The Alies were well represented for a blast up the M6 on a perfect autumn afternoon, determined to outdo the "Penrith 6" which looked on the cards when Big Norman did a head count of those who would like to take lunch in the superb Penrith clubhouse and the record went.

Once at Penrith the parting of the ways took place for some of the Alies but a cosy little three pint session developed with the Accountant, Solicitor and Press Secretary, although they were frequently interrupted by Shagpile who was bleating on about the price of a pint of shandy.

Another full coach awaited the stragglers on Vale's car park and eventually the Solicitor arrived, well before the official departure time as it happened, but as he boarded he was firing from the hip at those who raised their heads above the seat rests and had the temerity to question his timekeeping.

Dennis quickly pointed the coach in the right direction as the Major explained the problems he had been having with his new lap top. He was up before bugle call clicking away but having no luck in waking up the sleeping system. Eventually "Black Bear" solved the problem, but don't mention the word "updating."

Despite the IT hiccup the Major was at his ebullient, effusive best as he unpacked bulging plastic bags of provender to celebrate an up-coming birthday. A veritable regiment of assorted pies, which included an award winning lattice pie, were washed down with glasses of a chipper red; Candy Man added extra an layer of piquancy when he handed round the humbugs for afters.

Gilly behaved himself impeccably without his "minder" Titanium to keep him on the straight and narrow, but as the evening progressed it appeared that the Press Secretary was in need of Titanium's guiding hand at the Oktoberfest. He left early claiming to be tired and emotional after all that standing up and sitting down, and then blaming the little mouse with clogs on as he tottered off in search of a taxi.