definitely worth a try to get the leave.

PIREP (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40406)

A few more of the better ones

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/Ashbash45.jpg

BFU, Tarantella, and Flypuppy

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash122.jpg

PPRuNe Piper

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash113.jpg

Anyone seen an EADI ?? asks Hamrah

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash105.jpg

Whirlybird, TINSTAAFL, Hugmonster, 10W and Skua

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/atco10w/PPRuNies/ashbash104.jpg

Jeez NatWest, thanks for the warning! :)
Who's that young p*ssed guy that looks a little like me? I am definately on for this, i've even still got the old T-shirt! :D
See you there! http://forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/drink.gif

Wonder if the red dress still fits? I suspect not but worth a try.....

I wish you all a very fun time!!

Hmmm, ORAC might drop in, just to be sociable, seeing as he lives just a few miles down the road in Little Dunmow.....

My God ... has everyone now moved to Essex?

Oh Blimey!! I didn't mean post pics of me!
Got any of Flypuppy and his bagpipes outside the Ash?

Should that question not be, Any pictures of Flypuppy in the lobby of the Stansted Hilton getting told to 'shut the fxxk up' by the night manager!! And the very unimpressd Captain of the BMI crew that had jsut arrived looking down on all you drunken pilots!

Nice to see those photos 10W, brought a tear and a smile to my face. How little did we know back then how big this thing was gonna be? Nice to see Tarantella. No bash for me, since wings were clipped by the anti-sugar lobby!

I'll try and make this too...ages since i've been to Essex, request for Days Off on it's way...

Well then

Seems like a good idea, cor didn't we all look young then?

I'll endeavour to make it there, roster dependent of course and it is awfully close to my hols, sending the request now.

Cheers

The Artist Formally Known as Aled G

Stan Sted

You look like a filthy old reporter, do you work for the Sun?

And 10W looks about 4,0000000,0000000 pints younger

REUNION FOR ASHBASHERS

Went to the PoW today to discuss plans with the landlord. He has nothing else arranged for the 20th and said we could have the run of the pub's two main bar areas.
Although the pub is normally closed between 3-5pm he was very happy to stay open for drinks and food during this time.
The real ales are Greene King IPA (funnily enough, my favourite) and Director's. There were the usual lagers and Guinness, which the landlord said is regarded as the best for miles around.
Attached to the pub is a very swish restuarant area which serves mainly Italian specialities.
Here are some of the comments of your two PPRuNe pub testers:
"Nice quiet location, plenty of room to spread out and an ideal pub for an informal gathering" - Capt Airclues.
"Greene King IPA is the best I have tasted in Essex" - SS
"Couldn't agree more" - CA
"My bacon ciabatta for lunch was brilliant" - SS
"Stroganoff was excellent, the best I've ever had" -CA
"That Greene King was so nice I think I'll have another one" - SS
"Nice coffee" - CA
Chris, the landlord, has asked me to let him know, by early May, how many people would like to book a table in the restaurant. He also asks if anyone has any special dietary requirements. It would probably be best if guests book meals direct.
He has also given me some ideas for local accommodation, ranging from a B&B in a converted barn on a working farm "just over the fields from the pub" to a country hotel in the next village or the big hotels at the airport.
Please send me a PM for more details.
The PoW is to the NE of STN and is a £6 cab ride from the terminal. Checker Cars can be booked near the Arrivals exit. No doubt we can arrange cab sharing nearer the time.

Nice to see so many AshBashers responding. Looking forward to seeing you on the day. Are you coming to join us, Bas?

"My bacon ciabata for lunch was brilliant" - SS

Oh God ... I misread that as Citabria. :uhoh:

My fault. Will add another t to give it the correct Italian spelling.

Just about to set off for the Sanuk, for another restaurant check.

Mmm ... Sanuk ... *drool*

Goodness 10W you look a mere toddler :ooh:
Sounds a lot of fun but sadly I'm working.

Looked even worse for wear yesterday Flower :)

Mind you so did I :D

Was a great day for the Scots yesterday, I'm watching Wales now, not a good day for us :hmm:

Just to prove the point :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/Falcon20/b9863629.jpg

The Calcutta Cup is a difficult occasion for CarltonBrowne & I. If we can trash the Scots at Twickenham one year, I don't see why they shouldn't scrape a little victory by the skin of their teeth and the greatest of good luck at Murrayfield the next.

PilotsPal,

When you take into account approximately 5000 over 18s play competitive rugby in Scotland, compared to approximately 300,000 in England, and the colossal difference in terms of financial backing, you will have to allow us to enjoy this all-too-rare moment. Sure, we may have a few in the team who qualify through ancestry but we don't write the rules, we can only abide by them.

For those who missed it, here is a taster:

http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/index.cfm?27CD857C-D4CF-92D8-BC0E-FCE567BC1F9B

Back on topic, I'll do my best to make it.

VC10 Rib22
:ok:

It would be a shame to miss a bash just down the road (ish). I shall have words with Virgin's finest rosterers...

Developments over the weekend have had a profound affect on my possible attendance.

With both Leinster and Munster through to the Heineken Cup Semi-finals, thereby assuring one or the other in the final, and with me having four tickets for the final, boooked 6 weeks ago ( just in case), looks like I may be in Cardiff.

Sorry,

H

Oh my God! I've just noticed I'm in the background of one of 10W's phots!! Ahh, memories of the AshBash....unfortunately, not as many as I'd like and not for the reasons that I'd prefer! (I'd gone down with tonsillitis about two days before and was doped up to the eyeballs on painkillers just to be able to speak and eat!!)
20 May sounds good at the moment, but I need to check with the long-haired Chief of Staff and see where we're supposed to be at the time. Definitely interested though!:ok:

Shame you can't make it H. Could have incorporated a Go reunion into the festivities.
There clearly won't be a large turn-out of former AshBashers, but I would be grateful if those who plan to attend could send me a PM or e-mail in the next few weeks ...so that I can ensure there is an adequate supply of Greene King, Adnams, lagers and other beverages.

cheers

SS

Less than a month to go and only a handful of people have confirmed that they can attend on May 20.
Please let me know by PM or e-mail asap if you can make it.
cheers

SS

Mrs A and I will be there, together with #2 son (an original Ashbasher) and his girlfriend.

Airclues

Big fella and I shall be there. :E

Yes, I shall be there. I need to catch upon a deal of scandal and gossip. Some beer would be nice, too.

I have the Saturday off but working early Sunday, so tis a 'Maybe' for me. :)

PS That Greene King was so nice I think I'll have another one Based in Bury St Edmunds (40 mins from STN) and they do a brewery tour....

Less than three weeks to go and no further confirmations.
Anyone else coming?

Yes please - count me in!:ok:

Et moi.
;)

Sadly not. The appeals to the better nature of Virgin's rostering dept resulted in a visit to LA on the 20th.:ouch:

Looking good for me at this stage :D

Yes please

Sadly not. The appeals to the better nature of Virgin's rostering dept resulted in a visit to LA on the 20th.:ouch:

Noooo.... :{

#2 son passed his IRT today and so now has an fATPL (achieved while working as an ATSA at LTCC), so we will be celebrating on the 20th, both at the bash and at the Wine Tower bar afterwards.

Airclues

Airclues
Excellent news.
Anyone waiting to book accommodation for the Saturday night?
I was planning to get a cab home, but might be tempted to stay somewhere.
Anyone found any decent deals at the bigger hotels or B&Bs?
SS

Stan

We'll be staying at tha redissonSAS at the airport. It's a pity that Flypuppy won't be there with his bagpipes as the acoustics of the Wine Tower bar are excellent.

Airclues

Best rate I've found at the RadissonSAS is £89 pp, including breakfast, VAT etc.

Sorely tempted.

Booked in at the Radisson also :ok:

Cheapest I got was for £75 through the Radisson website. That's without breakfast (which I normally trade for beauty sleep anyway) and with some cancellation clauses (no sweat, cos I'll be there no matter what happens !!).

Looking forward to the 'reunion'. :cool:


PS I've heard a rumour that our 'leader' might also be attending. Wonder if he invited any journalists :)

We're at the little B&B nearby. Moor end or something?

Can´t make it, stuck in Madrid. Sorry. :(

Just secured (well as best as i can) the weekend off :D
So, i'll be there, with or without the better half don't know yet.
http://forum.clubdogma.com/images/smilies/guinness.gif

Booked in at the Radisson:)

10W: Meet you there at about noon for a sharpener before heading to the PoW?

My regrets Stan but I won't be able to make it.

Sorry you can't make it IFR

thanks for letting me know

cheers

SS

Sorry to hear that IFR :( You and Jan will be missed greatly.

Stan

Arrive at STN around 1130 (hopefully) so an induction beer in the bar at the Radisson around mid day sounds like an excellent way to start the day ;)

Also booked in at Moor End - the nice lady asked if I'd like to share one of their little cottages with you Reddo, but then I spotted its a twin room and a double room. CB and I therefore get the little cottage to ourselves!

Really looking forward to catching up with folks after far too long.

I'm confirmed at the Radisson. Not sure about arrival time.

Free wireless broadband throughout rad.

I mention this in hope that you can webcam PP's induction as a 'wine angel' to me in the Middle East.:(

If the phrase Wine Angel makes no sense to folks it really makes it essential you get there after pub hours to witness it.:D :D

Wishing you all a superb night.
Rob

Rob

I don't think that they have a wine tower in PP's B&B. :)

Sorry that you can't make it.

Dave

Hurrah! Booked into the SAS at the airport. :)

We'll be there around lunchtime, hopefully there will be a telly with the Heineken Cup final somewhere.....

See you there! :ok:

I daresay a little post-bash nightcap at the Rad might be in order. I will brief my personal transport executive accordingly. Reddo, you and yours might also wish to avail yourselves of my most excellent chauffeur's services - will bring my baby instead of the Roofless Rocket so room for four.....

Would love to get there unfortunately not Great to see the pics of that first opportunity to find friends for life

Have a drink for Robbo 10W and others .....

R

Thanks GD...pix of the first bash were brilliant and I am hoping that prints of some of them will brought to Saturday's gathering.

If anyone is still looking for overnight accommodation or needs info on cabs from the airport to the pub etc please send me a PM and I will try to help. I will also send out my mobile telephone number so that we can keep in touch during the day.

cheers

SS

Make note to self: check to see if pub has a telly

Damnit damnit damnit ... my leave for the weekend has been cancelled, so now I'm working 7 am - 7 pm both days. :mad: :mad: :mad:

AB

Bad news...but you could pop along for an hour or two after work.
I'll send you my mobile number so that you can check on our whereabouts,although I expect we will be at the pub until fairly late before going on the Radisson.

regards

SS

SS

Any word on that telly yet? :D

thought it was a reunion/drinkies - not watching the xxxing tv comjam!!;)
you can stay in the hotel room!

louby

Ermmm
ComJam
No telly at the pub.
I could bring a wireless, if that helps?
SS

Damn, caught! Sorry babes :)
No worries SS, we shall just have to quaff ale instead http://forum.clubdogma.com/images/smilies/guinness.gif

What a great way to spend a Saturday lunchtime/afternoon/evening/early hours of Sunday.
Thanks for coming folks and sorry I had to leave the hotel early this morning before most revellers had surfaced.
The Prince of Wales (the pub, not his Nibs) did us proud and I reckon it would make an ideal place for further STN gatherings.
I had a whale of a time meeting old chums again, but I do wish I could remember at least one of UR's countless and brilliant jokes!

A fantastic evening. Thank you Stan for organising it.
A great night with good friends and lots of laughs.
Great to see every one again. It had been a while. ;)

I think I have to phone Mum to explain later on.

Pics. Probably after the tour (so another week) because the battery's flat.

Thanks for CB the FO for driving us to the Radisson and return.

Thanks to Flinty for the Krug. :E :ok:

One of the highlights of the late evening was Reddo's lengthy illustrated talk on her mother's camel named Sydney (I think). She might care to post some of the pictures here.

I was disappointed that we weren't able to get PP to climb the Wine Tower.

Thanks for setting it up Stan, it was great to see everyone, and odd to think that it was six years since the Ash.

I have decided not to drink anything for the rest of today, but I still see visions of 10W appearing with yet another tray of pints. Where does the man put it?

Reddo's camel, and the early-hours phone call to her mum in Oz was a quirky end to the evening.

The camel's name was Archie. :}

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/reddo1/Family%20and%20randon%20pics/Archiethecamel.jpg

thanks very much stan, lovely to meet you!
comjam and i had a fab time, and even made breakfast without a hangover :D (dunno if that is a sign of a good night or age!)
roll on the september bash - unless there's a "do" before then. . . . . . . :O

louby

A great eavening, enjoyed by all. Many thanks for organising it Stan.

Airclues

And another BIG thanks Stan. It was fun with very entertaining and erudite company. :D
Look forward to the pics!

It was a really good evening and lovely to catch up with friends I haven't seen for far, far too long. A really nice venue for a informal summer gathering....

UR - I'm afraid the Wine Tower will have to wait for another day. But I'll climb it if you will!

Great day :D

Nice to see everyone again and to meet a few new people.

See you in September.

The following image is for the attention of Unwell Raptor :E
http://www.safespeed.org.uk/forum/images/smiles/gatso2.gif

Sorry I had to abandon you all before the gathering back at the Raddison but one had to be up before dawn to catch the 0530 Stansted Express (I use the word Express reservedly) for a very early report at LGW.

It was very nice to see everyone after so much time. A very enjoyable evening and we must do it again some time. :D

Sorry to miss it - rostering excepted see you next time:)