I'm interested, but !

[Reverend Graham]

I'm interested, but, I'm just getting over a year of deep depression, and I'm not very good in crowds or stranger yet, is there any one else who's suffered this and been to the moot, can they let me know if this is a safe place ( no I don't want fixing, just to be treat like others ) and can you 'escape' to you own little area for solitude ?

If you don't want to post it here, a PM would be nice.

( and, yes, I'm allowed sharp things again )

Rev G

 

[shaggystu]

I think you'll be very surprised how many people on here and within the bushcraft community in general have suffered from depression or similar illnesses themselves. I've never been to the moot but I've been along to a fair few different local meets and without exception I've found them to be incredibly supportive and understanding events. People within the bushcraft community in general are caring and supportive people. I'm sure that you'll be fine.
All the best,

Stuart.

 

[Stringmaker]

I'm interested, but, I'm just getting over a year of deep depression, and I'm not very good in crowds or stranger yet, is there any one else who's suffered this and been to the moot, can they let me know if this is a safe place ( no I don't want fixing, just to be treat like others ) and can you 'escape' to you own little area for solitude ?

If you don't want to post it here, a PM would be nice.

( and, yes, I'm allowed sharp things again )

Rev G

I have not been to a meet or a moot, but from what I have seen and read then I would say that you will be welcomed and accepted in the blink of an eye.

 

[Tadpole]

I've been to many of the BCUK moots and can say that if you're the life and soul of the party there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot.
If you want to wander lonely as a cloud, there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot,
If you feel the need to avoid large crowds, there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot,
At the moot no matter what or who you are, you can be assured that there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot

 

[Biker]

Having gone to my first Moot last year I was a bit apprehensive of what sort of reception I'd get and can honestly say (hand on heart) however your disposition you'll find a place for yourself there.

The place is huge and you can pitch up pretty much anywhere, though there are designated spaces that are set up by regulars, (they have sort of dibs on it) but simply asking someone if that way over yonder is OK to camp at saves any potential ruffling of feathers. Tony and the moderators here are always on hand to ask advice about such things.

There are classes going on of some sort pretty much everyday and these seem to be off the cuff set up, but some are paid for in advance classes, so you can pick and choose what you want to take part in, or not. You could flop in your hammock all day and no one would be twanging on the strings to tell you you should get up now.

I think the best thing about the Moot is that there's no pressure. Meet and greet or be a hermit, it's entirely up to you.

 

[Reverend Graham]

Thanks Guys, espesh the PMs, made me feel a little more at ease, hopefully I'll see you there

Rev G

 

[crosslandkelly]

I've been to many of the BCUK moots and can say that if you're the life and soul of the party there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot.
If you want to wander lonely as a cloud, there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot,
If you feel the need to avoid large crowds, there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot,
At the moot no matter what or who you are, you can be assured that there is a place and a welcome for you at the moot

Having gone to my first Moot last year I was a bit apprehensive of what sort of reception I'd get and can honestly say (hand on heart) however your disposition you'll find a place for yourself there.

The place is huge and you can pitch up pretty much anywhere, though there are designated spaces that are set up by regulars, (they have sort of dibs on it) but simply asking someone if that way over yonder is OK to camp at saves any potential ruffling of feathers. Tony and the moderators here are always on hand to ask advice about such things.

There are classes going on of some sort pretty much everyday and these seem to be off the cuff set up, but some are paid for in advance classes, so you can pick and choose what you want to take part in, or not. You could flop in your hammock all day and no one would be twanging on the strings to tell you you should get up now.

I think the best thing about the Moot is that there's no pressure. Meet and greet or be a hermit, it's entirely up to you.

+ 1 to both of the above. You'll be hard pushed to meet a nicer bunch of folk, or not if you like. Either way a great place to be.

 

[Tengu]

This will be my seventh, and I certainly don't like to socialise on anything other than my own terms. (People who know me will say I `can` socialise, though)

 

[Harvestman]

Been there (depression), done that (dislike of crowds). Like others I think that you will be fine, ultimately because you are with a collection of people with similar interests. As others have said, everyone is friendly and accepting, and there is space for those who want some alone time.

I haven't actually been to the moot, because I have never been comfortable in crowds, even before my depression, but oddly I can happily go to something like an agricultural show without any bother at all, despite there being hordes of people about. I think it is because crowds are only threatening if they are'strangers' or seen as an uinknown to you. If you are in a gathering of people whose interest you share, then somehow it doesn't seem like a crowd any more.

I suppose that invalidates part of my reason for not attending the moot myself, but there are other reasons unrelated to bushcraft for me. I'd say that if you want to attend the moot, go for it, and I'm sure you will enjoy yourself.

 

[maddave]

Reverend G

I can guarantee you'll have an amazing time. There are many different areas at Merthyr Mawr, some for partying, some for making stuff, some for sitting around a fire with good acoustic music and food, others for contemplation and quiet reflection. The moot is what YOU want it to be. There are no pressures for you to do anything, only what you feel comfy with. It's amazing how a hundred odd people can disappear into the forest. Come along and you'll see the warmth, generosity and comradeship that happens here. It amazes me every year just how great the people are who share our common love of the woods.. You won't regret it

Hope to share a warm fire with you fella

MD

 

[Reverend Graham]

Right, I'm coming along, just have to wait till payday now

Rev G

 

[John Fenna]

Right, I'm coming along, just have to wait till payday now

Rev G

I look forward to seeing you there

 

[Ogri the trog]

The thing about crowds and strangers at the Moot is;
... the crowds are as big or small as you want - depending on where you camp and what times you plan to do anything (though doing nothing is equally acceptable). We tend to have a 10am meeting every day to announce workshops and make any adjustments to the days sequence - which is probably the biggest gathering on the site unless you want to visit the naughty corner after dark!

... The strangers are only strange until you fit their real name, their face and their forum name together - at which point you realise that you've been talking to them through the forum for months anyway!

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Biker]

... The strangers are only strange until you fit their real name, their face and their forum name together - at which point you realise that you've been talking to them through the forum for months anyway!

So you can imagine my disappointment when I discovered "Joanna" was actually John Fenna and I'd been wrongly reading the name for weeks.

 

[John Fenna]

So you can imagine my disappointment when I discovered "Joanna" was actually John Fenna and I'd been wrongly reading the name for weeks.

You didn't seem that disappointed!

 

[Biker]

You didn't seem that disappointed!

I can hide that sort of deep hurt very well. I still say it was selfish of you not returning the engagement ring.

 

[TurboGirl]

Being free to come and go, join or seclude ourselves as we feel the need, sounds just the sort of environment for us first timers, reverend I've not been to the moot but the meeters I've weekended with are as warm, quirky and generally wonderful a collection of folks as I've ever met!

If you're on the path to a better place atm, walking alongside likemindeds might help you re-find pleasure in some companionship at your own 'speed' You won't be the only first-timer or the only one of us who has struggled with mainstream society. Come.

 

[John Fenna]

I can hide that sort of deep hurt very well. I still say it was selfish of you not returning the engagement ring.

And the OP thinks he's as mad as a box of frogs! That ring ended up in a volcano!

 

[Ivan...]

Hi Rev, i too have not been to the Moot, but i am going this year, i am relatively new to this caper, and i can honestly say,hand on heart the people i have met, through this site (none of whom i had ever met before) are the nicest, most genuine, decent folk i have met in my 50 years on this planet! And that ain't no lie.

Everyone has skeletons in their cupboard, and all of us have had, or are currently going through various situations, some open up around the fire and some don't the choice is yours.

So, not to go on, but you will not meet a more understanding bunch of people in your life.

Good luck and keep well.

Atb

Ivan...

 

[Biker]

And the OP thinks he's as mad as a box of frogs! That ring ended up in a volcano!

So if the precious ring ended up in a volcano that would make me the hardy and resilient Frodo... so by that rationale that would mean you are....



No, I can't bring myself to say it .....











Smeagol