Gentlemen...

[nikharwood]

...I am afraid you will have to enjoy your single malts, dice-rolling and 10mm-loveliness celebration without me next weekend  

In one of the most hideously ill-timed concurrences of circumstances, I find myself staring down the barrel of potential redundancy as my LA employer chooses to pursue its preferred tactic of engaging external (expensive) 'expertise' to conduct the next phase of slash & burn at will...and this means that, with 90 days ticking rapidly past, I now need to try to buy some financial breathing space in case I find myself gainfully unemployed in the autumn / new year.

So - with a heavy heart - I have come to the conclusion that I cannot justify the expense of coming to play at the Pendraken Party: in which case I will look forward to seeing pics, any live video stream and hearing the tales of derring-do that will, no doubt, play out upon the tabletops  

And, of course, this means that I will have to wait even longer until I meet Dave & Leon, and the rest of you - my forum friends, in person - which is a true shame. Someone else - and there may be multiple candidates - will have to take my preferred role at such events of Generals Chaos, Mayhem, Drunkenness, Debauchery and Laughter.

Enjoy, my 10mm-loving compadres - and I'll see you at the 25th!

[Kiwidave]

That sucks Nik! I hope it all turns out well for you...

On the up side - you may end up with something that doesn't require you working 25 hours a day...

[Aart Brouwer]

Oh God, I'm so sorry to hear that. If in your job you show even one tenth of the energy, knowledge and sense of responsibility which you display here on the forum, the people who want to lose you deserve to be sacked themselves. On the other hand, with your mentality you are bound to find new gainful employment - is that the word? - and it may just be better than your present job. In any case, if there is anything we useless idiots can do to lift your spirits, just let us know.

Cheers,
Aart

[mad lemmey]

Sorry sir. 
Hope it all settles out Nik.
Go well, keep your chin up and think whatever happens, something better is round the corner, you just don't know it yet.

[Nosher]

Judging by the weather you'd be paddling your way to the 'Boro from your neck of the woods so maybe a mixed blessing mate.

Chin, chin fella. Fingers crossed that something will come along soon.

[Techno]

Agree wholeheartedly with all the comments above Nik !
The VERY best of luck...And hope things work out for the best !
Cheers - Phil.

[robert]

We should have a collection to get Nik's travel expenses sorted - not be the same without him!

[Serotonin]

That sucks Nik. As an NHS worker it only feels like a matter of time till the same thing happens to me and my colleagues.

[Count Belisarius]

Really sorry to hear this Nik. Both on the job and the attendance. Would have been really good to meet.

Good luck on all fronts and assorted appendages are now crossed for a good outcome.

Andy

[Ben Waterhouse]

Bad luck Nik, hope there is a silver lining for you.

[GavinP]

Can you at least post the whisky??

Seriously, that's not good news but I have no doubt that you'll get yourself sorted. I don't blame you for erring on the cautious side though.

[andymac]

Sorry to hear Nik

I was looking forward to meeting you, we will drink a dram in your honour.

All the best

Andy

[GordonY]

Well the speed that Nik paints at he could always start a painting service.

[Hertsblue]

Bad luck, Nik. Been there a few times myself. I could quote the old saw about one door closing as another one opens, but it only sounds trite. But, you'll look  back on this from some time in the future and laugh - well, smile wryly. 

[fred.]

Sorry to hear this Nik - the long drawn out "consultancy" phase only seems to make these events all the worse. I've no idea why its call consultancy phase as in my experience its always been senior management laying out what's happening and the workers getting the short end of it. 

And worse news with the timing, you must have already had all your jabs for travelling so far North