David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 14, 2007 A few members on the forum have shown interest in a meet in the North West. The present thinking is at some point during the autumn. If we could get some idea of who would be interested and when would be best for you. Also what type of meet people would be interested in. Also organising this sort of event makes it significantly cheaper for people coming from a distance and removes one of the barriers of events at a longer distance. The main place we have talked about so far is Manchester as I believe it is fairly easy to get to from various parts of the country. Certainly for people in the North East it means a direct Transpennine Express train is the best option if using public transport. I am happy to look at other possible places though. The other thing I know has been suggested at least once (I believe at one of the meets) was the idea of renting a youth hostle. It would also be interesting to see if this generates any interest and would be a viable exercise. So in summary this presently is a general interest, ideas about type of meet thread. Will look at pushing for more solid commitments of interest once I return from Kenya and finalise type of meet etc... That will probably mean pushing for firmer date, type of meet at the start of september. Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks, David. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 14, 2007 Woohooo! Count me in! I'll see if JP fancies it too. And I'll pm ellisisamazing as we are only about 30 miles apart but have never met. Manchester fine by me. And thankyou. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 14, 2007 And count JP in, he just wandered in & I asked him, he's very keen! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 14, 2007 Talking to Bagpuss today I expect they'll be interested. I'm sure they'll let us know for certain when they get back. They certainly agreed with me that it wouldn't be hard to get to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Not Manchester. I got 'escorted' in Manchester - I'm avoiding going back if I can help it!! How about Greenwich Park? I hear that's good for a picnic, and it's North West of several places in the South East!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Not Manchester. I got 'escorted' in Manchester - I'm avoiding going back if I can help it!! How about Greenwich Park? I hear that's good for a picnic, and it's North West of several places in the South East!!! Another Greenwich meet would be good too. Can see this lark getting expensive for me. Still I think it's worth it. Anywhere else in the North West that would suit you Mumble? If you felt upto it would be good to have you along. <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted July 15, 2007 ................totally up for a Manchester meet ..........know the lovely city well , worked there for 10 yrs and know a few places of interest ....ie where all the good shops are .There,s the science and industry museum(free entry)...........Urbis museum.....the lowry gallery,...but not many places for a picnic!..................................a youth hostel sounds a laugh too!...........count me in! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted July 15, 2007 I'd be interested depending on date. Maybe we could travel together David. If we go by train I'm sure you could help me book a cheap ticket.........LOL I can never get the bargains SV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Just got a pm from ellisisamazing, she's in too! doesnt have to be Manchester as far as I'm concerned, in fact I was thinking it might be nice to have a bit of green space or summat, JP gets a bit stressed in cities? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Ooh, does the Lake District count as the North West? I could really push myself and do a few days away and get some walking in too That's green isn't it Pearl (and I'll stop by and peg out your washing on the way!)?!?!? :lol: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Ooh thats a good idea mumble. We could all descend on my mother in law in Grange over Sands And yes you, and only you, can peg out my washing any time you want, I trust you implicitly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 15, 2007 (edited) I wondered about the lakes. Not sure how easy it would be for people to get to but I don't mind driving. I would happily take passengers too though can only fit 3 others in my car. There certainly is a lot to do in the Lakes and I have particularly enjoyed the meets we have held outside. Just might be a little harder to have a wet weather plan. As for dates at this stage if you say when would be good for you we can do our best to suite everyone. As mentioned in my first thread I can't manage it till after the summer but this way we know who is interested and people are more likely to be available. Can help suggest train tickets etc... if people need me to too. I'm happy to help in any way I can. EDIT: Would even happy to do a couple of walks as a meet. Would need to know what sort of experience people have of walking to try and find something that would suite everyone though. Certainly from yesterdays meet a few of us seemed to enjoy walking. Also should discuss whether we want something that is suitable for younger children too. Again I don't mind either way. Just means have to factor in other things when planning. Edited July 15, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Theres still a train to Windermere every hour. Dont mind either way though, whatever is decided we'll cope, we know we are among friends who understand if anyone gets a bit stressy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neil Young Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Please keep me informed Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 What do people feel about Youth Hosteling? They have family rooms now days too in the larger hostels. The one on Derwent Water is in a great setting. Pity I can't drive a minibus or would have been tempted to do that. Could see if my dad's available though. He is used to driving them. The church I used to go to held adventure camps that were based at that hostel. Was always great fun. That way could look at a weekend or perhaps half term if people don't have other plans. The 22nd - 26th October is when the Middlesbrough half term falls. As far as I know because I am school based I get the same holidays as the schools. I'm free every weekend at the moment though. Might have to bring work with me though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Ambleside is a great one too, & v central. Would we have to commit to an overnight stay or could we still just come up for the day? I recall it has a nice grassed area leading down to the lake. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Ambleside is a great one too, & v central. Would we have to commit to an overnight stay or could we still just come up for the day? I recall it has a nice grassed area leading down to the lake. Could go with a day or overnight. Depending on what people feel they could cope with. Overnight just means could do a couple of days worth of activities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Did someone mention a meet up?? I'm a possible, dependant on dates etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 So what sort of activity are people interested in. I was wondering about finding out how much Kayaking would cost if we are by one of the lakes. Alternatively though we could look at walks. There are many ones around the lakes or up the hills. I quite like scrambling too but it is a while since I've done that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Kay whating???? Is that those canoey type thingys???? Walking .......scrambling ...........blimey David, have a heart .........I was thinking nice food, open fire, few lagers, nice lil wander to the next pub............sorry, total slob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted July 16, 2007 David, Walks sound good but not canoes ...........no way! And i'm in agreement with Baggy...............nice food and fireside drinks : ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted July 16, 2007 (edited) Kay whating???? Is that those canoey type thingys???? Walking .......scrambling ...........blimey David, have a heart .........I was thinking nice food, open fire, few lagers, nice lil wander to the next pub............sorry, total slob Don't worry Baggy! These active sports types always need a support team backing them up, so they return to blazing fires, hot chocolate and a sturdy washing machine. Many of them also appreciate an awe-struck audience, listening to talk of Inuit rolls and pitons. You don't need to understand or participate. Just look impressed whilst hanging on to a full glass. My brother is Action Man incarnate, and we have a close and loving relationship, based on these roles. Edited July 16, 2007 by Bard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 (edited) So we want a walk that ends at a pub where we can have a nice meal and drinks. Plus possibly needs to be happy to have young children present (depending if anyone wants to bring theirs). When you talk about walking what suites you. I'm guessing that something like a low level walk along one of the lakes might be the best bet. Possibly perhaps with a boat ride one way across the lake to make it a circular trip. Assuming that no one is scared of boats. Yes Kayaks are similar to a canoe. That is mainly due to the fact a lot of parents at the weekend mentioned their kids liked kayaking/canoeing. I enjoy it too and was half after an excuse to go again. Wondering about joining my local club actually. Waiting till I start teacher training though to make sure I have time. After all you lot probably know what I'm like by now. EDIT: Also had to get everyone discussing ideas. So here are some more. Skydiving, bungie jumping, white water rafting (though that probably have to be a North East Middlesbrough meet - Tees Barage), Grass tobogganing, etc.... Running out of ideas now. Worryingly probably would be happy to try most of them at least once. Edited July 16, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 So what sort of activity are people interested in. I was wondering about finding out how much Kayaking would cost if we are by one of the lakes. Alternatively though we could look at walks. There are many ones around the lakes or up the hills. I quite like scrambling too but it is a while since I've done that. Yes please. All of the above mentioned and more. I've always wanted to try coastering, but I guess you need to be by the coast for that! Sounds even better if Bard and Baggy are going to be waiting for us with meals, drinks and a warm fire! Any joking aside, meeting up again would be fantastic - it seems that wonderful people like you all who really understand slightly perculiar people like me are a very rare breed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 (edited) What's coastering out of interest. Don't think I've ever heard of that. Have a feeling might be interested though. (Can't wait to see what comments I get after the edit to my last post. ) EDIT: Hopefully the number of us will grow Mumble who are willing to let you be yourself and appreciate who you are. Also I believe all of us are a bit perculiar in our own special ways. I need someway to explain myself after all. It would be a pleasure to have you with us again Mumble. I really did enjoy your company at the last meet. I enjoyed Bards too. I wonder if she might be up for this meet as well. Edited July 16, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Plus possibly needs to be happy to have young children present (depending if anyone wants to bring theirs). Do I have to? I was thinking of being brave and coming alone ........but SV would have to hold my hand Good idea Bard ....I'll be happy to shout encouragement from the shore and keep seats by fire warm and cosy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Knowing me you'd also get a few laughs at me getting soaked over and over again. For some reason when ever I have been in the past people have found it highly funny to capsize me. That said I am now relatively used to getting back into a boat in the middle of a lake and emptying it whilst sitting on the top of someone elses Kayak. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Skydiving, bungie jumping, white water rafting (though that probably have to be a North East Middlesbrough meet - Tees Barage), Grass tobogganing, etc.... Running out of ideas now. Worryingly probably would be happy to try most of them at least once. They all sound good. Grass tabogganing though I've tried and it's not as great as it looks. A few more: climbing (mountains not walls), land yachting, real yachting, extreme kite flying, caving, canyoning, cliff jumping, hang-gliding, sphereing, bridge swinging . . . And yes, I would be quite happy doing all of them. I have very odd fear reactions. Leaping off things and trusting a rope - no problem. Talking to people or being in the vacinity of a dog - running and screaming with fear. Told you I was odd. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 What's coastering out of interest. Don't think I've ever heard of that. Have a feeling might be interested though. I spelt it wrong - it should be Coasteering. It's similar to scrambling but on coastal cliffs. You basically traverse along the cliffs (great for wildlife watching), either above or in the waves. If it gets tricky/impassible, you jump in and swim to the next scramble. My sister has told me I'm totally insane for even considering such an activity as fun, so I need to find some other insane people to join me so I can try it!! This forum seems like a good place to start!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 I had fun sliding down a hill on my survival bag when I was out one time with Scouts. Luckily I had two with me as it ripped it to shreds. Was quite step so was quite a ride. Luckily avoided any stones or it would have hurt a lot. I've done a little fairly easy climbing in the past and enjoyed it. Must admit never have liked it on an artificial wall though. Absailing back down afterwards is always fun too. Caving I'd like to try but wouldn't want any underwater sections. That said I'd love to go diving. Particularly on a reef. Swimming with dolphins (in the wild) would be lovely too. I get complained at everytime I go to High Force as one of my friends thinks I go too close to the edge. Often crawl up and peer over the edge. Always check I have a hold of something firm first though. I'm not silly enough not to realise if I fell that probably be the last thing I ever did. Would love to do a base jump from Angel Falls too. Always love the look of that water fall. That probably comes second on my list of must visit places after Iceland. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Oh, drat, just checked diary, and it's chocker for the rest of the year, sorry DH, however, can make it........now, did someone mention bungee jumping? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 16, 2007 And.....what was that about scrambling on/off cliff tops? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 I spelt it wrong - it should be Coasteering. It's similar to scrambling but on coastal cliffs. You basically traverse along the cliffs (great for wildlife watching), either above or in the waves. If it gets tricky/impassible, you jump in and swim to the next scramble. My sister has told me I'm totally insane for even considering such an activity as fun, so I need to find some other insane people to join me so I can try it!! This forum seems like a good place to start!!! Not sure now. Would have to be happy that the sea was deep enough for the jumping in part then would be happy. Not sure it would be much fun up my way though. The sea is a tad cold for that. Not normally that happy to venture into it. Unlike my dad who often has. I believe even on Christmas day though that may have been at Brighton rather than up here. At least then the Gulf Stream warms it up a little. (Now need a blue cold looking emoticon. A penguin would do too. ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Don't worry Baggy! These active sports types always need a support team backing them up, so they return to blazing fires, hot chocolate and a sturdy washing machine. Many of them also appreciate an awe-struck audience, listening to talk of Inuit rolls and pitons. You don't need to understand or participate. Just look impressed whilst hanging on to a full glass. My brother is Action Man incarnate, and we have a close and loving relationship, based on these roles. I think the glass better be empty otherwise she'd never dare look with some of the things that are getting suggested now. Plus a line of empties beside her. I think we should go with the volunteer another you volunteer yourself idea too. So which one are you going for Bagpuss? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 A penguin would do too. ) Well coasteering would come naturally to a Mumble! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Let me introduce you to a favourite phrase in our family. " You lot are Dagenham, absolutely Dagenham." It's three stops past Barking on the Tube. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Let me introduce you to a favourite phrase in our family. " You lot are Dagenham, absolutely Dagenham." It's three stops past Barking on the Tube. Well that's Dagenham Heathway. If you want to go to Dagenham, you would probably need to go to Degenham East which is the next stop on. How can you be Dagenham anyway? What are the people there like? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Are you sure I'm not a few stops further on. It took long enough for you to realise. Thought that would have been clear from Greenwich. I always get told (by just about everyone who knows me) that I never do things by halves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Oh while everybody's suggesting doing stuff they've always wanted to try............What about a nice balloon ride? That would be cool. Oh and acrobatic aeroplane wing walking!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Are you sure I'm not a few stops further on. It took long enough for you to realise. Thought that would have been clear from Greenwich. I always get told (by just about everyone who knows me) that I never do things by halves. Hur?? There aren't many more stops. What are you two on about? What with this and apparently classrooms being full of elephants it's enough to confuse and worry a Mumble who came here for a bit of stress relief, not to be stressed out by strange things. I'm off to bed - far too confused today Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
