Wow, September already? That can only mean one thing… another trip to Boppard for the annual NFLE fan meeting (or NFLE Schlösser booze-up). |
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On our way to the gate to catch our flight to Düsseldorf we bumped into two follow Monarchs of old, Brian & Gill. |
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After some time spent bumming around in the wonderful Renaissance hotel (thanks to Fire Planet’s Ralph for negotiating another super deal), we headed into town. We walked into the Knoten, which was rammed with Ross & Micki. And no-one else. We sat and enjoyed a beer with them and Isa and then decided to get some food. |
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When we returned to the Knoten, it was a bit busier. This was more the ticket! We had a great old time dancing and enjoying the Schlösser. The rest of the Triple A joined us later. It felt like we hadn’t been away, but it had been three months since we last left the bar at 5am in Week 10. We called it a night at around 1.30am. Past experience has taught us to take it easy on Friday night. Boppard is a long day. |
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Ian and Ilse back at the Knoten. It's like we've never been away! |
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On Saturday morning, after our lovely hotel breakfast, we climbed into a taxi to Düsseldorf HBF to pick up the bus. Ralph’s phone rang while we were in the taxi. Lou thought the buses left at 9.30, but it was 9am. So we were late. We got out of the cab and legged it to the bus, which left immediately afterwards. |
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The journey started well. There was lots of beer and schnapps to enjoy. But fairly soon into the journey, the bus pulled into a rest stop on the motorway. This seemed quite odd so soon into the journey. When we got off the bus we realised why. The engine had overheated and there were clouds of steam coming from it. All the ‘international fans’ were moved to another bus, while an unlucky few Fire fans were left behind. |
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The broken bus. Anyone got the number for the RAC? |
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The rain in Düsseldorf on Saturday morning did not follow us to Boppard, and there were lovely blue skies and warm air. Quite a relief, as Boppard is much more fun in the sunshine. The sleepy town (and all the Wallace-Arnold grannies that visit it) must wonder what has happened when the NFLE fans arrive for this annual gathering! |
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We met up with lots of friends at the bar. Many folks make their own way, rather than take the Fire Planet buses. We sat about, chatting and catching up, and teasing Michel who was drinking water. He didn’t leave the Knoten as early as we did on Friday night. |
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Eventually, it was time to board the boat. Just as we were waiting to get on, Ian Dall, last year’s token Claymore showed up. He was token Claymore again this year, as no-one else managed to make the trip. The boat was delayed leaving, and eventually the folks who got left at the rest stop in the morning made it. |
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Ian gets straight into the 'spirit' of the afternoon! |
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In lieu of the Pyromanics, we were treated to the Düsseldorf Magics cheeries instead. Luvly, luvly ladies. |
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While Bianca and Anthony had staring contest, Alex didn't quite grasp the rules. |
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We're not usually pleased to see the back of The Wounded Ducks - this was an exception. |
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Not long into the journey, Ralph came up to Lou and blurted out "Ross just asked Micki to marry him, and she said "Yes"!". She then rushed to tell Ian. We went and found them and they looked very pleased with themselves. Later in the journey, they were made to recreate the moment in front of the crowd. Not very romantic, but very funny! |
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Ian decided it would be a good idea to get a bottle of champagne, so we did just that and took it onto the deck to share with the happy couple and the Triple A. It was so nice, and Micki said it was like having a ready-made engagement party. |
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A toast to the newest NFLE couple. |
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A further two bottles of champagne followed, which could explain why Lou did this… |
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Ilse was not quite as up for it as Lou. Or maybe she just wasn't quite as drunk. |
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Isa does her bit for the Bring The Fire Back Home campaign. |
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Eiko and Ian get to know each other better! |
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Boppard is a very picturesque town. This is how it looks when you can't see the football fans. |
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The Ians do some bonding. |
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Ian and the beautiful Alex. |
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After much more drinking and dancing we arrived back on the shore. At this point most folks wandered off to find food and then convened back at the bar. There was time for more beer, more dancing and fireworks before the bus ride back to Düsseldorf. Ian and the Triple A were the only people awake on the bus, and Louise, who was kept awake by Ian and the Triple A! |
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"If we ignore Michel, he'll get bored and go away". |
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The bus wasn't the only thing that broke down that day! |
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We all forced ourselves to the Knoten this year. It was the first time we’d made it there, and we only managed one drink before heading back to the hotel. |
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Lou made it to breakfast on Sunday morning to find an equally hungover bunch of individuals – except the happy couple who had sloped off early on a train to Düsseldorf rather than catching the bus. |
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All too soon it was time to head to the airport – always Lou’s favourite part of the trip! |
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See you next year… if we can face another go! |
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Photos are owned by Ian Mathias & Louise Robinson unless stated. Please seek permission if you wish to reproduce them. Email us at beerleaders@hotmail.com. |
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