Cotswolds Event

6^th-10^th November 2025

This was our second year at the Threeways Hotel in the Cotswolds village of Mickleton. I arrived just before lunch on the Thursday and after settling into my room, returned to the reception area to welcome our guests arriving and the nearby bar to meet old friends until it was time to change for the evening.

At dinner, I had forgotten what I had pre-ordered and ended up with the lamb casserole for the main, which, though the lamb was excellent, it came with grain that was not really to my liking. I wished I’d remembered that I actually ordered the fish pie, which looked very good. After the meal, Amanda recited some of Pam Ayers poems (plus one she made up), all in an excellent rendition of Pam’s voice. After this Amanda started the disco with a great selection of 60s tracks especially for the oldies amongst us. I danced a bit but soon had to retire as I was very tired.

More of our guests arrived on the Friday as the Friday evening and the Saturday was when we held all our main happenings. The Threeways Hotel is famous for its Pudding Club evenings every Friday to celebrate the Great British Pudding. Following a glass of Bucks Fizz for all, the jovial Pudding Master introduces the proceedings. After a light main course, we had the Parade of Seven Traditional Puddings, all of which we all then had the opportunity to taste. Most of us gave up after 4 or 5, but I think a few managed all seven! Finally we voted on our favourite pudding and received a certificate. Amanda then provided the disco again until late.

Saturday was the day for traders, but I was disappointed that Dori of Celebwigs was unable to attend owing to illness. Unfortunately, I did not see the email from her on the Thursday, so was unaware she wouldn’t be coming until after the event! But Queen Bea was there doing makeovers and we had our usual Swop Shop. I even sold a couple of my books.

I did a quiz later in the morning, which was well received, and in the afternoon showed a couple of preview videos for a documentary that is being made about me. One of these was some of the bits that were filmed at the event last year, and the documentary producers and I were concerned to get the consent of everyone who had been filmed to be included in the final film. No one said no, but unfortunately, not everyone in the film specifically told me yes. Presumably, they assumed that as they had no concern about appearing in the film, they need not say anything. But without the specific consent, it leaves us uncertain, as they may not have attended the showing, meaning we may have to omit some of the shots to be certain.

After dinner that evening, we had our annual Miss Rose of the Year contest judged by five members of the hotel staff and compéred by Queen Bea. Whilst the judges made their decision, we held our raffle draw, the proceeds of which were to be given as a gratuity shared by the hotel staff. A record sum had been raised this time, which I feel was a reflection of how much we all appreciated the extremely warm welcome they had all showed towards us.

Most of our guests left on the Sunday but some of us liked to have the extra day after to wind down. Usually we have an outing to a local place of interest but though I did make a couple of suggestions as to where to go, in the end those who would normally have gone as a group with me, just decided to chill out in the hotel and chat in the lounge. Also, the weather was not so good on the Sunday (it had been sunny on Saturday). The Sunday evening dinner was the best yet: a most excellent and very ample Sunday roast. There must have been lots left over for the staff to take home!

Continuous rain all the way home on the Monday morning made driving rather unpleasant, but I was very pleased that everyone seemed to have greatly enjoyed the event and wanted to come again next year. Actually, for various reasons, next year we will be at a different venue in Derbyshire. Details will be announced soon.

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