Film Night

Tonight we resurrected an ancient custom and practice: In days of yore, when associates of this great institution numbered only two, it was the right of every rider to invoke the 'Poof's Ride' if conditions or their general constitution was not amenable to the sort of off-road action which has latterly become the norm. There are varying degrees of Poof's Ride: the route may be shortened or the severity of the terrain limited; we may defer to a road-based route; associates may decide on a hike or walk to the pub or, if the situation is deemed critical, we may congregate indoors for alternative activities.

This week Jon returned from his hiking holiday in the Alps with a particularly severe cold and his first reaction was to inform the committee that he would be unable to participate this week. John H had already cried off with an offer to play golf elsewhere [disciplinary procedures have been initiated, Ed.], therefore Al dusted off the mighty tome that is the TCA Rules & Regulations to remind himself of the protocol and promptly called Jon to inform him that he may invoke this specific statute.

Jon readily accepted and arrived at Al's for an evening of ale, food and film: Dum badam murg (slow-cooked almond chicken), beer in the shape of Badger First Gold, Brakspear Triple and Theakston's Old Peculiar, and Volver - a 2006 Academy Award-nominated Spanish film by director Pedro Almodóvar.

The TCA thoroughly recommends this film to associates. We feel an endorsement is worthy as it will appeal to the varied sensibilities of our readership on many levels - even to Maalie, Simon John H and Billy-Bob, albeit on fewer levels.

(Posted by: Al)