Southern Meet...

[something vague]

It is probably something to do with been young and quite liking trains.

 

LOL are you suggesting I'm not YOUNG . OOOOH you better watch out or I might hit you with me zimmer!!

 

I quite like trains too ........... in an old fogie sort of way AYE I remember steam trains..................those were the days.........

 

SV

[David Matthew Baker]

No no nothing like that.

 

Speaking of steam trains would much rather travel on one of them than a diesel or electric one. Might take me longer to get to London but would be so much more fun. Seems I'm good at making comments that can offend others like that. One of my English teachers fell out with me when I was at secondary. I liked her a lot too. I only told her that I thought one of the older teachers would be teaching 'Animal Farm' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. Not sure why I thought that would be an okay comment at the time. Seem to get made to blush fairly often at my present school as well. Oh well I'm starting to ramble on again.

 

 

Here is the list again. To make it easier for people to find. Incase they just go to the last page of posts.

 

Lya of the Nox

Mumble

Smiley (+ Friend to help her get to meet)

Baddad + #1 Son

Kathryn + Son (age 10 by the time we meet)

Bard

MichelleW + Children (age 7 & 2.5)

Bagpuss + Partner + Children (3 of them [aged 6, 9 and 13])

Hev

Steviegirl (Hev's Mum - so she'd better behave. )

Loulou

BuzyLizzie100

Bikergal + Boyfriend

Lynden

JJ's Mum + Husband (wheel chair user) + Son (age 4)

Tally

Suzie Girl ?

KarenT ?

Flora ?

Bid ?

Zaman - Probably not but still a small chance.

Edited May 23, 2007 by David Matthew Baker

[hev]

david i think suzie girl coming as well

[Bard]

. Seem to get made to blush fairly often at my present school as well.

 

Indeed DMB, now there's a challenge for an ancient teacher who knows both her Austen and her Orwell..

I bet hev will be up for a game of beetroot!

[hev]

I bet hev will be up for a game of beetroot!

im up for most things,ask baddad he will tell ya!!

[baddad]

. Seem to get made to blush fairly often at my present school as well.

 

Indeed DMB, now there's a challenge for an ancient teacher who knows both her Austen and her Orwell..

I bet hev will be up for a game of beetroot!

 

Austen and Orwell - that's the six million dollar man and that little green duck that says 'but i haven't got a prize'... See, i'm evasa clevor too

 

im up for most things,ask baddad he will tell ya!!

 

Well i've heard some rumours World famous in Gravesend she is

[Mumble]

I can't remember what it is like getting to the underground from Kings Cross. I take it that it is quite a hike.

 

If you're coming into King's Cross, I reckon you'll be ok with 4 minutes. I did it in 3 1/2 minutes today and that was going up, so it'll be quicker coming down, and if you're really late you can slide down the banister!! If however, you're coming into Kings Cross St Pancras, you won't do it in 4 minutes. I managed it in 11 minutes today, and that was at warp-I-need-to-be-in-my-own-space-in-my-own-room-now speed!! Having spent 8 1/2 hours travelling, 2 1/2 hours listening to NTs realise that perhaps things they say don't always make sense/have meaning, 2 hours being ignored in a 'group' discussion and 1 1/2 being blanked and pushed to the side of the room (mind you I was quite happy there - out of the door would have been even better) in socialising and networking time *shudder*, I definately need some space to myself. My tutor managed not to show up at all, but at least my supervisor was supportive - he managed a whole 7 minutes in my company at lunchtime before finding an excuse to abondon me in search of socialising NTs.

 

Please tell me that the Greenwich meetup will have people who understand that you don't need to be talking all the time to be a part of something and who will understand if I can't verbalise a response to a question. I'm really wondering if I'm thinking about the right career now, although part of me wants to show these fools (that'll be the ones I was with today, not you lot ) that I do have a worthwhile contribution to make if only people will take the time to help me articulate my thoughts or be accepting of written presentation.

 

Sorry, I've gone on a bit - apologies - just needed a bit of a rant.

[Bard]

Please tell me that the Greenwich meetup will have people who understand that you don't need to be talking all the time to be a part of something and who will understand if I can't verbalise a response to a question.

 

Mumble, you're going to be with people who understand.

I will be grateful if you don't throw furniture, pencil cases, small children or anything that you have in your hand if you can't verbalise a response to a question.

In all seriousness though...I want to meet you. If it's for 10 minutes of silence whilst we read books simultaneously, then that's ok. If you get up and walk out from the meeting, no one will mind because we all care and try to understand how hard it is for ASD people to manage in situations that NTs find normal.

We spend huge amounts of time, effort and pieces of our hearts trying to help our children interface with the world. You must not worry that the same awareness we have for our children will not be extended to you.

You can come on your own terms, and leave when you choose. Your posts have opened many eyes to how it is on the other side of the looking glass, and I respect and admire you for it.

[David Matthew Baker]

It is the main Kings Cross station that GNER uses. (Just had to check that online.) Hence should be fine time wise. I don't think you should have problems with people not understanding ASD. Judging by the Newcastle meet we gave everyone as much room as they needed and tended to let people socialise on their own terms. These things seem to be very much a come and go as you please affair. Must admit the numbers are a bit daunting even to me though. At least I have met some of the people going before.

[Tally]

I think because it is such a large group, we will inevitably find ourselves forming smaller groups, rather than as one big scary group.

 

Please tell me that the Greenwich meetup will have people who understand that you don't need to be talking all the time to be a part of something and who will understand if I can't verbalise a response to a question.

Yes!

[Bagpuss]

I think your spot on Tally, smaller groups will form, plus I think it's all going to be pretty relaxed, with everyone doing what works for them. I quite like the idea of a large group because it's easier to fade into the background, which suits me Would appreciate knowing everyone's "proper" name beforehand though.......havn't got a hope of remembering 30 odd different names on the actual day As I've posted previously, I'm more than happy to swop mobile numbers if it makes anyone feel less nervous. Really looking forward to meeting everyone.......BTW have we sorted out a meeting place or time yet......not sure if I've missed it or not?

[Guest Lya of the Nox]

mumble u talk or dont talk as u fancy or need <'>

i talk way too much but i do know this and will try and be good

x

[hev]

I think your spot on Tally, smaller groups will form, plus I think it's all going to be pretty relaxed, with everyone doing what works for them. I quite like the idea of a large group because it's easier to fade into the background, which suits me Would appreciate knowing everyone's "proper" name beforehand though.......havn't got a hope of remembering 30 odd different names on the actual day As I've posted previously, I'm more than happy to swop mobile numbers if it makes anyone feel less nervous. Really looking forward to meeting everyone.......BTW have we sorted out a meeting place or time yet......not sure if I've missed it or not?

baggy you wont have no probs remembering my proper name,its hev

[hev]

mumble u talk or dont talk as u fancy or need <'>

i talk way too much but i do know this and will try and be good

x

i will also try to be good,no promises though,im a bit naughty sometimes

[Mumble]

Thanks everyone <'> <'>

 

Bagpuss, what do you mean proper names - you mean I'm not going to be meeting the real Bagpuss - I was looking forward to having a conversation with a pink and white stripy cat

 

Tally, is your 'big scary group' intended for us to scare each other or to scare all of Greenwich I can see the headlines now - ASD Mob Commandeers Greenwich Park Actually had a dream about the meetup last night (the nightmares will come ) with all of us storming the park sending the locals running for cover and calling for armed reinforcements, before we all sit down for a quiet civilized picnic, leaving the locals totally bemussed with no idea how to respond to our group behaviour!!!!!

[Tally]

Don't believe anyone who tells you that Bagpuss is called Clarabelle.

 

That's a hilarious dream, Mumble!

[Bagpuss]

baggy you wont have no probs remembering my proper name,its hev

 

[Bagpuss]

Thanks everyone <'> <'>

 

Bagpuss, what do you mean proper names - you mean I'm not going to be meeting the real Bagpuss - I was looking forward to having a conversation with a pink and white stripy cat

 

Would a cuddly Bagpuss be ok ....DH threatened to buy me a Bagpuss bag for the Northern Meet I'm saggy and old if that helps

[Bagpuss]

Don't believe anyone who tells you that Bagpuss is called Clarabelle.

 

Had nuffink to do with me.....I is innnocent, blame that TN

[Mumble]

Don't believe anyone who tells you that Bagpuss is called Clarabelle.

Well that's cleared up a confusion I was having!!!!!

 

Would a cuddly Bagpuss be ok ....

I have one of those!!! I also have a cuddly Mumble which I thought I could bring as identification!!!

 

Are we still meeting at the Burnt Out Wreak Formally Known As The Cutty Sark, or somewhere else? Time? What time are the far away people arriving - my trains are every 1/2 hour so I can fit in to whatever is decided.

[hev]

my mum who is known as steviegirl on here is coming as well

 

i still wont behave though

[Bard]

I'm saggy and old if that helps

 

 

Nope, that's at least two of us then.

[Guest Lya of the Nox]

well i am gonna try

but i am not know for behaving

[David Matthew Baker]

I should be there around 9:40am. Assuming my train runs to time and I don't get lost between the mainline station and Greenwich. As to where we meet don't mind too much as long as someone gives directions for how to get there. My tickets arrived in the post today.

 

(Updated list again. See top of page.)

[hev]

well i am gonna try

but i am not know for behaving

i can see we gonna get on just fine girlie

 

chocolate brewery here we come

[Guest Lya of the Nox]

choccy cava brewery thank you m'dear!!!!

ooh i has such a bad head from the bottle i drank last nite

and hubs ahs some not so nice pics of me dancin

[smiley]

Guess what! Guess what!

 

I've managed to beg, make, convince ask my friend to come along - and she'd love to Even better - she's handling all the travel arrangements so chances are - i might actually get there, lol.

 

She's so lovely - bit of a regular lurker here but she doesn't post.

She has two little monkeys one 8, ADHD & Autism, one 6, AS.

 

We've managed to dump the kids - whooooooooo-hooooooooooooooo

 

What time are we all meeting?? I wont be leaving here 'till about 10.30/11...........

[Mumble]

What time are we all meeting?? I wont be leaving here 'till about 10.30/11...........

Ok, I'm going to be proactive on times and such like because I like to know what's happening.

 

David's coming the furthest and he gets to Greenwich at 9:40, which means he'll have no trouble making the meeting place by 10am. However, if Smiley (and friend) aren't leaving 'here' (and I'm assuming that this 'somewhere' involves a journey of 'sometime') till 10:30/11:00 this could be a problem.

 

However, as we're probably going to be a big group and I think the intention after meeting is to walk to the park (if we're not meeting there) and find somewhere quiet to sit and natter (or not) where the kids (big and small) can run around a bit if wanted, I don't think we'll be particularly hard to find for later arrivers, particularly if some people can do mobiles to help with navigation.

 

Therefore, can I suggest we meet at 10am (or if this is too early, 10:30am - I'm sure David can amuse himself for 1/2 hour) at the Cutty Sark Tent (I do think it will be easier to meet at a well signposted landmark rather than somewhere in the park) and then all head for (charge and commandeer ) the park at 10:15 / 10:45am?

 

I'm quite open to suggestions - I realise that I 'do' early and many people don't so feel free to argue with this but I think it would be helpful to anyone else who needs to book tickets, make special arangements for kids etc. if we can come up with a time

 

Mumble (who's feeling in a bit of a better mood tonite)

[MichelleW]

I could probably make 10:30, but not much earlier. if I get the kids up at 7, fed, dressed and ready to get go to train station at 8 - depending on what time train leaves, it will be about 10 when we get to either Victoria or London Bridge. I haven't a clue how long it will take to get to DLR and then to Greenwich, but I would estimate at least half an hour - not taking into account any meltdowns on the way! I was going to get a bus from my house to train station, but changed that idea as it would start a meltdown between bustop and trainstation as little one would want to get back on bus! I've already started planning what food to take!

[hev]

im going with what time lya goes,shes my travelling buddy

[David Matthew Baker]

I'm sure I can amuse myself for a while if need be. Will make sure that my mobile isn't on silent for once as well. (Assuming I remember. )

[Bagpuss]

We'll struggle to get there at 10 or thereabouts, but we'd be happy to catch up with you all later I could give one of you a bell and find out where you all are when we get to Greenwich.....or just head for the brewery and find Hev

[Bard]

I'll try to get there by 10.30, I truly will, but I'm really a creature of the night.

Mornings are not easy at the best of times, even with the threat of unemployment and rioting children to spur me on my way.

Surely the excitement of meeting you all will be enough to stop me sleeping through the alarm...won't it?

Edited May 24, 2007 by Bard

[Tally]

It will be more expensive for people traveling by train to leave before 9. Maybe 11 would be a better time. That could mean some waiting around for some people, but there is plenty to do and see in London.

 

But if we are in a large group, and staying in the same place, it's not so important that we can all get there for the same time, especially once we exchange mobile numbers.

[Mumble]

Tally - we don't need to worry about cost because it's a Saturday (off-peak fares apply at all times).

 

10am seems to be a bit early for most, so let's say we meet at 10:30am at the Cutty Sark and head for the park at 10:45am where later arrivers can use the powers of technological communication to locate us?

 

David, is 10:30 ok for you - there's pleanty to do in Greenwich, so you should be fine.

[bid]

Would 12 midday be good, as quite a few people are coming some distance?? We've met around this time at the last couple of meets, and it worked OK.

 

Boho

[Mumble]

Would 12 midday be good, as quite a few people are coming some distance?? We've met around this time at the last couple of meets, and it worked OK.

 

Well you all know your sleves, kids, travelling times better than I do. I just know that I'm a morning person. I'm also a bit concerned about David getting there at 9:40, particularly as if we meet late it won't be long before he has to get his train back again.

 

How about 11am then - people can always join us later if need be?

[Bard]

I think this will work very well, a slow accumulation of people over an hour or so.

Much less alarming than a huge crowd wearing matching pink hats.

B says he'll lend me his special star wars alarm clock that sounds like a pod racer at full blast. I can't sleep through that! Generous thought though, I think he's trying to make peace after the truly awful week at school that we've had. He's even coped with the power cut and no TV, music or computer for 5 hours.

[Kathryn]

I also need a kickstart in the mornings so 11 or 12 would suit me better, especially if I'm coming with the youngun. I'm happy to stay a bit later as well. We'll just join you, wherever you are at the time (will take mobile, hopefully topped up, charged and switched on! )

 

K x

[Guest Lya of the Nox]

i will look agian at times next week cos am off work