1Right... let's try and get it sorted out today
2so we don't have it hanging over us. Okay?
3Good idea. I'll take notes.
4First thing... numbers...
5have we got anything definite?
6Well... I've been working it out and I think 40 to 43.
7Shall we put 45 to be on the safe side?
8Yep, fine.
9Dates... well, that's straightforward.
10The last working day before Christmas... which is...
11which is December the 21st.
12which is going to be pretty difficult to book at Christmas
13so we'd better think of two or three places just to be on the safe side.
14Well, last year's was hopeless.
15The Red Lion, wasn't it?
16Yep.
17We ought to go for something more expensive, cos you...
18...you gets what you pay for.
19That new Indian restaurant in Wetherfield is supposed to be excellent...
20the Rajdoot.
21How do you spell that?
22RAJDOOT.
23But it's bound to be packed.
24Well, let's put that down as the first choice and have some back-ups.
25What about the Park View Hotel as a second choice?
26Yes, that's always reliable.
27Park View Hotel...
28And the London Arms in case.
29London Arms...
30I'll call them now if you want.
31No. I'll do it, Joan.
32You're really busy.
33Oh, have you got the numbers?
34Not for the Rajdoot, but...
35right... Park View Hotel:
36777192.
37And London Arms: 208657.
38Great.
39Before I ring, we'd better just make sure they're within the price range.
40Up to £15 a head?
41I think you'll find some people won't be able to go that high.
42Well, you can't get anything decent under £10.
43Okay.
44We'll say £12?
45Okay.
46And we'd better make sure there's good vegetarian food.
47And a non-smoking section!
48You know what the boss is like.
49Don't remind me.
50I'll let you know as soon as I get anything.
51Good news. I found Rajdoot's number straight away
52and they can fit us in.
53Their Christmas menu sounds great.
54What is it?
55French onion soup or fruit juice.
56Roast dinner or lentil curry...
57sounds ordinary but my friend said it was really tasty.
58Umm... lentil curry... that's unusual.
59And then for dessert, there's traditional plum pudding
60or apple pie, plus coffee.
61That sounds really good for £12.
62Did you book it?
63Well, I said I'd check with the staff first.
64But they did say they'd hold the booking until next Wednesday anyway.
65Oh, and if we go ahead, they'd like a £50 deposit.
6650 is normal... that's fine.
67And they want a letter.
68Right... to confirm.
69They say with such large numbers we have to choose the menu in advance.
70That won't be a problem.
71I'll put up a notice with details of the restaurant and the menu.
72When did you say they wanted confirmation by?
73It was... let's see...
74the 4th of November.
75Where do you think I should put up the notice?
76Where everyone's guaranteed to see it.
77On the café noticeboard I should think.
78Hardly anyone looks at that.
79Well, the Newsletter is probably your best bet.
80Good idea.
81I'll go and do that now.