Last updated 12:33, Saturday, 03 May 2008

HO Ho Ho! Last year Reiver had to wait until May 21 before reporting that Carlisle Racecourse was advertising itself as a venue for Christmas parties.

This year I am delighted to announce, on May Day Bank Holiday, that Carlisle Conservative Club is taking bookings for the festive season.

In fact, I really should apologise for being rather late with this news as the club has been advertising since... last Christmas.

The “Book Your Christmas Party Here” sign in the window of the Spencer Street club went up last year for Christmas 2007 and has remained ever since.

Manager Gary Collard said: “It’s never too early to book your Christmas party. We took a booking in January. If you don’t advertise then people will never know – it gives them something to look forward to.”