From: David Pleasants [david_at_plesbit_dot_net]
Sent: 13 January 2009 22:42
Subject: FATD - RETURN TO THE DRUM - 15 JAN 09
Hi Folks,
 
They say a week is a long time in politics well so, it seems, it is in pub management!!
 
In short we will be back at The Drum this Thursday,  the pub is under new management and in a very short space of time our venue has been transformed.   The whole of the back of the room has been cleared completely and amazingly the carpet has been cleaned!!  Dave & Maureen came with me to meet the new landlady, her name is Angie and her partner and the landlord is Richard.  The pub phone is not reconnected yet but I have both their mobile numbers if anyone needs to contact them.
 
The heating has also been sorted out and is working in there with the added bonus that we can get at the taps to adjust it!
 
This came out of the blue again with a phone call from Angie, to tell me that they are in and up and running.  They open tomorrow night and will be expecting us on Thursday.
 
I had not expected this to happen so fast so I consulted our longest serving regulars: Bill, Jan and Maureen and Dave.  They liked the Black Horse and had some cons against our room at The Drum, chiefly cleanliness and the lack of space caused by all the kit at the back of the room but all agreed that noise and lack of privacy could become a problem at the Black Horse, especially in the better weather.  They all agreed that it was swings and roundabouts and said they would leave the decision to me.  Two issues swung it for me, the ease of organisation at The Drum and space to put notices and notice boards etc plus the privacy issue which I felt would have become a problem had we not returned to The Drum, much as it was when we were down at The Watersedge/Red Lion before moving to The Drum in 2005.  Cleanliness and lack of space are now no longer an issue so the decision was made to move back to The Drum.
 
Angie has not been able to contact the Jazz Club people or the bikers, hairy or otherwise, so if any one has a number for anyone involved with either activity could they please let me know and I will pass it on.
 
I have thanked and informed Harry at The Black Horse.
 
See you Thursday, please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.  Unfortunately there will be no food available for a couple of weeks whilst the kitchen is sorted out.
 
Regards
 
David