London Book Club - 20 May

I just reserved my copy via the Hounslow library service (there were plenty available, and I've also seen this in charity shops quite a bit and have always been curious to read it, looking forward to it!)

I can't make June 20th, as it's Dan's birthday, which is annoying as I've already read it 

Vicky

I don't think the date for the June club's been set yet. Sorry -- it's just me jumping two months ahead cause I got really excited about a book.

I can't make June 20th, as it's Dan's birthday, which is annoying as I've already read it 

Vicky

Hi Vicky - I think we'll agree the date on the 20th of May, anyone who wants to come along in June but who can't make it on 20 May can let us know their preference, or at least let us know when they are not free, and we can take that into account. 

Okay.

But I am a pain in June.....Radiohead on 25th, then Glasto from 26th - 30th, so it's probably best not to try to arrange this around me!

(June is the month that gigging trumps reading!)

Vicky

Cool, thanks for the info.  We allowed 5 weeks in between the April and May book clubs, which some may wish to extend a bit further next time, whereby we could hold the next book club in the early/mid July timeframe if that suits most people.

Since our next meeting (after 20 May) looks like it might be in July, I was thinking it might be fun (weather permitting) to have it at the Tide Tables Cafe in Richmond.  It is right along the river and the seating is all outside.  It is one of my favourite places to take a book (and the dog!) when the weather is good.   Afterwards, if people choose, there is a great tapas restaurant, Don Fernando's right by the Richmond train station where we can gather together for dinner.

Richmond is pretty easy to get to from Waterloo on the overland train (fast service takes about 15 minutes) and on the District line and of course by bus.

I know this is not exactly central London, but it does make for a nice day out.  Of course this is just a suggestion (triggered by the nice weather this weekend!) Any comments, ideas or suggestions will welcomed!

Since our next meeting (after 20 May) looks like it might be in July, I was thinking it might be fun (weather permitting) to have it at the Tide Tables Cafe in Richmond.  It is right along the river and the seating is all outside.  It is one of my favourite places to take a book (and the dog!) when the weather is good.   Afterwards, if people choose, there is a great tapas restaurant, Don Fernando's right by the Richmond train station where we can gather together for dinner.

Richmond is pretty easy to get to from Waterloo on the overland train (fast service takes about 15 minutes) and on the District line and of course by bus.

I know this is not exactly central London, but it does make for a nice day out.  Of course this is just a suggestion (triggered by the nice weather this weekend!) Any comments, ideas or suggestions will welcomed!

Since that's on a direct line from my place, I'd certainly be happy to go there. I've never been to Richmond before.

Bit far for me...

Vicky

It looks like I am not going to be able to make the May meeting. I've got friends coming over the week before and the week after, and I am still settling back in after a trip to the U.S., so I haven't even been able to get the book and start reading. But the July meeting sounds great. If I'm in town and not still suffering from sciatica (new pregnancy side effect!), I'll definitely plan to be there.

Since our next meeting (after 20 May) looks like it might be in July, I was thinking it might be fun (weather permitting) to have it at the Tide Tables Cafe in Richmond.  It is right along the river and the seating is all outside.  It is one of my favourite places to take a book (and the dog!) when the weather is good.   Afterwards, if people choose, there is a great tapas restaurant, Don Fernando's right by the Richmond train station where we can gather together for dinner.

Richmond is pretty easy to get to from Waterloo on the overland train (fast service takes about 15 minutes) and on the District line and of course by bus.

I know this is not exactly central London, but it does make for a nice day out.  Of course this is just a suggestion (triggered by the nice weather this weekend!) Any comments, ideas or suggestions will welcomed!

Great idea, Karrit!  I'd vote for doing this on a Saturday or a Sunday, either the 12th/13th of July or 19th/20th of July (as the first weekend in July my mother will still be here, but she flies home to Dallas on Friday the 11th).

It would make a great day out - a bit of shopping or sightseeing in the morning, then the book club, then dinner at the fabulous Don Fernando's (I still dream about their beef - as good if not better than the succulent beef at Mestizo!!!)   

I'm reading the book for the next meeting now.  I am still not 100% sure we will make it or not.  Not only do we have a lot of financial stuff going on this month with our cat being shipped over, but our ability to make midweek meetings are really dependent upon Mr. Moggs' case load.

I do hope you can make the next meeting Moggs, but if you can't perhaps we can start a supplementary on-line book club as well.  That way, for those who read the book but can't attend the meeting you still have a place for discussion.   And of course it would also be great for those who did attend the meeting, but on the way home thought of a another fabulous insight into the book, a way to share with everyone!

As for mid-week meetings, would having the meeting in July on the 12th or 13th suit you and Mr. Moggs?  If we have good weather, and we have it at The Tide Table Cafe/coffee house, it would be easy on the finances. 

Well, we're hoping that the finances will be better by July anyway (unless we end up moving that month).  Our friend cancelling her trip over here more than doubled the cost of shipping our cat, and we were paying for her trip. 

Weekends are better for us generally, but I don't even want to ask for the plans to be changed to suit us at all.  We can sometimes make week nights.  Dinner out usually isn't a problem when we're not dealing with something that will cost about £600 more than you budgeted for.

As long as we're near public transport and it's not too far, we're happy. I'd rather see other people's needs be addressed first when it comes to time and location. We've just had a run of a couple bad months in terms of luck when it comes to the book club.

Hi all

Only a week from now, we'll all be sitting round the table at Mestizo chatting about the book with a drink in hand and hopefully some food already on the way!

Please can I have replies (or PMs) by lunchtime on the 19th from everyone who is planning to attend with a confirmation of how many people are attending (e.g., if they are bringing someone)?

I'll start the roll call - my husband and I will attend, and he is actually reading the book this time!