Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Nelson Lodge on December 08, 2015, 11:01:44 AM

Title: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Nelson Lodge on December 08, 2015, 11:01:44 AM
Regrettably this post is a bit of a moan. Yesterday 7th December my wife and I attended the Christmas luncheon of the Pensioners Association of our former employers in the 1874 Suite. About 160 people in attendance for the second occasion the event had been held there. Whilst the starters and dessert were satisfactory the main traditional turkey course was dreadful. My wife commented that she could not recall having a worse turkey dinner, and that includes my cooking efforts! We made our feelings known at the time and I shall be writing to the association chair person. If they decide to hold  next year's "do" there we and our guests will give it a miss.

That was bad enough but there was also the chaos surrounding the parking arrangements. Information received from the pensioners association was to drive to Trinity Road and park off road there. However, since events in Paris the club had decided to tighten up security, but may be they omitted to tell the association organiser. So the gates and car park entrance by the restaurant entrance on Trinity Road were closed and locked with the exception of a manned pedestrian access only gate. Consequently there was a constant stream of cars arriving and being redirected to either the Witton Lane entrance and car park or the one behind the Holte End. In our case my wife (she has MS) uses a power wheel chair and had to be unloaded onto the road (not very H&S with constant passing traffic) via a ramp before going through the pedestrian gate. I then had to turn the car round and go and park behind the Holte. On leaving we had to do this procedure in reverse, but this time with the added bonus of waiting for about 10 minutes whilst the guy with the key to unlock the padlock on the gate was found.

I have supported Villa all my life, just entered my 70s, been both a season ticket holder and shareholder. Dad born in Nelson Road, mom (Not mum!) lived in Lodge Road. I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: The Villa Werewolf on December 08, 2015, 02:19:09 PM
Quote
I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.

While I understand your sentiment, I think to suggest that a poorly cooked turkey is indicative of the current situation surrounding the club is a bit of an overreaction. Particularly given that our hospitality and events provision consistently wins awards for being among the best in the country.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Malandro on December 08, 2015, 03:45:12 PM
Quote
I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.

While I understand your sentiment, I think to suggest that a poorly cooked turkey is indicative of the current situation surrounding the club is a bit of an overreaction. Particularly given that our hospitality and events provision consistently wins awards for being among the best in the country.

I blame Westwood. If he stopped pointing at the turkey and just got it out the oven, the damn thing wouldn't have been so dry.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Clampy on December 08, 2015, 04:10:16 PM
Quote
I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.

While I understand your sentiment, I think to suggest that a poorly cooked turkey is indicative of the current situation surrounding the club is a bit of an overreaction. Particularly given that our hospitality and events provision consistently wins awards for being among the best in the country.

I blame Westwood. If he stopped pointing at the turkey and just got it out the oven, the damn thing wouldn't have been so dry.

This made me giggle, very good.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: PeterWithe on December 08, 2015, 04:17:12 PM
I cant even be arsed to think about constructing a poorly conceived pun with the word 'fowl' in there somewhere.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: conman on December 08, 2015, 04:33:35 PM
Regrettably this post is a bit of a moan. Yesterday 7th December my wife and I attended the Christmas luncheon of the Pensioners Association of our former employers in the 1874 Suite. About 160 people in attendance for the second occasion the event had been held there. Whilst the starters and dessert were satisfactory the main traditional turkey course was dreadful. My wife commented that she could not recall having a worse turkey dinner, and that includes my cooking efforts! We made our feelings known at the time and I shall be writing to the association chair person. If they decide to hold  next year's "do" there we and our guests will give it a miss.

That was bad enough but there was also the chaos surrounding the parking arrangements. Information received from the pensioners association was to drive to Trinity Road and park off road there. However, since events in Paris the club had decided to tighten up security, but may be they omitted to tell the association organiser. So the gates and car park entrance by the restaurant entrance on Trinity Road were closed and locked with the exception of a manned pedestrian access only gate. Consequently there was a constant stream of cars arriving and being redirected to either the Witton Lane entrance and car park or the one behind the Holte End. In our case my wife (she has MS) uses a power wheel chair and had to be unloaded onto the road (not very H&S with constant passing traffic) via a ramp before going through the pedestrian gate. I then had to turn the car round and go and park behind the Holte. On leaving we had to do this procedure in reverse, but this time with the added bonus of waiting for about 10 minutes whilst the guy with the key to unlock the padlock on the gate was found.

I have supported Villa all my life, just entered my 70s, been both a season ticket holder and shareholder. Dad born in Nelson Road, mom (Not mum!) lived in Lodge Road. I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.

yeah thats bad mate ,, i bet if it was a bunch of corporate business men they would have cooked the food properly and would have let them park anywhere ,, even right at the restaurant entrance
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: BC54 VFC on December 08, 2015, 06:16:00 PM
A bit difficult for someone with MS to take the bus?
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 08, 2015, 07:09:58 PM
While I understand your sentiment, I think to suggest that a poorly cooked turkey is indicative of the current situation surrounding the club is a bit of an overreaction.

Indeed.

I would have thought "a thoroughly cooked goose" would be a more appropriate metaphor.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 08, 2015, 07:11:55 PM
Regrettably this post is a bit of a moan. Yesterday 7th December my wife and I attended the Christmas luncheon of the Pensioners Association of our former employers in the 1874 Suite. About 160 people in attendance for the second occasion the event had been held there. Whilst the starters and dessert were satisfactory the main traditional turkey course was dreadful. My wife commented that she could not recall having a worse turkey dinner, and that includes my cooking efforts! We made our feelings known at the time and I shall be writing to the association chair person. If they decide to hold  next year's "do" there we and our guests will give it a miss.

That was bad enough but there was also the chaos surrounding the parking arrangements. Information received from the pensioners association was to drive to Trinity Road and park off road there. However, since events in Paris the club had decided to tighten up security, but may be they omitted to tell the association organiser. So the gates and car park entrance by the restaurant entrance on Trinity Road were closed and locked with the exception of a manned pedestrian access only gate. Consequently there was a constant stream of cars arriving and being redirected to either the Witton Lane entrance and car park or the one behind the Holte End. In our case my wife (she has MS) uses a power wheel chair and had to be unloaded onto the road (not very H&S with constant passing traffic) via a ramp before going through the pedestrian gate. I then had to turn the car round and go and park behind the Holte. On leaving we had to do this procedure in reverse, but this time with the added bonus of waiting for about 10 minutes whilst the guy with the key to unlock the padlock on the gate was found.

I have supported Villa all my life, just entered my 70s, been both a season ticket holder and shareholder. Dad born in Nelson Road, mom (Not mum!) lived in Lodge Road. I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.

yeah thats bad mate ,, i bet if it was a bunch of corporate business men they would have cooked the food properly and would have let them park anywhere ,, even right at the restaurant entrance

It has clearly had a profound effect on you as you're down to just the two commas now.

I reckon we can get you through this, Conman.

Drop the second comma - in fact, never, ever have a comma following a comma. Then if you could just lose the space before the remaining comma, and have one space after it, we're there.

Together we can do this.

We are all here for you.

#prayforcommamanconman
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: eamonn on December 08, 2015, 07:17:10 PM
The Goose we have in goal can phluck off an'all.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 08, 2015, 07:36:40 PM
It has clearly had a profound effect on you as you're down to just the two commas now.

I reckon we can get you through this, Conman.

Drop the second comma - in fact, never, ever have a comma following a comma. Then if you could just lose the space before the remaining comma, and have one space after it, we're there.

Together we can do this.

We are all here for you.

#prayforcommamanconman

#WriteLikeLions
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: The Edge on December 08, 2015, 10:27:48 PM
Regrettably this post is a bit of a moan. Yesterday 7th December my wife and I attended the Christmas luncheon of the Pensioners Association of our former employers in the 1874 Suite. About 160 people in attendance for the second occasion the event had been held there. Whilst the starters and dessert were satisfactory the main traditional turkey course was dreadful. My wife commented that she could not recall having a worse turkey dinner, and that includes my cooking efforts! We made our feelings known at the time and I shall be writing to the association chair person. If they decide to hold  next year's "do" there we and our guests will give it a miss.

That was bad enough but there was also the chaos surrounding the parking arrangements. Information received from the pensioners association was to drive to Trinity Road and park off road there. However, since events in Paris the club had decided to tighten up security, but may be they omitted to tell the association organiser. So the gates and car park entrance by the restaurant entrance on Trinity Road were closed and locked with the exception of a manned pedestrian access only gate. Consequently there was a constant stream of cars arriving and being redirected to either the Witton Lane entrance and car park or the one behind the Holte End. In our case my wife (she has MS) uses a power wheel chair and had to be unloaded onto the road (not very H&S with constant passing traffic) via a ramp before going through the pedestrian gate. I then had to turn the car round and go and park behind the Holte. On leaving we had to do this procedure in reverse, but this time with the added bonus of waiting for about 10 minutes whilst the guy with the key to unlock the padlock on the gate was found.

I have supported Villa all my life, just entered my 70s, been both a season ticket holder and shareholder. Dad born in Nelson Road, mom (Not mum!) lived in Lodge Road. I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.
Does sound a bit poor to me. The club doesn't seem able to get anything right these days. 
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 08, 2015, 10:39:13 PM
Regrettably this post is a bit of a moan. Yesterday 7th December my wife and I attended the Christmas luncheon of the Pensioners Association of our former employers in the 1874 Suite. About 160 people in attendance for the second occasion the event had been held there. Whilst the starters and dessert were satisfactory the main traditional turkey course was dreadful. My wife commented that she could not recall having a worse turkey dinner, and that includes my cooking efforts! We made our feelings known at the time and I shall be writing to the association chair person. If they decide to hold  next year's "do" there we and our guests will give it a miss.

That was bad enough but there was also the chaos surrounding the parking arrangements. Information received from the pensioners association was to drive to Trinity Road and park off road there. However, since events in Paris the club had decided to tighten up security, but may be they omitted to tell the association organiser. So the gates and car park entrance by the restaurant entrance on Trinity Road were closed and locked with the exception of a manned pedestrian access only gate. Consequently there was a constant stream of cars arriving and being redirected to either the Witton Lane entrance and car park or the one behind the Holte End. In our case my wife (she has MS) uses a power wheel chair and had to be unloaded onto the road (not very H&S with constant passing traffic) via a ramp before going through the pedestrian gate. I then had to turn the car round and go and park behind the Holte. On leaving we had to do this procedure in reverse, but this time with the added bonus of waiting for about 10 minutes whilst the guy with the key to unlock the padlock on the gate was found.

I have supported Villa all my life, just entered my 70s, been both a season ticket holder and shareholder. Dad born in Nelson Road, mom (Not mum!) lived in Lodge Road. I am dismayed at the malaise that has once again descended upon our great club. Goodness knows what other pensioners thought of yesterday and there were plenty of supporters of other Midland clubs amongst us: I know that because the guest speaker asked for and got a show of hands on who supported which club.
Does sound a bit poor to me. The club doesn't seem able to get anything right these days. 

They do lots right; for example there have probably been thousands of people who have had perfectly good and enjoyable functions there this month. Without downcrying what sounds like a regrettable breakdown in communication, this doesn't equate to an ability to get anything right.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Villa in Denmark on December 09, 2015, 07:03:28 AM
I cant even be arsed to think about constructing a poorly conceived pun with the word 'fowl' in there somewhere.

There must be one about turkeys voting for Christmas as well

#howlowhavewefallen.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: brackley on December 09, 2015, 08:07:39 AM
The turkey was a little dry and he couldn't find anywhere to park the car. Broken bloody Britain.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: robbo1874 on December 09, 2015, 09:48:57 AM
Definitely a massive whinge, but a bit harsh to take the piss out of an old villa fan because of it. Fact is him and his mates have had their party at villa the last two years and probably will not be going there next Christmas by the sounds of it. The club should at least listen to the complaints.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Dave on December 11, 2015, 11:38:43 AM
It's pretty rare that we ask this, but if we could keep this thread a bit more 'on-topic' than it was before then it would be appreciated.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: peter w on December 12, 2015, 01:02:01 PM
fair enough and it's quite disappointing that the original poster has endured a bad time of it. Still, deleting posts? it's still just a minor inconvenience, although a major one to the original poster isn't it?
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: olaftab on December 12, 2015, 01:10:21 PM
I guess the Club are in this game  (providing events facility and catering) for commercial reasons so the correct thing to do is raise a complaint and wait for an answer. In the end success or failure  of this trade will depend on service standard.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Nelson Lodge on December 12, 2015, 04:35:04 PM
I have not read all the comments above in response to my original post. I think it important to post what has happened since Monday. Acting on the suggestion of the pensioners branch secretary I emailed his contact at Venue Sales/Hospitality with my concerns, which included suggestions for the unloading of the less able bodied in vehicles. I received a prompt reply and yesterday afternoon I spoke by telephone, at a pre-arranged time, to two ladies in that department.

I was informed that new signage will be put in place to direct traffic to the one entrance in Witton Lane where vehicles can be  security checked as appropriate. I can understand the need to control traffic coming and going at one entrance in the light of present ongoing security issues. Arrangements will also be be put in place for the less able who use wheelchairs and walking sticks, etc, to exit vehicles near to the 1874 suite entrance. The association were advised of the new security arrangements on the Friday before the Monday event. so it was too late for all members to be notified in time. (about 160 who attended).

The enhanced security was introduced very quickly which caused the problems; better to be safe than sorry. I guess that the rapid and efficient introduction of these new measures have caused those in Venue Sales more than one headache in dealing with customers.

The conversation was amicable on both sides and I was thanked for the "feedback" re the parking and even the main course of the meal. Even though the roast potatoes were certainly not Aunt Bessie's !!!
Giving credit where credit is due I was treated with courtesy, and my concerns were dealt with promptly and efficiently.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 12, 2015, 10:24:54 PM
What about the Turkey?
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: conman on December 12, 2015, 10:32:36 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 12, 2015, 10:34:24 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: conman on December 12, 2015, 10:47:28 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Clampy on December 12, 2015, 10:49:18 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA

Thank god for that.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: conman on December 12, 2015, 10:52:40 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA

Thank god for that.
Amen  (the last post ,,,,,,,)
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Clampy on December 12, 2015, 10:54:44 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA

Thank god for that.
Amen  (the last post ,,,,,,,)
Yeah, bye.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Dave Cooper please on December 12, 2015, 11:33:12 PM

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA

(http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.15199036.8637/fc,550x550,white.jpg)
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: eamonn on December 12, 2015, 11:58:17 PM
Conman is harmless and bad spelling is far worse than bad grammar. I guess Bad English is best positioned to adjudicate though.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 13, 2015, 12:11:03 AM
Conman is harmless and bad spelling is far worse than bad grammar. I guess Bad English is best positioned to adjudicate though.
I think he, Conman is suggesting that there is some problem like Keyboard Tourette's.
Very odd indeed.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Villa in Denmark on December 13, 2015, 08:21:15 AM
Conman is harmless and bad spelling is far worse than bad grammar. I guess Bad English is best positioned to adjudicate though.

That's neither. That's aggravating people by deliberately typing out messages in a way that's not normal etiquette, having been asked to stop.

YOU WOULDN'T ACCEPT PEOPLE SHOUTING ALL THE TIME WOULD YOU?
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: eamonn on December 13, 2015, 12:07:15 PM
An, minor quibbles in the grand scheme.
 Then again I miss Greg the Gnasher's "heh's" and quite appreciate both GodzVilla! and "The Doc" Butler's posting styles too.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Bad English on December 13, 2015, 12:35:03 PM
fair enough and it's quite disappointing that the original poster has endured a bad time of it. Still, deleting posts?
I deleted mine, I think all the others are there. The option was there, I used it as nobody had quoted my hilarious quip about buzzes.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Bad English on December 13, 2015, 12:39:49 PM
I guess Bad English is best positioned to adjudicate though.
No way! This forum is full of people far more qualified than me.
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: Malandro on December 13, 2015, 01:27:28 PM
What about the Turkey?
to me the condition of the cooked turkey is irrelevant ,,cooked well or not ,,,the bloke in question /op ,, is over 70 ,, he has followed villa all his life ,,,his mrs is in a wheelchair ,,,,,,yet in 2015  he couldnt drop her off or pick her at the venue location ,, without twats on here making clever smar arse comments


How many times do you have to be warned about your incredibly irritating style of posting?

loads dave ,,,,,,,,i cant help it ,,,,,,but to save you the trouble ,,,,,,,,i will just save you the trouble ,,,i will stop posting ,,,good night ,,,,,,,,and god bless

THE VILLA

Thank god for that.
Amen  (the last post ,,,,,,,)

last word,,,,
Title: Re: 1874 Suite & Restaurant
Post by: adrenachrome on December 14, 2015, 01:12:43 AM
fair enough and it's quite disappointing that the original poster has endured a bad time of it. Still, deleting posts?
I deleted mine, I think all the others are there. The option was there, I used it as nobody had quoted my hilarious quip about buzzes.

I was in the process of quoting it, but then Liv Tyler showed up on the the other screen in The Leftovers and she was wearing a translucent white dress and she was about to do something sinister to a Non Guilty Remnant who was chained up. Such is life. 
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