INSIDE THE WORLD OF MEETUP

  An opportunity to visit a pub in Sawley which I'd never been to before. The weather wasn't great (cloudy) and the group was a bit subdued. The "garden party" consisted of us sitting in a large beer garden while some DJ played Ibiza tunes. The meetup group as usual with Derby Sociables consisted mostly of an older crowd.  It was ok for a couple of hours as the sun came out, drinks flowed and a younger crowd started to arrive. 6pm I had to make a decision between getting the last direct bus home or staying longer and taking 3 buses. It was an ok afternoon but nothing special so I got the direct bus.

 I usually enjoy a night at the dog racing despite being terrible at picking winners. It was a tight schedule to get to the track after finishing work. The place was busy as usual and our group consisted of 8 people. I got a couple of winners and didn't lose as much as usual. Overall the atmosphere was a bit subdued due to everyone being slightly tired from work. Saturday night would have been better.

  Another simple flat walk with a mixture of canal, woodland and open fields. A turnout of 10 out of 13 so percentage wise it was excellent. We headed down the canal where a few stopped to assist a boat going through a lock. An inexperienced man was shouting at his very upset daughter. Thankfully several of the group had experience. We headed into the woods where mud was minimal and the sun was out at the Malt pub. A few miles over fields where we encountered an unexpected display of blue flowers. No after walk drink but everyone seemed happy and I got good feedback.

  I wasn't "feeling it" today, didn't turn up at the very beginning as usual due to hospital visit. We met at the Distillery with a turnout of around 20 people. After an hour we moved on to the Rutland and Derby. Everywhere was packed solid due to the England match and the Kasabian concert. At least some left for the concert but it was still busy. Next stop was café Bruxelles, nice place but empty for a reason. They didn't have the football on, the group didn't seem interested in watching it and the ones who did started leaving. After missing the first half it was obvious most of the pubs on the high street were not letting any more in. I left the group after a slightly disappointing afternoon. Watched the second half and penalty shootout at the salmon pub near the bus station alone.