Proposed Social Gathering [Archive]

Arthur Little

11th July 2011, 15:35

Rightio folks:

To those of you who've already seen - and expressed interest in - my earlier thread entitled '?... Members' Meet-up', I'm pleased to announce that the response thus far, has been encouraging. :) Indeed, it has since gathered momentum ... in that, one of our long-time Respected Members, Scott, aka scott & ligaya has come forward with a brilliant suggestion for a venue - the 5-star 'Village Hotel' located in Solihull near Birmingham.

Opened in 2010, the complex is within easy commuting distance of the city centre and, I'm told, boasts a very nice gymn/health suite with swimming pool ... facilities which all guests can use free of charge. And there's even a Starbuck's on the premises for all you coffee addicts. I've looked it up on the internet, and I must say, I'm very impressed! Bed & Breakfast is £69 per room - better than the likes of Premier Lodge or Holiday Inn - ideal for couples!!

According to Scott, the 'Village Hotel' is eminently-equipped to cater for large numbers ... and I am reliably informed that, as things stand at present, there are ample vacancies available for the weekend of Saturday/Sunday, 1& 2 October. And :anerikke: - who knows? - if enough people are interested, there might even be an opportunity to take advantage of a block booking at a reduced price!

So ... for those of you who HAVEN'T read my previous thread ... now's your chance! Grab the opportunity to treat yourselves in the company of your online friends. :grouphug: Get to know them PROPERLY!

But remember :rolleyes: ... time passes all too quickly! We need to act fast if we're to avoid disappointment. I'm excited just thinking about it :Jump: ... and Myrna and myself will be travelling all the way down from Perth!

:please: ... DON'T miss out! Let me know asap on this thread ...

C'mon ... what're you waiting for?

Your friend,

Arthur. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 16:30

for the ladies... CADBURYS WORLD in Bournville with the heavily discounted visitors shop if you do not fancy the mall shopping or car boots. For the Guys , what about a black country faggots/peas/ mad o rourkes desperate dan pies/mild and a curry tour. yes all in a few afternooon hours hehehehe.

what else, for cultured types I could check out symphony hall and the ICC see who is playing, or the NIA or NEC. In fact if we get the numbers I am sure I could put together a few common interest group outings ( no that does not include the gentlemens clubs) or those specialist shops !!!!!!.

your Birmingham Tour guide, Scott and no I do not have an affiliation with any of the aforementioned venues. .... well there is this club....... no we will not go there... literally HEHEHEHE

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 16:47

Link to guest reviews.. seems like on the whole very happy, main complaints seem to be nosiy on lower floors, only one small lift, too few bar staff and high bar prices but great praise for quality of beds, fittings, gym, pool steam room etc. I will check out a city centre hotel for camparison

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/village-prem-solihull.en-gb.html?aid=318615;label=EN_Whole_City_VILLAGE%20HOTEL%20SOLIULL;sid=819e0129f304a67bcbd01bb500921f5c#guest_reviews

Arthur Little

11th July 2011, 16:51

for the ladies... CADBURYS WORLD in Bournville

Ooohh ... yummy :t11t2: ... I fancy :hubbahubba: that meself ... being something of a "chocoholic"!

Terpe

11th July 2011, 16:51

............. too few bar staff and high bar prices ...

:yikes:

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 16:58

true,, did conern me, noiw checking city hotels but will need to forego the leisure facilities unless you want to pay silly money. The Ramada at Mailbox or Jurys INN MAY BE POSSIBLE but are selling fast on bookings.com and late rooms

Arthur Little

11th July 2011, 17:11

( no that does not include the gentlemens clubs)

:cwm24: ... awww ...

.... well there is this club.......

... YES ... ? :Hellooo:

no we will not go there... literally HEHEHEHE

? ... NO? ... shame! :NoNo:

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 17:18

The Mint hotel is just off Broad Street and has a great price offer at £69.00 b&b for 2 plus up to 2 under 12s

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/cityinn-birmingham.en-gb.html?aid=303948;label=bookings-naam-2%2AGATnKPj6%2AnADsxoKnAywS5337895701;sid=819e0129f304a67bcbd01bb500921f5c;checkin=2011-10-01;checkout=2011-10-02;srfid=68b2f387cc61dd9dc64534e909efd22fX26

I have taken the liberty (free cancelleation up until day of arrival )of booking nine rooms.

Now who wants these rooms...1st come 1st serve

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 17:52

wow the hotel I just reserved is now £89 ... see I saved you all £20 already ... more :REGamblMoney01HL1::REGamblMoney01HL1::party-smiley-012::party-smiley-012::66::66:

alanmf1

11th July 2011, 18:34

Arthur,
Congratulations for starting this process.
Please count myself and Lyn in for the evening!
@Scott We will take a room!
Will Pm you both though i think Scott may have my address already!

Is this just to gauge interest or are you already working on an itinerary?:xxgrinning--00xx3:

scott&ligaya

11th July 2011, 19:51

Hi Alan, I am happy to help Arthur knock together what ever the group are interested in, I am local and my job is negotiating.... so I should get some good deals LOL and of course volume gets leverage gets discount and freebies so everyone who is interested please get back to Arthur

Ako Si Jamie

11th July 2011, 20:26

I've stayed at the Village Hotel in Nottingham in 2009 for free :Jump: so I couldn't really complain but if I did have a gripe it would be the food. Not the quality but the price, so if you're thinking about having a meal there, get out a loan :icon_lol: I thought the prices of drinks would be really high but from what I can remember they were pretty reasonable but maybe it was certain drinks.

For £69 a night I don't think you'll find a better hotel at that price. I recommend it although I would say it comes a bit short of a 5 star!

If I come I probably won't be stopping at the hotel as I only live 10 miles away.

scott&ligaya

12th July 2011, 11:41

Arthur Little

12th July 2011, 12:21

Hi Jamie. we must catch up for a beer... yup I decided that a hotel in the city would be better(can always go out to eat/drink if hotel bar/restuarant is expensive which I suspect it will be). Now provisionally booked the Mint hotel off Brindley Place.

Thanks for the tremendous effort you've put in, Scott; the Mint Hotel's fine by me :xxgrinning--00xx3: ... although I must admit my "cautious optimism" has taken a bit of a dent - in so far as peoples' initial enthusiasm seems to have waned a bit - judging from the general lack of response over the past 24 hrs. :rolleyes: Let's just hope and :pray: that we can gradually boost the numbers interested.

scott&ligaya

12th July 2011, 14:22

maybe it is Birmingham LOL or just me :bigcry::bigcry::bigcry: or just people need to have a think. No problem. we can hold the provisonal booking right up until the week before without a fee but obviously the sooner we get some interest the sooner I can get organising an event or two.

steve monty

12th July 2011, 18:51

Hi Arthur and Scott,

I would be up for the meet up providing that Madel is here by then. I went to Milton Keynes fiesta and felt so out of place without mahal. :icon_lol:

Count me in so that will give me even more incentive to get my :action-smiley-081: into gear with the application. :icon_lol:

Doc Alan

12th July 2011, 19:31

Thanks for the tremendous effort you've put in, Scott ... Let's just hope and :pray: that we can gradually boost the numbers interested.
I second that, and well done also to you Arthur :xxgrinning--00xx3:
From long experience of organising meetings I know how hard it is to get responses ( even apologies :NoNo::NoNo: ) - doctors are among the worst :doh.
So on this occasion I'm sorry to say I won't be able to make it, but hope to meet more members in the future ! I wish you success :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

Ako Si Jamie

12th July 2011, 20:16

Hi Jamie. we must catch up for a beer... yup I decided that a hotel in the city would be better(can always go out to eat/drink if hotel bar/restuarant is expensive which I suspect it will be). Now provisionally booked the Mint hotel off Brindley Place.I won't say no to a beer Scott :xxgrinning--00xx3:.....and Brindley Place, even better. It's only a 10 minute walk from my place!

Arthur Little

12th July 2011, 23:24

Is this just to gauge interest or are you already working on an itinerary? :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:Erm: ... a bit of BOTH really, Alan. What started off as looking promising :rolleyes: has tailed-off a bit, unfortunately. 'Distance' is obviously a problem for a lot of otherwise-interested folk, I reckon ... and when Scott suggested Birmingham, I thought ... YESSS! - especially when he mentioned the various attractions located nearby. I'm grateful to him for the efforts he's made to secure a provisional booking ... and very pleased you and Lyn can come along. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

guyki

19th July 2011, 20:52

I'm up for it but depends if I'm around then as i plan on goin to Phils end of Sep for a week to pick up the asawa but same as Jaime & Scott I'm only 10mins away from Broad St so probably wouldnt stop in a hotel.

Think Broad St is a brilliant idea as loads of hotels,pubs,eateries so think it will cater for all tastes

Arthur Little

19th July 2011, 21:12

Moy

19th July 2011, 21:15

hiya Arthur..i might pop in to see you face to face :D and to see the real personality behind this growing and respected forum:Hellooo:

Arthur Little

19th July 2011, 21:57

:) I'm delighted to announce that I've heard from John (forum user name, 'keeperlit' ) from Northern Ireland ... to say he and his wife, Karen plan to fly over from Belfast for the occasion.

So ... if they're prepared to make the effort ... then surely there's no reason why others can't.

Steve Woolley & Emma have also confirmed they will attend the event ... as have Alanmf1 & Lyn. Steve Monty will be there, too ... providing his wife, Madel is in the UK by then. And JamieXXXMaria is another possibility.

Scott has already provisionally booked a venue - the 'Mint Hotel' in think ] Broad Street, Birmingham. Unlike the 'Village Inn' at Solihull, it is centrally located and I understand the cost of overnight accommodation + breakfast is pretty reasonable - regardless of what it's called. :D

Obviously the hotel can only hold the booking for so-long - up until about a couple of weeks beforehand - (those living locally making their own arrangements) but the MORE folk who "sign up", then the CHEAPER the tariff ... SO ... :anerikke: ... over to you ...

Arthur Little

19th July 2011, 22:15

hiya Arthur..i might pop in to see you face to face :D and to see the real personality behind this growing and respected forum:Hellooo:

Oh yes ... that would be GREAT! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

19th July 2011, 22:20

And ... maybe you could give your ... :Erm: ... soulmate, Tawi a :poke: also; many folk on here have long expressed the desire to meet our "man of mystery". :)

Moy

19th July 2011, 22:38

And ... maybe you could give your ... :Erm: ... soulmate, Tawi a :poke: also; many folk on here have long expressed the desire to meet our "man of mystery". :)

:icon_lol::xxgrinning--00xx3:

Tawi2

19th July 2011, 22:48

Tawi
I couldnt go that far north arthur,it would make my nose bleed once I past Watford,I always remember the old "Its grim Oop north" mantra,besides,I have met a few forums members in the past,some of them just didnt realise it at the time :icon_lol:

Arthur Little

19th July 2011, 23:23

I couldnt go that far north arthur,it would make my nose bleed once I past Watford,I always remember the old "Its grim Oop north" mantra,besides,I have met a few forums members in the past,some of them just didnt realise it at the time :icon_lol:

C'mon, mate ... treat yourself to a BIG BOX of man-sized 'Kleenex' somewhere south of Watford Junction ... stuff some in your nostrils :readingpapers: en route to Brum and you'll be okay. I mean ... a bleeding nose is easier to cure than a "bleeding soul". :icon_lol:

scott&ligaya

20th July 2011, 08:44

I have checked the NEC, NIA AND LG ARENA that weekend

LG ARENA no concert

NIA Allan Carr 1st and 2nd Oct

NEC Natiional Franchise exhibition and also "A place in the sun live" 30th sep to 2nd oct

but I am sure we could make our own entertainment:)

Arthur Little

20th July 2011, 12:11

I am sure we could make our own entertainment:)

:xxgrinning--00xx3: ... I'm sure we COULD; :68711_thanx: again, Scott.

stevewool

20th July 2011, 12:17

scott&ligaya

20th July 2011, 12:33

the show is just for information, my intention would be a night out on Broad street/ Brindley place /Mailbox area.

steve monty

20th July 2011, 12:47

can i just make a coment, personaly i think if you could aranged a venue where we could talk , dance and eat that would be up many peoples street but where i dont know, i would rather have a evening doing just that then a show, now who lives in a very large house that can accomadate us all,:rolleyes:

What about drink? :icon_lol: :icon_lol: We still have make up for not drinking the bar dry at fairways and bluewater!

I like Scott's idea of a night out on the town. But whatever others decide, we are happy to go with the flow.

Cheers for all the effort you have put in Scott and Arthur in organising this.

stevewool

20th July 2011, 12:50

emmas converted me now steve, just a shandy man, or tea and coffee,

stevewool

20th July 2011, 12:51

funny how you are thinking about doing something ,then someone mentions it, we are trying to book bluewater again this jan, but no joy yet,

Arthur Little

20th July 2011, 13:09

Well, chaps :rolleyes: ... seeing as this thread has been brought to the forefront once more ... let's try to keep it active :Hellooo: in order to attract even MORE response. :) It'll save me having to message several hundred "regulars" apart from anything else. :anerikke:

stevewool

20th July 2011, 13:11

what else have you to do with your time Arthur, and as you say yourself you are a night owl too, keeps your fingers active i say:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

steve monty

20th July 2011, 13:12

emmas converted me now steve, just a shandy man, or tea and coffee,

:yikes: A Northerner being converted, first time in history its happened :icon_lol:

funny how you are thinking about doing something ,then someone mentions it, we are trying to book bluewater again this jan, but no joy yet,

Good luck mate, I had a look at the hotel complex in Fairways and Bluewater we stayed in back in March and the prices had doubled! Nice hotel though as it is away from the hustle and bustle. Madel and me said when we go back there again, try and get a hotel on White beach as thats where we were most of the time. Happy planning Steve!

Moy

20th July 2011, 13:19

I couldnt go that far north arthur,it would make my nose bleed once I past Watford,I always remember the old "Its grim Oop north" mantra,besides,I have met a few forums members in the past,some of them just didnt realise it at the time :icon_lol:

:Help1:come out on your sheel:ReadIt:..a nose bleed:Erm::D it just means you have a bleeding heart:xxaction-smiley-047:icon_lol:

Arthur Little

20th July 2011, 13:22

what else have you to do with your time Arthur, and as you say yourself you are a night owl too :icon_lol::icon_lol:

:icon_lol: ... very true, Steve. I AM a bit of a "night owl" :cwm24: ... :woohoo:! But I'm devoted to this forum - and all it stands for - and would dearly love to meet as many of my online friends as possible. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

20th July 2011, 13:32

night owl ... keeps your fingers active i say:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

Yup ... :iagree: ... but even my "talons" are prone to writers' ... :Erm: ... typists' cramp. :icon_lol:

scott&ligaya

20th July 2011, 14:09

a good meal venue might be "around the world in 80 dishes" on Broad Street, same concept as the chinese buffet restuarants but has many more cusuines, Italian, Mexican, Thai, spanish etc, food is okay, venue is very nice and very close to the hotel. i think they are aabout £16 a head buy one is half price before 6pm on Saturday.. we were there befor going to see Bridesmaids a couple of weeks ago... the Japanese/Chinese/Thai chef is a Filipino called Roberto hehehehehe

stevewool

20th July 2011, 19:03

roberto hehehehehehe thats a greats name, just like mini haha:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

stevewool

20th July 2011, 19:08

:icon_lol: ... very true, Steve. I AM a bit of a "night owl" :cwm24: ... :woohoo:! But I'm devoted to this forum - and all it stands for - and would dearly love to meet as many of my online friends as possible. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

nice words there Arthur, i too think this forum is a very good place to be, so many good people and now great friends,long may it last, our home is open to many on here if they are pasting and if we get on they can stay over :), we have made some very very good friends and we call most days to see how each other are , in fact its like having new brothers and sisters, true friends you know that are there through thick and thin,i hope they find me and emma that way too:)

guyki

20th July 2011, 19:55

Ako Si Jamie

20th July 2011, 21:36

If I come I'll be all on my lonesome as my mahal won't be here in time :bigcry:

stevewool

20th July 2011, 21:38

never alone jamie, we are here

Arthur Little

23rd July 2011, 13:22

:68711_thanx: to all of you who've kept this thread "alive"! But we've gotta keep on "cracking the whip" ... :xxaction-smiley-047

imagine

23rd July 2011, 14:35

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVpg7nWXk8Q

at the moment im just making a note of interest,,,,,,,,, its the chocolate tempting me :icon_lol:

would be great to meet in person the friends here that iv respected for all the honest straight opinions and advice , not to forget the laughs,

though if i do , il be on my own + the distance is a bit off putting

its quite a way to go, about 7 and half hours by train from aberdeen,plus almost an hour to aberdeen,
alternatively i think theres flights aberdeen to Birmingham,

Moy

23rd July 2011, 14:37

would be so nice to see my co- forumer face to face:yikes::D:heartshape1:

Arthur Little

23rd July 2011, 18:38

its the chocolate tempting me ... :icon_lol:

ME too, Stuart! Wonder if Cadbury give out free samples :hubbahubba: to "fruit & nut" cases like me?

the distance is a bit off putting

its quite a way to go, about 7 and half hours by train from aberdeen, plus almost an hour to aberdeen,
alternatively i think theres flights aberdeen to Birmingham,

:iagree: it's a long way to go for those of us from up North ... but since we "Jocks" :Kilt: are very much in the minority on here, I'd hoped that somewhere like Birmingham - while not altogether equidistant for everyone - being in the so-called 'Midlands' (of England - where most of our [British] members are domiciled) might spark GREATER [overall] interest. Seemed the fairest arrangement all round! :anerikke:

imagine

23rd July 2011, 18:54

ME too, Stuart! Wonder if Cadbury give out free samples to "fruit & nut" cases like me?

:iagree: it's a long way to go for those of us from up North ... but since we "Jocks" :Kilt:are very much in the minority on here, I'd hoped that somewhere like Birmingham - while not altogether equidistant for everyone - being in the 'Midlands' (of England ... where most of our [British] members are domiciled) might spark GREATER [overall] interest. Seemed the fairest arrangement. :anerikke:

if theres free samples i would take a big bag :icon_lol:

yes your quite right Arthur, im in full agreement that is the fairest location:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

23rd July 2011, 19:11

at the moment im just making a note of interest,,,,,,,,,

would be great to meet in person the friends here that iv respected for all the honest straight opinions and advice , not to forget the laughs,

though if i do , il be on my own

It would be GREAT if you're ABLE to manage, Stuart. And you certainly WON'T be on your own :nono-1-1: - not even while travelling down - because Myrna and me will be going by train ... and we could make arrangements to meet up at Perth! Anyway, mate, I'll leave you to think about it. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

23rd July 2011, 19:23

if theres free samples i would take a big bag :icon_lol:

Aye ... me as well! At least if we go by train (and there's an hourly service between Aberdeen & Perth!) we won't be penalised for excess baggage - or stopped by Customs - on account of being laden down with free samples for demolishing on the return journey. :laugher:

imagine

23rd July 2011, 19:48

It would be GREAT if you're ABLE to manage, Stuart. And you certainly WON'T be on your own :nono-1-1: - not even while travelling down - because Myrna and me will be going by train ... and we could make arrangements to meet up at Perth! Anyway, mate, I'll leave you to think about it. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

thanks Arthur, sounds good to me, would be great to be in good company for the journey :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

23rd July 2011, 23:48

would be so nice to see my co- forumer face to face:yikes::D:heartshape1:

Yup ... :iagree: ... m(o)y sentiments entirely.

scott&ligaya

25th July 2011, 08:11

well perhaps for you chocaholics I could ask one of our friends in the filipino community who is a nurse at cadburys own care home and has a pass for the staff shop.... much cheaper than the visitors shop. has things like miswrapped boxes, dented tins, and the like,but sooooo cheap, we often ask her to take us when we are leading up to some sort of kids party or need giveaway prizes at events etc. I could make a couple of visits over the coming weeks and make up some boxes:Jump::Jump::Jump: yummy

Arthur Little

25th July 2011, 14:57

Again ... profuse :68711_thanx:s to Scott for the *mouthwatering :hubbahubba: suggestions he continues to put forward to "whet members' appetites" ... and - MOST IMPORTANTLY - for his efforts in provisionally booking what has every indication of being an ideal and inexpensive venue for those of us having to travel considerable distances in order to be there.

I had hoped that, by now, the response would've been *choc(k)-a-block [pun intended!]. Clearly this ain't gonna be the case :rolleyes: ... but to those who have taken the trouble to reply - one way OR the other - my thanks also. I would, however, reiterate that the more of us who CAN come along ... the cheaper it will be all round. So ... if anyone here still happens to be in touch with any of our lapsed - NOT banned (obviously!) - members ... then do :please: spread the word. :telephone:

scott&ligaya

22nd August 2011, 17:37

just agreed to extend my current contract for another month but will be in Gdasnk from Tuesday to Saturdays so have not so much time to organise stuff if we want this event to have an organised feel to it.. happy just to meet up and decide at the time, but a large group on weeekends it i advisable to book restuarants so can I ask for some formal conformations so I can put names to the hotel reservations. Just PM me so I have the booking surname for the room and confirm if you need extra beds , cots etc. I would like to firm this up in the next two weeks so please PM me.. Now off to get bag ready .my flight is 0650 so 0530 check in tomorrow :omg::omg::omg::omg:

Piamed

23rd August 2011, 14:38

Scott was kind enough to bring this thread to my attention; can't believe I missed it.

The prospect of having a fun time together sounds fantastic. Unfortuntely, the weekend in question 1st and 2nd October requires me to be in MK on the Saturday evening (a colleagues 50th and celebration of beating cancer party) and Sunday in Leeds where I will be a ninong at a christening. Hmmmn! We'll find a way to be there; we'll probably come for the day - post Marikit's sort of dance lesson on Saturday.

Great initiative Arthur and Scott! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

23rd August 2011, 15:13

Scott was kind enough to bring this thread to my attention; can't believe I missed it.

The prospect of having a fun time together sounds fantastic. Unfortuntely, the weekend in question 1st and 2nd October requires me to be in MK on the Saturday evening (a colleagues 50th and celebration of beating cancer party) and Sunday in Leeds where I will be a ninong at a christening. Hmmmn! We'll find a way to be there; we'll probably come for the day - post Marikit's sort of dance lesson on Saturday.

Oh, Toks ... that'd be GREAT if you and Pia (being two of my earliest friends on the forum) COULD come along during the day on the Saturday :Yippeee: ... as long as Marikit isn't disappointed about the postponement of her dancing session!

Arthur Little

23rd August 2011, 15:29

Great initiative Arthur and Scott! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:68711_thanx:, mate ... we REALLY hope and :pray: it'll succeed ... and be the first of MANY such events!

Maria B

26th August 2011, 10:23

This is a good idea Arthur.

If this will be a successful event, I hope that it will be every year or every after 3 years & will be in different places in England. For example this year's gathering's will be in Birmingham, next time will be Scotland...& so on & so forth. Those who happens to be in the area will help each other to coordinate the venue, food, accomodation, activities etc...husbands & wives will think of some games/contests like karaoke sing along out of tune lols.

Will there be a motiff? like 40's, 50's, 60's to 90's outfit? or the Igorot outfit on a winter season:icon_lol: it's just for fun. :D I don't mind either be held in a pub, hotels, liesure centres or even in a house. The thought is the come together & we all have fun.

Then later on in the coming years, we can go paintball games, horse back riding, beach outing or any adrenalin activities lols with our tops on with design - Fil UK Forum.:rolleyes: or volunteer a charity groups? :Erm:

Oh it's all wishful thinking. But anyway, I'll keep in touch for more of your updates about this matter & see if me & husband can pop in.:Wave:

scott&ligaya

26th August 2011, 11:06

My idea ws to give the wives a day off from cooking lol pamper them a bit over the weekend and show them how much they mean to us:):):)

Maria B

26th August 2011, 11:16

That sounds lovely Scott.:Hellooo:
So that means all the wives can just sit on our ass chatting :blahblah: while the husbands do all the cooking :shemademe:& drinks. great:wiggle::yeahthat:

scott&ligaya

26th August 2011, 11:42

nah we just get our wallets out and pay the hotel/restuarant and club bills hehehehe

Maria B

26th August 2011, 11:47

how convenient:icon_lol: hope that includes spa treatment, facial, massage, manicure/ pedicure, hair salon & shopping:Cuckoo: :icon_lol::icon_lol::Rasp:

scott&ligaya

26th August 2011, 11:50

hehehehehe now you are pushing it young lady lol!!!

Maria B

26th August 2011, 11:55

:laugher::laugher:my husband might back out bcoz of this...:laugher::Cuckoo::Rasp:

raynaputi

27th August 2011, 01:10

hahahahaha...Maria, that's so funny :icon_lol:

well, if this gathering would pursue, i'm so sorry i won't be able to go...well i'm here in Manila that's why :doh...but i'll try to force Keith to join all you guys as a representative! :spank::D

Maria B

27th August 2011, 08:36

hahahahaha...Maria, that's so funny :icon_lol:

:Hellooo::icon_lol::Cuckoo::xxgrinning--00xx3::Wave:

tone

3rd September 2011, 21:29

Hello everyone I'm hoping now I've got life back on track to come along with Rina.
So far how many of you will be attending? Is there a list?

I'd certainly like to stay over at the village hotel also if possible.

Cheers
Tone

Arthur Little

4th September 2011, 21:25

It is with much regret that I have decided to CANCEL the above event.

This decision has not been taken lightly. :nono-1-1: ... sadly, the general lack of interest :bigcry: does not justify the considerable expense likely to be incurred by the few members who indicated their intention to attend (myself included).

Grateful thanks are due to those prepared to support what, in the end, turned out to be an overly ambitious undertaking on my part - given the widespread and diversely scattered geographical locations of our UK membership.

Special mention must be made of Scott for all his hard work and for being a constant source of encouragement. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur.

Doc Alan

4th September 2011, 22:06

I'm sorry to know of your decision Arthur, I second the special mention for Scott, and sympathise with anyone else involved.
Actually meeting people changes things from internet friendships to reality, whether it's forum members, long distance relationships, or both :). It also helps prevent misunderstandings which can often be sorted out ( amicably ) face-to-face.
As you know I already apologised for being unable to go. I have past experience of organising professional meetings, where at least an apology is a positive sign that someone has actually read and thought about the event !
Right now the last thing on your mind, I'm sure, is to plan another meeting. However, there are always fiestas :xxgrinning--00xx3: The forum is also great for safe contacts both here in the UK and in the Philippines :).
Last, but not least, Steve and Emma's wedding last year was a great way to meet members and make new friends :). They made everyone so welcome !

imagine

4th September 2011, 22:07

thank you Arthur and thank you Scott, for all the effort you have made for the members here :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

Sim11UK

4th September 2011, 23:00

In reality, I think it was always going to prove difficult to pull off?...Most probably just want to hide behind the internet? Quite understandable really.

If I'm honest, it never really appealed to me. Ladybug showed some interest, as she'll be newly here & thought she could meet some of her fellow kababayans...But she never mentioned it again.

I've only met one ex-forum member, in the Philippines. She came to our wedding...She's living in Kent now & we occasionally hear from her. She & her husband, were quite prominent on here for a while.

Don't be dis-heartened Arthur, you & Scott gave it your best shot. Like Alan says, arranging to meet at a Fiesta, is probably a good way of meeting up. :)

Sim11UK

4th September 2011, 23:05

Forgot to mention, another factor could be, no one has got any money at the moment. :D

Maria B

5th September 2011, 19:12

:Hellooo:
I do believe there's always some other time. :sunshine: maybe it's best during summer.
All members must be very busy with work, settling with their new life, preparing their marriage, lot of plans & a lot of things to do...maybe we will just keep this 'gathering' open until the time comes...plus:36_1_26[1]: is just around the corner soon...although we have typical british :raining: weather but hopefully, things will work out fine.:Wave::puppykisses::tea_cup5:

imagine

5th September 2011, 19:31

im so depressed,,,,, i was so looking forward to free cadbury chocolate , now my dreams have melted to chocolate drip :bigcry:

Arthur Little

5th September 2011, 19:37

im so depressed,,,,, i was so looking forward to free cadbury chocolate , now my dreams have melted to chocolate drip :bigcry:

:bigcry: ... ME/MINE too, Stewart !! :yeahthat:

stevewool

5th September 2011, 19:44

it would have been a treat:icon_lol::icon_lol:, sorry to hear about this, but dont let it put anyone off meeting, its great beleive me and if you hit it off then what great friends you will become , holidays weekend breaks or just someone to call and have a chat with , maybe a smaller group closer could meet up and like many have said weddings, there are many coming along and think of the extra pressies you will receive,

Arthur Little

5th September 2011, 20:43

maybe a smaller group closer could meet up and like many have said weddings, there are many coming along and think of the extra pressies you will receive,

:iagree: ... there's always that! :gp:, Steve. :laugher:

Englishman2010

5th September 2011, 20:47

Sorry to learn it's not worked out this time Arthur (and Scott). As I said a while ago, unfortunately I have arrangements that weekend that can't be changed other wise I would have loved to have joined you. Although I haven't contributed to the thread, I have been reading it and can see how much time and effort you and Scott put into it. Hopefully, another opportunity to meet up will come soon. Thanks for your efforts both of you

Terpe

5th September 2011, 22:08

Arthur and Scott, I echo the words of Englishman.
Thanks to you both for the ideas and for the efforts already made in the development of options etc.
Personally I was never able to indicate any firm idea that I would be able to attend or not. Chances are that I would have 'popped in' at some time. For the past month my time has been taken up with looking after our very special visitor from Philippines.
Our daughter has been with us and will stay another month. She has plenty of plans for us yet but had said she wanted to meet a friendly group and enjoy the delights of Cadbury World.
If not a smaller group in October, then maybe another time.
Thanks again for the work you both did.

Rosie1958

5th September 2011, 23:45

Hi Arthur & Scott

So sorry to hear that your proposed gathering in Birmingham has had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't good for me either (I'm having a small hospital operation the day before) otherwise I would have loved to have joined you all with my sister-in-law or partner. Perhaps another time but in the meantime I just wanted to show my appreciation of your efforts.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thank you
Rosie :)

scott&ligaya

6th September 2011, 10:11

phew , back to work in Gdansk for a rest, very busy weekend lol,well thanks everyone for the comments, as you say trying to 10 or more couples in one place at one time is alaways difficult. Not to worry, perhaps next summer, arrranged around a massive car boot sale weekend for the ladies hehehehe.

Anyway must do some work now

log on later with a cold beer at my hotel

Scott

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 14:51

phew , back to work in Gdansk for a rest, very busy weekend

:) I can well imagine ...

log on later ...

... :xxgrinning--00xx3:

... with a cold beer at my hotel

Scott

Great :idea:! Cheers, mate - :Beer:; AGAIN ... my grateful thanks.

scott&ligaya

6th September 2011, 16:50

giot that cold beer now and it is 26 c so all is well

les_taxi

6th September 2011, 21:50

I too wanted to say well done for trying to get the gathering together,down be too downhearted and I'm sure in the future hopefully a good few of us can meet up.
It is very difficult with the traveling logistics involved and maybe a longer time span would be better for people to get sorted.
Well done for trying and let's hope in the future it will happen:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 22:07

As you know I already apologised for being unable to go.

You DID, indeed, Alan ... :68711_thanx:

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 22:15

As I said a while ago, unfortunately I have arrangements that weekend that can't be changed other wise I would have loved to have joined you.

Yes, I remember that, Ian ... and I know you'd loved to have been there! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 22:23

Personally I was never able to indicate any firm idea that I would be able to attend or not. Chances
are that I would have 'popped in' at some time. For the past month my time has been taken up with looking after our very special visitor from Philippines.

I understand, Terpe ... it's never easy to plan ahead when you're expecting visitors. :NoNo:

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 22:43

Our daughter has been with us and will stay another month. She has plenty of plans for us yet but had said she wanted to meet a friendly group and enjoy the delights of Cadbury World.

:) Your daughter would've enjoyed meeting the 'friendly forumers', I'm sure. And she'd have revelled in the delights of Cadbury World :hubbahubba: ... as would I !

Another time, perhaps. :)

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 22:55

Forgot to mention, another factor could be, no one has got any money at the moment. :D

You're probably right, Simon ... especially now we're into the 'BER' months, and the lead-up to the Festive Season. :yikes:

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 23:07

Arthur Little

6th September 2011, 23:32

I too wanted to say well done for trying to get the gathering together, don't be too downhearted and I'm sure in the future hopefully a good few of us can meet up.
It is very difficult with the traveling logistics involved and maybe a longer time span would be better for people to get sorted.
Well done for trying and let's hope in the future it will
happen :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:68711_thanx:, Les ... for your well-wishes. Guess, it's bound to be difficult pulling off something of that magnitude with such a HUGE membership scattered throughout the whole land - from Aberdeen in the north to Plymouth in the south - but it could maybe start a precedent for sometime in the future [with more notice, :iagree:!] on a smaller scale. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

scott&ligaya

7th September 2011, 09:19

Terpe

7th September 2011, 09:54

Just had a thought for the midlanders and anyone willing to pop up or down to Brum. We have had for the last 10 years a huge german market in the city for around 6 weeks before christmas, it is great afternoon/evening out and now is over 200 stalls and is now the 2nd largest outside Germany,, we could meet up at the one of the wonderful beer and sausage outlets.. yummy great weissbeir, wurst und kartoffelnsalat. A saturday afternnon/evening would be really neat

That sounds good :hubbahubba:

We also have German markets (also French,Italian and Spanish) but only 4 or five stalls
so lacking a lot in atmosphere.
That's a big one in Brum and sounds really nice.

scott&ligaya

7th September 2011, 11:43

it just keeps getting bigger, they have added on tastes of the world with Jamacian food, Indian food and others as well, great on a really cold evening, all wrapped up outside with some nice gluhwein and a spit roast pork roll, the only thing missing last year was snow, might get some this year before xmas.. the girls would love that

Dedworth

7th September 2011, 12:34

it just keeps getting bigger, they have added on tastes of the world with Jamacian food, Indian food and others as well, gret on a really cold evening, all wrapped up outside with some nice gluhwein and a spit roast pork roll, the only thing missing last year was snow, might get some this year before xmas.. the girls would love that

:laugher: Sounds like it's moving away from being a "German" Christmas Market, there could be a Trades Description issue here ! Are these purveyors of Jamaican and Indian scoff Germans, Eastern Europeans clad in Lederhosen or local Brummies ?

Arthur Little

7th September 2011, 12:53

There's an old saying ... :Erm: ...

... yes: ... "Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow". Take note, folks :rolleyes: ... Scott has put forward some GREAT ideas for those living in - or close to - the Midlands. PLEASE GIVE HIM YOUR SUPPORT! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Arthur Little

7th September 2011, 13:01

Not that a HUGE German market is exactly an acorn :icon_lol: ... but if even a small group of members were to join him there, it COULD lead to further similar gatherings.

scott&ligaya

7th September 2011, 13:28

hehehehehe Ded very good... yes I guess the city could not pass up anotherchance to flash its multi cultural credentials, still the tikka in an a mini nan is well nice :xxgrinning--00xx3: no harm in one or two other food choices I guess.. still even some of the stall holders are 2nd generation saur kraut and sausage eating German Turks whose parents were gastarbeiters or guest workers as they were called only one generation ago in Germany. Everywhere in Europe is now wrestling with the over immigraion issues not just here in the UK.

Oh I think i will ned to have some Erdinger tonight at the hotel and some Polish white sausage , (Well nearly German LOL)