TV Dreams

I went out last Thursday to Notts Chams Christmas Party. This is the second excursion in under a week. And TBH having told myself sub-consciously that I hadn’t missed going out (March was the last time prior to that) who was I kidding? The feel good factor has been sky-high.

So, to the first of my “firsts”. I much prefer changing at home before going out, but rarely get the chance - you know how it is with family life. But on Thursday I had a window and my wife colluded to ensure the girls didn’t return before I’d got out of the house by 6.30. In my usual style I left five minutes after the agreed deadline (no doubt my wife factored this in). I opened the front door, stepped outside, and by the laws of synchronicity the next door neighbour (father or son, not sure which) also left his house.

Now, there was me (jumping to conclusions again) thinking that it would be almost impossible for that to happen. What did I do? What could I do, we’re not 10 yards apart, but OK it’s dark. I kept my head down, walked to the car and slid into the driver’s seat - damn those interior lights that stay on. I think I exited my drive just a little too quickly, although I recall a mental check not to attempt a wheelie in a japanese diesel estate car. Thank god I’d been sensible, packed my strapless red party frock and worn a black top, with tan leather trousers.

Our road joins a busy main road and in keeping with my luck that night I couldn’t turn right straight away. The neighbour pulled up behind wanting to turn left, but thankfully he couldn’t squeeze up my inside, affording himself a “better” view. I sat their for ages resisting the temptation to make a dash for it - visions of an accident and my neighbour “coming to help” kept me routed there ’til it was safe to go. So Rachel meeting the neighbours (almost) was the first, first.

I’d left in plenty of time to find Notts Chams venue and would have done so except for a few quirks of fate. I used to travel to Nottingham regularly and I knew the A610 out of Nottingham very well, and the venue was just off the that road (as it turned out). But I’m sure you’re well acquainted with sod’s law.

I’d gone through Nottingham and wasn’t far from the M1 (J26) pulled over and decided to call the Chameleon’s mobile number to get directions for the ‘last few yards’. I believe the website says to call on a Thursday if one needs to. Got a little concerned when the ansaphone message stated the next meeting was on 27th April! OK, so no assistance there.

Next, I got out the PDA, went on the web and pulled up streetmap.co.uk - thought I’d discovered how to get there and set off. Got the other side of the M1 and decided I’d gone too far. Ho hum.

Set the sat nav. OK, so may be I should have done that before - shut up will you? Sat nav takes me to Nottingham Road, Nuthall. Great, it must be round here somewhere. Drive from one end of Nottingham Road to the other. No Temple Community Centre to be seen anywhere.

Boll*x to this! Park the car and walk into a chinese take-away. Two young women behind the counter, very helpful but never heard of the place. In fact, so helpful they ask the bloke in front of me if he knows. All credit to him, he looks me firmly in the eyes whilst having a good think but he too can’t help. No silly nonsense, just a straight forward if brief conversation with no attitude. 10 out of 10 to both of them.

Took another look at streetmap and discovered that the arrow on the map was pointing not at the A610 but Nottingham Road… the other side of the roundabout at the junction of the A610. Shame the sat nav sent me to the wrong part of Nottingham Road!

So I arrived after 8pm, which meant that the place should have been heaving with young lads and parents collecting their young from the karate club. No I didn’t give a sh*t! In fact, I parked right outside the centre instead of going round the side to use the less frequented entrance. Bugger ‘em.

I have to say now that Notts Chams are a very friendly bunch and I was changed into my party frock in no time.

Second first. Meeting Lynn. A couple of the organisers were leading me over to meet some other members and this tall, willowy girl comes over, gives me a hug and continental kisses. The penny only drops when she calls me Rachel. Have to say I had her down as shorter and not so slim!

Not only do I meet Lynn but also Charlotte Downs who I haven’t seen in ages.

All in all, a very eventful evening. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a support group meeting allbeit Christmas Party, but as they say it’s the company that counts and I really enjoyed the evening.

Hello to Janice, and another couple of girls whose names escape me, sorry.

I’ve only said hello to the neighbour (Dad) once since last Thursday and I’ve no idea if I’ve been sussed or not. So I’ll let you know as soon as I know. Exciting isn’t it?