Farewell Quiz Night at the Lord Combermere

Freedom of Audlem

Maggot & Scumbag Portrait

The 3 kitchen amigos

The Bar staff

Main Buffet prior to hungry guests arriving

Desserts & cheese

Crowd scenes

A happy Ralph taking 5

The silent match screen

No Question of Allan & Jo's Service to Audlem

MC for the evening was the inimitable (and understandably emotional) Ralph Warburton.

There was a generally appalling set of quiz questions (well, it was for our team!) starting earlier and finishing later for a very full house, with no miscreants spotted leaving for an early bath!

There was even a silent certain football match being screened that brought on the usual crowd bad and good behaviours for fouls (by the opposition of course) and some excellent England Lionesses goals!

But back to the matter in hand! The various photos attached bear testament to the very crowded night, and to the absolutely excellent buffet supper provided. Unfortunately AOL's technical capability does not (yet) extend to tastes and aromas (John Gunston take note please!).

Allan & Jo had to brutally insist that the very shy and reluctant 3 amigos from the kitchen came out to take the mob's accolade for the buffet – and let it not be forgotten that this also included desserts and cheese!

But now to the main matter – Ralph's presentation to Alan & Jo.

As a thankyou to Allan & Jo, there were a number of presentations. Not only have Alan & Jo been excellent hosts, they have considerably enhanced activities in the village, for example:-

• Home Meals & supplies during lockdowns
• Soup on cold December Carols in the Square
• Beer Festivals
• Music Festivals
• Host to Quiz nights

So, the gifts from the village were as follows:-

• A wad of money – some £2,070 was collected by the village
• Some imaginary airline tickets for a holiday (a Ralph special)
• A huge card bearing goodwill messages from many villagers
• A picture of their 2 dogs (various names , but heard to be affectionally called Maggot & Scumbag!)
• A huge box of sweeties loved by Jo – Haribou and Aeros (hope they are Gluten free!)
• Freedom of the village! A large ceremonial key and a scroll endowing the right to herd livestock through the village (that will cheer up the artic drivers and other road users!)
• A very large bouquet of flowers

Response By Allan

Allan was (nearly) overawed by the generosity from the village. He and Jo have thoroughly enjoyed working in and with the village over the past 13 years, and were very thankful for the village's support during that time.

They know that the pub is only as good as its team, and expressed their sincere thanks to their bar staff and their kitchen staff (dragged from their furnace room).

There was a presentation from Allan & Jo to Ralph – his favourite picture by Jack Vettriano, as a farewell momento for their close alliance over those years.

And Finally..

Last orders will be Sunday – may not be much left! Alan & Jo hand back the keys early Monday morning.

I am sure everyone wishes Allan & Jo all the best for the future, especially that well deserved September holiday they have promised themselves somewhere in the sun!