Back On The Chain Gang

Went up to Andover for the reunion of our 'Chain Gang'. Jim and Maria, acting as host and hostess this year, had acquired the use of the pub's function room just for us, so, as Jim put it, "we can make as much noise as we like". The banter was flying all afternoon between Jim and Maria and pub landlord Alex, who clearly knew them well. Alex made a few gags about us being "the ex-mayors of Andover" (crossed wires there, should have been Hampshire) so we were "very important people". I managed to bag the seat next to Sue and we had quite nice chats through the afternoon. When, in conversation, I mentioned "the women's football team I'm involved with", Sue, Pat and Maria made noises, and Pat asked "Is there something you should be telling Auntie Pat?" then after a pause "Is there something you want to tell Auntie Pat?" I explained that I volunteer with the girls; Sue and Pat seemed convinced there was gossip I wasn't letting on to. Chance would be a fine thing...

The food was excellent. After main course Alex entered bearing a blackboard listing the desserts on offer, and said a few words about each one. One of them was called "Fudgery Do-Da"; Audrey made Alex's day by asking him "Can I have your do-da?"...