The meeting took place at the Rat Inn  Acomb, Hexham. Present were Adrian Morley, Helen Stephenson Mary and David Robinson, Chris and Katherine Wright, Judy Sunter and Partner, James and Yvonne Henry, Enrique Azocar., Maureen Angus  . Apologies were received from David Appleton and Brian Angus.Our best wishes to David and Brian for recovery from the ills that assailed them.

     The Rat Inn is highly recommended locally and the decor, ambience, food and service were excellent  The group welcomed Enrique Azocar who shares the art studio in Hexham with Adrian, Enrique a talented artist recently gained an MA in fine art at the University of Northumbria. He exhibits in London, Florida  and Germany at present as well as running successful painting classes in Hexham.

    Adrian who celebrates his 80th birthday announced that he wished to set a custom of paying for the meal on ones 80th birthday, somewhat to his chagrin this was accepted with acclamation. He remarked that he expected a number of free meals when others reached this landmark to protests that most had not reached 70 years. After further inconsequential remarks he sat down.  On behalf of the group Mary Robinson presented a large voucher to be redeemed for art materials at Details Newcastle, and four bottles of excellent wine( now sadly all consumed.

    The remaining evening was spent in the most convivial manner of which the reporter has only a hazy recollection. It can be confidently assumed that Adrian talked of engines and art, Chris of birds, James of Jazz, Mary, allotments and grandchildren. Judy was well informed on cattle rearing, Enrique was greatly intrigued by the subject of Katherine's recent book which we have all  read.   The reporter has a signed copy obtainable at all good bookshops. Nick Wrights  recent Festscrift was mentioned and the fact that a video of the high lights would appear.

 After the main meal a birthday cake appeared with an inordinate number of candles The evening drew to a close around 10.30pm

Adrian Morley

GardenHouse Glebelands Corbridge

NE455DS

adrian.morley2@btinternet.com