June weekend in Scarborough

[Doc Alan]

There are several Scarboroughs in the world, including Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
I’m arranging a weekend - open to all - at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England - on the east coast about 40 miles from York :). It will be 22-24 June, and won’t be cancelled, however few can make it. I realise it’s a good distance for many of you. Sorry I can’t provide accommodation or guarantee good weather ( the harbour photo * was taken last month ! ). Sea temperature will be about 12 degrees :yikes:.
There’s plenty to do, with good beaches, eating places ( English breakfasts / fish and chips available !:xxgrinning--00xx3: ), a Sea Life Centre, and great scenery nearby. Getting here is easy by train from York ; the A64 from Leeds can be very busy ( 2 hours ) but at least this is before the school holidays.
Here are a few links :-
http://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/scarborough.aspx
http://www.crownspahotel.com/ ( the best ! )
http://www.highlanderhotelscarborough.co.uk/
http://www.ambassadorspahotel.co.uk/
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/?gclid=CKqs68qdsa8CFUsMtAodXhEkDw?pst=1 ( search Scarborough, N. Yorks. Centrally placed )
http://www.premierinn.com/en/ ( search Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Centrally placed )
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Scarborough&county= ( camping and caravan sites )

*http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1010958.jpg

[Arthur Little]

C'mon folks ...

... LET'S ALL GO FOR IT! :Hellooo:

[RickyR]

I'd love to come, but afraid I wont be in the UK then. We will be in the UK at the end of July and start of August, and hope to take the family upto Scarborough then, so might you see around that time!

[grahamw48]

I've put my name down. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

From my diary (always empty :bigcry:) timing looks good. Just need to have my wife request hols. I'll tell her when she gets home.
I've never been to Scarborough, but your photo looks great Alan :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'm hoping by then we'll have moved house :Cuckoo:

Sounds nice :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[DeltaRomeo]

I get 1 weekend off out of 4 and as luck would have it, I am off for this weekend.
I would have my 2 girls with me as I always do on my weekend off. They are 7 and 5 years old. I guess that you'll probably be meeting in a pub, but during the weekend at some point it would be great to see some of you there.

[stevie c]

Sorry Doc i/we will be in the Phils on these dates :)

[Arthur Little]

:) I see three of our regular contributors are planning to meet up in London next month. How lovely it would be if as many members as possible were to respond to Doc Alan's brilliantly-enthusiastic initiative for what promises to be a truly memorable weekend - at the height of glorious summer :sunshine: - in one of England's most popular holiday resorts ... sunny Scarborough by the sea. Marvellous! ;)

[Steve.r]

I'll try my hardest to trek that far. Never been there either, but to see all of my friends again it would be worth it. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[rusty]

I would have gone but already have a family wedding to attend in Wales that weekend.

Hope the weather is nice and a good time is had by all :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

I'll try my hardest to trek that far. Never been there either, but to see all of my friends again it would be worth it. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks, Steve. I'd love to meet you, Alan ... and as many friends as can possibly make it. It would, I'm sure, be a fitting token of appreciation for the effort Alan puts into the forum in order to help others - and also to the esteem in which he's held by all of us. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

Thanks for your responses Arthur, Ricky, Graham, Terpe, DeltaRomeo, Stevie C, Steve.r and Rusty :xxgrinning--00xx3:
I do realise how far it is for most members to travel here in the near east !
Just to confirm the weekend get together will definitely go ahead, come what may :). It will be informal, we will " play by ear " according to numbers coming, weather, and what you would all like to do. It's also flexible - make it a day trip, stay one night, three nights or more.
There has been a lot more interest than you might think from the replies posted here. Although you don't have to make a decision until nearer the time, just be careful that accommodation is still available !
It's been said before that meeting " for real " is vital in a long distance online relationship. I have no doubt also that it's good for members too. Already I've been lucky to meet a number of members in UK and Philippines. I'm looking forward very much to seeing new - and old - friends here in Scarborough :).
If you need more information, contact me on this thread, by private message, or message me on facebook.

[Terpe]

My wife has submitted her leave request for Fri thru Mon as that is her working weekend. We don't expect any reason to refuse as it's still quite far off.
Looks like we actually may make this one. :Jump:

[Doc Alan]

Just for information :) ….
• There are at least 17 Scarboroughs in the world, 14 of them populated. Of the three that are not inhabited, navigators steer clear of Scarborough Shoal / Reef, west of Luzon, unless they’re politicians :icon_lol:!. There’s also Scarborough Hill, a landmark on the approach to Portland in Oregon on the American Pacific coast; and Scarborough Bluffs overlooking the north side of Ontario in Canada.
• The largest inhabited Scarborough ( population over 100,000 ) is a suburb of Toronto in Canada. There are three Scarboroughs in the Caribbean – the chief town of Tobago, and one each on the islands of Nevis and Jamaica. There are at least three Scarboroughs in the USA – one in New York State; another in Maine, and a third in West Virginia. Australia has three Scarboroughs - a suburb of Perth, a park near Sydney ; and a beach at Brisbane. New Zealand’s south island has two Scarboroughs on its east coast – one just south of Christchurch, with a restaurant called “ Scarborough Fare “; and another, further south, at Timaru. Finally there is a beach on Cape peninsula, near Cape Town, South Africa, named Scarborough.
• Scarborough in North Yorkshire was the first in the world of that name :xxgrinning--00xx3:. It was thought until the twentieth century that it owed its name to the rock or scar of the headland under which the early town sheltered. However, during the 1920’s it was suggested that the name derived from a tenth century Icelandic Viking, Thorgils, nicknamed Skarthi because he was disfigured with a cleft palate or hare-lip. So Scarborough was originally “ Skarthi’s stronghold “. That is the least unlikely explanation for its name.
• From as early as the twelfth century Scarborough was one of Western Europe’s principal fishing ports and markets. Although in the past 50 years North Sea herring have been fished to near extinction, herring was not the only fish associated with Scarborough and its annual fair at which the fish were sold. In mediaeval times the stalls of Scarborough fair were set up on the sands at low tide. Nearly two centuries separate the last time Scarborough fair was celebrated ( 1788 ) and the song “ Scarborough Fair “, popularised by Simon and Garfunkel ( lead track of the 1966 album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme ; released as a single after featuring on the soundtrack to The Graduate in 1968 ). There are no references to fish in the words, although there is one line : “ Betwixt the salt waters all on the sea sand “. Many versions existed by the end of the 18th century. Some refer to locations other than Scarborough, or don’t mention a place-name. The lyrics may even refer to the black plague, with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme being four herbs used to ward off the smell of the dead or dying :doh.

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1010934.jpg Taken last month !

[Terpe]

We're looking forward to our weekend break. Also plan to make a trip to Whitby.

[Arthur Little]

It was thought until the twentieth century that it owed its name to the rock or scar of the headland under which the early town sheltered.

:yeahthat:'s always been my belief ... even in the 21st century!

[Arthur Little]

Interesting post, Alan ... curiously enough, I've often wondered about the origins of the lyrics Simon & Garfunkel composed for "Scarborough Fair". ;)

[lastlid]

Interesting post, Alan ... curiously enough, I've often wondered about the origins of the lyrics Simon & Garfunkel composed for "Scarborough Fair". ;)

"The song tells the tale of a young man, who tells the listener to ask his former lover to perform for him a series of impossible tasks........"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

[Arthur Little]

"The song tells the tale of a young man, who tells the listener to ask his former lover to perform for him a series of impossible tasks........"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

:68711_thanx: for this additional link ...

... much appreciated. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

"The song tells the tale of a young man, who tells the listener to ask his former lover to perform for him a series of impossible tasks........"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

Something's not quite right with that link.

As Jimmy Saville would say "close bracket" :-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

:D

The BB code for "close url" [/url] is inside the closing bracket in your post. Sorry lastlid sometimes I am so so pedantic. One of the weaknesses I need to control as I am no longer a practicing engineer. :D

No offence intended at all.

[lastlid]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

Thats better. Strange. I had to edit the link to get it to work....

[lastlid]

Something's not quite right with that link.

As Jimmy Saville would say "close bracket" :-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)



:D

The BB code for "close url" [/url] is inside the closing bracket in your post. Sorry lastlid sometimes I am so so pedantic. One of the weaknesses I need to control as I am no longer a practicing engineer. :D

No offence intended at all.


Strange as it was a straight copy and paste.......:Erm:

[lastlid]

Something's not quite right with that link.

As Jimmy Saville would say "close bracket" :-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

:D

The BB code for "close url" [/url] is inside the closing bracket in your post. Sorry lastlid sometimes I am so so pedantic. One of the weaknesses I need to control as I am no longer a practicing engineer. :D

No offence intended at all.

I train engineers so I know what they are like....:D

[Terpe]

Believe or not I just finished editing the link after you posted your reply, I just couldn't get it right, but have just done it.

Engineers eh:doh

[stevewool]

whitby is just so beautiful place to be, i love it there

[lastlid]

whitby is just so beautiful place to be, i love it there

The home of Whitby Jet! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lastlid]

Quite beautifully sung too.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYqgqdM9AXg&feature=related

[Doc Alan]

Whatever Wikipedia and other links say about Scarborough Fair or the origin of this town's name, please read #14. I have lived in Scarborough for many years. Trust the local experts - one of my sources is Jack Binns, an authority on the area :xxgrinning--00xx3:. This is not the place to go into detail about Scarborough's fascinating history such as " medicinal " local spring waters and alleged health benefits of sea bathing - establishing it as a resort from the 17th century. The " Northern Sea Bathing Infirmary " building still exists ... but I'm saying no more ! Come to the June weekend and meet other members :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

[Arthur Little]

Come to the June weekend and meet other members :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

:iagree:, Alan ... :yeahthat:!

[lastlid]

Jack Binns
http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Scarborough-From-Earliest-Times/dp/0954630009/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url

Looked him up in Wikipedia but he doesn't seem to be there.

[Doc Alan]

Jack Binns is a retired history teacher whom I know personally. He taught, and I learned, at the High School here. Of course I have " The History of Scarborough ", one of several books written by him.
For the record, I'm joint author of a book on the history of Scarborough Hospitals ( not available on Amazon ), and have given countless talks to Scarborough groups and societies on the history of the town - donating all money received to the local hospice and Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

EVERY member is welcome to the weekend ! If you can't come, please at least be positive and support my efforts ! No one is under pressure to come.
I have no doubt it will be enjoyable. The point is to meet other members. It's not to be put on the defensive about my local knowledge, or receive lectures on Scarborough !
I will update members on the arrangements nearer the time. Some are already committed to travel considerable distances.

[fred]

You may still feel you wish to have the last word - an apology would be appreciated - but I will not be responding.

Alan..
It may be that Lastlid was merely looking for further information on Jack Binns and couldnt find it on Wikipedia.. I doubt that he was questioning you or your integrety or your personnel knowledge regarding Jack Binns..
Perhaps we should wait for Lastlids explanation of his last post before we ask him for an apology..
It all may be a simple misunderstanding...Or not as the case may be..
Lets see.

[lastlid]

On the Scarborough meet up, I am pretty much tied to the Isle of Man and already am expecting to travel to Lincoln in June for a Filipino / Brit wedding which will no doubt cost me a fortune in ferry fees so I don't expect to be able to do the boat trip to Heysham twice that month.

[lastlid]

Jack Binns
http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Scarborough-From-Earliest-Times/dp/0954630009/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url




Just for info purposes really, for anyone wanting to read up on Scarborough beforehand. Available on Amazon.

[DeltaRomeo]

I've booked into Lyness Guest House on Columbus Ravine. Friday & Saturday night although it will be later on the Friday night that I will arrive.

[BoholoX]

I will try and make it but it will be a classic day trip, bucket and spade optional, 99 whippy compulsory.

If I tell my wife I've gone to the beach she's bound to ask how the swimming was :laugher:

[grahamw48]

I'll be a day-tripper too...only an hours drive. :)

I think my record from York was around 30 mins. Naughty boy.

[RickyR]

For those members arriving in Yorkshire from 'The South', you'll want to practice your Glottal Stops.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_dialect
http://www.wikihow.com/Speak-With-a-Yorkshire-Accent

And when people from Yorkshire are contemplating what to say next they use ''eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, by eck", kind of a space filler.

I'm very jealous of everyone going though :-)

[grahamw48]

Don't be expecting any eee by gum lad sithees from me.

Today my son said that his mates think I talk POSH. :omg:

[Doc Alan]

Two things I can’t promise – good weather such as we had today, and a Yorkshire accent ( I’m Scottish ) :).
Regardless of the weather, Scarborough ( and roads leading to it, especially the A64 ) will be busy ! Finding a parking place can be difficult, and our “ Marine Drive “ around the foot of the Castle Rock has a one way system because of construction work. I have a few parking discs and they’re readily available from shops / hotels.
Apart from sea and beach attractions, there are two events on the weekend of 23-24 June. There is motor cycle racing with a “ Barry Sheene Classic Rally, parade of 1000 bikes “ at Oliver’s Mount. Saturday is Armed Forces Day with events at the South Bay. Both these will attract many visitors.
Because the weather’s unpredictable, and members have different interests ( possibly bringing their kids ) the weekend is flexible :xxgrinning--00xx3:. However, at the very least, my plan is to meet late afternoon / early evening for drinks at “ The Highlander Hotel “ on the Esplanade ( http://www.highlanderhotelscarborough.co.uk/ ) and then “ Ask “ restaurant by the harbour side at 8 pm for a meal ( http://www.askitalian.co.uk/#!/restaurants/scarborough ).
. You can see from today’s photos how well placed it is - the food is adequate and reasonably priced. I do need to know the numbers for the meal as soon as possible – I will be booking by Friday 1st June at the latest :). If you haven’t already done so, please let me know if you’re going – by posting here, or private message here / facebook. At the moment there could be about 16 but “ Ask “ do need the approximate number.
Some of you have already firmly committed and arranged accommodation – if you are going I suggest you book it soon. I know others are close enough so they don’t need to stop overnight. Another photo of me – taken today – is not self promotion but just to be sure you at least know what I look like :icon_lol: ! You can also see from the photos that there’s a choice of sea cruises, fishing trips, or speed boat rides … and so many other things to do :). Look forward to meeting you all - some for the first time, others " old friends " :).
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1020021.jpg
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1020039.jpg
Ask
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1020036.jpg
Ask
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1020032.jpg
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/P1020043.jpg
High(er) cholesterol alternative to Ask

[lastlid]

I believe there are some good deals on at the moment from Yorkshire Airlines, for those flying in. :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VLYpKGVBUg

[grahamw48]

Talking of the seaside....hope the Doc doesn't get pestered too much: :)

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http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4896/postcardsv.jpg

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Ayup...Arthur's arrived. :D

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http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/3255/arthurpostcard.jpg

[Iani]

Ahh reminds me of the story of the woman asking the Scotsman what's worn under his kilt, and he replying nothing's worn, it's all in perfect working order :D

[Doc Alan]

I will book “ Ask “ this week for 8 pm Saturday 23 June. For those who wish, we will meet first at the “ Highlander “ from 5 pm. The rest of the weekend is “ flexible “ - some are arriving Friday and leaving Sunday, others just making it Saturday as a day trip or overnight.
Thanks to everyone who has responded – either apologies or firm booking :xxgrinning--00xx3: ! There are still a lot of “ queries “ - I understand the difficulties of arranging forum meetings :doh. Without knowing the exact number I will take a chance on booking for 16 – losing my deposit if you don’t turn up. If many more do come you may need to queue on the seafront ( our “ Roxas Boulevard “ ) for fish and chips or hot dogs :) ! It will be busy ! Just over 3 weeks to go !

[Terpe]

I may be one of those who queues for fish n chips on the seafront :D

We both want to join the fun but cannot make definite bookings at this time.

[grahamw48]

I like my fish supper too. :D

Too tight to use restaurants.

Don't know what I'll do with my usual box of sandwiches. :Erm:

[RickyR]

I'm getting more jealous by the day!

[grahamw48]

I won't be coming....sorry folks.

I will be attending the Barrio Fiesta in York though.

[DeltaRomeo]

Sorry for not being in touch for a while, I really must learn some time management techniques.. I'll put it on my 'to do' list ;-)
I'm still a definite for the weekend Alan.. with a 7 and 5 year old.. The plan of drinks followed by a meal sounds good.. If you haven't included us - could you please? Could do with exchanging phone numbers nearer the time too.. would hate to go all that way and miss you all in the crowd.

[BoholoX]

Looks like a daytrip for me on the 23rd, can make the Highlander (I assume the locals will know where that is) for 5.00 but need to be back on the 19.48 to York so Ask is unfortunately out.

Will be at the York barrio too looking for some buang amigos for my asawa

[lastlid]

Just been talking to a woman at work who visited Scarborough last year. She remarked on how clean and well kept it was.....

[deeen]

We used to have beach holidays in Scarborough when I was 8, 9, 10 years old!

[Rosie1958]

Very sorry that I can't make this event Doc Alan, especially as you have gone to so much trouble to organise it. I had already committed to take my sister-in-law to the Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta which is on the same date (23rd June) but we can't do that now either.:NoNo:

I hope that the weather brightens up and that you all have a lovely time with lots of fun and laughter :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

I hope that the weather brightens up and that you all have a lovely time with lots of fun and laughter :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Thank you Rosie :).
I've contacted everyone who's definitely coming, and appreciate your effort :xxgrinning--00xx3:.
Those who have explained why they can't make it, you'll be missed but I understand :).
If you haven't replied to my personal messages and posts here - there's nothing more I can do - but please think ... it's a lost chance to meet other members !

[Steve.r]

All looking good for me to make it Alan

Not booked anywhere yet, but will leave that to the last minute :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Rory]

Hi Doc,

I hope i am not to late to attend this weekend. I am sure i can make the Highlander where ever that is, will only be attending by myself though as i am still waiting for my wife's visa to be processed.

[Doc Alan]

Hi Doc,

I hope I am not to late to attend this weekend. I am sure I can make the Highlander where ever that is ...
Hi Rory, you're not too late, I've just updated the numbers for " Ask " to include yourself :xxgrinning--00xx3:
The Highlander ( hotel, not Arthur Little :) ) overlooks Scarborough's South Bay and should be easy to find ( http://www.highlanderhotelscarborough.co.uk ). " Ask " is at the harbourside ( http://www.askitalian.co.uk/#!/restaurants/scarborough ) as you can see from my photos.
Looking forward to seeing everyone here :).

[Rory]

Looking forward to this weekend, just hope the rain holds off.

[Doc Alan]

There have been some very kind comments here and on the " other " thread which I really appreciate :). ( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39118-Doc-alans-scarboroughkend ) .
Thanks also for the effort which members are making to come to this meeting :xxgrinning--00xx3:.
At the same time, I understand those who can't make it, for whatever reasons.
Several are arriving late Friday and will be making contact with me when they get here. Most are leaving on Sunday. We will all make the most of the weekend, whatever the weather :Hellooo:.
Safe journey everyone, very much looking forward to meeting you - either again, or for the first time :xxgrinning--00xx3: