NOTE: Subs now open at
Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers.
 |
| Good times: Denise, Graham , Matt, Col, Sheila 'n' Dave |
 |
| To coin from Dave's story: 'Best Mates 'n' Lovers'! :-) |
Yep, we had a 'mini-crimefest' up at
Crimesquad reviewer-cum-writer, Graham Smith's stunning converted mill, (
The Mill Forge) where many a Brit has kept with tradition to 'elope'. None of us got hitched, but Dave Barber and I frolicked at the 'Kissing Gate'! (Don't tell the wives).
 |
| The bosses... Lisa 'n' Mand'. |
On Friday we settled in and, along with Graham 'n' Dave, we chewed the fat about crime writing, editing, webzines, eBooks, our 'novels', plus 'man-talk' into the wee hours. So, as is tradition, we all got shit-faced! :-)
On Saturday, after a splendid day Christmas shopping up the road at Gretna Gateway, we met up with thriller author
Matt Hilton, his lovely wife, Denise and crime novelist
Sheila Quigley. In the bar on Saturday night, the stories and banter flowed smoother than the ale, and talk about laugh - I nearly bought a round. :-)
It was truly great to hook up with genuine, like-minded people who I'm proud to call my friends. A top weekend was had by all, so thanks to our host, Graham and his wonderful staff at The Mill Forge, for their hospitality. I feel an annual event in the offing.
Enough rambling, I'll let the pics speak for themselves...
 |
Pine Lake - check out the backdrop of the snow-topped Lake District mountains
|
 |
| Col 'n' Mand' |
 |
| Wolf at the bar... spooky... |
 |
| "One pint of froth coming up!" |
 |
| "You're sacked, Bury!" |
 |
| Love this pic. |
 |
| Spent a bloody fortune... but they're worth it |
 |
| Brit Gritters |
 |
| Happy families: Joe, Mand, Col 'n' Olivia |
 |
| Our wonderful kids... Melissa, Olivia, Joe 'n' Imogen |
 |
| Warped minds of Crime... |
 |
| No, Dave, that rope won't take your weight! :-) |
 |
| Aw... Melissa, Imogen, Joe 'n' Olivia |
 |
| I've already thought of a short story for this! |
 |
| Kids havin' fun. For once am taller than Barber! |
 |
| On our way back... to reality... |
 |
| But we couldn't resist stopping for the stunning view of the Lakes... |
It was brill... I think you got the picture!
11 comments:
Looks like a fine time was had by all! (half yer luck! :-/)
Merry Christmas to you & yours Col!
Looks like a good do!
Cheers, Sue - same to you too. x
Paul, 'Twas, bud!
Looks like a great time was had by all. what you need now is to invite a few punters, read them some stuff and sell a shedload of books!
Cheers, Michael. Good idea. Hmm...
I was thinking, more writers though.
Obviously, that's up to Graham, but I'm sure next year we could fill the place 'n' have a right old knees up! :-)
It was fanfuckingtastic!! I think I hid the swear word well wnough.
Love your company. buddy. Love to the family.
I'm up for an annual event. Something we could sort out and discuss with Graham.
Merry Christmas and I hope 2012 is a healthy and wealthy year for you and yours.
Dave :-)
Had a great time. Would love to do it all again, perhaps with a few more buddies there.
All the best to you 'n' yours for Chrimbo 'n' beyond, mate.
Smashing photos. Looks like you had lots of fun.
- Jack
Cheers, Jack!
Great, great pictures. I'm gonna print out the one of you and Dave frolicking and put it on my wall—very disturbing! (reminded me of the costume ball scene from JFK...)
Cheers, Col.
Hey, cheers, Mike :-)
Good to hear from you. Hope things are cool, bud.
Best,
Col
Post a Comment