Proposed Social Gathering

[Arthur Little]

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 - 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. Get to know them PROPERLY!

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

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

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

Your friend,

Arthur.

[scott&ligaya]

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]

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/vill...#guest_reviews

[Arthur Little]

for the ladies... CADBURYS WORLD in Bournville

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

[Terpe]

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

[scott&ligaya]

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]

( no that does not include the gentlemens clubs)

... awww ...

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

... YES ... ?

no we will not go there... literally HEHEHEHE

? ... NO? ... shame!

[scott&ligaya]

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/city...4e909efd22fX26

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]

wow the hotel I just reserved is now £89 ... see I saved you all £20 already ... more

[alanmf1]

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?

[scott&ligaya]

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]

I've stayed at the Village Hotel in Nottingham in 2009 for free 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 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]

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.

[Arthur Little]

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 ... 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. Let's just hope and that we can gradually boost the numbers interested.

[scott&ligaya]

maybe it is Birmingham LOL or just me 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]

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.

Count me in so that will give me even more incentive to get my into gear with the application.

[Doc Alan]

Thanks for the tremendous effort you've put in, Scott ... Let's just hope and that we can gradually boost the numbers interested.

I second that, and well done also to you Arthur
From long experience of organising meetings I know how hard it is to get responses ( even apologies ) - doctors are among the worst .
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 .

[Ako Si Jamie]

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 .....and Brindley Place, even better. It's only a 10 minute walk from my place!

[Arthur Little]

Is this just to gauge interest or are you already working on an itinerary?

... a bit of BOTH really, Alan. What started off as looking promising 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.

[guyki]

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]

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

GREAT if you and your asawa can manage ... the more the merrier!

[Moy]

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

[Arthur Little]

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 [I 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.

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 ... ... over to you ...

[Arthur Little]

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

Oh yes ... that would be GREAT!

[Arthur Little]

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

[Moy]

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

[Tawi2]

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

[Arthur Little]

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

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

[scott&ligaya]

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]

I am sure we could make our own entertainment

... I'm sure we COULD; again, Scott.