c4countdown

Hi folks

I'm now accepting entries for COLIN 2010, the biggest and best COLIN yet! As always, it'll be on the last Saturday in January (the 30th, to be precise), at its usual home of St. Hugh's Church Hall on Harewood Crescent in North Hykeham. As always, people will play six games and host three- all games this year will be 9-rounders as I just can't see how we'll be able to fit enough 15-rounders into the schedule.

There will be prizes for the top 5 as per always, with the winner getting to keep the COLIN perpetual trophy for a year. There will also be plenty of spot prizes on offer throughout the day for... well, I haven't quite decided yet.

Game 1 kicks off at 11:30 but there will be a special warm-up game beforehand, a 14-round (old finals format) open game where each round will be a different variant from the last one, and the variant played to won't be known until just before the round starts!

Total cost of entry will be £8 per player, and to guarantee a place I will need payment in advance, by paypal to hulla.mahulla@btopenworld.com or by cheque to my postal address (available upon request).

I look forward to seeing you all in January!

BJW
http://colin.nebagram.co.uk

Confirmed entrants-

Jon Corby
Jon O'Neill
Charlie Reams
Mike Brown
Jeff Clayton
Matt Bayfield
Howard Somerset
Julie Taylor
Josh Hurst
Jack Hurst
Alec Rivers
Chris Corby
Mark Tournoff
Kirk Bevins
Lesley Hines
Richard Priest
Jim Bentley
Sue Sanders
Darren Carter
Adam Dexter
Martin May
Dinos Sfyris
Anna Woodward
Kai Laddiman
Paul Howe
David Roe
Stewart Gordon
Ryan Taylor
Nick Wainwright
Lee Fisher
Ian Dent
David O'Donnell
Alex Nightingale

WOO

I expect me and Josh will be coming. I'll get him to write you a cheque for £16 once I'm sure we can both go.

I hope to be there, will pay when I know for sure.

Ooooooh sounds like fun. I hope to be able to go and lose my live event virginity, but will need to sort out work and stuff first.

This is so annoying. I so want to come to these events, yet the dates are always the wrong dates. And yet again I won't be able to attend another live event. So annoying.

I'll be there, Ben. Will Paypalify you the eight quid later.

James Robinson wrote:This is so annoying. I so want to come to these events, yet the dates are always the wrong dates. And yet again I won't be able to attend another live event. So annoying.

What are you doing instead that could possibly be more fun?

Kirk Bevins wrote:

James Robinson wrote:This is so annoying. I so want to come to these events, yet the dates are always the wrong dates. And yet again I won't be able to attend another live event. So annoying.

What are you doing instead that could possibly be more fun?

Posting on this forum?

JackHurst wrote:

Kirk Bevins wrote:

James Robinson wrote:This is so annoying. I so want to come to these events, yet the dates are always the wrong dates. And yet again I won't be able to attend another live event. So annoying.

What are you doing instead that could possibly be more fun?

Posting on this forum?

Did I ever say that what I was doing instead was more fun? I'm not saying, although it's not a Huddersfield Town match. They're at Yeovil that day. I may be a big supporter, but I'm not going down to Somerset for a league match.

5 people are already paid up and entered with another 11 interested, either here or on facebook. An entrants list has been added to the OP.

James Robinson wrote: Did I ever say that what I was doing instead was more fun? I'm not saying, although it's not a Huddersfield Town match. They're at Yeovil that day. I may be a big supporter, but I'm not going down to Somerset for a league match.

Someone should start a poll guessing what it is you are doing on that day.....

Ben Wilson wrote:5 people are already paid up and entered with another 11 interested, either here or on facebook. An entrants list has been added to the OP.

Is there going to be a cut off point for the number of contestants?
i.e. should I get my payment in as soon as possible?

James Robinson wrote: Did I ever say that what I was doing instead was more fun? I'm not saying, although it's not a Huddersfield Town match. They're at Yeovil that day. I may be a big supporter, but I'm not going down to Somerset for a league match.

Sounds enigmatic to me. Dunno why you're keeping it a big secret. If it was something less fun like "my mum told me to cut the weeds that day" or something, you could always rearrange it or book a 1-day holiday from work or whatever.

JackHurst wrote:

Ben Wilson wrote:5 people are already paid up and entered with another 11 interested, either here or on facebook. An entrants list has been added to the OP.

Is there going to be a cut off point for the number of contestants?
i.e. should I get my payment in as soon as possible?

36 is the traditional max and to be fair COLIN's never hit that- there are over 1000 c4c members though so I wouldn't delay too long.

James Robinson wrote:

Kirk Bevins wrote:Sounds enigmatic to me. Dunno why you're keeping it a big secret. If it was something less fun like "my mum told me to cut the weeds that day" or something, you could always rearrange it or book a 1-day holiday from work or whatever.

Have you been speaking to my mum? Seriously, how the fuck did you know that?

I just thought I would quote this before James Robinson deletes his post.

Kirk Bevins wrote:

James Robinson wrote: Did I ever say that what I was doing instead was more fun? I'm not saying, although it's not a Huddersfield Town match. They're at Yeovil that day. I may be a big supporter, but I'm not going down to Somerset for a league match.

Sounds enigmatic to me. Dunno why you're keeping it a big secret. If it was something less fun like "my mum told me to cut the weeds that day" or something, you could always rearrange it or book a 1-day holiday from work or whatever.

I don't work Saturdays, luckily, Kirk, so I don't need to book a day off. If it was to cut the weeds, or something, I'd be more than glad to come to COLIN. It's not less fun, I'm seeing a show and it obviously can't be rearranged.

P.S. Gavin, you will die a grizzly death for that comment of yours.

James Robinson wrote: If it was to cut the weeds, or something, I'd be more than glad to come to COLIN. It's not less fun, I'm seeing a show and it obviously can't be rearranged.

If you were that bothered about missing COLIN, you could just, like, not go to the show?

Darren Carter wrote:

James Robinson wrote: If it was to cut the weeds, or something, I'd be more than glad to come to COLIN. It's not less fun, I'm seeing a show and it obviously can't be rearranged.

If you were that bothered about missing COLIN, you could just, like, not go to the show?

And then he'd be bothered about missing the other show. Sometimes life involves making heartbreaking choices!

Sue Sanders wrote:

Darren Carter wrote:

James Robinson wrote: If it was to cut the weeds, or something, I'd be more than glad to come to COLIN. It's not less fun, I'm seeing a show and it obviously can't be rearranged.

If you were that bothered about missing COLIN, you could just, like, not go to the show?

And then he'd be bothered about missing the other show. Sometimes life involves making heartbreaking choices!

It's not like there isn't another CO-event sometime next year! This show is one time only, whereas the CO-events are more than once annually. So, hopefully I'll be able to get to the next CO-event wherever and whenever it is.

What is the show, James?

Jon Corby wrote:What is the show, James?

"Home James, and Don't Spare the Co-rsets"

I think James should post a copy of his event planner for 2010, so this clash cannot happen again

Derek Hazell wrote:

Jon Corby wrote:What is the show, James?

"Home James, and Don't Spare the Co-rsets"

Maybe its the COors in COncert.

It seems to be a sad state of affairs, if my personal life is one of the most talked about things on a Countdown forum.

P.S. I'm still not telling!

James Robinson wrote:It seems to be a sad state of affairs, if my personal life is one of the most talked about things on a Countdown forum.

P.S. I'm still not telling!

As Oscar Wilde once said "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about"

Neb, I've just heard rumour on the grapevine that a certain Rachel Riley has been in contact with you about this event.

Any comment?

Jon Corby wrote:Neb, I've just heard rumour on the grapevine that a certain Rachel Riley has been in contact with you about this event.

Any comment?

I can neither confirm nor deny anything.

Except that I received an email last night at around 9pm.

James Robinson wrote:It seems to be a sad state of affairs, if my personal life is one of the most talked about things on a Countdown forum.

Ah, things done ironically are so much more fun.

I'd like to enter please Ben, especially since I'm in on a freebie! (Part of my prize for winning Ben's Scrabble tourney in Peterborough, in case anyone's wondering.)

Hmm I wonder what the mrs would say if i said i was off to Lincoln to play in a live countdown event, me thinks the reply would not be to positive. Sounds like huge fun though.

Andrew Herbertson wrote:Hmm I wonder what the mrs would say if i said i was off to Lincoln to play in a live countdown event, me thinks the reply would not be to positive. Sounds like huge fun though.

If she's supportive she'll say yes. Surely she wants you to have fun too. Just make sure you cook her breakfast in bed the morning before.

I'd like to be there again next year, please, Ben. CoLin 2009 was fun!

I'll drive up on the day this time, though, rather than booking a hotel, as it's Robert's 15th birthday the day before.
If the games don't start till 11:30am, that should be doable without too early a depature.

Julie T wrote:I'd like to be there again next year, please, Ben. CoLin 2009 was fun!

I'll drive up on the day this time, though, rather than booking a hotel, as it's Robert's 15th birthday the day before.

But surely Julie, you just need to cook him breakfast in bed in the morning.

Kirk Bevins wrote:

Andrew Herbertson wrote:Hmm I wonder what the mrs would say if i said i was off to Lincoln to play in a live countdown event, me thinks the reply would not be to positive. Sounds like huge fun though.

If she's supportive she'll say yes. Surely she wants you to have fun too. Just make sure you cook her breakfast in bed the morning before.

Sue Sanders wrote:

Julie T wrote:I'd like to be there again next year, please, Ben. CoLin 2009 was fun!

I'll drive up on the day this time, though, rather than booking a hotel, as it's Robert's 15th birthday the day before.

But surely Julie, you just need to cook him breakfast in bed in the morning.

Just in case there was a hint of seriousness about this point (rather than mimicking Kirk's advice ), I'll remind you that Robert has severe learning difficulties. So he'll want a toddler-type family birthday celebration, rather than a "give me my pressies and then bog off so I can spend the day with my friends" teenager-type birthday celebration! Not that my other kids are typical teens in that respect, either!

It was entirely an exercise in Bevin teasing. No offence intended, Julie.

p.s A toddler style birthday party sounds lovely, and it's one of the things not having kids means I miss out on (along with an excuse to build sandcastles and play with lego) so hope Robert and the family enjoy it. Can you still get little gems? My understanding of many kids parties these days is that they are expensive/themed events at Whacky Warehouse and such places so maybe the 'pass the parcel' and 'jelly' days are long gone....hope not though.

Is there a nearby pub with Sky Sports? And what time does CoLin finish? It's competing with Burnley v. Chelsea for my attentions at present, and the match is on live at 5.30.

David Roe wrote:Is there a nearby pub with Sky Sports? And what time does CoLin finish? It's competing with Burnley v. Chelsea for my attentions at present, and the match is on live at 5.30.

Sky +?

Sue Sanders wrote:It was entirely an exercise in Bevin teasing.

Alright Sander, quit it.

Kirk Bevins wrote:

David Roe wrote:Is there a nearby pub with Sky Sports? And what time does CoLin finish? It's competing with Burnley v. Chelsea for my attentions at present, and the match is on live at 5.30.

Sky +?

Video's a possibility, but live is better.

Marc Meakin wrote:

James Robinson wrote:It seems to be a sad state of affairs, if my personal life is one of the most talked about things on a Countdown forum.

P.S. I'm still not telling!

As Oscar Wilde once said "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about"

Get over it gang, the standard of refreshments is probably better at this show than COLIN.

Douglas Wilson wrote: Get over it gang, the standard of refreshments is probably better at this show than COLIN.

You've forgotten the first rule of satire, which is to make some fucking sense.

Charlie Reams wrote:

Douglas Wilson wrote: Get over it gang, the standard of refreshments is probably better at this show than COLIN.

You've forgotten the first rule of satire, which is to make some fucking sense.

I had to think about it for a while . . . but then I decided it was a sizeist joke. "Luckily" JR is capable of being self-deprecating about his size, so he won't squash Douglas.

£8 is on its way.

Me and Jack are definitely coming. I'm am almost certainly going to finish bottom of the pile, as I won't have practiced in roughly TWO MONTHS!!! I am quitting Apterous with immediate effect/affect (whichever is grammatically correct). This is due to perpetual neglect of my degree, which I feel is almost going down the pan, and therefore deserves some attention. It was a very tough decision, but one which I feel is for the best to my life as a whole, despite being detrimental to my SNAPPEISH.

Can I make a request for people to stay on and get drunk afterwards please? There was (were?) only about five of us left at closing time last year...

Jon Corby wrote:Can I make a request for people to stay on and get drunk afterwards please? There was (were?) only about five of us left at closing time last year...

5 > 1 ∴ 'were'

Jon Corby wrote:Can I make a request for people to stay on and get drunk afterwards please? There was (were?) only about five of us left at closing time last year...

I want to get drunk during the tournament. Although I may be able to drive by then. We'll see.

Jon Corby wrote:Can I make a request for people to stay on and get drunk afterwards please? There was (were?) only about five of us left at closing time last year...

Fair enough. I'll stay until the last train or the booze fuelled anagrammery runs out. Whichever comes first.

Also I just remembered the barman at COLIN 09 was called Colin. This amazing coincidence was entirely lost on him when I told him though

Alec Rivers wrote:

Jon Corby wrote:Can I make a request for people to stay on and get drunk afterwards please? There was (were?) only about five of us left at closing time last year...

5 > 1 ∴ 'were'

"Were" just sounds clumsy and wrong compared to "was" though - weird. I'd rather say than "was" and convinced I would do in ordinary speech (where you don't proofread yourself)

Personally, I'll be staying in some kind of nearby hostelry, and suggest others do likewise. It'll only cost about £20 if we book up early probably.

I would also be up for drinking during the tournament Jono! I reckon numbers would suffer badly for me, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to pull out a few good word spots that the sober, more procedural-based me would miss.

Jon Corby wrote:"Were" just sounds clumsy and wrong compared to "was" though - weird. I'd rather say than "was" and convinced I would do in ordinary speech (where you don't proofread yourself)

I know what you mean; it can sound a bit affected in certain constructs, even though it's correct.

Jon Corby wrote:I would also be up for drinking during the tournament Jono! I reckon numbers would suffer badly for me, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to pull out a few good word spots that the sober, more procedural-based me would miss.

lol. I had a pint with my lunch at CoLei2 and look where it got me (19th out of 22, if I remember correctly)! I'll just stick to coke next time.


EDIT: And I'm not talking about charlie.

Hmmm I actually think I might be going. I've booked the day off work as a precaution. Just need to work out how to get there? @ Lesley Hines, are you number one) going, and number two) driving there? I am not in possession of a driving license, so would be going via train otherwise (a long train journey). I'd be happy to pay petrol money if you're game?

If not then is anyone going there from the South West? Or going thru Brum?

Cheers all

Unless something comes up then I'm going to this. £8 is winging its way to you Ben... tomorrow. I also like the idea of keeping my 100% record of being in the presense of Charlie exclusively while drunk.

I'd love to go and if I were going I'd drive. My query is that hb may have national Pool finals in Great Yarmouth sometime round that date, so it may a logistical nightmare to sort out childcare and business. Hold that thought and I'll get back to you. Would anyone be stopping over or is everyone off home again?

NB if I were going I'd be quite happy to give others lifts too

Lesley Hines wrote: NB if I were going I'd be quite happy to give others lifts too

Likewise if I go.

Hopefully will have a new job by then so will have to try and get if off work, i've booked it off at my existing workplace - will pay when I know for sure. Might struggle to get it off though seeing as I have jury service the week before.

Whack me down as a yes then please - pool tourney early March so I'm freeee! £8 on its way. Adam - I'll pm you so we can sort out travel if you're coming and any else if you can either get to Worcester Foregate Street / Shrub Hill or anywhere else convenient en route that's fine.

Really looking forward to it - thanks for organising it!

Fantastic! It'll be great to meet you, Lesley!
I'm considering staying overnight, maybe Travelodge, afterwards, so not too much driving in one day.

I'm going if my mate Lesley's going.

Where do people normally stay? I see there's a Travelodge - Lincoln Thorpe on The Hill. There's a discount for group bookings (10 rooms plus).

Any thoughts?

Sue Sanders wrote:I'm going if my mate Lesley's going.

Where do people normally stay? I see there's a Travelodge - Lincoln Thorpe on The Hill. There's a discount for group bookings (10 rooms plus).

Any thoughts?

I stayed there last time. Good eh?

List of entrants has been updated with much coolness. 17 paid-up entries so far- making the event half-full- and there's still 2 months to go!