Directions from the hotel to J15a M1 are at the bottom of this post in a word document. From the M1 J15a we can all convoy over to the run start point at Cherwell Valley. Aim to leave J15a at 8.50, it's 10 minutes from the hotel so be up and ready on time - we wont wait for you if you're not there 
For those who are staying overnight on Sat 14 Aug 2004 at the Northampton Moat House, or anyone who is thinking about turning up to join in the fun, this is the thread for you.
Edit: The Northampton Moat House is now full, however it's worth checking them first to see if they have had any cancellations. As an alternative the Ibis Sol Central can be used for any latecomers wishing to stay overnight. The Ibis is a 1 minute walk away from hte Moat House, and is a part of the Bar L8 complex so you will not be isloated by any means. Price per room = 39.95 GBP for the room only, breakfast (continental only, but eat as much as you like) is extra (about 4.50 GBP last year).
This is an attempt to come up with some form of structure for the evening
Some people like structure, some would just drift along and go with the flow on the night. At the end of the day, it is up to you how you want to spend your time
The first post will be kept as up to date with the latest information as humanly possible, so please check this post on a regular basis from now on.
Please ignore the rest of the thread as they are likely to be banter and chit chat only.
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Arrival time at the hotel
A few people are staying at the hotel Friday night as well as Saturday night to celebrate Trainman's birthday
I aim to arrive at the hotel around 16:30h on Saturday, and be at the Bar L8 as soon as I have checked in and freshened up
Official Watering Holes for the night
First off will be "Bar L8" (formerly known as "The Toad at Sol Central"), which is only a short distance away from the Moat House Hotel. An area of the bar will be reserved for MINI2 people so ask a member of staff where to go if you don't recognise anyone. We cannot use the upper floor and balcony as a private event will be on.
Please bear in mind that people may drift in and out of this pub/bar to find something to eat etc., so if you do not see anyone you know when you arrive, hang in there and people will return and join you later. I shall most definitely return after eating
The auction will now take place at the Moat House Hotel starting at 22:00h prompt The reason for this is that we do not want to be carrying bulky and valuable goods around downtown bars on a Saturday night. Once the auction is finished you can either stay at the hotel bar and sup until the small hours, or if you prefer you can return over the road to Bar L8 - personally I'll be going to bed
(NB: this is Soggy talking
not DK!)
Contact telephone numbers will be included in the Run Notes and Route nearer the time
Items for auction for Whizz Kidz
As mentioned, the auction will take place at the Moathouse Hotel starting at 22:00h sharp.
If you wish to bid for an item but you are only attending the Sunday Run and not the Saturday night then PM your bid to myself or Soggy. Please include a contact number in case we need to speak with you regarding the item. All goods must be paid for before collection so bring lots of notes with you please
Auction items available so far are listed below - this list may change so keep an eye on this thread. Many thanks to everyone who has donated items for auction, all proceeds will be going to the Whizz Kidz charity. If anybody else has any items they would like to contribute then please let Soggy know and then bring them with you on the day. Thank you all again for your generosity
Red MINI Jacket Men's, Melton Wool - donated by Ady (R50 of MINI2)
Red ladies MINI jacket - donated by Robert Stern MINI
2 Framed pictures from the Motorshow MINI Owners lounge - donated by Heather ( Conejohev of MINI2 )
2 Framed 12' x 16' prints of John Cooper Challenge - donated by Simon James ( of MINI2 )
Cleaning kits, key fobs etc. - donated by Cotswold MINI/BMW
Various MINI suppliers and lovers of the car have also donated these items below ....
2 Framed & signed MINI pictures from original Motorshow lounge area.
Chrome bits and bobs, mirror caps in various colours and designs
Some interior bits and bobs
Bumpers 'S' style in various colours
A new look smoothie grille or 3
MINI clocks made from Speedo or Tacho housing
Hopefully some T shirts from the USA if they arrive in time.
Specially packaged in Italy and kindly donated by Frodo are ...
A Grapa and shot glasses set
An Italian wine, glasses and corkscrew set
Next items donated by Wollastons
4 x 15" 7 hole alloys - full brand new set ( delivery mileage olny)
4 x 15" replacement set of steel wheels - BUT with unused tyres on (NOT RUNFLATS) so even if you're not after the wheels the tyres are a bargain
Following items donated by blb999&MS b (Barrie) of MINI2 and MINI2mini
2 pairs of thongs
1 boxer shorts
1 hunks t-shirt
1 babes vest top
1 babes fitted t-shirt
1 hooters vest top
1 mini2 on tour t-shirt
see here
Auction gallery
if anybody has pics to add to this gallery please email me them to
blbrooks999@hotmail.com and i will add them
Meal Options
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from within the area. Some places MAY require booking and orders taken in advance! Hence, it may be a good idea to have a show of hands to see who would like to eat what.
I know for certain that is at least one each of Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants near the Bar L8, and Soggy may be able to provide more information with regard to other available options.
Please indicate what you prefer, and I shall keep separate lists with people's names on them.
I would advise eating early so that you do not miss the start of the auction
UPDATE - The Italian has closed down 
The Chinese and Indian eat as much as you like buffet's are still there. There is also a small Mexican, a Pizza Hut 10 mins walk away and the Hotel do bar snacks as well as restaurant meals. Chinese The Chinese and Indian restaurants next to the Bar L8 offer a "eat as much as you like" buffet, price per head unknown, so please expect to spend about 20.00 GBP per head including a drink or two Aim to sit down at about 18:30h or earlier to beat the crowd, and to prepare ourselves for the night ahead! Some o fus will not be sitting to eat that early - I will not be there until 19:30ish
DK
and I am NOT going to sort out the bill after the meal
scooperman_uk + 1
Jeep-2-mini
minisoopercooper
LorraineH
paa100 + 1
R50
felix
Trainman
ROOBRYJ + 1 (???)
poppet
Baz
MT1
thedaddyuk02 + 1
Mini Cruiser
cheekygrin
Italian
IT IS CLOSED DOWN
Indian
No one yet
Mexican
That Mexican Place, 7 Marefair, Northampton. T: 01604 621222
The Mexican looks small from the outside - it may be a bit of a tardis but I don't kow as I've never been in it. So i'd suggest you book if you want to be sure of a meal there - number above and yes that is the name of the restaurant !!
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That's all for now, hope this helps
DK
:apple:
Cotswold Run Sat Night Social 14 Aug 04 (First Post = Important) 
