As a new member I was warned about the mad antics (usually spurned on by alcoholic beverages) of the infamous and probably most bonkers club in Manchester! I certainly wasn't disappointed by this weekend's trip to Haydon Bridge, near Newcastle. Friday night was surprisingly tame as most of us crashed out early. The next day my nerves were like jitterbugs as we headed for the South Tyne. To say that I was embarrassed when I capsized after two seconds on the river is an understatement, but I still enjoyed the rapids and it was a great experience. Still shivering, it was a relief to be back at our luxury cottage, complete with four-poster bed. a slap up meal (cobbled together by our talented selves) and a really exciting power cut! We spent an hour staring at the mesmerizing coal fire with our stomachs rumbling Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, of course, the cooker was electric! Soon after the electric was back on the drinking started. After going to the pub we headed back to the cottage for some serious swigging. We hardly noticed the TV when Richard provided the evenings entertainment. Everyone sat back and laughed as, after downing most of a bottle of Tequila, he staggered about leaving us guessing which way he'd fall first (baby left. baby right style!) and shocking Bob and Rhian by barging into their room in a state of semi-undress. There was more canoeing on Sunday for those with the energy and no hangovers (or in the case of Richard, not throwing up everywhere!). For the rest of us, it was pub lunch at the so-called 'friendly' village local, then back to the familiar buzz of good old Manchester.