Should I????

I reckon it's a loving gesture and Mr P will be delighted. So, too, will Keith.

Thanks absent it will cost a bit in fuel, but no extra charge with regard to the room. Plus Mr P will understand what it will have taken in sheer nerve! Not over fond of long distance driving!

Just want to show how much I appreciate him working away from home in order to keep us above water, and how much I value the friendship (even though I think that "that Keith" at the age of 78 leads him astray!) and welcome of the people he has met while he was working there.

A good idea Phoenix, I think he will be really chuffed! Enjoy.

I do think this is a different situation to those discussed on the other thread Phoenix. It will be a lovely surprise and very well received I'm sure.

Since Keith has expressed a wish to meet you, and this may be the one and only opportunity, I think you should go. I imagine that it will be a delightful surprise for them all, let alone Mr P. If I was in a similar position, I wouldn't think twice.

You go for it Phoenix your man will be delighted and so will "that Keith" and good luck to Mr P when he starts new position next week.

Yes, go. They sound a nice bunch, OH will be pleased, and so will Keith (unless he turns out to be a woman with a very deep voice and OH has not been telling you everything . . . .)

Oh yes go they will love to see you.

I do hope that everyone on here is right Phoenix.I think you know your DH and we don't of course, not all like surprises.Hope it goes well.

Oh, Elegran you spoiled my thunder

I'm half-hoping that 'Keith' is a voluptuous, blowsy blonde

They do all sound a lovely bunch though.

I wouldn't muscle in personally, but you know the situation best Pheonix ...I'm just wondering why you ask, I detect a slight uncertainty.

I can't help wondering what Mr P has been telling his cronies about you, phoenix!

I think it would a lovely gesture and your DH would be delighted that you'd taken your long distance driving nerves by the throat so that you could surprise him in this way. Do it!

I would certainly ask Mr P even though it would spoil the surprise.Would not like to think it would all fall rather flat.

They might have organised a stripper

"Stripper" you have my attention now.

Mrs P had a farewell do when she retired, I wasn't invited, just the taxi driver, I had to get fish 'n chips.

I didn't get a farewell, was made redundant and was escorted to my desk, put personal stuff in a box and escorted off the premises ( I had too much access into computer systems to risk me staying)

phoenix I think that this is a difficult one but only you know Mr. P and what his reaction is likely to be. It will possibly be your only chance of meeting "that Keith" and it does sound as though it maybe an emotional farewell so maybe your presence will be gratefully received!

I'd let them get on with it. They just want to do a bit of in-group bonding before someone leaves. If you were not specifically invited then don't invite yourself. It is not as if he's been there for 30 years. Instead send Keith a nice card saying thanks for everything - or ask if you can phone him to express your thoughts. Driving down would be OTT.

I wouldn't think it would be particularly emotional. They are just a bunch mates/work colleagues having a drink and a nosh to say cheerio. I would leave them to it.

Mr P can say his own thanks to the old feller. You don't need to say it for him.

Unless specifically invited or even hinted at that my presence would be welcome it's not something I would consider doing.

I know and understand this is something you want to do for your DH Phoenix but others in the company may not get that. Go by your instinct, if in doubt, that would give me my answer.

Good luck to Mr P in his new position.

Perhaps toss a coin. I can't see it's that important either way tbh.

I have occasionally been to various social events with my husband and his work colleagues. I know that if I was in your circumstances my husband would be delighted to be surprised by me walking in, but only you can know how Mr. P might respond. Trust your instinct.

Ask Mr P if he would like you to be present. I don't 'get' surprises and would rather know what was going on. I think it would be nice for you to go and meet his pals, especially Keith, but can't see the point of a surprise.
Hope his new job goes well.