Well it had to happen.  For the first time in three and half years NaTCH didn't make it to lunch club - he had been waylaid coming from London by a stranded nephew in Essex and arrived already late at the Copdock roundabout to find the Orwell Bridge closed and everything blocked up solid.  To avoid the traffic he gave up trying to reach Pettistree and set off in the opposite direction.  The opposite direction passed the Vic so he dropped in to find Goddess Steph, Daughter Zoë, The Brewer, and Matt in a Hat drinking and laughing.  Conversation included how a lottery bid might be raised to fund Goddess Steph's re-emergent desire for decadence.  (Last visit 07/10/03)

07/10/03  Earl Soham Vic

A bit of a cock up as the Bedfield Crown doesn't open Tuesday lunchtimes (though the collapsing Jensen at the side has gone).  A convoy formed and Rob, Goddess Steph, The Brewer, The Brewer's insurance man, Spadge, Spadge's customer Mark (AC Cobra owner!), Matt in a Hat, and NaTCH had a jolly time in The Vic discussing pubs in sit-coms; Tony Hancock - The Hand & Racquet, Ted Ray - The Frog & Nightgown, Only Fools & Horses - The Nags Head, Men Behaving Badly - ?  (Last visit 12/08/03)

12/08/03  Earl Soham Vic

On an almost as scorching a day as record breaking Sunday The Bjornson Ladies, Spadge on a motorbike, new chum Rob, The Brewer formerly known as John B, Suzanna, Malcolm in an Old Git t-shirt he wanted everyone to know had been washed, Goddess Steph, NaTCH, and the entire Barkley family arriving on two tandems and a bike, crammed into the back bar where they eat, drank, and shouted to be heard over everybody else shouting to be heard.  Snippets NaTCH picked out were that Campsea Ashe is called that because it once was a camp and Spadge's bon mot "What's that word like D'Artagnan?  Ah yes, pathos."  AfARs from Hugh (in Sweden), Jane, and David (on holiday).  (Last visit 18/02/03)

08/07/03  Framsden Doberman

For some five years now NaTCH has been driving past that sign for The Doberman and never turning left.  He discovered The Doberman (formerly the Greyhound) is a charming country pub if rather swamped with Doberman memorabilia.  NaTCH, Spadge, and Goddess Steph were served outstanding blanchebait (whitebait in batter) as a main course.  Unfortunately the Mauldons Pickwick was cloudy, perhaps over chilled, and not very pleasant; but despite this NaTCH will be visiting again.  John B arrived late having just mended a pump for six pounds four pence.  AfARs from Matt (brewing) and David (work commitments {again}).  (First visit