The sport of kings: Mornington Crescent

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

Good morning, all. What better way to begin the long weekend than a new game of the ineffable Mornington Crescent? All are welcome - veterans and newbies alike.

To set the tone, I will start with one of my favourite moves - a double shunt to

Kew Gardens

Further east on the DLR to Beckton. Not many ships there though, so I doubt the Admiral will be along for a cuppa or something stronger.

I have been deep in thought…and on the basis that I always enjoyed the old Library I think my preferred option is Russell Square.

It provokes happy memories of my adventures in the stacks. And boozy lunchtimes in The Plough…

Ah, Russell Square. So much fun used to had at the MN summer school held in that faded hotel; the lady clarinettist could always be relied upon for an entertaining evening, especially once she and the brigadier had sunk a bottle or two of Chablis. I remember very fondly the tutorial they gave on Murgatroyd’s Exemption, all expressed through interpretative dance.

Keeping it local

Euston Square

Westwards I think, to Goldhawk Road. On the Circle line that is not a circle any more.

It's been a while, chaps, and I do apologise. A little matter to clear up that required a somewhat fraught trip to an old stomping ground, which will remain nameless (I shall say it is somewhere past the eastern reaches of the Central and I shall say no more).
Back to business: Turnham Green (and yes, Maud, it was mention of interpretative dance that made me think of it; in this case, though, the very stimulating time that was had by all at the event organised by the Danish visiting delegation in Bridport that time).

Ah, Bridport. What a night that was, eh, LittleBitofBread? We have so much to thank the Danish delegation for, and not just the delicious pastries.

Regents Park

Taps nose say no more indeed @LittleBitofBread, The Embassy begs…

Dalston Kingsland.

Quite, Maud. I've been back to Copenhagen and the charming northern coast a few times since then. It is hard to resist, I'm sure you'll agree, when that sort of invitation, from those sort of individuals, is extended.
Muse, the Embassy indeed. How is the junior attaché?

A quadrant will take us safely to Walthamstow Central

The northern coast is delightful, isn’t it, LittleBitofBread, although if the cultural attaché repeats the invitation for a quick dip in the plunge pool, I shall not accept.

Onwards via a Murdoch Quadrant:

Harold Wood

Personally I find the plunge pool most refreshing after a hard morning thrashing out new rules and discussing the Great Exception of 1996 (which for some reason the Danes seem inordinately fascinated by).

Two quadrants in succession gives me a rare opportunity to take a side-twist en dehors to East Acton

The Great Exception, hadn't been reminded of that for a while. No idea why the Major never talks about it.

Ealing Broadway.

The Junior Attaché was well when last I saw him @LittleBitofBread. As flexible as ever. Such an accommodating young man, so generous and free with his affections.

Hendon. Oh hush now! I know it’s obvious, it’s too hot to think…

Llyn, ask the vicarage under-gardener...
Good to hear, Muse. Plus ça change, eh?
And I LIKE that move. I tend to forget about clangettes, but they are very useful sometimes.
Case in point: I can use one to triangulate with my Symphonic Bonus and say Gants Hill

I am persona non grata at the vicarage. Something to do with a comment about Leviticus.

The architect of the Central line eastwards extensions must have been a player of the game of games, judging by his or her sense of humour in some of the designs. Redbridge.

It will blow over, Llyn, if my own experience is anything to go by. I made what I thought was a light sally about the housekeeper's daughter and the biblical Jezebel that went down like the proverbial, but after twelve a few short years the invitations started arriving again. Although they do seem to hold somewhat fewer coffee mornings now than previously.

A two-step to Vauxhall

I was always partial to the coffee morning. The Housekeeper’s fancies were nothing short of miraculous…

Sadly she also took offence at my harmless musing about whether it was a fancy from France or a fancy in the French style and I, too, was sent to Coventry.

I still haven’t been invited back…

Warwick Avenue.

Give it time, Muse. You'll be forgiven sooner or later. Or the old trout will pop her clogs.

Cheshunt , invoking Smith's Parhelion.

Daring indeed, but the eclipse does seem to have had lasting effects. The adjutant has certainly been in a peculiar mood ever since. Imitating his friskiness:

Beckenham Junction

I think the adjutant has been rather delightful recently, personally. A bit overenthusiastic, possibly, but nothing that one can't handle.

This is a little unusual, but that Black Line created a few moves ago makes it allowable as far as I can tell from consulting the 1996 Rotterdam Amendment:
Chorleywood

Ah. Now the Chorleywood method springs to mind. Simple word association takes me inexorably to Baker Street.

Hey ho!

Great Portland Street

And it's off to work we don't go at St John's Wood.

I would venture a parson’s nose. I know it limits legitimate moves, but, as is so often the case, it means I can play St Paul’s.

And who wouldn’t want that?

Flourish. Bow. Applause.

I'm going to have to call in my Fleischmann's Advantage, which I know means I'm essentially Partook for the next few games. I just can't see another way.
Hatch End