Steve: Ah good new topic. I need to be back in Luton early afternoon Saturday and will prob train it so that takes a few hours. If it stays this warm we can cycle Friday I reckon (went out this morning).
 

 nick: No picture for the new topic?

So PCO is at the Anvil at 7.45 on Thursday evening. I think I've given you your tickets already? According to the website it is neither "sold out" nor "selling fast".

Depending on what time/how you're coming Tim we could meet you at Basingstoke station and go to the Anvil from there.

I'll probably be in the office on Thursday, but can be back to collect people from the station whenever needed. Or maybe Steve wants to cycle to my office?

Re: Friday one thing I considered was seeing "True Grit" which is out on Friday. Coen brothers version of the classic western, meant to be good.
 

 Steve: Yep up for a western, I loved the original version. On the tickets front I'm pretty sure you've got them - nice try though.

I have Thurs afternoon off so plan to cycle to your office taking my time, weather depending.
 

 Tim: Tickets, ha ha. Film, OK then, where?
 

 nick: The film isn't out until Friday, and the cinema listings don't go beyond Thursday. But I would expect it'll be on at both the multiplexes here (they both are listing it as "coming soon")
 

 Tim: Are we basically lurking up your way then?

BTW The Enid at The Brook, 10th March, hmmm?
 

 nick: I'm sure the film will be generally on all over the place so no reason to stick with Basingstoke

Re: Enid - that's the day before "Pictures at an Exhibition" at the Barbican. Not sure about it - maybe discuss this weekend
 

 nick: How fast is your browser? Get it doing some fractals
 

 Tim: Sunday 3rd April, Queen Elizabeth Hall, "KOMPAKT PRESENTS KrautPopAmbient
Featuring BURGER/VOIGT, THE FIELD
& special guests". Anybody interested? Neil may well be up for this, btw, so less pressure, but tickets go on sale today apparently (to non members) and I'm keen to book!
 

 Tim: Tickets on sale now.

Also, Killing Joke are on in the same series, does one of you like them or am I imagining it?
 

 nick: I would go for the Kraut thing but I think I'm likely to be away that day because Sun 3rd April is Mothers' Day and we generally go to Lesley's parents that weekend.

I don't think it's me that likes Killing Joke - what are they like?
 

 Tim: Not sure, and I'm probably just mixing them up with some other band.

I'll count you out of the other thing then, anyway.
 

 Tim: Just checked the weather for Friday: rain.
 

 Steve: Yes book away without me as well for the same reason thanks. BTW have ordered my 1st Eno album Ambient1 and am quite excited.

But I am getting to the point where I need to listen to what I've got rather than get new stuff. No quotes please!
 

 Tim: OK boys, you're off the hook, thanks for the quick answers.
 

 Tim: So, where are we?

If there's cycling involved, I could bring my bike up Thursday, stick it in the boot at the Anvil, kip over, early start next day. Film later. Alternatively, just pop up for the show Thursday and meet somewhere with bikes Friday, then...?

Either way, I'll get back home late Friday night, delivery is in the 7am-11 slot Saturday.

Has that cleared it all up?
 

 nick: "True Grit" is now available for booking at the Basingstoke cinemas, opens Friday. I'll book for 6pm-ish showing on Friday evening.


Tim I'd guess easier if you bring bike on Thu stay over.
Not sure if we'll be riding yet though
 

 Tim: So if the gig is at 7:45 is it OK if I arrive 7:15 at BSK and dump the bike in the car?
 

 nick: tim, 7.15 at basingstoke sounds fine. I'll park in anvil car park so we just need to push your bike up the ramp
 

 Steve: Nick, what time at your office?
 

 nick: Steve, 5 onwards OK?

Are you still planning on cycling or might you come on the train? Trains from waterloo->hampton leave every half hour, roughly at quarter to/quarter past the hour
 

 Steve: Planning to cycle at the mo as I have all afternoon this time(!). Rain is steady but light currently. This will enable me to get back to Basing station Saturday without a lift (and across London). Forecast tomorrow at yours is a bit iffy.
 

 Steve: Setting off in a min - will tube to Hammersmith to save time and doing the traffic bit.
 

 Tim: Steve, didn't sound like you're likely to get a new car but we had a look in a Vauxhall dealer yesterday, and the current Corsa seems bigger than the old ones, nearer to the old Astras.
 

 Steve: Thanks for the car update, £1000 is a lot to 'throw away'... Never failed to be shocked at how much cars are, seems only about another £2-3000 gets you an Astra though. Did they have any good deals?
 

 Tim: Well, they were a bit cagey about deals, you know what it's like, they want to see what they can get out of you. Give it time.
 

 Tim: Thanks to Tesco clubcard rewards, I see there's a Moore exhibition in the grounds of Hatfield House this summer.
 

 nick: Back at work today, working hard to achieve the absolutely-can't-be-changed code freeze this Friday. Think we'll make it.

Moore exhibition sounds interesting - wouldn't mind trying to see that.

Have you made a list of possible Fridays in March that you're available Tim? I have 2 days holiday carried over from last year that need to be taken by the end of March.

Been using Skype to IM with Steve today, seems to work quite well. Can you sign up tim? There must be an android app, and also there are Windows clients so you can maybe use it at work. My id is elz.dad, add me to your address book.

Had a big puddle in my passenger side footwell this morning. I was a bit worried it was brake fluid or some other liquid vital to the car's health, but I think it must be rain water. A few weeks ago something similar happened (not so much water, but floor and mats were very wet) and I assumed I'd spilled something, but a bit of web research suggests that there's some kind of channel near the windscreen wipers that can get blocked, causing water to come into the car (seems commonly to be the passenger side). It was raining quite a lot yesterday so maybe that was it...

The bored looking guy in PC was Neil Codling who used to be in Suede. I thought he looked a bit cool. What are Suede like?
 

 nick: found a couple of Suede tracks on Spotify. Jangly brit-pop, doesn't seem that interesting
 

 Tim: Fridays in March seem to be all clear.

Nick, I tried to retrieve my cap and gloves from your coat cupboard, but somehow I'm still missing one glove. It could be still in there, in the car, at MD station, or anywhere. Not important, just annoying.
 

 Steve: Damn, I tried to research their new violin/guitar-ist but she doesn't seem to get a mention on their web site :)

BTW it was literally 5 seconds after putting headphones on today b4 I got asked something, was about 15 seconds yesterday.
 

 nick: Well I can't see a glove in the cupboard - will have a look in the car tomorrow when it's light. Perhaps it'll be in the puddle in the footwell.
 

 nick: Here's that live tube map I mentioned
 

 nick: Good news on the glove front - it was in the car (black thinsulate one). I made a mental note of whether it was the left or right hand, although now I've got into the office I've forgotten which. But it was definitely left or right.
 

 Tim: That's good, the one I've got is also either left or right. Ta.

Not a bad map, there are a lot of trains! It's a pity you can't tell at a glance which way they're going. Can you fix that? Also, not all of the lines are visible where they overlap. Cheers.

And re PC, now we know that bloke wasn't bored, just a bit tired.
 

 nick: > And re PC, now we know that bloke wasn't bored, just a bit tired.

lol, good one
 

 Steve: Looking out the window that live map doesn't seem to be very accurate to me!
 

 nick: Hmm what do you know, a new theatre opening "in the heart of Hedge End" Lucky Tim!

I do fancy the Jeremy Hardy. However - my dad is visiting that week, arriving on the Saturday 14th, and as a rule he comes to us on the evening he arrives for a meal. So I'll say no but I'd be interested in other stuff - e.g. Peeling on 4-April tickets are free!
 

 Steve: Yes rules us out that date. BTW what about booking Fri 11th Mar off? D is busy Sat so works out well here. I'm happy to come down that way if Nick can stand the stress of entertaining.
 

 Tim: 11th March is OK by me but apparently you're all at the Barbican that evening no?
 

 nick: 11th March also OK with me. As Tim says, we're in London that evening.

Other Fridays in March
- 4th I'm free
- 18th I'm seeing Australian Pink Floyd in Basingstoke
- 25th is another Barbican concert (not sure if Tim is going to that one?)
 

 Steve: Ah flip I have a lot of stuff going on. I can give D's ticket to you Tim (she has agreed) if this helps.
 

 nick: blimey, what an offer, I'd seize that with both hands Tim - Pictures at an Exhibition should be good!
 

 Tim: Well, I really don't mind, D can still go if there's some plan that works for everyone, anything.
 

 nick: Had an email from Abebooks - I must still have this on my "wants" list, even though I got a copy for £1.

I read on David Nobbs' blog that this book is now available from "print on demand" although I haven't been able to find out which publisher does it


The lowest and highest priced listings that match your want are displayed below.

1. A Piece of the Sky is Missing,
NOBBS David
Methuen & Co Ltd, 1969, 0416128300, 1st. ed. VG in VG d/w just a touch soiled and creased at edges, with one tiny blind tear to top edge of back cover. In Protective jacket.
Bookseller: Waterstones Secondhand Dept BA, London, LON
Price: £ 95.00

View or Order this Book:
http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/ListingDetails?bi=4349090311&cm_ven=nl&cm_cat=trg&cm_pla=want&cm_ite=viewbook
-----------------------
 

 Tim: Amazon have a new listing for it, £9.99 paperback, temporarily out of stock.
 

 Steve: Well you can have the 11th ticket, she's not fussed. We also have a Barbican one lined up for Fri 25th Mar - I have 4 tickets so assume 3 boys and D?
 

 nick: re: Nobbs book - you're right, it is on amazon now. Wasn't there a couple of days ago.

re: 25th I believe I'm going to that. By "three boys" do you mean Nick/Tim/Steve (I initially thought you meant Steve/Paul/Matthew)?
 

 Tim: OK, I've booked the 11th off, and can't wait for a bit of Durufle.

Should be OK for the 25th too.
 

 Tim: So, does this mean we're doing Enid on the 10th? It's not compulsory.
 

 nick: oohh enid - had forgotten about that. Maybe we ought to, seeing as we've all got friday off?
 

 nick: oohh hang on a min, I've just been asked to Geoff's 50th birthday curry on 10th march... I'll see how flexible the date is but don't book the Enid yet
 

 Steve: No way I'm taking mine to a classical gig! I think The Enid will be a faff for me to get down there and come back the next day.

11th booked awaiting OK
 

 nick: listening to Radiohead's new album. on the face of it, Viz Top Tips might not have been far wrong... "RADIOHEAD FANS. Save £6 by listening to one of the older albums backwards."
 

 Tim: Got the glove in the post, thanks. Big disappointment.

How's planning going on the curry/Enid/Friday front?
 

 nick: Re: 10th March - Geoff suggested this date to celebrate his birthday, but hasn't since replied since both Tony and I said "yes". So I think I'm busy that evening although waiting for definite confirmation.

Re: glove. It occurred to me after I posted it that perhaps the note on the parcel might have been misinterpreted and I was half expecting to get a telling off. Bit like when you sent me a letter with a photocopy of a stamp on it, and I had to go to the post office to collect it and a lecture on not mucking about with the Royal Mail.
 

 Steve: I didn't know you liked curry Tim.

That top-tip was excellent BTW.

Went on my Felt last night with my new 105 brakes - was lovely to ride it again. Training for Ventnor etc - can't wait.
 

 Tim: I've read about 60 pages of the Count, and I like it so far. But every couple off pages there's a sentence that I have to read a couple of times or so. I had a quick read of the new one, and it seems transparent by comparison, so I've ordered a cheap copy.

What's happening next Friday? If we're at the Barbican in the evening, are we just having a day in London, or is it more complicated than that?
 

 nick: Yes, the newer translation of CoMC is well worth going with I think - Buss?

It is a ripping tale.
 

 Steve: Well done for starting The Count - one of my favourites. I'm reading Sagan's Contact and struggling a bit. He is a very good writer so I will persevere - got it from my 1001 Books to Read... tome.

Friday you can come back to mine after or just do London. We are out Sat eve it turns out. Watercolours at Tate Britain? Cost tbc on the web site which is odd.
 

 nick: Got any of these tim?
 

 Tim: The only one I've got is Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls, natch.

I'm up for Tate Britain, or anything. What's the current status for Thursday evening? Off?
Friday night I'm flexible, but won't be around that much on Saturday because I've got a home fixture.
 

 nick: I checked with Geoff and we're on for the curry on Thu 10th so I won't be available until Friday. Or quite late Thursday...

So some suggested options would be

- nick collects Tim off train on Thursday evening after curry, then we both come back to Luton on Thursday evening; day-return to London Friday; return to Hampshire Saturday sometimg

- as above but nick and tim rendezvous on Friday morning

- nick/tim get day-return to London from Hampshire on Friday

- anything else?


I am free Friday and Saturday, nothing I have to be back for
 

 Tim: Any of those are fine by me.
 

 Steve: BTW scrap my last comment about the Saturday you are here, it's tomorrow I have stuff in the evening not your weekend. But the plan outlined seems very good thanks Nick, you can stay on later Saturday if you wish to.
 

 Tim: OK, so I'll fit in with Nick up to the concert, then come back here probably.
 

 Steve: Yes we have a Luton Symphony Orchestra concert Saturday night if you are up for it Nick.
 

 nick: OK so I think best of the options I mentioned is to come to Luton on Friday morning - the curry on thursday isn't starting until 9 and so I'm not sure when I'll be finished. So let me know what time you want picking up Tim. I'll come back on Saturday night or Sunday; Tim can come back with me or go home after the concert.
 

 Tim: What sort of time? e.g. I can arrive BSK 9:19, any good?
 

 nick: BSK 9:19 sounds fine, means we'll be in Luton by about 11 I should think. time for brunch!!
 

 Steve: And luckily D is off Fridays so we won't starve either.
 

 nick: Complications with car - was in yesterday for them to replace "rods" (something to do with steering) as well as leak, but he called me in the evening to say there was a problem: he can't get the ignition key in. I went up there - nor can I. So he's going to try and take things apart today to fix (previously a similar problem meant he had to drill out the key barrel and put a new one in). So not sure when that will be fixed. It's complicated by the fact that Louise's car has broken and we've lent her the Clio, which all ends up meaning that I might not be able to drive to Luton tomorrow, or if I can, then it may be the Clio. I will get there one way or another, but may be on the train, or may be in a car which can't fit a bike in. Will keep you posted
 

 Steve: Can't you just buy a new one? :)
 

 Tim: I might be able to have our car. But would it help?
 

 nick: Well my plan is to travel to Luton on Friday and return to Basingstoke Sat eve or Sun

So if Tim is driving to Luton then yes I could hitch a lift,
and come back on the train from Luton, but I think this
makes it awkward for Tim because he'll have a car in
Luton and I think he's planning on coming home after
the concert in London? I.e. - this would be OK with me
but may not be for TIm.

I will speak to mechanic this evening. I think I can
bring Clio but need to check with Louise (this evening)

So I'll update blog later tonight to say whether I'll
have a car. If Tim is happy driving regardless of
limitations above, then easiest is for him to give
me a lift but otherwise I'll meet Tim at station on
Fri morning either on foot (in which case we both go to Luton by train) or in car (as originally planned)

Sorry for last minute-ness of this. I'll update later this evening
 

 nick: Just spoke with mechanic - says he's fixed key so car should be back tonight.

He's not fixed the leak so if it rains tim will get wet

Also, he doesn't know what the problem with the key was, so presumably it might happen again....

But anyway current plan is I'll collect Tim from BSK tomorrow morning 9:19
 

 Steve: I've got that, don't forget some hi-fi and a bike.
 

 Steve: The Barbican theatre looks a lot smaller with stalls rows A-T and 3 levels of circle with just 2 rows in each! So Einstein could be even more epic then.

Been listening to Gazeuse! and can't get over what a great drummer he was. And a pretty good recording Nick when you upgrade :) Apparently it was called Expresso in the US hence the next album in the sequence.
 

 Tim: Oh, it's in the theatre, well spotted. That makes sense.

Nick, quick, go and see "A Magic Flute By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" so that you can check out the good seats for us.
 

 nick: I did see the mention of "A Magic Flute" when I was looking for theatre seating plans. I assumed it was a play, but looks like it was a misprint and it's the opera. Maybe I should go.

Couldn't find seating plans, but wikipedia says the theatre has a capacity of 1,166 (compared to concert hall 1,949). So a bit smaller than the Anvil then (which is 1400).

Tim when should we be doing our next bike ride? Steve has reminded me that the clock is ticking for IoW....
 

 Tim: Good point, how about a shortish ride on Saturday for starters, if the weather still looks like it'll be OK?
 

 nick: yep I can do Saturday, name time/place
 

 Tim: Pencil in 9am at MD?
 

 nick: ok! 9am at MD
 

 Tim: Right, well it might be excuse time already. I'm feeling pretty rough today. See what happens and I'll give you an update this evening.
 

 nick: OK I am out at "Australian Pink Floyd" this evening but will check blog when I get in
 

 Tim: No, I'm definitely opting for plan B, the big lie-in.

Next week then?...

How was the gig?
 

 nick: Sorry you're not feeling so good. Gig was ok-
not enough Wall. Phenomenally extravagant
lightshow though as well as 3d films (glasses
supplied)
 

 Steve: I think 90 posts is enough, new one coming...
 

 nick: don't forget to include a picture