David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 16, 2007 (edited) Sorry we have confused you Mumble. There is a saying that someone is barking mad (meaning really mad). Bard's comment is about a station past Barking as in even madder. I was saying I didn't think in my case she'd gone far enough. Hope that clears things up for you. Have a good night. EDIT: (Where did your elephants comment come from? Have missed that one. Will try and explain it if I find it and understand it myself.) Edited July 16, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
summertime Report post Posted July 16, 2007 I'm in the midlands but could be up for it depending on dates can I suggest scuba diving or water skiing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted July 16, 2007 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 Sorry Mumble. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Blimey I'm exhausted just reading about all these activities! If we end up at Ambleside you can hire rowing boats. I'm quite happy to tend the disposable barbeque & laugh at you all getting wet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tally Report post Posted July 16, 2007 I've heard the phrase "2 stops short of Dagenham" before, because Barking used to be 2 stops short of Dagenham, until they built another one. But if you think you are beyond Barking, Bard, I shan't argue with that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 17, 2007 What sort of distances are people happy walking if we do decide to go for a walk. Might try and find us a nice walk and then use that to set the location. Also how do people feel about walking over rougher ground. What sort of footwear do people have? Also some indication of who would be interested in a single day trip compared to who would be interested in a weekend would be nice too. That way know what things to look for when searching for possible options. I don't want any scree surfing though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
summertime Report post Posted July 17, 2007 I'm a bit of a walker so any distance is fine with me (within reason obviously ) its a four hour drive for me to the lakes so probably a bit too far for a day trip but would be good to get a night away and I could bring dd3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted July 17, 2007 I think it would be nice to make a weekend of it too..........dont mind youth hostel tho I've never used them before. I also like row boats but def not canoes! I'm fine with walking tho wouldnt like to be away from the main group for too long! SV BTW......I cant do 6 October or 29th October! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
summertime Report post Posted July 17, 2007 cant do oct 6ht either I have a wedding to go to Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 17, 2007 Is there anyone else has plans during the autumn? As I said previously I don't have any plans yet so can make any date. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 17, 2007 Away the weekend of 8th September for youngest dd's birthday. Eldest dd's birthday 1st October, so can't make then, and ds birthday 15th October, so again, can't make then. We are in Spain for a week from 27th October. That's all we have planned for Sept and Oct. I'm happy with an overnighter, can stay in bed with a good book while you all go for a walk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 17, 2007 (edited) Interested people David (No preference on date) Pearl + JP (Can't make 14th September) Suze Something Vague (Can't make 6th October or 29th October) Ellisisamazing Mumble Neil Young Bagpuss (Can't make 1st, 2nd & 8th September, 1st & 15th October, week starting 27th October) Summertime (Can't make 6th October) Edited July 17, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 17, 2007 Oops, forgot, the very first weekend of Sept I'm away visiting a mate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 17, 2007 We are happy with walks around 5 miles (or less). Just remembered its my 30th wedding anniversary 14th September (the pearl one lol) so we'll be away that weekend. We could do both day/overnight, ie overnight for those who have a long journey, whereas we are only an hour or so away so could do a day trip. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 17, 2007 (edited) So far it is probably going to be the 20th - 21st October that works out best or the end of September. Unless people would rather it goes into November. Guess weather will probably be better a bit earlier in the year though. Also YHAs close out of season. Unless we plan to hire an entire hostel of course. EDIT: Corrected some spelling mistakes. Edited July 17, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 17, 2007 Are people like me and like waterfalls? If you are I'll focus my attention around finding a nice waterfall walk for us all. That isn't too far from a hostel. I'd better get to bed now. Meant to be catching up on sleep really but have let myself get distracted again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Theres that waterfall walk up from the centre of Ambleside. Only a couple of miles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Anyone want to recommend any Youth Hostels? I know Dewentwater's one is very nice. The dining room has a view of a waterfall from it. There is also a good size self catering kitchen if people are more particular with food. Only query is male accomidation used to be all in a single large room. There used to be some family rooms as well though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Sorry to keep banging on about Ambleside, but its large, right by the lake & fairly central. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Okay here is the info. about Ambleside since Pearl has her heart set on there. http://www.yha.org.uk/find-accommodation/t...facilities.aspx The main problem I can see with it is the lack of a self catering kitchen which might cause difficulty for anyone with a more specific diet. The Hostel I wondered about is the Dewentwater which again is located by the lake but is a bit further away from the main village/town. This Hostel has the advantage that it is a bit harder to get to but has more facilities. There is also a decent sized lawn in front of the hostel and they don't tend to mind you doing activities inside as long as you tidy up afterwards. (I.E. would be fine if it rains.) It is also a bit cheaper than the Ambleside hostel but only because you don't have to have breakfast (it is optional instead). http://www.yha.org.uk/find-accommodation/t...facilities.aspx Only issue might be rooms as they're aren't so many small ones and it used to be the case that the big room is the male dormitory. That said it is a lovely hostel with lots to do nearby. I can probably pick people up if arranged beforehand if getting there is a problem. (I can only take 3 passengers at a time though). I also know there is a place you can hire kayaks from about 10mins away (don't know if they also do rowing boats) and there are some nice walks you can do from behind the hostel. I've spent quite a bit of time there in the past as my old church used it (and still use it) as the base for their adventure camps for the youngsters. My dad normally helps out so also can let me know more about what is nearby. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikergal Report post Posted July 18, 2007 I'd like to come if I can coerce, i mean persuade someone to come with me. Depends on dates too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hev Report post Posted July 18, 2007 can steve come with me?im not offended if no kids are going though,any proper dates yet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lya of the Nox Report post Posted July 18, 2007 i think i would like to come but really really cant see cant do sharing of rooms with others Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Are we sharing rooms? Don't really like that idea, sorry, I'm sure your all lurverly people, but I don't want anyone listening to me sucking my thumb throughout the night If we are definately going for the lakes, I could probably do it in a day trip....don't want to spoil it for everyone else Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 We could always see if there is a local hotel too. Some hostels now also have rooms to sleep 2 people or family rooms as well. Only reason I suggested a hostel is they're still relatively cheap and have good facilities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Sorry David, hope I'm not being a pain in the bottom Just feel uncomfortable sharing a room.....like my own space. Eldest dd is now saying she'd like to come, so that may be a possibility if it's going to suitable for kiddies. I'll make a decision nearer the time when I know exactly what the meet up will entail. A nice B & B would be great. I know a good site to search for B & B's if it helpful......or I'm happy to make my own arrangements Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Found the site I mentioned... http://www.findmeabnb.co.uk/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 (edited) With these things it always is a case of balancing what everyone is comfortable with. Even more so on a forum like this. No one is being a pain. It is just what you are comfortable with. It certainly can easily be made kiddy friendly. I'll just make sure any walks are short and not too challenging. Can also look at other activities. The kids are certainly welcome though. It was really nice to see some of them at the London meet. Various of the lakes have ferries on them which can be used to shorten circular walks around the lakes. I'm sure we can find other kiddy friendly activities too. I'm happy to be as flexible with the planning as needed. Especially this far in advance. So far the main point was just to get an idea of what people would like to do in anycase. Hence the more feedback that is given the more I can try and make sure we plan something that suites everyone. I expect there will be too many of us in total though to use B&Bs. That is the other reason originally thought about a youth hostel. Most of them are close to villages and towns in the Lakes though. So if needed people could organise somewhere else to stay. I expect extras would still be welcome along to the hostels as well assuming the majority of us are there. Edited July 18, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Maybe keep it quite open? Say we'll do it whichever weekend and there'll be people coming and going over the weekend, perhaps , if it's over two/three days, we could have a more active day(s) for people who want to stay longer, do longer walks, kayaking etc followed by a more relaxed more kiddie friendly day for a more general meetup Greenwich style? People can come to all or whichever parts they feel comfortable with (and it wouldn't matter then if people stayed in YH or different places)? I would be happy in a YH, but not in a hotel/B&B (only because I don't have experience of that and this seems to be full of 'new' experiences anyway). Either YH would be ok - though I'm surprised Ambleside doesn't have self-catering - I thought they all did (at least all the ones I've stayed at have). If we are going over two+ days I would like to have some organised activities to do (Kayaking, walk, something else) just to give a bit more structure and to take some of the direct socialising pressure off me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 So would the week begining 20th October (that's a Saturday before anyone asks ) suite people. It would probably work out as one of the best weeks for me because it is half term and hence means I wouldn't need to worry too much about work for my teacher training. I quite like the idea of a few days and the idea of different days for different types of activities and people coming and going as they want. When would it suite people better to have the easy days suitable for all? What sort of activities are people interested in on that day / those days. I believe we've mention rowing and walking in past posts. Would also help to have a rough idea of numbers for events. Also are you interested in coming Bard. If so when would suite you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Is that week half term everywhere? If it is it would be good for me, but I do need to check that it's half term in the schools I'll be in from September (they're in different LEAs) otherwise I wouldn't be able to come. I don't think I could do a full week still (both time off college and what I can actually manage). Also I will have my upgrade examination around that time, so I need to check this out, as certainly couldn't go away around that time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Also are you interested in coming Bard. If so when would suite you? Sorry, can't begin to plan that far ahead, although thank you for asking! It is my half term, depends how B is in his first term in Y8 as to whether he could manage lots of people, or any people at all. Also G's first break after starting her 5 A levels at 6th form. They both might need lots of TLC and home cooking that week. Also, OH doesn't really do children for longer than an overnight, his own, I mean. He doesn't like using holiday time if it means he has to look after B, and B isn't keen either! OH likes spending his free time doing what he likes to do, preferably alone. B ends up cross and in his room, and OH doesn't remember feeding times or to check B's in bed before 9. Ho Hum! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 (edited) I don't think I could manage a whole week either. I would think 4 days would be the maximum. I guess I'll at least have some essays in that period. Don't know if it is half term in other LEAs. I'll have a look around the term dates for the North East and maybe some other places. (I know where to find the North East ones.) Gateshead LEA Autumn Start: Mon 03 Sep 2007 Finish: Fri 21 Dec 2007 Half Term: 22 - 26 Oct Durham LEA Holiday Closing Date Date Re-opens for Teaching Purposes Summer 2007 (6 weeks): Friday 20 July 2007 to Monday 3 September 2007 Autumn Half-Term 2007 (1 week): Friday 19 October 2007 Monday 29 October 2007 Christmas 2007 (2 weeks): Friday 21 December 2007 Monday 7 January 2008 Newcastle LEA http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/wwwfileroot/ed...endar_final.pdf Half term matches Durham and Gateshead Middlesbrough LEA Half term same as above It looks fairly consistant as the date of half term at least up this way. Edited July 18, 2007 by David Matthew Baker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Blimey, so we've gone from a day in Manchester to a year in the Lakes in 2 short pages! JP & I have transport (I expect he'll be driving ) and can take 3 peeps as well. We'll fit in with whatever is decided, I think 20th Oct fine for us but we'll just do a day as quite near. Plus you might hate us Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Matthew Baker Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Blimey, so we've gone from a day in Manchester to a year in the Lakes in 2 short pages! I told you I don't do things by halves. I'm sure we'll get on fine. I haven't seen any major problems at any of the meets yet with people not getting on. Everyone on the forum tends to have a good idea about autism and how best to deal with it and any issues it may raise. I'll look forward to seeing you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Thats why I fancy giving it a try. Any meltdowns, food issues, sensory issues - don't have to worry about other peeps reactions as we are all the same (but different iyswim) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 18, 2007 I don't think I could manage a whole week either. I would think 4 days would be the maximum. I guess I'll at least have some essays in that period. Don't know if it is half term in other LEAs. I'll have a look around the term dates for the North East and maybe some other places. (I know where to find the North East ones.) Gateshead LEA Autumn Start: Mon 03 Sep 2007 Finish: Fri 21 Dec 2007 Half Term: 22 - 26 Oct Durham LEA Holiday Closing Date Date Re-opens for Teaching Purposes Summer 2007 (6 weeks): Friday 20 July 2007 to Monday 3 September 2007 Autumn Half-Term 2007 (1 week): Friday 19 October 2007 Monday 29 October 2007 Christmas 2007 (2 weeks): Friday 21 December 2007 Monday 7 January 2008 Newcastle LEA http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/wwwfileroot/ed...endar_final.pdf Half term matches Durham and Gateshead Middlesbrough LEA Half term same as above It looks fairly consistant as the date of half term at least up this way. Bizarrely, our half term is 27th October onwards Don't understand why ours is a week behind everyone elses....especially M'bro's, which is about 10 mins away.......hope the school have given us the right dates, we've booked a holiday Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted July 19, 2007 I,m up for anything ........anytime .......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Blimey, so we've gone from a day in Manchester to a year in the Lakes in 2 short pages! An Aspie version of Castaway!!! :lol: Well I'm up for that! Now who wants the 'pleasure' of telling my university I'm running away for a year to be aspieish and accepted? Anyone? I think the 20th will be ok schoolwise (it seems to be half-term this way) but I don't know examination wise. When are you going to need numbers by? Are the YHs busy at that time or not? Are we definately going to be able to go kayaking? That's my 'carrot' (see - working on the phrases!) at the moment. Quite excited Mumble :bounce: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Can't see the 20th being a prob for me.....the more notice I get the better tbh. Unsure if eldest dd will be coming along, or if I'll stay over.......will decide nearer the time when I know exactly what is being planned Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
