^{Wednesday 8th.April 2009}

^{Dear Padraig,}

^{I trust you all arrived back safely in the Emerald Isle after our Grand Tour of Western England. What a fantastic four weeks we had together. I am now on the recovery ward for split sides from all the laughter and booze we had to endure, before starting all over again in Punchestown at the end of the month.}

^{What a bit of luck finding Mary Gwyer at the Old Crown, Uley, on our ‘Last Chance Saloon’ section, whilst we were stomping around at Cheltenham. By all accounts they provided extremely well for that lovely young filly Siobhan, who chose to join your party almost as an afterthought. Thank goodness she did – what a delight! EC1 certainly took a shine to her. Maybe they are lining her up for a visit to yours truly. One never knows and can only dream!}

^{I am sorry our selection of hostelries around Aintree did not live up to the standard of Cheltenham. I am working on it and hope to be able to offer better fare for the summer meetings and those at Chester for that matter.}

^{We have been tipped off to stay at Jacob’s Well in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, whilst attending the Punchestown Picnic. It certainly looks like our kind of venue and we are looking forward to enjoying the company of mine hosts Helen and Noel. I suggest you bring the whole gang along there for a re-union. Why indeed it will be all of three weeks since we had a pint together - far too long. Oh! And don’t forget to invite Siobhan.}

^{Yours in anticipation}

^Tom

                                                                                                                              ^{FIve Rings Stud & Livery,}

                                                                                                                              ^{Knob's Hill,}

                                                                                                                              ^{Marshgate Lane,}

                                                                                                                              ^{Hackney Wick.}

^{Tuesday 10th February 2009} 

^{Dear Claudia,}

^{What a pleasant surprise meeting up with you again at Plumpton and to have witnessed the veteran burden being carried to 3000 career victories by a beginner.  I presume your party were there to gauge the extent of my continued interest in you, which as you know will never wane and to negotiate the fee.  I hope our little exploit behind the bike shed of The Half Moon hasn’t spiked their guns.}

^{Wasn’t that a pleasant meal at The Half Moon and how enterprising to offer 2 for 1 to those with foresight to register their interest in their newsletter from www.halfmoonplumpton.com.  Pity they no longer offer stabling except in an open field. However, I have hearsay that there is very pleasant accommodation available with Emma & John at The Chalk Pit Inn over towards Lewes, as shown on our Plumpton selection.  Next time perhaps!}

^{That was the first time out for me this year what with the sniffles which confined me to barracks and the snow, which in a matter of hours brought the whole country to a standstill.  A few of my brethren trace horses would have had everything moving in no time, if they had been deployed.}

^{Before Christmas EC1 took me to Lambourn and we took refuge in the new stabling block of Johnny the Fish at The Pheasant, Shefford Woodlands. They were very impressed with the accommodation and food, especially the black pudding on the ‘Either’ breakfast menu. A bit more expensive than they are used to paying but nevertheless good value they thought. You’ll find a picture on the Newbury section.} 

^{They are trundling out the old charabanc again next week to join the Racegoers Club visit to David Pipe’s stables at Nicholashayne and racing at Taunton on Tuesday afternoon.  That is providing the whole area has not been washed out into The Bristol Channel.} 

^{We are to sample the stabling at a new find near Wellington, The Anchor Inn at Hillfarranche. The owner Alan Jones holds out a warm welcome amongst  our Taunton selections.}

^{There are still plenty of opportunities to get out and about over the next four weeks before the big ‘knees-up’ at Cheltenham, where accommodation is disappearing faster than the driven snow and to be sure EC1 will be on the lookout for an outing beforehand.  There are numerous meetings around the country to choose from – weather and course conditions permitting.} 

^{Remaining accommodation for Cheltenham will appear in our ‘Last Chance Saloon’ section. If you were able to make it that would be ‘fantastique’. You know you will always be my favourite and I can’t wait for you to make the return trip across La Manche for another ‘rendez-vous avec moi’.}

^{Yours witheringly until your return.}

^{As ever Tom.}