Well, some will know me, most won't. This is my first post here, although I'm not a newbie, and what an exciting first post it is!
While chatting in the #tolkien chatroom today, a few of us from the UK decided we wanted to meet up. So, why not make it a meeting of all UK based Planet-Tolkieners?
Ive never organised anything like this, so, lets start off with an open forum. Firstly, to decide what actually needs organising.
Let discussion commence.
Thread: Potential idea for UK meet.
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Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Racism!! Excluding the non-UK folks! 
nah, carry on I probably can't come anyway. 
Hi Mil!
nah, carry on I probably can't come anyway. Hi Mil!
Sounds like a quality idea. I have thought about it myself at times cause it'd be a blast.
*sigh*...I'd like to come.
Sounds great!
Although i don't live in England, that's a great idea Mil. What exactly are you planning to do then? There'll be ladies and gentlemen (and Darous) so you can't just go to a pub and have beer or go shopping.
Although i don't live in England, that's a great idea Mil. What exactly are you planning to do then? There'll be ladies and gentlemen (and Darous) so you can't just go to a pub and have beer or go shopping.
What no pubs ah sheesh
Okay, this seems to be a popular idea 
Well, we need to decide several things before carving plans into stone.
1) Where would be the most convienent meeting city for everyone. I'd suggest Birmingham, its in a fairly centeral location, and is well connected to the rest of the UK via roads/rail and airports.
2) What kind of place are we gonna hold the meeting in? A pub? A hotel? A resturant? Or even..... A Net Cafe *ducks*
3) We need a rough idea as to when it will occur, to within a month, just to give us all a time-frame to discus.
4) Anything else anyone can think of.
Oh, and btw, any Non-Uk people are welcomed, but it'll cost ya a lot to fly to the UK.
Well, we need to decide several things before carving plans into stone.
1) Where would be the most convienent meeting city for everyone. I'd suggest Birmingham, its in a fairly centeral location, and is well connected to the rest of the UK via roads/rail and airports.
2) What kind of place are we gonna hold the meeting in? A pub? A hotel? A resturant? Or even..... A Net Cafe *ducks*
3) We need a rough idea as to when it will occur, to within a month, just to give us all a time-frame to discus.
4) Anything else anyone can think of.
Oh, and btw, any Non-Uk people are welcomed, but it'll cost ya a lot to fly to the UK.
Sounds great Milambar.
A venue is the main priority. You need somewhere with a function room (size dependant on the number of people expected to be there). Ideally, there should be facilities for food and drink on site, and preferably overnight accomadation too (at least within walking distance). Hotels can often provide these sort of facilities now days, as they often cater for business functions. Unfortunately, we've missed the mark by a month or so. Good discounts are usually available for this sort of thing in Winter when hotels are keen to attract custom.
Failing a hotel, somewhere that did medieval banquets would be cool.
I think it would be best if a central location was chosen, but it is important that it is close to one of the organisers. That way, they can personally make arrangements and ensure everything is in place before people arrive.
Quote:
Ive never organised anything like this, so, lets start off with an open forum. Firstly, to decide what actually needs organising.
Ive never organised anything like this, so, lets start off with an open forum. Firstly, to decide what actually needs organising.
A venue is the main priority. You need somewhere with a function room (size dependant on the number of people expected to be there). Ideally, there should be facilities for food and drink on site, and preferably overnight accomadation too (at least within walking distance). Hotels can often provide these sort of facilities now days, as they often cater for business functions. Unfortunately, we've missed the mark by a month or so. Good discounts are usually available for this sort of thing in Winter when hotels are keen to attract custom.
Failing a hotel, somewhere that did medieval banquets would be cool.
I think it would be best if a central location was chosen, but it is important that it is close to one of the organisers. That way, they can personally make arrangements and ensure everything is in place before people arrive.
Although I probably wouldn't turn up on account of me being lasy, I recomend Manchester. As not only is it close for me, it has no ladies or gentlemen in the entire place, so we can go to a pub. But only if dar promises to drink shandy. 
Great Idea... Edinburgh is kinda central (central Scotland?) if your interested and its a lovely city, loads to do and great places to see.
Well if this thing does materialise as long as its not too far South, and if there is the slightest suspicion of a Mediaeval Banquet on the cards (Mead, Wild Boar, Mead...) or at least a P**s -Up then count me in
Well if this thing does materialise as long as its not too far South, and if there is the slightest suspicion of a Mediaeval Banquet on the cards (Mead, Wild Boar, Mead...) or at least a P**s -Up then count me in
I go to a lot of meets with another couple of newsgroups - one coming up in a few weeks time. Because of the distances involved with people coming from all over UK we usually make it an overnight stay as well - cheap accommodation like Travel Inns or B&B are a good idea. Sharing rooms makes it even cheaper - been to meets in Youth Hostels before, dorms are fun if you don't mind all the snoring.
Pubs are the best option which rules out the under 18s but it's an adult thing anyway. Pubs - food - accommodation. Also, travel links. People travelling by coach/plane/train etc may need collecting from specific points. I have family in Brum but please, no one ask me to drive anywhere in Brum.... I get lost every time.
I can drive up to Manchester but not much further especially as I will be on my own.
How about Oxford - Tolkien connection and good pubs but is it too far south for our northern members?
Does anyone have a 10 bedroomed mansion..... near a pub?
I don't think overseas member are exluded..... but it might be a bit more expensive for you.
I wish Mil luck in this....... I've organised a couple locally and it nearly drove me mad.
Pubs are the best option which rules out the under 18s but it's an adult thing anyway. Pubs - food - accommodation. Also, travel links. People travelling by coach/plane/train etc may need collecting from specific points. I have family in Brum but please, no one ask me to drive anywhere in Brum.... I get lost every time.
I can drive up to Manchester but not much further especially as I will be on my own.
How about Oxford - Tolkien connection and good pubs but is it too far south for our northern members?
Does anyone have a 10 bedroomed mansion..... near a pub?
I don't think overseas member are exluded..... but it might be a bit more expensive for you.
I wish Mil luck in this....... I've organised a couple locally and it nearly drove me mad.
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loads to do and great places to see.
loads to do and great places to see.
All you need is the inside of a decent pub.
Oxford would be great and I am sure I could swing a tour of his soon to be sold house for the members if I nudge a few peeps who owe me favours, otherwise Manchester isn't that much of a problem either really. Either way I'm in.
Gotta Brother in Oxford, and besides i used to live there four years ago so still got some friends too (i hope)... So if thats the final decision it'd be great for me as i could kill two birds with one stone, not seen me lil bro in ages. *guilty*
The Eagle and Child was the Tolkien/C.S.Lewis drinking hole, and a great lil boozer! Dark and long and narrow - lots of specialty ales (if you like that sorta thing) or just Lager (for moi).
If this can be arranged around May/June that'd be fantastic as that was when i was planning to go anyways... *fingers crossed*
See you all soon me hopeses.
The Eagle and Child was the Tolkien/C.S.Lewis drinking hole, and a great lil boozer! Dark and long and narrow - lots of specialty ales (if you like that sorta thing) or just Lager (for moi).
If this can be arranged around May/June that'd be fantastic as that was when i was planning to go anyways... *fingers crossed*
See you all soon me hopeses.
Okay, so we appear to have 3 candidates for a town.
Manchester
Birmingham
Oxford
Manchester would be ideal for me, as it is my hometown. I know it well enough to suggest venues and good pubs, etc.
Birmingham and Oxford I know not at all.
Ok, if people want to contact me regarding this, use milambar at milambar dot com, or see me online in the tolkien chatroom
In the meantime, can we call an ad-hoc vote, everyone interested in potentially attending, name which of those 3 cities you'd prefer.
Manchester
Birmingham
Oxford
Manchester would be ideal for me, as it is my hometown. I know it well enough to suggest venues and good pubs, etc.
Birmingham and Oxford I know not at all.
Ok, if people want to contact me regarding this, use milambar at milambar dot com, or see me online in the tolkien chatroom
In the meantime, can we call an ad-hoc vote, everyone interested in potentially attending, name which of those 3 cities you'd prefer.
Oxford's the nearest for me, but I'm pretty easy. What's more important is what I said about the organisation side of things. It needs to be local to whoever makes the arrangements. They need to be on site to ensure the venue is suitable etc, and everything is going to plan.
Any plans for guest speakers etc to be present, or is it just going to be an informal party?
Any plans for guest speakers etc to be present, or is it just going to be an informal party?
Ok, because of the problems in organising something in a strange city, I decided last night, that Manchester is going to be the city of choice. It will take the form of an informal party. If its really wanted for it to be held in another city, someone local to that city will have to organise it. The logistics are just too difficult.
As for a time period, Im thinking mid-summer, Manchester isnt known as the rainy city for no reason, and summer means less chance of rain.
Manchester is also the nightclub capital of the UK, for those who need a little nightlife. There are a range of transport options, the 3rd largest airport for instance, Manchester Ringway. Two major rail stations, Picadilly and Victoria. Add to that, an excellent motorway network., makes Manchester easy to get to.
As for a venue, take your pick. I was thinking of a pub, some even allow under 18's if accompanied by an adult.
Ideas? Thoughts?
As for a time period, Im thinking mid-summer, Manchester isnt known as the rainy city for no reason, and summer means less chance of rain.
Manchester is also the nightclub capital of the UK, for those who need a little nightlife. There are a range of transport options, the 3rd largest airport for instance, Manchester Ringway. Two major rail stations, Picadilly and Victoria. Add to that, an excellent motorway network., makes Manchester easy to get to.
As for a venue, take your pick. I was thinking of a pub, some even allow under 18's if accompanied by an adult.
Ideas? Thoughts?
well Im heading off for my holidays in July anychance of pushing to late august plus my holidays will be back. But manchester is cool.
Even though ringway is in Stockport therefore Cheshire. but never mind . I recomend the gramby as Morrisey drinks there when he's in the UK as do New Order and it has Red tile floors so the blood is harder to spot. then we go down to the gay village as there are less knob heads and it's only a five minute walk. Spirit's ubber posho and I know the bouncer. followed by a kebab. You can all sleep at my house. I have two couches, one arm chair, a spare bed, several floors and ennough porn to last a nuclear winter. Woo hoo!
Oddly enough I am going to be in London and Oxford for the last week in July and the first week in August, so if its around then, maybe I can meet up too. I'll be there with Rodia who posts here on occasion, so the two of us could possibly work something out
I finally have a proposed date:
The weekend beginning Friday 27th August. It will be an informal pub meet, most probably at the Picadilly Tavern.
If people are interested, say so, and I'll try to put together a hotel guide where you could consider staying.
The weekend beginning Friday 27th August. It will be an informal pub meet, most probably at the Picadilly Tavern.
If people are interested, say so, and I'll try to put together a hotel guide where you could consider staying.
Mil my man as I said ta ye Im up fer it oh yes and in a pub fantastic I just have ta check me workin calender but If I am O can use me hoildays ta get off I'll get back ta ye.
I'll be on holiday in Cornwall that week with my girlfriend and kids. I don't think they'd appreciate me dragging them up the M6, even if it was to meet you lot. Have fun though. My thoughts will be with you as I cast a few bass snacks off the beach as the sun goes down.
Pick the one weekend in the year when my Sister is down why don't you!
I'd suggest the Pub I work in for a meet cos then I don't even have to take the day off.
I'd suggest the Pub I work in for a meet cos then I don't even have to take the day off.
Hey Squirrel,
Long time, no see.
Good to see you again!
Long time, no see.
Good to see you again! 
Id love to come too, not too too bad travelling from North Wales but Im already busy most of that week (family wedding and all to attend!) but I hope all goes well and you have a great time!!!
Just you and I then Mil?
That's what happens when you pick a bank holiday weekend...... people are elsewhere. I am hoping to make it..... but it is a long way off yet and family things do have a habit of sneaking in.........
Or you could change the date.
Or you could change the date.
Perhaps a date in the fall would work well. There may even be some good seat sales on Canada to UK flights. 
Perhaps everyone could mention if September or October is best.
Or earlier in August?
This is a really great opportunity!
Perhaps everyone could mention if September or October is best.
Or earlier in August?
This is a really great opportunity!
September/ October might work for me. Especially if the canadian contingent come over as well...
I should be on honeymoon somewhere in the North during September. If it's not too far away, I may be able to surrupticiously take my girlfriend (wife) to wherever it is, and kind of mingle with the rest of you.
Whaaat? I can't belive this! Don't make me come over there to beat some sense into you, mr PowerElf!
First you spend the wedding money on computers but still get to marry her, then you want to spend your honeymoon is some bar with a load of Tolkien geeks?? Are you insane?? You are such a... guy!!
You will do nothing on your honeymoon other than worship this woman in every way you can. There should be nothing in the universe except you and her. PT-get-togethers can and will be arranged again. You can mess up any romantic weekend or date later but do NOT mess with the honeymoon!!
Think about it man! She will remember those days with you FOREVER! F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Women do not forget! She will tell her friends, and they will remember too. For heavens and you own sake, for the sake of future arguments, for when you mess up later later in life, don't give her any reason to say "Yeah, well he scr*ew up the honemoon too, what did I expect." And her friends will say "Yeah I don't know why you married the guy! But that Peter at the office.."
It should be "Yeah, he messed up today, but the honeymoon... Ahhhhh....."
Ok Val?
I can't belive this! Don't make me come over there to beat some sense into you, mr PowerElf! First you spend the wedding money on computers but still get to marry her, then you want to spend your honeymoon is some bar with a load of Tolkien geeks?? Are you insane?? You are such a... guy!!
You will do nothing on your honeymoon other than worship this woman in every way you can. There should be nothing in the universe except you and her. PT-get-togethers can and will be arranged again. You can mess up any romantic weekend or date later but do NOT mess with the honeymoon!!
Think about it man! She will remember those days with you FOREVER! F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Women do not forget! She will tell her friends, and they will remember too. For heavens and you own sake, for the sake of future arguments, for when you mess up later later in life, don't give her any reason to say "Yeah, well he scr*ew up the honemoon too, what did I expect." And her friends will say "Yeah I don't know why you married the guy! But that Peter at the office.."
It should be "Yeah, he messed up today, but the honeymoon... Ahhhhh....."
Ok Val?
Don't listen to her Val, of course your new wife would love to spend her Honeymoon in a bar with a bunch of Tolkien geeks, who wouldn't? My Mother refused to spend her wedding day afternoon watching Chelsea in the Charity shield, and my Father has regretted it to this day.... hmmm....
Not as much as he would have regretted it if they DID go. Belive me! 
I don't know, apparently it was a great match.
Now you've got me in trouble Amarie. I thought your response was so good, I showed it to her. Unfortunately, I forgot I hadn't told her where the money had come from for my new PC.
Oh well, start out as you mean to go is my motto. Hopefully see you all in Manchester..... Doubt it though.
Oh well, start out as you mean to go is my motto. Hopefully see you all in Manchester..... Doubt it though.
ROFL!!!! Now that is just priceless!
Untill you have gotten married (and maybe for a while after) you should start posting in the forum befor you do ANYTHING, so we can warn you about the consequences.
Cheer up my friend, it was better she found out now befor she starts spending money you don't have.
Untill you have gotten married (and maybe for a while after) you should start posting in the forum befor you do ANYTHING, so we can warn you about the consequences.
Cheer up my friend, it was better she found out now befor she starts spending money you don't have.
First of all I'm not a Tolkien-geek, I'm a Tolkien-nerd :p. Second Val your getting married again after all that you wrote about it being the most stupid thing you can ever do. Didn't you try placating her with the offer of a pet, you know one of those things that smell like a cat or a child or something.
[Amari’ was here]
[Amari’ was here]
WoW Interesting!
So what is the date that we are all meeting up in Manchester then?
Well, there seems to be more people wanting it to happen in sept/oct than people wanting it to happen in Aug. Never let it be said that I'm unwilling to accept change.
How does the weekend starting October 15 sound? People could make their way up on the friday night, find a place to stay, ready for a meeting in a pub (probably the Picadilly Tavern) on the saturday.
Does this sound good to everyone?
How does the weekend starting October 15 sound? People could make their way up on the friday night, find a place to stay, ready for a meeting in a pub (probably the Picadilly Tavern) on the saturday.
Does this sound good to everyone?
So far away!
But I hope to be up for it. Life sometimes gets in the way, of course.
How about something a little smaller to be going on with? I can't wait until October!
But I hope to be up for it. Life sometimes gets in the way, of course.
How about something a little smaller to be going on with? I can't wait until October!
I'll be there, no matter when it is.
One of you lucky Brits take a camera now, ya hear? Us unhappy ones that won't be there will need photos to consol us in our grief.
