MN Local as we know it is about to disappear (although the Local Talk boards will continue) so I'm starting a new Book and Film Groups meet-up 'conversation'

[LocalEditorMerton]

Some of you will already know that the MN Local in its current format is going to cease to be come 2 January 2018. The unstoppable march of technological progress and specifically the advent and success of local app forums leaving 'Local' behind.

This will mean that our currently still accessible (albeit off-piste since the May migration) 'meet-ups' pages will disappear too. So encouraging you to move over to this thread to keep up with what we're doing.

The Book Group (and hopefully the Film Club too) will continue to exist and we are hoping to set up a blog over coming weeks (although most likely to be into the New Year) so watch this space.

In the meantime, you are most welcome to join our Book Group. Our next meet-up is Thursday, 8 February 2018 (from 7.45pm) at the HMV Curzon. We will be discussing I see You (a thriller by Clare Mackintosh) and possibly there will be some more debate about recent read The Power (by Naomi Alderman) too.

It's been a pleasure to work on MN Merton & Wimbledon - thank you for your support over the years. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year!

Kate

[TheCommoner]

Yay, thanks, Kate! Happy New Year!

[LocalEditorMerton]

Thanks for finding the thread TheCommoner. Once I'd written my 'blurb' on our meet-ups page, I realised I'd not included this thread's URL and then couldn't do it.

[jaydvn]

Hi, I'm here!

[lizkt]

Thanks thecommoner!

[TheCommoner]

You're welcome, lizkt, and nice to see you, jaydvn! Are you coming to our next book group meet-up on 8 Feb? Hope so - the more, the merrier.

[LocalEditorMerton]

Thanks for posting the link for lizkt, TheCommoner. I've got that issue of not being able to post on the meet-ups page again (it happens all too frequently - thank goodness it won't be an issue for much longer!).

Hmm, I think I'm going to have to change my username very soon.

Happy New Year to everyone and looking forward to catching up in February!

[JinWimbledon12]

Lkg fwd to next meet up and all the very best to everyone for 2018 !

[ReelingLush18]

I'm back but not as you know me . Now that the Local sites have gone down we'll have to stick to this Talk board. Hoping you've all managed to find it?

[MaitreKarlsson]

Hi all - I'm also under another name . Miss being FoxForce but I guess that is also swept away by the MN tide of progress!
Like your username Kate..
Hope everyone had a good Christmas.
Mine wasn't so great but ended well with a cracking New Year's Eve!

[ReelingLush18]

Missing our ability to have separate user names but yes the march of progress.

Thanks, MaitreK, although currently not appropriate as I'm doing Dry January (and thus far not really noticing no at all).

I have a ticket for the talk with Anne Frank's step-sister (Eva Schloss: Before and After Auschwitz) next Wednesday evening - would anyone like it before I cancel it? Unfortunately, I have to go to a school meeting about DS's trip abroad so not now able to go - a great pity.

[TheCommoner]

Oh, I'm going to that! I've been reading her autobiography, which is great. If anyone does want to go, I'll be there.

[MaitreKarlsson]

Hi Kate
I'd love your ticket if you haven't already cancelled it.
I tried to post on here on my phone previously but it wasn't working..

[DeccaMitfordsEntryVisa]

Hi, hope to see you all soon

[DeccaMitfordsEntryVisa]

PS I am going to the Eva Schloss event tomorrow too

[TheCommoner]

Oh, that's fantastic, Decca! I so look forward to meeting you. Hope you can make it too, Karlsson.

[ReelingLush18]

Really sorry that I didn't see your post on here, MaitreKarlsson, before I cancelled the ticket yesterday :-(. I've just been on Eventbrite and see that it's sold out now. So sorry. Hope you enjoy it, TheCommoner and Decca (and that you get to meet each other at long last!). Look forward to hearing what you have to say about the event.

[TheCommoner]

I should finish Eva Schloss's book by tomorrow evening, so you can borrow it if you like, Decca. It starts a bit slowly and clunkily but after that it's a terrific read. I'll bring it - you can recognise me by it! (Paperback, bought in Oxfam) Sorry you can't come, Karlsson.

[DeccaMitfordsEntryVisa]

Thanks, that's really kind

[DeccaMitfordsEntryVisa]

Sorry, there were quite a few people holding Eva's book. I was at the left in the third row with some friends

I bought copies for friends who couldn't make the talk

I thought she was incredible (I thought that the guy introducing her was a bit rubbish!!)

[ReelingLush18]

Heard it was really good so looking forward to hearing your thoughts at our next meet-up, TheCommoner and Decca.

[TheCommoner]

Yes, it was amazing - she is terrific. Decca, I had intended to be early but went to the wrong library! The librarian helpfully - very helpfully - said if I jumped on a 93 I should still make it, and I did: I was in the third or fourth row but on the right. Never mind, hope to meet you soon anyway, Decca!

Yes, they should have had a much better person introducing her.

[ReelingLush18]

Well done for getting there in time, TheCommoner! Looking forward to hearing your take on it in February.

Reading Alexandra Shulman's 'Vogue' diary at the mo and loving it. Fashion-related 'fluff' is just the thing to brighten up January!

[lizkt]

Howdy, I think I found you all!

Are we still on for 8 Feb meetup? I'll need to get a babysitter I think xx

[ReelingLush18]

Yes we are still on for 8 Feb meet-up, lizkt.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone - it seems a very long time since our 'party' in December!

[DeccaMitfordsEntryVisa]

The Commoner - which library did you go to?!! So sorry not to have met up.

On Feb 8th I have been offered a ticket to Hamilton with a friend - sorry, I won't make the meet up with you lovely lot