[jos1.9]

 

Hoping to arrange a Meet up for LBSers in United Kingdom.

It has been suggested that the Midlands would be an idea maybe Stratford on Avon?  With an overnight stay in a Travel lodge or Cottage or similar.

Can one of the noble moderators please make this a sticky??

Anyone interested please post on this thread to express your intent.

Thanking you xxx

[OldPilot]

Is there a tentative date for this, or an approx. time frame?

[Sunny]

I'm interested! Have never met an LBS, what aw wonderful idea! Thanks Jos!

[stayed]

Ok, I looked up flights etc. Manchester seems to be the closest to Stratford-on-Avon.  When I looked up the train from the airport, it seems there is no train to Staford-on-Avon, but there is a train to Stafford-upon-Avon, or Brat ford-on-Avon... which would be the best train to take to get to Stafford-on-Avon?   

The flight from Charleroi, Belgium to Manchester is really cheap, only 39 euro's return... the bus from Lux to Charleroi, which is so convenient and affordable, it is the train from Manchester Airport to Stratford on Avon is the complicated part, but all that could be worked out later... seeing as there are no dates mentioned yet... hehehe... Anyway, it seems quite do-able! 

Just doing some preliminary research, as it would be nice to meet up with you ladies. 

Hugs Stayed

[R]

Can you fly to Birmingham?  That might be nearer than Manchester to Stratford upon Avon...  It's only 45 minutes from Birmingham to Stratford I envisage. 

39 euros return - bargain! 
xxx

[Songanddance]

Birmingham is the most obvious and closest technically although there is an airport at Coventry which is closer. Yes it is about 40 mins from Stratford and there are trains from Birmingham and Coventry but I can pick anyone up at any station in a 20 mile radius of Stratford.
Manchester is way too up north!

Suggested time Feb - April? or later in good weather?

[iamnottheenemy]

For those of us with kids, May 24-31 is half-term, and the weather should be pretty nice.

[stayed]

Nice time of year over there in Jolly Old England, love the flowers and the daffies!  Flights still pretty reasonable.  All you can do is decide on a date for the vast majority of you...can't, won't be able to please everybody.

Hugs Stayed

[Songanddance]

I'm thinking that May is possibly too late as flights and hotel costs will rocket. The Easter holidays might be a better bet and as that is during April - it might be quite warm as it has been for the last few years then.

But then again UK weather?

[panda]

I would like to drive up and meet you all but I will wait and see which dates you agree on and see if I can make it... 

[i can and will cope]

i would like to meet up but also need t wait to see what dates due to work commitments etc.   i live further north than manchester though but still would love to be able  make it . thanks for orgainising    hdicx

[iamnottheenemy]

April 4-5 or 11-12?  I can't stay for either of the Sundays before Easter due to church commitments, but could come for the Fri/Sat.

[TTD180]

I'm definitely up for it Birmingham is the nearest airport to there, I'll have to go through Birmingham on the train to get to Stratford upon Avon. I don't think I've ever been there either, so it'll be nice to go somewhere new for a change

[Songanddance]

What about the 25th - 27th April?
Easter is done by then and so is Shakespeare's birthday and the town is usually heaving and hotels very busy then so the weekend after might be a good time??

Or April 5th and 6th?

[UKStander]

Definitely count me in. Just in case Serenity, Callan G and others haven't seen this, we should drop by their threads and give 'em a nudge.

I will fit in around others. Broadly agree that April possibly better than May. Weather improving in April, prices lower. May half term bound to clash with holiday plans.  Just not April 30th, as it's my birthday.  Well, then again - why not April 30th!?  I'm game!   

Stayed - if you were come on it would truly be icing/cherry on cake!  I would think Birmingham would be easier for flights/connections, but what do I know?  I will try to browse some possible accommodations in a mo, just to put some flesh on the bones of this, as it were.  Aware of cost implications - so will try to keep it as low as possible and/or find a deal. 

How many probables are we so far?   

[UKStander]

This is quite a good site for group accommodation at budget prices.  This particular example (within reach of Birmingham International) seems to be £12 per person (per night, I guess?).   Self-catering.
http://groupaccommodation.com/ga-main.property.details.asp?Property=Bilberry_Hill_Centre_West_Midlands_England&adId=303&details=DETAILS#.Uq9wbqXpW8o

[Venus]

Hello everyone,

Definitely up for a meet.  April is good, as is Midlands, I'm a Midlander originally    Stratford, Birmingham, all good. 

If we meet in Stratford, Birmingham, for all our friends across the way, would recommend flying in and out of Birmingham, not too big an airport and good links to other cities.

Looking forward to meeting you all.
Love & light
Venus x

[Venus]

UKS, you've just sent me back to being 16 again and laugh out loud.  I went to Bilberry Hill with my school, age 16, about 30 of us, it was great fun, and I've never forgotten it.

Venus xx

[iamnottheenemy]

I like UKStander's idea of a group accommodation if there's enough of us coming.  With it being out in the country, will there be enough drivers to shuttle people around?  (D13 and I would most likely come up by train; I don't drive here.)

WhatNext might be able to give some numbers on how many came to Ireland last year; I'm guessing there could be a fair amount of overlap.

Royal Shakespeare is putting on Henry IV Parts I and II from March to September, as well as another play or two.  I was hoping for the Peter Pan and Wendy, but it ends the beginning of March: 

http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/stratford-summer14/

We could come up for a day or two pretty much any weekend in April other than Easter, whatever suits most schedules.

[TTD180]

I like the look of that accomadation as well If there's enough of us going by train, then we could arrange to meet at Birmingham international and get a taxi between us. I'll be coming by train and bringing s20 with me

[UKStander]

UKS, you've just sent me back to being 16 again and laugh out loud.  I went to Bilberry Hill with my school, age 16, about 30 of us, it was great fun, and I've never forgotten it.

Hey, what sort of spooky coincidence is that!?  And I just googled something silly like 'accommodation for lots of people near Birmingham, and Bilberry was just the first one that popped up'.  Sounds good though, and plenty of room for everyone, kids and all . . .    There are also some facilities I think (for the kids, LOL!) a few games/sports and stuff like that. I can see this being really fun. One BIG muck-in!

IATNTM - if you recognise your name    , where in UK are you (roughly)?  Didn't even know you were a UK-er before tonight. It's great to meet new local pals! 

Jos1 - as our Team Leader - let us know what you think of Bilberry. There may well be other options to consider, near Stratford or Brum.

It would be great to have a kids wing…  I think they'd have a BALL. 

[stayed]

Sounding good people.  I shall take a closer look at this after Christmas.  Would love to meet you all.

Hugs Stayed

[BB64]

Make it a bank holiday and I'm in! 

[Braincell77]

Hi I am interested as well. Looks like I might be the only man but just do not all gang up on me

[UKStander]

We promise, Braincell!   

[serenity]

Just think how impressive you will look, surrounded by loads of gorgeous women. He he

Other men will wonder just how you do it!!!

X

[UKStander]

I am already seeing the movie of this….      The whole crowd of us, down the local pub, getting puzzled looks from locals.

[TTD180]

lol UKS, I don't think you'll be the only man, I'm sure old pilot was interested as well. Local pub? I thought we'd be buying our own booze and holing up in the hotel/accommodation I've got experience of big gatherings, we have a big family gathering each year. That's even funnier when guests have the same surname

[jos1.9]

HI All

Unsure that I have earned the title of Team Leader granted by UKS?  I just started the thread off lol!  However I like the look of the accommodation - it should work out cheaper and sounds like we can bring our own food and drink which will make it cheaper too!

I can't wait!!

[TTD180]

I can't wait either! We'll have to eat out though or get take aways, I'm not going on holiday to do any cooking

[Jackolar12]

Hi all I'm up for this get together when it is decided on dates and Stratford On Avon is Shakespeare country and quaint with its olde world charm and canals, so is a good location.

Regards
Jackolar12

[jos1.9]

Great that you're coming Jackolar - that means braincell won't be the only man with a large group of ladies!!!

x

[Lovely1]

I can make it! I live close to Stratford!

Hugs

[Lanzo]

Ok I’ve been mulling this over in my head as to whether I should join in  as I do value my  internet anonominity,  but how do these gatherings pan out. What do people do, what to people discuss.

Just thinking it  over.

Lanzo

PS I’m err…. Somewhere in the North West.

[Songanddance]

That's ok Lanzo - it's not compulsory and I suspect a new thing for most of us - so we can set the agenda I guess.

Entirely upto you.

[TTD180]

When I've been to family gatherings before, the talk is normally around catching up with what people have been doing and small chit chat I expect this one to be a drunken booze up or I'll be disappointed, lol. Actually I'm a light weight when it comes to drinking hehe

[the_little_bee]

It'll be a bit of a trek for me, but I'm definitely interested

[I believe in angels]

I have just come back on after a few weeks and found you are organising a get together. Fantastic, beautisul stratford upon avon, yeah im in.  I may be an oldie but it would b good to see some other oldies and hsare experiences with newbies as well. x

[TTD180]

There was something on the radio the other day that said that Stratford upon Avon was in the top ten places to visit I can't wait!

[Songanddance]

Oops - I'd better get sweeping the streets then.....(yes I'm a local)

[TTD180]

Lol song and dance

[UKStander]

Jos1 - I thought you wanted to be team leader???     

Let's make it a worker's co-operative. If the first person to have a bit of time on their hands could google Bilberry Court - which seems to be front-runner in the accommodation choices at the mo - and find out more about block bookings, e.g. can we book individually, or does one person need to pay a deposit, that would be good. I'll do it, it I get five. Just thinking someone else might be able to do it sooner.

And someone - Booboo? Panda? - said could it be a bank holiday…  Now, I think that may raise problems with other people but who knows. We need 2/3 dates now to take votes on? 

[TTD180]

I've got nothing booked for next year at the mo, so dates are ok with me I'm not an organiser, I normally leave things until the last minute so don't rely on me Bilberry court sounds a good option I think I think we should book it once we've got Christmas out of the way though

[UKStander]

I'll try and ring Bilberry in the next few days.  I'm going to do a rough head count, based on those who've said yes, and I think I'll aim for a weekend in the Easter Holidays, which according to the diary here is
7 - 14 April.

If anyone's not happy with that, shout now!!   

[R]

Hi UKS

I think we might all have different Easter holiday dates...  As Easter Sunday is 20th April, our holiday dates are 14-25 April... just to put a spanner in the works, although if it's a weekend, I guess it doesn't matter. 
xxx

[Songanddance]

As a local I will not need accommodation but can get hold of all the school holiday dates and let you have those so that we are all aware of what might be a good time.
Serious warning though - as it is 450 yrs since the bard shuffled off his mortal coil, accommodation will get booked up and unless you like crowds the weekend around his birthday  April 23rd ish will be horrendously busy as there is always a parade on the Saturday and Sunday with posh lunches but then again it's also a good time for star spotting like Judi Dench etc....
I will find out what the plans are and post them on here for discussion.

[TTD180]

Our Easter holiday dates are 14th-28th April

[UKStander]

OK, so second half of April has it at the moment.  (I'll double check on those Easter hol dates I have as it seems odd they'd be SO different.)  Will try and get to phone Bilberry with initial enquiry in the next couple of days. Just to get prices, availably, how deposit needs to be paid etc.

[Venus]

Hello,

Depending which of those weekends it will be in April, may have to dash off, expecting to be auntie again on the 15th, for 10th time  (younger sister's 1st baby), so will have to go and cuddle a fresh, new baby!  Thankfully though, not far from Bilberry Hill.   

Love & Light
Venus x

[TTD180]

How lovely for you Venus Of course we'll let you go off and have some cuddles with your new niece/nephew

[UKStander]

Are we a stag or hen party?  I see Bilberry doesn't accept them.   

[UKStander]

OK, having doubts about Bilberry. It's a conference centre. Hanging out and drinking jaegermeisters may not go down too well, PLUS, as someone wise pointed out (Jos?) it will probably require one of us putting down group deposit - or pre-paying whole thing - a massive commitment.

So, switched to Birmingham hotels (with one eye on Venus's baby!    ) and we could find, e.g. 8 rooms on Sat 19th April at £55 for the night approx in the Holiday Inn which is VERY central. Good for airport, Stayed flying in     and it looks comfy. May not be as cheap as Bilburry but much each to get to, probably.
 
Double room £55 - can't see whether that's per room or per person. If per room and people wouldn't mind doubling up… that would be just £25 or thereabouts.  Quite good.

Have a look on Booking.com.  Holiday Inn Birmingham City is the one I was looking at. But there are others at that cheap price level, e.g. Ibis.

This has the great advantage that people can book their own room, too!

[UKStander]

much each to get to, probably.
 

I mean, 'much easier to get to, probably'.  !!

[Songanddance]

Try this - Premier Inns nr Stratford

Check out the one near B'ham airport 1 room for Friday 18th = £29 2 adults twin beds!
http://www.premierinn.com/en/search!execute.action

Early booking is the £29 pound price otherwise averages £40 per room.

Check it out.

[Musica]

Attaching ... May possibly be around sometime when I know the dates ... Lanzo the meet ups I have been on in the past have been fun ... not at all mlc based but just a chance to chat with people ... You discover some of the most awesome people just being themselves  makes me realise how crazy the mlc-ers are. I wouldn't worry about anonymity you don't share details if you don't want   It has always been a +' ve experience. Hotel is better I think.
Xx

[UKStander]

S&D - is that the one near the International Airport or NEC Airport - haven't found any £29 prices yet. All seem to be about £44. 

Have just realised 19th is Easter bank hol weekend - could be problematic for some?

How about we make the goalpost 12th April?

Hope you're coming, Musica - and Lanzo.

[UKStander]

I think we have interest from 21 people!!!    Better get booking soon.  Here's who's expressed interest so far (in order of posting) - with the mega-stars from overseas listed first:

Stayed
OP
Jos1
Sunny
ClareBear
Song & Dance
Iante (Iamnottheenemy)
Panda
HowDoICope
TTD
Venus
Booboo
Braincell
Serenity
Jackolar 12
Lovely1
Lanzo
TheLittleBee
Ibelieveinangels
Musica
UKS

Shout if I've missed anyone.  OP, Stayed - as you'd be booking flights (not sure if anyone else is from abroad), dates in the frame are 12th April (overnight on Saturday) or just possibly 19th April, although 19th April is Easter 4-day weekend in UK so some people may well have other plans, esp if they have kids.

Closing in on accommodation in Birmingham area costing approx £25 - £45 (hopefully the lower cost) for a single night.

Can everyone let us know if they're still interested, given this new info??? 

Many thanks.

 

[jos1.9]

12th April is better for me.

I am sure Sunny wants to be added to the list too. 

I can't wait!

[TTD180]

I will have to be a plus one as I'm bringing my son with me

[Songanddance]

S&D - is that the one near the International Airport or NEC Airport - haven't found any £29 prices yet. All seem to be about £44.

Yes it is - but the saver price is in the left hand corner of the room price if you fill in the book in section requesting date etc... as provisional search.
It is also the price saver if you pre-book and pay in advance,

I thought I had cut and pasted the page of all Premiers around Birmingham.
Even so it is the price of the room rather than per person.

[Venus]

UKS, you are already a superhero for organising, searching for accommodation, prompting us all to get on board!   

Definitely on for April 12th. 
I'm very much looking forward to meeting everyone.   

Love & Light
Venus x

[the_little_bee]

I should be fine for any of the suggested dates

[panda]

  19th I would not be able to do but won't know about 12th until nearer the time - depends if I can get childcare....will definately work on it though!!!  Would love to come and meet you all!!!!

[TTD180]

Panda, can you not bring your kids with you or are they too young?

[iamnottheenemy]

I'm up for the 12th; would work better for me to come in beforehand by a day or two as I'll have to be back at my parish church for Palm Sunday (13th).

TTD - I'm bringing my daughter too. She'll be 13.  She came along for the meetup in Dublin last year and I think it was really good for her to hear from others going through the same thing we are.  She LOVES Stayed, What Next, Learning, Duthla, Voyager, Eternity, and all the fabulous folks who came along.

What Next organized a city walk with a guide in Dublin - does anyone know of a company doing similar in B'ham or Stratford?  I've never been anywhere up that way and would love to learn some of the history and get a "greatest hits," so to speak.

IANTE

[iamnottheenemy]

Answered my own question:

http://www.birmingham-tours.com/

http://stratfordtownwalk.co.uk/index.php?id=50

[Songanddance]

Yes indeed IANTE but I am a local to Stratford and can do the Stratford walk for you all for FREE!

I can arrange visit to Shakespeare's birthplace and the new theatre tour as well as get you on the sightseeingbus. The entry to this all costs but the talk, walk and general guide including good but cheap places to eat will be c/o of me.

Just let me know how many and definite date and I'll get onto it for you

[BB64]

I am hoping to be able to make ir but won't be able to budget for it until mid-february,
D17 18th birthday on 02/02/2014.  ....but  for her!

[Sunny]

12th sounds good to me. Best to avoid the whole Easter weekend. I live very near Birmingham, but Stratford also good. I've been to Stratford so many times, wish I had known lived there!

Sooooo exciting!!!

[UKStander]

Can someone else take over organisation from here?  One of my goals is to be less fixer and just let things go….   

[the_little_bee]

Haha - if we all take that attitude towards our meet up, it won't happen Seriously tho, I do understand. I like to fix things too, but I wouldn't regard this as fixing so all good for me. I'm not all that keen to do the organising as I still feel very much a newbie here, but if no one else wants to I'll give it a go.

[Songanddance]

Let me investigate room prices and I'll get back to you. Are we therefore assuming the 12th April?

[UKStander]

I'm sorry everyone. I really didn't mean to abdicate and leave it in the lurch like that….    But I did feel a bit lbs-ish and wondered why I wasn't pursuing my changes to me and generally letting everything GO.  I'm trying to be much more laid back in 2014.    When I roll up in Birmingham I may be in tie-dye clothes with flowers in hair.

S&D - I can co-organise if you want. Just PM me and say the word. 

[stayed]

The 12th, works for me as well.  I will let you know closer to the date... or at least once you need to know for sure.  I don't want to commit myself this far out.  I kind of like the freedom we now have, that our kids are all out of our home and in their own, hehehe. 

Maybe my h will come along.  I would love for IANTE's daughter to meet him and the other kids too.  I think it would help them to see that this MLC is not HOPELESS, it does not mean the end of their parent as they once knew him/her. 

Sounding good girls. I have been to Stratford, Ontario, Canada.  Also a Shakespeare Theater.  It was so many years ago that I was there I can't remember which play we saw.  It is an open air theater, you look down on the stage... marvelous experience.  Very pretty town as well.  http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/ 

Will keep my eyes open to see when I must commit.  Hugs Stayed 

[Lovely1]

Please come Stayed. I'd love to meet you, and your H!

Lovely 1

[stayed]

Thanks Lovely1, we are definitely considering it.

Hugs Stayed

[Growing stronger]

 HI, I'm a relative newbie here but I'm really interested in this so can put my name down. Ceri xxx

[stayed]

Good for you Ceri.   Meeting other LBS's was one of the best things I ever did for myself.  I came away feeling empowered and in control for the first time throughout the whole ordeal. 

Hopefully I will get to meet you...

Hugs Stayed

[Duthla]

I'm latching on here.....cuz I JUST MIGHT do a lil sumthing crazy!

[stayed]

Feel something crazy coming on Duthla??? hehehe that would be fantastic!  Crazy is good!

Hugs Stayed

[I believe in angels]

Hi, is there a date arranged for this yet. x

[BB64]

12th April, I believe.
Which I can't make as I'll be working.

[Lovely1]

What a shame BOoboo. i would have liked to have met you!

[Songanddance]

Could you please look at this link - I typed in destination B'ham airport and then price. 2 nights Friday 11th and Sat 12th April - 2 adults sharing  twin rooms.
http://www.laterooms.com/en/p1301/pv18995aDVCc/k16844367_birmingham-airport-hotels.aspx?hidfl=&k=Birmingham+Airport&d=20140411&n=2&rt-adult=2&rt-child=0&rt=2-0&currencies=GBP&distanceUnit=Miles#iuscak

Looks like there is space and Best Western might be better bet as we all know what to expect and it gets a good rating.

I don't know what your budgets are but have a look and get back to me. It may be better for us all to agree to a hotel and rough costs that we are happy with. Then either I can phone our chosen place(s) and see if I can do a block booking or we each book a room ourselves on line but all do it within a couple of days of each other so we all get similar deals.

As time is hurtling on can I suggest that if you are coming you let me know by Monday 20th Jan so that I can start thinking about nos and make enquiries for other activities too if you want to visit any place like for example do a backstage tour at the theatre or visit the birthplace. I will then get back to you with costs etc for planning or decisions.

Thanks

[stayed]

Are you talking about the Paragon Hotel S&G?  That is pretty cheap.  Plus looks nice.  I actually went to the hotel and arranged a price.  They gave me a BOOKING # and then people could book themselves at the special rate. 

I am thinking very seriously about coming.  It's kind of a busy time for me, but I really would love to meet you all.  Hugs Stayed

[jos1.9]

I am happy to stay in any hotel.  I we can all book the same hotel within days and get the same deal can't we?

Thanks for doing the research S&D.

[iamnottheenemy]

Were you looking at Best Western Manor Hotel or Windmill Village? Those look nice, but when I clicked on the links, they said no rooms available (?).

[Songanddance]

IANTE- It may well be that the link collapsed and then you get nothing.

I can ring up and make enquiries - just interested in what people's rough budgets are and whether shared/twin rooms etc....

I found this on laterooms.com and put Birmingham Airport as destination. See if you get any joy this way.

[iamnottheenemy]

Hi S&D - I'll be bringing D13, so we'll need one room just for us.  The price range you're looking at is fine for us, or we're fine to spend a bit more, depending on what suits others' budgets.

[the_little_bee]

Looks good to me

[UKStander]

Latching on again…  Is anyone else bringing a boy c.15/16 years?  Just wondering about company for S16 if I bring him along.

[UKStander]

Dang!  I've only just realised (fully) that the 12th April falls smack bang in the middle of the school Easter holiday, and I really want to get away for a week in Week 1 or 2, but am now a bit compromised by also wanting to be around and in Birmingham for the 12th.

I suspect there will just be loud screams all round if I say this, but is there any chance we can shift it by just a couple of weeks to a NORMAL weekend (i.e. not a holiday one)?  I would think it will mean Birmingham/Stratford will be quieter anyway?

If I dared, I'd suggest Saturday 3rd May.  I'll put fingers in my ears and see what happens.  Just in case it suits others too.  Might be nice weather by then?  More potential for sitting outside in the evening….

[the_little_bee]

I'd be happy with the 3rd of May, but it is a bank holiday weekend, so not sure it'd achieve much in avoiding holidays. I agree a weekend that is outside of school holidays would probably be better. Cheaper accomodation and also more availablity too probably. I'm not bothered really - any date is good for me.

[Songanddance]

I'm happy either way and yet again the later it is the better the chances of good weather and Stratford on avon in the sun is LOVELY!

[Songanddance]

In fact - 3rd May might be even better because there will
a) be street theatre going on,
b) we can have a "picnic" on the Bancroft Gardens just outside the theatre and by the river,
c) the nights will be lighter and
d)Stratford moves into proper tourist mode at this time so plenty going on!

I 'll check out hotels again and post the link(s)

[jos1.9]

I am happy with any of the suggested dates.

[Venus]

Hello,

I'm happy with either weekend too. Just looking forward to meeting all you folks! 

Love & light
Venus x

[stayed]

HI British Group.... I just wanted to let you all know, I will be UNABLE to attend this meet up.  Wanted to meet you all.  Will definitely be thinking about you all, have a drink in my spirit.

Hugs Stayed

[Songanddance]

VERY SAD about that Stayed - perhaps we can all descend on you later this year?

However in the light of that I have copied below 2 laterooms.com links
Info is arriving on Sat May 3rd staying just one night

The first is for hotels nr Stratford upon Avon. The travel lodge literally 3 mins from the centre is pretty good and brand new.
The Hilton warwick is also good price and just off the M40 junction 15 so central to Warwick (Warwick Castle) and 10 mins away from Stratford. Very easy to get to.
http://www.laterooms.com/en/k16845286_stratford-upon-avon-hotels.aspx

The second is for hotels near Birmingham airport as before but it will mean other travel costs to get to Stratford and perhaps now not quite as necessary if our Wonderful stayed can't be with us.

Thoughts? Need to start booking soon folks!!

[Songanddance]

Helps if I paste the Birmingham one too!! Duh!
http://www.laterooms.com/en/k16844367_birmingham-airport-hotels.aspx?hidfl=&k=Birmingham+Airport&d=20140503&n=1&rt-adult=2&rt-child=0&rt=2-0&currencies=GBP&distanceUnit=Miles

[the_little_bee]

What a shame you can't make it Stayed

Thanks Songanddance I personally would prefer Stratford to Birmingham I think, either hotel looks good. Not a massive fan of big cities, and Birmingham is very big and busy. But I'm pretty flexible.

[stayed]

Thx the_little_bee... I'm disappointed... but as S&D said, I will see about throwing an LBS together here in Luxembourg... perhaps early next fall...

Hugs Stayed

[Lovely1]

I'm okay with both April and May dates, and don't need a hotel because I live close by.]

[jos1.9]

I prefer Stratford upon Avon as an option I think it would be nice to be somewhere a bit touristy rather than a city.  I don't mind which hotel.

Sorry you can't come stayed.

Thanks S&D for organising.

Can't wait to meet you all for real xxxxxxxxxxxx

[TTD180]

Any update on this?

[Songanddance]

I think we are going for the weekend of 3rd May and I have put up a hotel link for all to choose which you all prefer.

I'll pm those of you who have replied and expressed interest.

[serenity]

I'm hoping to come but probably won't stay as I'm not sure who as yet can dog sit for me :0)

X

[Songanddance]

I have PMd most of you - sincere apologies if I have missed you off. Totally unintentional.
If you want to come then please let me know so that I can really investigate possibilities for you.

I am assuming arrival Saturday May 3rd arrival - day at Stratford - hotel at night and then Sunday morning adventure?

Let me know preferably by the end of this week.

Thanks

[serenity]

Hi Songanddance,

What sort of time do you have in mind for us all getting there and have we actually got a meeting spot as yet?!?

X

[Songanddance]

Ooh - depends on where you're travelling from.
If you want to do a guided walk and see as much as possible then late morning is the ideal.
Re meeting place - perhaps the hotel itself and I can then take/walk you into town from there?

I don't know 11am ish or maybe 12 and go grab some lunch before the tour??

Thoughts - all good peeps??

[serenity]

Hi again Songanddance,

do you know if I could park my car at the hotel. I think it will take me about 1 1/2 hours to get there.

X

[TTD180]

I'm really sorry but I won't be able to make the 3rd may my son has a swimming gala the following day and the coach leaves early in the morning I am really disappointed, but hopefully there will be another chance to meet up with you all

[Songanddance]

Just a thought and it depends on where you live I guess but would you be able to do a half day trip, ie have the afternoon with us and then leave early/ mid evening?

[Jackolar12]

I'm up for the Stratford on Avon trip let me know when it is please.
Regards
Jackolar

[the_little_bee]

I think we're decided on 3rd May Jackolar. S&D is doing some organising, might be good to send her a message.

[UKStander]

HI British Group.... I just wanted to let you all know, I will be UNABLE to attend this meet up.  Wanted to meet you all.  Will definitely be thinking about you all, have a drink in my spirit.

Hugs Stayed

Oh bummer!!     Hope it's not my fault for chaining the weekend?  Still, might you come to an autumn one, Stayed?   Maybe we can do a collective Skype with you, too, from the bar?   

S&D I'm definitely still on.  So is Venus, I know.  And Jos1.  And now Serenity (Serenity, maybe, just maybe the hotel will accept a dog?).  I don't really mind which hotel . . .  Will wait and see which one is chosen and then make my booking.  How many are we now, I wonder.

TTD I do hope you might JUST possibly be able to get there for Saturday… 

[TTD180]

Sorry guys but it's just not worth it for the amount of time I'll get to spend with you guys it'll be 3 hours travelling time in total. I hope to make the autumn one though

[Sunny]

Sorry not been around lately, still very much up for this. xo

[serenity]

I was chatting with UKS earlier and I suggested we all wear name tags with both our real name and our HS name.

I just thought otherwise we won't really know who is who. I'd be interested on others' thoughts on this idea?!?

X

[Coffedrinker6]

I live on south coast and would love to join in meet up depending on dates.

[UKStander]

How do we move this on from here?   I'm not sure which hotel is booked.  I'll PM S&D….

[Coffedrinker6]

Have we agreed dates yet.  I live on south coast near Portsmouth, Hampshire, does anyone else come from this area? 

[Songanddance]

3rd May seems to suit most people.

I will be popping into the various cheaper hotels including the brand new travel lodges, premiers and Hiltons that are close by and very good value and see if I can negotiate a deal.
However I really do need ideas of numbers and if you are bringing someone so that tells me how many rooms etc....

PM me or on this thread please by Friday 21st Feb if possible

[jos1.9]

S&D

I am coming - thanks for looking in to all the hotels S&D it is appreciated that you are organising this for us all.  I can't wait to meet everyone in person.

x

[Sunny]

I'm coming too. xo

[phoenix spirit]

Hello All
I'm new here but was told to check this site and boy I wish i'd known about it when my H walked out  !
I'm still trying to navigate around the site but saw your planned meet up and wondered if I dare ask to come along?
If it's ok maybe you could give the details and i'll see if I can work it in (2 small kids and recent dog acquisition to consider )
I didn't want to come out with full on story immediately as I don't trust myself to keep it short (always so much to say on the topic  ) But would love to chat with people who understand the emotions that just overtake your life when it deals out such a mind blowing journey!!!

[the_little_bee]

Phoenix S - I think the plan is for it to be the weekend of the 3rd May. Maybe message Songanddance as she's doing the organising for us

[UKStander]

3rd/4th May it is, Little Bee!  It will soon be time to regroup here and start firming up plans. S&D, if you drop by, could you remind us where we're at with the hotel situation. I have a memory like a sieve.  Sorry. Will help with any further planning as required. 

Would be lovely to meet lots of those who we know only through posts.  I bet we all get a BIG surprise when see one another! 

[Venus]

Hello S&D and everyone,

3rd/4th May is looming.  What do we need to do to firm up plans and book rooms?  S&D can you remind us all please??

Would be great to meet everyone and put faces to names!

Love & Light
Venus

[serenity]

Count me in :0)

X

[Coffedrinker6]

I want to come but am awaiting a date for a major operation so am unable to confirm 100 percent.  Please keep me posted if I have not gone into hospital I will definitely come.

[UKStander]

I'm in. Is it just us 4 now - Serenity, Venus, UK and Jos1?

If anyone else is still interested, let us know.

[Mutley]

Hi I m pretty new on here , but would like to meet up .So what's the plan with accommodation etc are you booking overnights for 3rd may ? Where r u staying etc  thanks

[Sunny]

I'm interested but depends where.

[Superstar]

Please let me know if you decide to do this again as I would love to come and meet some people who have been through the same

[Sunny]

Has this been and gone? If not do let me know.

[Dagolark]

Oh, shame, has this happened already? I'll be in the UK for a few months and I'd love to meet up!

[UKStander]

The original date has come and gone, I'm afraid.  But maybe the location wasn't right for most of the people?  Also, we didn't appoint an organiser, so nothing happened.

Shall we start over?  Work out where everyone is on the map?

 

[Songanddance]

I think the location was good - lots of people around the midlands - and I did put up some room and pricing  info and PMd as many UK LBSers as I could and asked people to get back to me but only two did and then one of them dropped out.

So as no-one really posted on the thread I sort of gave up and then exam work took over as it does at this time of year in school.

Try for a weekend in the summer or maybe October half term? Cheaper then too.

[Mutley]

Yes ,
lets do this I m sure it would be funand beneficial.
 m in the central south of England but can travel ! 

[Sunny]

I still like Stratford as a location. It's a nice town, plus train station, decently accessible for most I think. But there are loads of nice towns in the midland area. I live in Birmingham now, so could get to most places.

I wish I lived closer to some of you! Would be nice to meet up to meet up once a month or so for drinks/coffee, obviously not practical when people have to travel long distances.

[jos]

Hi guys

I've only just joined the group and so missed the meet-up in the UK. If anyone's interested in another one in next couple of months before xmas, I'd be up for it. I live in Stockport (manchester) if you need this info to plan a meet-up destination. I have kids but some weekends are now FREE - a definate good part of now HAVING A LIFE!!!

If you need me to arrange anything I;d be happy to, but am not sure if you need to be a moderator or something???Please let me know what I can do to assist.

Thanks

[stayed]

Nope, nope!  Don't need to be a moderator to organize a MEET-UP!  Meet ups are totally done outside the realm of the forum, although very SUPPORTED and ENCOURAGED!  There is nothing like a LBS Meet Up to refortify and get busy taking back your life. 

Go for it, offthetreatmill...

Hugs Stayed