New Diaries are uploaded around midnight on Thursday, local time, here in Pattaya by the Landlord Kim Fletcher.
Diary No. 218 Week of 11th May 2009 - 17th May 2009 Updated 21st May 2009

Greetings from Kevin at Jameson's

Nice bit of a stir this week with the British Ambassador Quentin Quinn coming down to have a look at some of the Charity projects going on in Pattaya, he also made very well received visit to Tropical Bert's to honour the British Legion, and then onwards in the capable hands of Mr. Graham MacDonald to visit Fleming at the Dusit for an Evening Reception with the B.C.C.T. Well done Ambassador, nice to see you out in the Sticks.
Friday Night was a rather raucous affair starting off with of course Brian Abbott, and then visit's from a huge bunch of Wooden Tops, led by the Ritchie's, Ashley, Cricket Geoff (who had got nothing better to do as the second day's play had been a wash out), Fleming from the Dusit once he had shut down his functions for the night, The MBMG Squad of course led by Graham and Jay MacDonald, and Simon and Debbie Philbrook, Gregarious Greg, my music loving Buddy Greg Watkins, Burnley Simon (still smug about Burnley beating Reading, on that note don't mention anything to Bob about the Leeds game!). A Landslide visit from the Von Bryant Family (The Hills are alive with the sound of Harpic), Rick, Harpic, Jake and finishing off her visit for Dad Rick's 50th Birthday Carly, The Youth Policy in, in force with the charge being led by Young Steve Page, RayC, Young Shopkeeper Paul Dixon, Blue Bar Derek, a welcome return from Geordie Chris and Jenny. Welcome indeed since the departure of Mottman and Scourge, Terry Schofield of No Fixed Abode, and Friday would not be Friday with Lady Di of Harrington. Sid Silk with the lovely Sue came to visit on the way to Vietnam, bring Kim some great Rock 'n' roll magazines, and having dinner with the Convivial Mark. Paul Strachan from PMTV was in to give him the much needed last Episode of Shameless Series 6 and a Brand Spanking version of Shine a Light The Rolling Stones Movie. Thanking you kind Sir.


Jameson's front row for Friday night Jameson's Football Captain and valiant Middlesbrough Supporter Brian Abbott, who has a very brave smile on his face, mind you hidden under the table is the last Episode, Episode 16 of the Fantastic Shameless Series 6, which ten minutes later he rushed off to watch. Landlord Kim Fletcher, and of course what front row would not be complete without Malcolm Clare 'The Root of All Evil' (You all know that Devil Worshiper's "Satanist's" have a picture of the Devil to worship in the corner of their room , well The Devil has a picture of Malcolm in the corner of his room to worship!) Malcolm looks very smart I think you will agree, that is because he was just in-between appointments with the British Ambassador Quentin Quinn. The Ambassador had come down to Pattaya to pay his respects and obviously The Root was called upon


Ashley leads the Rock 'n' Roll Charge from the Front


Look up Happy Families in the Dictionary and this is the picture you get


The welcome return of two of Jameson's favourite children Chris and Jenny


The regular TGIF Party with the Wooden Tops. A worthy bunch of Jameson's favourites


A quiet drink in Jameson's


The Bryant Seniors, Jake, Carly, Rick and Model Harpic


Happy Birthday's Mr. and Mrs. Ben


The Font of All Knowledge lays the rules down at Nova Table, with Landlord Kim Fletcher, Fleming, from the Dusit, and Deborah Philbrook listening
Kim's Progress on the world outside Jameson's


The beautiful renovation of the temple wall just outside of Jameson's in progress. The work force seems very cheerful in their work, and are doing a very good job as you can see


Progress on The Nova Gold Hotel next door to Jameson's. The interior work is now progressing nicely,
and everybody is very confident of The Grand Opening in November 2009. Well done Rony.
But don't forget Mottman is your first guest.
The Nova Gold will be a landmark designer hotel, offering a brand new experience in Pattaya.
Gold is the main theme, and all the rooms will feature 5 star luxury amenities. The hotel, has an impressive art collection with art distributed around the hotel including pieces in each stunning and unique room.
The whole hotel's philosophy is to offer 5 Star rooms at 3 Star rates, all rooms have a computer for your use with a good strong free Wi-Fi connection. Also in each room is a 32' LCD Television, with 70 channel cable, and your own personnel DVD, Alarm Clock services are available, scales in every bathroom, (most rooms have both Bath and Shower facilities, with high pressure water), an electronic personnel safe, a fully stocked mini bar, and an electrical socket with 110/220 volt capabilities. Hair Dryer, complimentary Tea and Coffee. The Nova Gold Hotel is located in the center of Pattaya, handly placed near to all the local attractions, with a complimentary Golf Cart style taxi to whisk you up and down the small Soi's. There is also a secure and large underground Car Park.
Now isn't this enough for your Five Star experience? Well there is more. In Nova Gold there is beautiful Swimming Pool with a glorious waterfall cascading into the pool, a free business centre for those of you that wish to keep in contact with the outside world. Your every need will be taken care of which is why The Nova Gold has insured that there are handicap Toilets as well as specifically built ramps. There is also a secure underground Car Park, and facilities for Car Rental. There is a 70'' Television in the hotel bar, a completely up to date no expense spared Fitness centre. Plus a state of the art elevator to whisk you up to your room. The Nova Gold Hotel will also boast a fine Reception area, with 24 hours service by highly trained and attentive Staff, an army of Bellboys, daily efficient Maid Service,
a First Class Laundry Service, Travel Agent combined in the Reception area, so no need to move if you don't want to just ring reception and they will change your travel plans for you.
Oversea direct dialing from your own room, Taxi Service by just calling reception.
But best of all it is only twenty yards from reception to Jameson's The Irish Pub Pattaya, which will supply Nova Gold with 24 hours a day 7 days a week Room Service from 8.00 a.m. until Midnight each day. Jameson's The Irish Pub is also very sports orientated showing all the Live Sports on it's one giant screen situated in it's sports room, and on the three 42" screens, plus the 14 other small screens situated round the bar. At the weekend's Jameson's serves a wonderful Carvery Buffet with Roast Meats, Stews, Vegetables, Salads, Desserts, all for 375 Baht or 150 Baht for Children, as much as you can eat. During the week there are Daily Specials of 3 Course Meals for 195 Baht. Plenty of Local and Imported Draught and Bottled Beer, plus a full range of Wine and Spirits.

Sunday is simply massive day for sport. The Final Games of the Premiership after the Formula One Grand Prix from Monaco. Dr. Iain Corness will be taking his seat on the front row of the grid in the Jameson's sport's room at about 6.00 p.m. so he can get himself fuelled up by the Jameson's Carvery ready for the Race. Iain always makes all Racing car enthusiast's very welcome on Race Day and is always Bang up to date with all the latest information, and holds an informal question and answer session before or after the race. But certainly not during it! The after that all the T.V's will have to be retuned to set them up to get all the Premiership games, always an exciting day but especially this year with so many teams going right down to the wire.
General warning though about next week. There are Rumours of substance that we will see visit's from two of Jameson's favourite Prodigal sons. Dai Coe, Big Dave Hoyle (well actually not so Big anymore) and Partyboy Ray Matti. The Root of All Evil Malcolm Clare is setting up a special reception for them, so you have been warned.
Big Hello's to Ian and Pat Dickson especially with the Ashes coming up. (Although I think this is a bit of a false dawn by the English Cricket team) Tony and Iris Ritchie, Dave Foden, lonely Boy in the Desert Paul Dobbs, Lisa (The Love Goddess Lurve), Honest Big John, John Vinyard, and Alice and Niel Poulsen always in our thoughts at this time of year as the Jesters Fair comes closer and closer.
On the mention of the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive. Please do not forget those two big important events. The Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive 2009 Fair at the Diana Driving Range and Resort on Sunday 13th September 2009. For which we need your old books, DVD's, CD's for our Used Book Stall which this year will again be run by Judi McNamara. Now we have a marvelous group of stalls at the fair including The British Legion, the Care4Kids Charity Auction Stall, The Grand Raffle Stall, and of course The Used Book's DVD's and CD's Stall. So by donating your used books you are not only helping the many, many charities that the Jesters Care4Kids look after, but it also makes a contribution towards the British Legion a very worthy cause. But then if you have all been generous enough to fill our Book Stall up to over flowing we then hand on the remaining books to the PILC for their Bizarre in October, so it also helps out all the that the PILC are involved with. So please think of us when you are sorting through your old books, CD's and DVD's, and bring them into us to sort out ready for the Fair. The more the merrier, and the earlier the better so we can get them sorted. The Auction site is up and running as you can see by having a click on the flashing logo on the left hand side of this page. The Grand Finale of both the Raffle and The Auction take place on Saturday 19th September at the Jester's Care4Kids Party Night at Jameson's, always a cracking night.
Neil Sandilands is also arriving back, we expect to see him when he has finally defrosted from his time in the Artic Circle.

I've been telling you all for years what a tough place Pattayaland 2 is. Here is the proof.

A nice column about Steve by our friend Roger Crutchley from the Bangkok Post

KICKBACKS

The 'Mad House' will miss Coppell
By: Noppy Piles
Published: 16/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Sports

As a long time supporter of Reading, Nobby was saddened, but not surprised, by the resignation of manager Steve Coppell after Tuesday's play-off loss to Burnley.

Coppell had been looking and sounding a little weary of late, no doubt bemused by Reading's surprisingly stuttering performances at the Madejski Stadium in recent months. The 'Mad House' was living up to its name.

After a fine start to the season when Reading looked like they would make an immediate return to the Premiership, the Royals inexplicably fizzled out on the home stretch.

The mild-mannered Coppell is a gentleman and widely respected throughout the game. It is rare to hear him whining about decisions. He will have felt he had let the club down by not achieving promotion. Most likely he was ready for a break from football anyway.

Coppell has been a hugely popular figure in Reading and for good reason. In his five years with the club he guided the Royals through the best seasons in their 138-year history, culminating in two wonderful years in the Premiership, something I didn't expect to witness in my lifetime. I even got to see them on the telly for two years.

Unless you are a Reading fan it is hard to fully appreciate what Coppell achieved. Reading had always been a modest club, with much to be modest about. The whole time I watched Reading regularly as a kid at their old Elm Park ground from roughly 1956-68 they were in the old Third Division. They rarely looked like winning promotion but seldom were threatened with relegation. They were the archetype "middle of the table" club.

In fact for an amazing 40 years they didn't change from that division. When they finally moved in 1971 it was unfortunately in a downward direction to Division Four, although they soon were back in familiar territory.

In 1986 they eventually hauled themselves up into the old Division 2 and for the next two decades drifted between the two divisions. On three occasions they reached the play-offs for the top flight but never made it, once agonizingly losing 4-3 to Bolton at Wembley after leading 2-0 and missing a penalty.

Along came Coppell from Brighton in 2003 and things began happening, building up to the marvellous 2005-6 season when they clinched promotion to the Premiership, the first time they had ever been in the top flight.

They did it in style too, losing only two games and one of those was their first match of the season, a 1-2 home defeat to Plymouth. They went on to earn a record 106 points and score 99 goals.

Despite their impressive Championship season most fans, including myself, expected Reading to come straight back down, especially as they fielded virtually the same players as the previous season, none with Premiership experience. Coppell felt that the players who earned promotion deserved a run in the Premiership.

Amazingly they finished in eighth place and played some attractive football in the process, winning over many neutral fans and for the second successive year Coppell was voted League Managers' Association Manager of the Year.

Reading's second season in the Premiership went a bit how I had expected their first season to be. They began decently and were in 12th place for many weeks, but had a terrible run in the later stages and eventually went down on goal difference.The fans still had good memories of that second season, which included a 3-1 home win against Liverpool, arguably the club's best-ever result. Reading's fans, after decades of putting up with mediocrity, simply loved having the opportunity to watch teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal playing at the Madejski stadium.

In his playing days Coppell was a fine right-winger for Manchester United with whom he spent a successful decade picking up 43 England caps on the way. He started his career as something of a novelty, being an undergraduate at Liverpool University at the time, taking a degree in economics. He was actually a "brainy footballer", something almost unheard of and it prompted quite a flurry in the media.

Coppell's departure is a huge loss for Reading and whoever steps into his shoes is facing a monumental task. For a start it's going to be difficult to hang on to the best players. Reading have had their moment of glory and maybe it's time to drift back into mediocrity again, although I sincerely hope not.

When announcing his resignation, Coppell took the blame for the disappointing ending to the season and said "I apologise to the supporters." For the majority of Reading fans, he has got nothing to apologise for. Just the opposite - he's given them the best five years of their lives. Coppell can leave the 'Mad House' with his head held high.
It is with great sadness that I must tell you about two wonderful people passing on from this world to the next.
Nigel Rogers from the Anchor Bar in Phuket has left us. Nigel was always up for a laugh, and was a great regular of Jools Bar before moving down to Phuket although we still used to see him from time to time and it was always a pleasure.
Ian Gamble also passed away this week. Ian will always be remembered in Jameson's for his generosity, and quick wit. The most famously was a friend of Uriah Heep, and when they played Bangkok, Ian took, Rick and Harpic, Pop, and myself to see them and then onto a great party backstage afterwards. A night none of the rest of us will ever forget.
Both of this two wonderful people lived very full lives, you just can't help wishing they had lasted a bit longer. R.I.P.
Well that's it from me this week, I hope you all have a very good week. Regards, Moo, Kim and Rony.


Well done Simon chests in stomach out!


Happiness at Jameson's sitting in the bar


Skip and crew enjoy destroying the Jameson's Carvery


Rick was watching the cricket until somebody wanted to take his photo


Mike's Table of happiness on Saturday night


What a Trio. Saturday night fun at Jamo's with Frank (who's nickname is 'Nobody' as Nobody is perfect), Just Frank ('Just Frank' because he thinks he is perfect!) and Jimmy trying to look like a Super Model


Graham highly amused well he should be it is his Birthday


The graceful flow as Graham tries to slip away from the camera


The new Golf Team "The Chef's" Executive Chef of the Dusit and a famous Blagger Fleming and Kim Fletcher. Who will be going out for a quick practise round before taking on the might of Simon Philbrook


A Very Very Happy Tommy


Sitting happily at the bar are three of Jameson's favourite sons. My Jimmy Butler (who if you ask the Landlord has been spending too much time on the sun bed, his electric bills must be enormous!) New and rand spanking new polished Paul has arrived back to Bolster up the Youth Policy at Jameson's just on the off chance that Young Steve Page starts to slide off. Not that that is VERY likely to happen, and of course Rock 'n' Roll Ashley


Pen and J.J try to figure out what to do with all the glasses that J.J has broken


The Quirke's and Damo come in for their weekly Rugby fix


Sun Bed Jimmy with Geoff Evans, and Landlord Kim Fletcher


It's Saturday night and Nova Table starts to warm up with The Font of All Knowledge Graham Macdonald, Paul Strachan of PMTV hiding his bad hair day underneath his hat, Tommy, Geoff Evans, and Kim Fletcher


You can tell by just looking at this photo that Everton are playing, and Geoff is paying attention to the telly, and Arsenal have already played therefore Graham ('Superman' known as Superman, not as you may have been thinking for his ability to bend steel and fly faster than a speeding bullet, but because of his habit of changing his clothes in telephone boxes and toilets) is not concerned at all about the football, but is getting down to the serious business of enjoying himself. This was actually day 2 of Graham Watkins Birthday


Happy Birthday to Mr. Graham (Superman) Watkins as Graham kindly buys the staff a drink so they can celebrate his Birthday too
DINING OUT - KHUN OCHA'S COOKBOOK & ENTERTAINMENT

Jameson’s Friday Fish and Chips:

by Miss Terry Diner

Friday is the day that people from the British Isles traditionally have fish and chips. With Jameson’s Irish Pub having a British landlord in Kim Fletcher, it then comes as no surprise that the Friday daily special is Fish ‘n Chips! Being rather partial to fish and chips, we chose a Friday to sample the daily special.
Before we get into the food, there may still a few people who are not sure of exactly where Jameson’s Irish Pub is located, despite it having been there for five years. Here is the easiest ways to get there: come off Pattaya Second Road, turning right into Soi 4 at the Bangkok Bank corner (that is between Pattaya Central Road and Pattaya North Road and just before Soi 6 on the left hand side). Follow Soi 4 up and it will veer right about 300 meters from Second Road. After swinging right you will see Nova Park on your left and Jameson’s immediately afterwards. You can park in front of Nova Park (if there is room) but Jameson’s has its own private car park as well, turn left after the pub and it is 50 meters up the road on the left.
Jameson’s is decked out in true British style, lots of wood, subdued lighting, wooden floors with appropriately creaking floorboards and memorabilia in cabinets around the walls. The staff is decked out in black outfits and they are some of the happiest and most friendly service personnel around.
The first course in the B. 195 special was either a salad, or what was billed as the “Pattaya Mail potato bread soup”. It is an old publishing joke that any newspaper is “news today and chip wrappers tomorrow”, but I had never heard of it arriving in the soup! To keep faith with the publication, that had to be my choice. “Our” soup turned out to be a large bowl of a very hearty potato soup, and a great way to begin our meal. (I checked and found no newsprint!) The spread for the bread was “butter” curls, but hallelujah it was polyunsaturated margarine! Always spreadable and good for the health. Well done Kim, you must have listened to your doctor.
After a short wait, the Fish and Chips arrived. I don’t know where Kim Fletcher gets his fish, but this one would have put up quite a fight. It was enormous and was almost overflowing the (large) Jameson’s plates. The fish was lying on a thick bed of chips and covering them, sharing the plate with some coleslaw and tartar sauce. Of course there was a bottle of vinegar on the table, and a salt shaker, as no self respecting Fish ‘n Chips can be eaten without them (and ignore the ‘no salt’ health warnings).


The fish was correctly cooked with absolutely no bones, and the batter was excellent. The chips were also correctly fried and I was pleased to see they were substantial items and not the skinny shoe-string chips which are served up so often, called “french-fries” (when in actual fact they came from Belgium)!
Our waitress asked which dessert we would like, but we were both far too full to even contemplate another course.
The Dining Out team has now sampled all the current batch of Jameson’s daily specials, and once more, it is difficult to imagine better value in pub meals. At B. 195 for three courses, this is sensational, and with the quality and quantity being first class, it really makes the choice a no-brainer. We enjoyed the daily specials, and for me the Friday Fish ‘n Chips is tops, closely followed by the Monday steak night! Highly recommended.
By the way, the other specials are: Tuesday half a roast chicken, Wednesday steak and mushroom pie in beer sauce and Thursday pork chop with baked potato. Specials available from noon till 11 p.m. Weekends are taken up by the famous Jameson’s carvery.
Jameson’s Irish Pub, 80/164 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR), Central Pattaya. Secure parking. Open seven days 8 a.m. until late. Telephone 038 361 873, email info@jamesons-pattaya.com, and website www.jamesons-pattaya. com. Secure parking in front of Nova Park and another just around the corner 50 meters.


Kim Fletcher and Jameson's thoughts turn to the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive 2009

The Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive is coming up very quickly. Let me just remind you of the dates for the main events on Sunday 13th September 2009 is the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Fair at the Diana Driving Range and Resort, which this year looks like it is going to be even bigger and better this year than last (if that is possible). Kevin Mitch once again stepping into the breach, and doing all the organization in his usual brilliant military precision style. Now whilst talking about the Fair can I also remind everybody that Jameson's amongst other things, has a Used Book Stall at the Fair run by Judi McNamara. The Used Book Stall is always great fun and also raises a nice lot of money for the kids. It is simple logic. (A) You kindly donate to us all your old used books, which can be dropped off at Jameson's or TQ any time, the earlier the better so we can get them sorted. (B) You come to the Fair, and then buy a lot of good books at a cheap price, come early for the best selection. (C) We give all the money we raise to Kevin who hands it on to the Care4Kids Charity Drive. Easy.
The next event after the Fair is the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Party Night at Jameson's on Saturday 19th September 2009 which will feature Paul Jackson as our compeer, Music from Mike Gerrard, Rick and Harpic Bryant, and to bring us all to a Rockin' close Pop's Pattaya All Stars and assorted guests. On that night there will also be the arrival of Eric and Robert from their marathon Charity Bike Ride always an amazing feat of endurance, the climax to the Raffle and the fantastic Jesters Care4Kids Charity Auction. The Auction Site is up and running, with lots of good things up there already, all you have to do is click on the link on the left hand side of this page and you will be whisked into Ron Keeley of World of Wine Auction Site, there is plenty to look at and you might even fancy putting a bid in yourself. Plenty already have.
There are plenty of ways of helping the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive 2009, Obviously by coming to the Fair, and the Party Night, making bids on the Auction Site, buying Raffle Tickets, buying T-Shirts, taking a Bumper Sticker for your car, taking and reading one of our brochures and showing them to other people (all available at Jameson's or TQ). If you would like to know some more right now please click on the link on the right hand side of the page for the Jesters Care4Kids and you will go on a journey to see all about us the website. It is regularly updated and is run by our Chairman, Lewis (Woody) Underwood, and our Webmaster David Smith, a very good Charity, run by some wonderful people, to help those less fortunate than others.
Cheers, see you at the Bar
Kim
landlord@jamesons-pattaya.com

Please contact Mr. Kim or Reception at Nova Park ........

Tel: (038) 415 304 - 8