Next London ABCtales evening

I'll definitely be up for it - haven't been to an ABCevent in ages. Cool. Joe

I'll probably be there although I'll choose a different hotel ... having left Extra Time soberish I thought I would have a nightcap or six at the hotel bar only to find it was closed. Bastards! No mini-bar in my room and room service prices were on a par with restaurants. So there I was sipping water when my phone rings. It was Bunz, wanting to know how it had gone, informing me he was indulging in a large whiskey, slurping noisily. It was a strange experience getting pissed by proxy.

As so many supported me (thanks) when I read I must go to support others and of course to a have a jolly good crack. Shall we all try and be punctual so we can chat and maybe have slightly longer breaks and as it's a Friday any chance of a bar extension? Oh and perhaps display the mugs more prominantly.

They tell me (subject to confirmation) that the bar will be open until midnight on a Friday. We will have longer breaks and fewer performers this time as well.

can't make that one either ... grrrrreat ....

oh goody! perhaps we can persuade mykle to toddle along and entertain us!

I'll be there, hurrah... tell you what *would* be good though - an abctales picnic in Hyde park or similar, with readings eggy sarnies and bottles of wine ... just think, we might cause causual strollers to stop and listen (and perhaps pelt us with eggs and tomatoes). Wouldnt it be lovely? (not the pelting bit)

It would almost be worth it just to meet you old friend - but I doubt I'll be able to make it :(

The picnic on Saturday?

I was jesting, I know you'll never show your face. A Saturday picnic makes it worth while staying in town for, count me in.

I'd really want to go to an ABC event, not managed to make it yet. And won't this time ever, clashes with glastonbury. One day, I will be there.

yes, me too...

or, the picnic on a hot lazy august sunday. Mmm, I can feel the sun on my legs already.

I'd like to come this time - can't see any obvious reason why not. I think I'll probably try to crash somewhere in London this time! I'll have done my Hay TV stint by then... maybe I'll be able to convince Pullman to come down and read!

I'll be there, and can film the readings again if needed. Come to think of it a video of the picnic might be worth a few bob........... Also another plug for my mate Guy who runs the hotel booking agency. email guy@great4hotels.com [%sig%]

So is this thing open to anyone to come along? No offence taken if the answer is no. Ben..

Oh yes Ben, it would definitely be open to everyone. I'm definitely going - and I'd be up for picnic next day too. Goodie.

Tony, before anyone goes ahead and books a hotel room we do need assurances that the gig won't be cancelled, or moved, a la last time.

It is firmly booked with Extra Time - there will be NO changes.

OK, I'll book to stay in town, hoping there will be a Saturday picnic, nit pick or quik fix.

I shall buy a callender purely to put this on, hopefully avoiding the same cock-up as last time

Tony. I can supply, you know I can. Call me.

Ralph, we won't be needing any drugs, thanks. I'm sure that at the ABC event, everyone will be 'high' on the elixir of literature (and shit loads of booze). Thanks anyway. [%sig%]

I was talking about crisps.