Reel
Rock Screening
Thursday December 27th
18:00 Bacchus
Newcastle upon Tyne
Since the Gentlemen appreciate a bit of
ourdoor action from time to time, the Society attended the Reel
Rock film festival whilst it was in Tyneside - showing at the Tyneside
Cinema.
The chaps met up in Bacchus at 18:00 for a quick pint before going for
a bite to eat in the curry house over the road. After a good film, we
nipped back to Bacchus for lasties. In all, a quiet night out.
NGS
Christmas Curry
& AGM
Saturday December 22nd
19:00 Carriage in Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
With the Gentlemen safely back from the
first ski trip of the season, it was time to get together and review the
past year; as well as plan for any New Year celebrations.
The Gentlemen met for beers and our AGM in The Carriage on the last Saturday
before Christmas, followed by a curry in the neighbouring restaurant.
Top beers and a top curry - all followed by beers in As you Like It, just
around the corner.
Cheeky Pre-Christmas Skiing
7-16th December
Whistler
Canada
Tired of worrying about December snow, the Society selected the world's best ski resort as the the cheeky ski destination for this year and headed off to Whistler in western Canada. The resort lived up to its reputation in every way, and the Gentlemen are content that they enjoyed a truly superb holiday
The daily fresh powder was complemented
by clear blue skies, superb runs, picturesque views, excellent food and
service; as well as a tempting range of local beers. A motion was passed
that this wouldn't be our last visit to Whistler.
The latest ski plans, as they unfold, can always be found on the our dedicated
ski page.
Islay
Whisky Tasting
Friday November 16th
1900 in Blackfriars
Newcastle upon Tyne
Despite the whole event nearly going pear-shaped
due a confusion over start times, the group managed to convene for what
turned out to be a superb event.
Six fine whiskies were tasted blind, each being considered on a variety
of points. Each Gentleman's personal favourite was different, and there
was much surprise once the labels were revealed. A few were guessed, but
the inclusion of some hard-to-find numbers kept the guessing games going.
Afterwards, it was a trip to the Bodega, for a change, for lasties, and then a return to Latif's for a curry; a result of the sad demise of the Koh-I-Noor.
Gosforth
Beer Festival
Thursday November 8th
19:30 in the Civic Hall
Gosforth
The Gentlemen always make an effort to attend
Beer Festivals, and therefore saw no reason why the local one shouldn't
be added to the list
A quieter festival than normal, though with a good turnout from the Gentlemen.
As one might expect, a full range of beers was tasted - the tasters deserve
a special mention for being efficient and managing to taste such an array
in such a short space of time.
There was work on the Friday, and it was Gosforth, so no post-beer curry
for once!
Chainsaw
Competition
Saturday 15th September
Ragley
Hall
Worcestershire
Chainsaws aren't toys, though they are very entertaining. Having discovered
the Stihl Logsaw Championships whilst skiing last year, the Gentlemen
are keen to see some real sawing action
So, join us for a day out at Ragley Hall to see chainsawing championships, pole climbing competitions, chainsaw carving and similar such sports.
Most of the group will be en-route home from France, so we're not arranging group transport, but we will probably be having a pint so come along for the entertainment.
Bordeaux/Pauillac
France
Yes, you read that correctly - a marathon! More specifically, 26.5 miles
of running between some of the finest châteaux of the region; this
is the longest marathon in the world.
Since this is French, was done in style - the route was lined with 22 refreshment stands and 21 "gourmet" stands - these served tastings of some of France's finest wines and produce. At 34C, it was unbearably hot, however the Ladies and Gentlemen managed to complete the course - as well as taste all the wines on offer
We've booked the house for next year - this is a popular event and entry is limited so you need to comit early. You can read more about it here.
La6000D
Friday July
27th
La
Plagne
France
On the back of a stunning performance in last year's Marathon
du Médoc and The
Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, the Gentlemen decided to enter la6000D
in La Plagne, France.
Nuts, is about the only way to describe it. The run is either 22km or 60km straight up and down mountains, the total ascent is about 1000m/2000m depending on the course chosen.
Obviously the Gentlemen livened it up a bit by spending a day in Chamonix to ascend Mont Blanc and a day near Aime doing white-water rafting; as well as providing financial support to the French wine and beer industry.
Saturday June 16th
1254 Train from Ncl
Corbridge
Following a bit of a heavy night before the festival, the Gentlemen just about managed to catch the right train. No cheeky beers in the Centurion before departure - this was a bit of a break from tradition.
A fine day was had at the festival, with many excellent beers tasted; including a cheeky pint in the local whilst waiting for the train. The Sangri La in Longbenton provided the end of day curry, and the Benton Ale House is to be commended for serving lasties.
The May Skite
Friday May 4th
1900 @ Bar at The Brandling
Newcastle upon Tyne
The plan for for some relaxing outdoor beers at one of the Gentlemen's
favourite Jesmond venues. It was not to be - a harsh, cold evening drove
the drinking indoors.
All was not lost, however - a good selection of Skiters got plenty of Ale tidied up and also enjoyed a cheeky one after hours.
No curry - however it was an 0100 finish so probably just as well!
Thursday April 19th
19:30
Northumbria University
As
a result, the Gentlemen visited early in the festival to be assured of
a good range of beers to sample. A Saturday visit has been made in the
past, only to find that the local pub has a better selection.
Not this time, however - the chaps worked their way around the hall, and
even nipped upstairs for a cheeky cider to finish the night off. We look
forward to the Tynedale one in June.
Paris Marathon
Saturday April 14th 2012Paris
France
Although this event is listed as the Paris Marathon, don't be fooled into
thinking that the Gentlemen went for a run. OK, so one of them was silly
enought o do it (with a very respectable time), the the key driver for
the trip was the chance to enjoy a few Parisien beers.
The trip started with a cultural mosey around the Musée du Louvre, followed by a few beers a stone's throw from Opéra. The Gentlemen enjoyed a fine meal before heading on for a few later beers.
Off Road Biking
Friday April 6th
1600 @ Mick
Exton
Wales
The Gentlemen had tried quad-biking on a number of occasions and always
found it highly amusing. This time we decided to do some dirt-biking on
proper bikes.
It was an ominous start - big bikes, some complete novices and snow on the ground! However, a combination of excellent instruction, determination and a lot of fear saw the day through. An excellent time was had by all riding some pretty hairy terrain.
Despite all the brilliant support from the venue, we're still of the opinion that the half-dozen or so "night before" pints did the trick.
Six Nations Tour
Scotland v Italy
17th March 2012
Flaminio
Stadium
Rome
The Gentlemen would like to thank the good people of Rome for a superb weekend. Many beers were enjoyed and several gelati magniati. We managed not to go too far overboard on the first night - for a change, though made up for it on the Saturday.
We look forward to planning our next trip to Rome.
The March Skite
Friday March 2nd
1900 @ Bar at The Brandling
Newcastle upon Tyne
It's a while since the Society has patronised this bar en-masse, and so
we thought it appropriate to return for the March Skite.
They've recently been working on their range of real ales, so we kicked off the March drinking schedule by tasting a few. We planned our up-coming trip to Rome; as well as discussing other events in the calendar.
For once, no curry afterwards!
NGS Burns' Night Supper
Saturday January 28th
19:00 Assembly Rooms (18:00 for Whisky Tasting)
Newcastle upon Tyne
Following a tasting of fine whiskies, the Gentlemen were piped in to join the ladies before sitting down to a traditional dinner of haggis 'neeps and tatties. The haggis was addressed in the traditional way, and the meal was followed by witty and entertaining speeches. The rest of the evening was given over to carousing and Scottish dancing.
If you'd like details of next years's event, click here.
The
January Skite
Friday January 6th
19:30 in Forth Hotel
Newcastle upon Tyne
After a few "local" Skites, the Gentlemen decided to return to the city centre this month - to The Forth on Pink Lane (here's a map).
Lucky
enough to get the last free table in the place, the Gentlemen proceeded
to sample a quantity of fine ales, all the while debating the important
topics of the day.
The good people at the Koh-I-Noor were grateful for the support shown
by the Society in selecting their establishment for the Post-Skite Curry;
despite recent negative press.
The NGS 2012 Ski Trip
Saturday January 14-21st 2012
Valloire
Following a weekend of very heavy snow (some Alpine roads were even closed), the skies cleared to give the Gentlemen bright sunshine and fresh powder for most of the week. Once it bacame a little packed, it helpfully snowed again.
Valloire proved itself an excellent venue for the week; the pleasant accommodation being just a few paces from the main bar. A viariety of local restaurants provided the Society with a succession fine dinners.
Keep up with our ski plans on the dedicated NGS Ski Page.