Soft Southern Shandy Drinkers - Take Three - 20-21 November 2026

[Wapping]

We spoke about a gathering during the sutumn internationals, which have a new format for 2026.

How about Friday / Saturday 20 / 21November, when England play New Zealand on the Saturday with a 14:10 kick-off. Being an earlier kick-off, it gives us more time to sit around in a field in the dark. Hopefully, the pub will allow us to book the same sofa seats as we’ve enjoyed for the last two ‘Soft Southern Shandy Drinkers’ events, which seems to work well.

Maybe get to the pub at around 12:30, have a sandwich or something, watch the match and back to the Seven Stars campsite for BBQ.

All in favour, say “Aye”.

======

As there is already a number of “Aye” votes, I have made the date firm.

Richard

 

[The Other PaulG]

Aye. Good dates.

 

[Wapping]

Wapping
The Other PaulG

 

[Oldrat]

Early doors yet, but count me in please.

Thankyou Richard

 

[Pukmeister]

Like Oasis, I'm definitely maybe.

 

[Toddmeister]

Oh go on then!

I bet you’ll be in your fancy new motorhome though, leaving Paul as the only one daft enough to camp in November!

 

[Santa-2512]

Yes. For me

 

[Wapping]

On the list

Wapping
The Other PaulG
Oldrat
Pukmeister
Toddmeister
Santa-2512

=====

Stuff to bring

I’ll bring:

The braai and (I hope) the wood
Tables
Floodlight
The bottle of red wine left over from this weekend

 

[DJ123]

i'll tentatively say yes to this one!

 

[Wapping]

On the list

Wapping
The Other PaulG
Oldrat
Toddmeister
Santa-2512

Definitely maybe
Pukmeister
DJ123

 

[adventuredon]

Aye

 

[Hann]

Oh go on then!

leaving Paul as the only one daft enough to camp in November!

He won`t be alone, i`ll come to this doOOoo please and i won`t even be camping, i`ll just do the usual and sleep under a tarp by the side of my bike in a Hippo bag.

 

[The Other PaulG]

He won`t be alone, i`ll come to this doOOoo please and i won`t even be camping, i`ll just do the usual and sleep under a tarp by the side of my bike in a Hippo bag.

Some people will think you’re joking….

 

[Wapping]

On the list

Wapping
The Other PaulG
Oldrat
Toddmeister
Santa-2512
adventuredon
Hann

Definitely maybe
Pukmeister
DJ123

 

[Wapping]

As the overall consensus is “Yes” I have made the date firm.

 

[Wapping]

Just as an observation.

If a lot of us want to watch the rugby, it might be a bit cosy on the settees. I have had a look and there seems to be a ‘sports bar’ in the same village and reasonably close to The Ship pub. I guess it might do? That said, it has some pretty mixed reviews, but if we are only there to drink beer, eat crisps and watch 80 minutes of rugby, it might work? Perhaps a local might do a recce? The Black Bear Inn.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JWzreyHUScmWd2FUA?g_st=ic

It assumes the Seven Stars (which the landlady told us is up for sale) is still trading. Let’s keep an eye on that, please. It would be a shame to have to find a new venue, especially as the county usually seems to be underwater.

 

[crumbles]

Aye provisional...

 

[Wapping]

On the list

Wapping
The Other PaulG
Oldrat
Toddmeister
Santa-2512
adventuredon
Hann

Definitely maybe
Pukmeister
DJ123
crumbles

 

[Wapping]

On the list - The front eight

Wapping
The Other PaulG
Oldrat
Toddmeister
Santa-2512
adventuredon
Hann
Ianak (via PM)


Definitely maybe - The line up of the backs (almost)
Pukmeister
DJ123
crumbles

=======

In view of the possible uncertainty over the future of the Seven Stars, Ian has suggested (and will, very kindly, be checking out) a possible alternative site. The landlady at the Seven Stars was telling us that the pub has been up for sale for 18 months, so it’s quite possible that nothing will happen before November. But, having a reliable alternative (especially one that doesn’t flood or turn into a sea of mud) would be very handy.

I found an advertisement of the sale:

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/25369590.property-week-seven-stars-pub-moreton-dorchester/

It would be a shame to lose the Seven Stars, whose owner and laid back but friendly efficient style has served us well. Let’s see how things go. Change can be good, too. Thank you, Ian for your efforts.

 

[Wapping]

The Seven Stars website (under the same ownership) is still live, so I assume that any sale of the pub has not yet gone through…. Or maybe not even started?

I am not sure if I feel sorry for the owners (who want to retire after umpteen years) or happy (in a way) that it will hopefully be available in November. Who knows, maybe February 2027 for Soft Shandy Drinkers IV, too?