Ollie Lambert Memorial Games.

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Ollie Lambert, who has left Norwich for the bright lights of London and the barren wasteland that is Essex. For Tuesday 3rd September was his last night in Norwich. No more will we hear the maddening table drumming which he tormented us with. Crazily themed games will no longer be eagerly championed, as we all turn to crushingly dour economic games. And the Ribs stock of drinks and chocolate will finally have a chance of respite from the constant hammering he gave their supply every week.

There were big plans to celebrate his last night at NoBoG, but he didn't turn up. So all the presents we'd brought for him, along with the party bunting and finger food, were tossed into the Wensum, like an offering to some Norse god. On fire. Curse you, Ollie!

Twelve were in attendance. We played in no particular order: In the Year of the Dragon, Toledo, Ys, Ra, and the King of Siam. Richie the Younger brought some fresh blood with him - whose names I've totally forgotten, if I ever actually knew them in the first place. One of them locked himself in the toilet. Ollie will be missed, but the cycle continues. Sukothai!

Beer: I had a pint of Comet (not sure of the brewery), which although a bit darker than I prefer, was perfectly acceptable. 5/10

End of August.

With the lack of Mr Crocker, and Tom returning after his recent jaunt to somewhere or other, there were ten in attendance at the Ribs of Beef this Tuesday. After big fluctuations we seem to have settled down to a regular attendance around this figure.

Anyway, on to good news. Paula has told me that she's ordering some Raspberry Wheat from the Norfolk based Iceni Brewery. This is good news indeed as it ranks as one of my favourite beers. Their website describes is thusly: an American style ale, delicately flavoured with summer fruits. Made with Hersbrucker hops, wheat and lager malt. So I'm looking forward that in the coming weeks. Beer hat ahoy!

In other news the Ribs have given us our own sign informing smokers that they should not venture down through the Wherry Room to smoke, lest they upset the horde beneath. Smokers are instead advised to head out the front door in order to take in the pleasing view of UK Best Pizza & Kebab across the street, as opposed to staring into the cold black waters of the River Wensum.

Games? Yes, we played some. Jimmy gathered four (Adam, Chris, Tom and Dylan) for Age of Steam and they spent the whole evening laying track across France. I don't know what the score was; they we just entering the last round as I left. Meanwhile Richard, Ollie, Andy, the Age of Steam widow Rachel and myself put on some plays in Showmanager. Ollie won by a relatively large margin and Sir Ian McKellen declared "By the Flame of Anor, you cannot surpass his King Lear". We then cranked up the conflict with Evo, where Ollie and Andy looked to attack all before them with vicious, gnashing dinosaurs. Their efforts were to no avail and Richard romped home to victory with a strategy of having lots of sex. We finished the evening with a quick game of Coloretto, which I won, and bagged myself a little treat at the Castle Museum with one of the night porters.

Beer: I stuck to the Wherry. A light and dependable beer, which I'm always willing to drink, but familiarity usually makes me look for something a little more interesting. The Ticket to Ride of the real ales.

Lazy July

The collective that is NoBoG has been slack and failed to update the blog for the whole of July.
Here’s a small selection of highlights from July.

1. The sticky table dilemma was solved by Rachel and her nice green table cloths.

2. Ollie and Chris are now the proud owners of a half dozen Tiger brand glasses. Prizes which they collected for winning Hamburgum and Wallenstein.

3. Andy was lured back to the Ribs by the promise of Agricola, which he declared to be “Alright”.

4. July was the only month in the history of NoBoG when two tables were playing the same game simultaneously. Turn the Tide is noted for such a feat – cue Luke with some knowledge to the contrary.

5. The only game Andy brought to the club in July was Africa Campaign - a two-player wargame from the Seventies. Bets are being taken for it getting to the table some time in 2011.

6. Richard returned after serving just 10 months of his three year jail sentence.

7. Hal joined us for a game of Brass. He held his own with a blocking style of play declaring “I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Luke.

8. Tom used his airmiles to buy Herm; one of the smaller Channel Islands.

9. Luke had his gizzard removed.

10. Jimmy played yelllow.