View Full Version : Norwich and Norfolk group?
RAPPLEBY2000
15-04-2006, 17:03
just an idea,
I know many people from the surrounding area would find Norwich a good base for events anyone interested.
this is not to oppose the east anglian group, i feel no reason to be apart from it just it might be easier for some folks without transport to get to camps or events if stuff was in a more local area.
big respect goes out to fenlander and others that have helpped organise events camps walks ect and generally get things going in the region.
please a show of hands for anyone local to Norwich that would like to meet up?
Damascus
15-04-2006, 17:42
I too, I'm a similar position as transport and distance to travel is an issue, day and over nighters, excellent idea . I am up for it, couldn't go this weekend Fenlander due to the Easter with family.
RAPPLEBY2000
15-04-2006, 18:05
hi damascus.
nice to here from you!
it would be great to get a regular meeting in the area are you up for it?
i know of 2 reasonably local bushcrafty campsites.
and also due to lots of conservation work know of places to legitimately get wood sources from and good places to explore, in and around the norwich area.
i shall pm you any details when they come up!
cheers
Richard
I'm up for some local meet-ups too.
RAPPLEBY2000
16-04-2006, 15:42
i suggest we meet for a couple of hours just to meet each other first, how about a meet up at mousehold heath on the afternoon of:
28th, 29th, or 30th April?
just a walk bring food or dirnk if you want
i shall bring my small stove bring yours if you wish!
last time i meet people there, R-bowskill was making a fishing net strung between 2 trees, also a good place to try setting up hammocks, tarps etc
so anthing goes really!
no "bushcraft" equipment or clothing needed, just yourself sensible clothing and footwear(you will get muddy).
we are all at different stages of learning, so don't feel you have to be an expert at anything, if you want to demonstrate anything we will be happy to watch and join in!
please reply so we can figure out the best time to meet! :You_Rock_
Cheers
RAPPLEBY2000
So far I'm good for any of those dates :) .
Damascus
17-04-2006, 10:28
I got your message rappleby, I have had problems logging on since it went slow the other day. Replied to you message but the system would not let me send it, so this is to say it has not been ignored, will reply when I get it sorted. :nutkick:
RAPPLEBY2000
17-04-2006, 21:01
no probs,
i've had problems with my computer for years!
you can always E-mail me if you wish (RAPPLEBY2000@YAHOO.CO.UK)
it might be easier.
RAPPLEBY2000
18-04-2006, 09:44
if you are in the area i'm up at Dunston common (near Dunston hall, south Norwich) this afternoon(1-4PM), doing some Bushcraft demo's for a local group called "Norwich fringe project" they're doing an easter egg hunt day,
if you're there come and say hi!
I’ll be up for some meet up’s in the summer months. I don’t get a lot of chance to get back to Martham, as I work in Germany, but if there is any thing going on in the summer months I would love to attend.
Cronos
Biddlesby
18-04-2006, 16:48
Of course I am always up for a meet, and the more local the more I will be likely to be able to attend.
Not sure about this idea of 'groups'. The way I see it meets should be advertised as part of a locality - and the more local to a particular person the more likely they are to read it. I presume this is what you mean by a group - i.e. rather than a distinct set of people.
Should be OK for mousehold heath.
RAPPLEBY2000
18-04-2006, 20:51
"group" meaning gathering of people or collective.
i am as happy to include anyone in the area that wants to join us.
the east anglian group is fantastic but quite a wide area and too far for some to travel(logisticlly we haven't got the transport).
good to know so many of you are still around and up for some jolly bushcrafting japes!
by the way does anyone know how R-bowskill is?,
i haven't seen him since we met at mousehold heath.
RAPPLEBY2000
23-04-2006, 21:52
Back again,
just come back from 4 days working at woodland survival crafts,
loads of leaf litter shelter building,
friction firelighting,
plant collecting, bannock bread making
rain, mud, and woodsmoke! ahh the life...... :rolleyes:
i even tried making a pot, i found some clay in the ground and made a little oven cooked it untill, pop! it cracked, still glad i tried it though.
also made a small shelter with birch bark tiles(shingles), i shall bring photos when we meet.
rich.
jem seeley
24-04-2006, 21:42
"too far for some to travel"?with the greatest respect Rappleby the 'East Anglian Group' was never intended to be a group that only met at one venue.Kevin,& to a lesser extent myself,kick started this by organising weekends around the Bury area because Kevin had found a suitable site that was easy to check out & set up because of his proximity to it.( I,as a matter of fact, have an hour long journey to get their).We had both hoped that once the impetus had started then other people would be able to network and organise meets throughout the region.Unfortunately this has not really happened which is a shame.I am delighted that you are organising some meets in the Norwich area(which is really only an hour away from me!)but feel a tad offended that you make the distinction of it being a Norwich & Norfolk group. :confused: Yes ,I might not be able to make all the Norfolk meets but this doesn't mean I'm not interested in heading over the border once in a while to make the most of the local knowledge.I know,Kevin for one would love to go to a meet that he hasn't had to organise,publicise and demonstrate on.So all power to your elbow,Rap ....lets all try to share the load a bit more! :)
RAPPLEBY2000
25-04-2006, 22:38
:)
Hi jim,
i am very sorry i think i have worded things insensitively, (please forgive me)no offence ment.
there are a few people local to the Norwich area so,
it might be good to start another group anyway,
in a sense of spreading the bushcraft word.
for example it would be silly to organise a quick pint and walk for the whole of the east anglia region, where a few days camp everyone is encouraged to join in.
from the start of this thread i have said that Norwich/Norfolk group is part of the east anglia group, no grudges, nothing personal, no hidden agenda, i just want to expand Bushcraft in an this area, and also there are a few local members that have found getting to organised events difficult.
anyone is welcome to join us!
i hope i have answered your qestions clearly and hope you forgive me for any misplaced insensitivity which certainly was never meant.
Cheers Richard.
What innoculations do I need to head over the border?.
RAPPLEBY2000
26-04-2006, 21:27
a meet up mousehold heath
under the big tree in the restaurant carpark,
oposite the playing/footy field(with the white bandstand)
is 29th this saturday ok with you guy's shall we go for a 1pm meet?
bring food if you want, i'm bringing my brew kit/shelter kit.
loads to see and do. i might even bring my boy he loves an adventure!
no specific outfit just outdoor clothes jeans and t-shirt if you want.
I shall do my best to be there. That's if I don't get lost. It's been many years since I've been up Mousehold way :) .
RAPPLEBY2000
26-04-2006, 23:26
cool,
good to know you can make it at last!
it'll be great to meet you!
Rory are you out there?
do come along if you can! :You_Rock_
RAPPLEBY2000
28-04-2006, 23:05
hi anyone else is welcome to join us.
we shall wait till 1:10pm.
i'll have a green rucksack look forward to meeting you!
RAPPLEBY2000
29-04-2006, 20:46
hello all,
i met up with Snufkin today coulden't spend much time together i had family duties :( (had to swap children with my wife).
but snufkin is a nice chap we talked about flint knapping and potential teaching, tried some of the many leaves on offer in the bushcraft supermarket that is mousehold heath.
if we can meet up i'm sure there is plenty of knowledge snufkin seems pretty clued up on loads of stuff.
RAPPLEBY2000
02-05-2006, 22:38
i shall be adding some new dates for a meet up soon,
has anyone noticed the swifts/swallows have arrived! it must be summer! :D
just bought myself an Arktis type SAS hammock/stretcher (though i know full well it's a standard issue hammock) for £15(hoopers norwich).
i hope to give it a full trial and will be bringing it on our next meetup as well as my hennassey hammock which you also may wish to try.
bring along any kit you think might be interesting for the rest of the group!
cheers Rich
I’ve just had a read through this thread and thought I might comment.
There seems to be a few issues that cold have been avoided. The key to the meets that people have is that they’re fairly casual things and anyone that wants to go can go, anyone that wants to organise one can do so.
The difficulty here seems to be that there’s talk of groups and areas they cover etc…People put a lot of time and effort into organising meets for others and it can get a bit touchy if it’s not appreciated. The best way of avoiding these issues is to just say you’re staying out at so and so, on so and so and anyone is welcome, then people reply if they so wish and it gets sorted.
If it’s too far for some and convenient for others then people go or not as they see fit. Do what you want to do and invite other people, if it becomes a regular thing then great, there’s more options for people in the area. It’s impossible to have defined boundaries and groups, I appreciate that it’s just terminology but it can be misleading.
This needs to be viewed as another opportunity to get out, not as anything competitive.
Just me 2p
RAPPLEBY2000
04-05-2006, 22:07
cheers for that tony, your 2p is always welcome!
ok some new dates for your diary! :)
18th, 19th, or 21st of may prehaps alnonger meet up this time? or 2 days?
tell us what you want!
walk, drink, bush skills, food etc etc
sorry can't do it sooner because of work.
Rather than PM'ing me stick your availability on the thread
so others can see when you are free, and adapt their plans so we can meet as a bigger group.
My point was RAP that it's easier to say...."there's a few of us camping here on the ..... anyone that wants to come is welcome, we're going to be doing this and this". let me know if you fancy coming.
Something like that anyway. It saves on lots of disappointment and energy that way.
Saying that I've interfered enough now, it's your get together.
I hope all of you that go have a fantastic time. :You_Rock_
18th and 19th are a nono for me, may be able to make the 21st though :) .
RAPPLEBY2000
06-05-2006, 22:52
Hi all good news had a word with my father in law today and he says it would be fine for a small group(up to 6) to Bushcraft camp on his land!
it's a place in the fenns called "coldham", nr wisbech, cambridgeshire.
it's an orchard/ field a couple of places for hammocks but tent/tarp would be easier. the only places suitable for hammocks are right next to a fairly busy road (6ft away)!
plenty of fire wood, wild plants etc. not much material for natrual shelters but you could try ideas out on a smaller scale or 1 man shelters.
can't cut trees but i'll make sure there'll be some cut for us to "play" with!
says we can do pretty much, what we want as long as we don't damage stuff which i think is fair!
more details will follow
:You_Rock_
Biddlesby
08-05-2006, 17:09
Would love to come on some of these meets, but can't during May or June since the exams are pretty heavy. Hope to come to some after that.
RAPPLEBY2000
08-05-2006, 23:32
sure, no problem biddlesby,
we shall organise other stuff later on!
just got a messege from Kane says he/she will be up for some of the meets, but is very busy at present!
RAPPLEBY2000
10-05-2006, 21:57
ok,well i'm going off to work this weekend, going to try out my sas hammock as an A-frame pole bed, already installed a mozzie net i'll get some photos of the set up.
anyone else up for a meet up 18th, 19th, or 21st?
:)
RAPPLEBY2000
15-05-2006, 21:17
Back from work again,
knackered, dirty, twigs in my sleeping bag you know how it is! :rolleyes:
Hi Snufkin are you still ok for a meetup on the 21st? :)
any one else is welcome but please make yourself know so we know who to look for! cheers.
Yep. I should still be up for the 21st.
RAPPLEBY2000
19-05-2006, 00:02
i can't meet untill 1pm, but i'll happily meet any time after that, do you have a preferance?
i shall bring some of my gear for you to play with. :)
Ok, Meet under the tree again, I may be a few minutes late so 1.10? I'll have to head off at about 4pm though.
RAPPLEBY2000
19-05-2006, 23:55
cool no problem, i shall be there.
the offer is still open to anyone else in the norwich area that would like to meet up, make yourselves known so we know who to look for! :D
RAPPLEBY2000
21-05-2006, 17:45
:lmao: Well the rest of you guy's are missing out! :lmao:
i met up with Snufkin today, not the best weather but we didn't let the rain stop us haveing a great meet!
i took my MoD and Hennessy hammock for Snufkin to try, i think he liked the hennessy :rolleyes:
we took a long walk around mousehold heath and found loads of useful plants ready to use:
Nettle
Dock
Burdock
Jack by the hedge
Colts foot
on our travels we came across an abundance of "Jews-Ear" funghi of which we tried and Snufkin collected a handful to take home.
during a tea break Snufkin showed me his Flint and steel(traditional type) which Snufkin Taught me to use, My first Flint and steel ember! :You_Rock_
i only thought it fair to repay the favour and showed Snufkin a huge copiced lime tree ready to chop!
on the way bck from the lime we spotted some 2" thick Clematis which i " :rolleyes: collected" with my pocket chainsaw! for us both18" each :D
we have discussed prehaps on a weekend we will get together a Bushcraft menu of things they have not tried!
It was a grand day out despite the rain :) .
I do fancy one of those Hennessys(sp?), I might have to get myself one of those if we do do a weekender.
Im up for the next trip out if ya don't mind having a complete noob tagg along. :o
Im up for the next trip out if ya don't mind having a complete noob tagg along. :o
The more the merrier. Welcome to BCUK :)
RAPPLEBY2000
22-05-2006, 22:21
Hi jay-jay,
Welcome to BCUK! :D
feel free to join in, bring your own skills and or experience even if it's stuff you've just heard of you want to try!
i shall send you a PM!
Cheers
Rich.
I haven't got any skills...thats why i'm coming! :rolleyes:
Ok if i bring my daughter if i can drag her away from the 'boys' ? :banghead:
Longstrider
23-05-2006, 05:02
As my partner lives in Lowestoft my time off work is spent either there or here (Milton Keynes). We often like to get out to Thetford Forrest and the surrounding areas for a wander and a rummage when we have free time at that end of the country.
Assuming that we are in the right area of the country at the time do you mind if we invite ourselves to a meet-up some time?
I've tried to find Mousehold Heath on the map but can't find it at all. Any clues?
As my partner lives in Lowestoft my time off work is spent either there or here (Milton Keynes). We often like to get out to Thetford Forrest and the surrounding areas for a wander and a rummage when we have free time at that end of the country.
Assuming that we are in the right area of the country at the time do you mind if we invite ourselves to a meet-up some time?
I've tried to find Mousehold Heath on the map but can't find it at all. Any clues?
Everyone is welcome :) . Mousehold heath is smack in the middle of Norwich.
RAPPLEBY2000
24-05-2006, 00:09
Hi yup the more the merrier!
snufkin and i would love to see more people if only to share the lovely weather :rolleyes:
to find mousehold heath find out where the Norwich Prison is, the heath is next to it.
Jay-Jay, you can bring who you want just bear in mind her personal safety because although most of us are sane, :rolleyes: i have come across one or two strange people that i would keep well away from!(thankfully nothing to do with bushcraft!)
Longstrider,
hi, feel free to join us whenever you want to,
i'm hopeing to get a weekend date set up soon,
make sure you keep an eye on this thread for dates and feel free to ask questions etc
i shall send you a PM.
RAPPLEBY2000
26-05-2006, 21:08
Ok next time free in my diary for a meet-up
10th or 11th of june, tell us which you'd prefer!
also i have some ideas for activities for us tell us which you would like to do:
Hike and learn (teaching each other stuff on the way)
natrual food (collect and try natrual foods)
camp set up (have a go at camp crafts like gadgets and shelters)
natrual cordage, (not quite time of year but soon!)
fire lighting ( i have some bowdrill gear i can lend you).
modern cheats (looking at modern equipment to help the bushcrafter)
tell us your favourites and i'll organise it!
Either day is good for me at the moment.
Jay-Jay, you can bring who you want just bear in mind her personal safety
She earned her black belt at age 11 so she'll be quite safe. :cool:
Any time you want to go is fine with me, and i'll try everything we have time for mate. Cordage sounds good - is that with nettles?. How the hell do you do anything with nettles without getting stung to death?
RAPPLEBY2000
27-05-2006, 21:00
gloves! :lmao:
not really, it's just how you handle them that's the trick! i'll show you!
nettles are the best fibre we have, but as i say the they have to grow a bit first.
Brambles are also good but again growth needed
:)
lord lurcher
27-05-2006, 23:27
Soz Rapp for my absence on your last meet! I,ve been putting up a workshop at mine and it has been a mare! Anyway i'm well up for the 11 or 12, are you going mousehold? If you fancy a change my local knowledge is pretty good and i do know some nice areas with public access ( erm and without! :lmao: ) most are fairly quiet as well with no pesky mountain bikers! I'd really like to meet some of the others as well, if there are ever any transport probs i'll pick up/drop off up to 3 peeps if they live in norfolk! I never mind, i was without four wheels once and havent forgotten how that limited my range or caused untold hassle with unreliable public transport!!!!!! Anyway i will p.m. you my no. and if you have spare evenings we could always have a mooch and i'll even stand you a pint after!! Hope to see ya 'll soon :cool:
Longstrider
28-05-2006, 01:19
Thats the weekend that we hope to be at the FM Meet 2 I'm afraid. If the Meet doesn't get enough bodies to happen, we shall be at the wrong end of the country anyway.
Have to catch up with you folks another time.
RAPPLEBY2000
28-05-2006, 22:58
longstrider sorry mate,
unfortunately i have to work also, so i have to pick and choose best times too. no matter, i'm sure something we arrange will be good for you, also keep an eye on the "east anglia thread" incase there is something else available.
hey, lord lurcher,
nice to hear from you again,
yup totally up for a new place to visit,
what area did you have in mind?
also i remember you saying you had Bushcrafty friend/s in Norwich, would they be interested in joining us?
Jay-jay
are you able to join us? don't worry about directions, we can go in convoy or something.
something for the group as a whole:
there are 2 new sites which i am trying to find out about for camp overs,
both in the area of lenwade(gt wichingham).
the first site is owned by a friend of a friend's dad(farmer), and is pristene mixed woodland 7acres-ish it hasn't even got a gate or path going into it! literally a machette job just to get in but i have camped there previously, it has coppiced hazel, a marsh area, a running stream, loads of bracken, standing deadwood, and a great open camp area, no toilet facilities at all but i'm sure you'll agree worth it!
i am seriously considering asking to rent the area too!
but i need to contact the owner and prehaps do a couple of solo camps to sweeten him before bringing others to the site. :rolleyes:
the other site i am less interested in is a disused area near a friends work place, basically he knows of an area what he says is woodland(can't be sure), that has been used as a landrover off road course, haveing seen a few of these i know they have lots of patches of undergrowth and areas probably suitable for camping on.
i haven't seen this site but my friend says it would be great for a few people to camp on, i don't have any other details untill he gets back to me. :confused:
also whilst working for a local conservation group i know of several areas that we could stop of at for tea breaks without getting hasstled and that will provide (season specific)hazel, birch, willow, reedmace, rosebay willowherb, and various wild foods.
send me a PM if you want to know more.
it's good to see the group is forming well,
when i have met some more of you (and each other)
we shall set a date for a weekend camp.
just a date for your diary's i will be at the
Norfolk show 28th-29th June(wednesday/thursday),
demonstrating bowdrill firelighting for "woodland survival crafts" located in the woodland crafts area
come and say hello,
(i'll be the youngest least ugly one!!) :lmao: :lmao:
weekender
29-05-2006, 20:21
rappleby
Is it an open invite for the 10-11 th of june it would be great to meet up with others i too am a complete newbie have had a couple of nights out but not what you would call bushcrafting, have you any details ie is it an overnighter etc, as long as work allows i might be able to make it if that is okay.
RAPPLEBY2000
29-05-2006, 21:09
as open as you want it mate!
no qualifications, free, etc etc :D
keep viewing this thread as we may be meeting somewhere else!
i'll be very glad to meet you! bring a friend too if you want!
RAPPLEBY2000
29-05-2006, 21:26
Weekender i just sent you a PM.
Location and time is not a problem. Just tell me where and when and i'll be there mate ;)
RAPPLEBY2000
29-05-2006, 23:18
I've sent a PM to lord lercher he had a place he thought would be nice to visit.
he should get back to me or us in the next day or so. :D
weekender
30-05-2006, 13:10
rappleby
I have sent you a pm look forward to meeting you all just let me know when and where.
RAPPLEBY2000
31-05-2006, 12:46
Hi again i've had a word with Lord Lurcher
he says:
i was thinking possibly the heath at hevingham, woodland scrub and heath land loads of wildlife and foodstuffs!! Its only bout 4 miles out of norwich
sounds good to me!
i reckon it's probably best to meet up somewhere and drive on to the place as a group so everyone can find it!
Somewhere easy to find on the map would be great as i don't know Norwich very well. Any ideas on a date or leave it till closer the weekend?
Fingers crossed we run out of rain by then. :D
I can get to Norwich on the train if I can scrounge a lift from there.
RAPPLEBY2000
31-05-2006, 21:32
we should meet at mousehold first, then drive on(or get picked up) from there.
because you can't miss mousehold and it's sort of the right side of the city.
we just need to decide as a group which is the best day?
10th of June saturday
or
11th of June sunday
(that's not this weekend coming but next weekend)
please put your preferance on this thread as it will help us all see what everyone else is doing.
by the way i am happy to meet both days!
lets bring some tarps and get a bit of a camp going (british weather :rolleyes: )
i'm sure snufkin will demo his flint/steel.
i'll bring my bow-drill kit
anyone else is welcome to bring their own kit!
NO OPEN FIRES but if you have a kelly kettle or portable wood burning stove, i'm sure we can be careful enough, bring it along and we'll get some hot drinks on the go.
and remember no big knives, or weapons keep sharp stuff away untill we have our own campsite away from the public view!
cheers!
RAPPLEBY2000
31-05-2006, 22:01
for those unfamiliar with mousehold area, there are basically 2 ways of finding it:
1. from outside Norwich follow the A140 (outer ringroad)to the north of the city it changes into theA1042.
from the A1042, turn towards the city onto gurney road(going through woods),
follow the road down hill round a sharp left then right when it opens out there is a fenced playing field on the left and a set back retaurant on the right with a large Oak tree in it's forecourt that's our meeting place.
2. traveling from in the city follow the Inner ring road or A147 either way but head north. you need to turn at the Ketts hill roundabout!
from the east (train station) a river will be on your left.
from the west(duel carridgeway) a steep grass bank on your left
from either way turn up the hill on to gurney road (a small road inbetween a high brick wall and a pub), follow the road up hill it has several sweeping corners as you go up, (stay on the road)eventually you will go down hill and vere to the right with a fenced playing field on your right and the resteraunt with a big Oak tree on your left
hope the instructions aren't too complex! :)
10th is my preferance but I could still do the 11th.
I'll bring my flint and steel along and charcloth for folks to play with.
I've also just been experimenting with beef jerky, so if anyones feeling brave enough to try it.....
weekender
01-06-2006, 12:31
the 11th is okay with me what time? :D
lord lurcher
01-06-2006, 19:42
hello there chaps! I can do either day at any time! I'll just go with the flow.
RAPPLEBY2000
02-06-2006, 00:36
11th is sounding the favourite so far!
RAPPLEBY2000
02-06-2006, 21:14
how about lunchtime, as a time to meet then if people haven't had their lunch(i won't have) they can bring food with them?
we can try out my tarp experiment! i bought some IPK sheets and fixed them together with grommets! sounds wierd i know, but it might just work for a group our size.
i don't know if you've been to the thetford scout camp we go to, but one of the weekend meets i was with Fenlander and his mate sprock, sprock had brought with him loads of serious canvas gear and we had a really nice social food area out of the rain.
at that time i was considering buying several IPK sheets to make such a shelter again, which i have! ;) it also suits me for my teaching.
i think i may need to add glue or tank tape(you'll see what i mean).
i may need advice! :rolleyes:
so far our this outing the group looks like it's going to be:
RAPPLEBY2000 (me)
Snufkin
lord lurcher
weekender
and possibly Jay-Jay or Longstrider
other members of the Norwich/Norfolk group
:You_Rock_ yes that's right other members! :You_Rock_
unfortunatley these guy's (that you may not know about) are working, out of the area, or studying hopefully we shall meet them later in the year!:
Biddlesby (is probably in the middle of exams! :( )
Kane
Damascus
billycan (is probably in the middle of exams! :( )
westnorfolk
Cronos
and i'm sure if anyone can contact him
R-bowskill would come along too!
most have said they are able to join us later in the year! we look forward to meeting you all!
:You_Rock_ so we've got a bigger goup than you thought? :You_Rock_
if you are on the don't know list for the 11th june meet could you tell us ASAP so we know how many of us there will be, don't forget we can provide some transport!
cheers.
Westnorfolk
03-06-2006, 08:52
hello there
thanks for the message rap, cant make the next weekend due to work but am keeping an eye on the tread and shifting work out of weekends so look forward to comming to one a bit later.
RAPPLEBY2000
03-06-2006, 21:24
Hi westNorfolk
i drove past your area the other day, it looks ok!
do you know of any nice areas so we could come and meet you?
i did alot of my canoe/kayak/sailing training in leziete area i'm sure we could do stuff there, do you know it?
it's just south of Kings lynn :)
and would you believe it it has some hills! :lmao:
RAPPLEBY2000
04-06-2006, 19:51
Hi just spoken to a friend of mine today, and he says he'll join us next sunday too! to see what we're about, so no guns or worm eating please :lmao:
also Kimboko said he might be able to join us on the odd occasion so we look forward to meeting him too! he's a scout leader so he has loads of info and experience!
:You_Rock_
just going off to see if i can collect some of the fluffy stuff that's floating past my house dunno what it is but looks good for tinder! ;)
RAPPLEBY2000
04-06-2006, 23:16
the fluffy stuff is willow seed an also i think prehaps poplar?
i've got two carrier bags of the stuff anyway i'll have to see how good it is!
plus i got my first mozzie bite today! :sigh:
oh well it just means the weathers warming up! :D
But not next w/e.
The fluffy stuff is from Poplar hence the American name cottonwood.
Westnorfolk
05-06-2006, 10:28
Hi westNorfolk
i drove past your area the other day, it looks ok!
do you know of any nice areas so we could come and meet you?
i did alot of my canoe/kayak/sailing training in leziete area i'm sure we could do stuff there, do you know it?
it's just south of Kings lynn :)
and would you believe it it has some hills! :lmao:
hello there, yes i know leziete, it looks like a good place. one area that is good is near sandringam on the a148 - i spend some time in the woods there waiting for the muntjacks to get run over (hmm tasty) or on the wash, bit crowded this time of year though.
and of course we have hills, dont you know i am nearly one foot above sea level. we have to all chew on cocao leaves and drink yak butter tea to cope with the altitude :-)
RAPPLEBY2000
05-06-2006, 12:56
:lmao: :lmao:
westnorfolk
it took me a while to get round the sea level bit, my parent's in law live aprox 1 meter above sealevel though just down the road it's 2 meters below! and still dry!
if you go on the train between Ely and march sometimes they flood the floodplains! boy did that shock me first time i saw it! :eek:
in a train at 60mph and all you can see out the windows either side is water! :eek: very weird!
if you can give me some details (map ref's)i will check them out next time i'm up that way!
Kimboko
cheers for that yet another thing i've learned today! :D
I'm still up for the 11th but I'll have to be back at Norwich train station by 4.30 to get my train. Hope that's not a problem for whoever's driving me :) .
If you folks want to stay out and play longer I quite understand and I can meet you all next time.
RAPPLEBY2000
05-06-2006, 23:57
I'm pretty sure we can organise that between us
just remind us on the day.
i'm bringing my car and Lord lurcher is bringing his so don't worry ;)
I'll see if i can bring another friend along too, he will want to be back around that time anyway.
Cool, I'll be there then :) .
RAPPLEBY2000
08-06-2006, 00:22
:( just made and tried a "fire thong" :aargh4:
very annoying!
it got hot and smelt of smoke but that's all! :(
if you guys are out and about there is loads of poplar fluffy seed stuff around excellent for fire starting! go gather!
i'm looking forward to sunday now, lets hope it stays dry!
So it's all set for Sunday 11th, around lunchtime @ Mousehold Heath yes?
When do you have lunch and what is a 'fire thong'?- Tool or underpants.
RAPPLEBY2000
08-06-2006, 21:13
:lmao:
fire thong its tight underwear after a curry :lmao:
sorry :o
i'll bring mine along to show you, it's another friction fire method using a strip of rattan or leather (the thong)which i have only just started trying, very tricky! (theres a whole thread on it under "fire" in the skills section) i have around 35 survival/bushcraft books and it's only in two of them!
this tells you how tricky it is! i.e. very :eek:
This sunday 1.30pm at mousehold heath, i won't have had lunch so i'm bringing sarnies.
just to confirm we will be under the big tree in the carpark of Zaks (it's not an oak tree, but it looks like one).
weekender
09-06-2006, 15:23
sorry guys im not going to be able to make it after all something has come up at work which i have to attenend too, let me know and i will also keep an eye on this thread for future meets, sorry no in fact im gutted
lord lurcher
09-06-2006, 18:47
see y'all at 1.30 then guys
sorry guys im not going to be able to make it after all something has come up at work which i have to attenend too, let me know and i will also keep an eye on this thread for future meets, sorry no in fact im gutted
Too bad mate but don't worry they'll be other meets in the future.
RAPPLEBY2000
09-06-2006, 22:38
don't worry we'll keep you posted! :(
i'm hopeing there will be a few photos to post as well i'd do it myself but i haven't a clue! :o
RAPPLEBY2000
10-06-2006, 20:38
Just a heads up for tomorrow,
sunshine forecast, hot like today, but slightly cloudy
:D NO RAIN!!! :D
make sure you bring some drink with you also if you are fair haired like me suncream, possibly insect repellent (i'll go back to sucking eggs now ;) )
last request for anyone that has not made themselves known
everyone is welcome (as long as we know you're comming)
we are meeting tomorrow, transport is available,
we will congregate at Zac's carpark at the big tree mousehold heath, Norwich, at 1:30pm tomorrow (sunday 11th June), send me a PM if we do not know about you yet!
RAPPLEBY2000
11-06-2006, 20:25
well, we had a great meet up today!
we went to whitlingham park area (east norwich) rather than hevingham heath due to lots of hold ups on the roads.
those present were:
myself(rappleby2000).
Snufkin
Lord lurcher
and Jay Jay (forgive me i can't remember the 2 younger peoples names :o )
had a great time i demo'd the Bow drill everyone had a go and everyone produced fire! Fantastic :You_Rock_
what more can i say!
:You_Rock_
there are soon to be photos of the days event!
knowing the group a little now i think it wise to organise a camp in the near future!
thought for the day:
"don't leave your car key's in other persons car " :rolleyes: ooops!
It was a grand day out :)
Here be pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/LJintheUK/bushcraft/2006_0611Image0002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/LJintheUK/bushcraft/2006_0611Image0003.jpg
Jay Jay got his coal going so fast I didn't get a pic of it but here he is blowing it into life.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/LJintheUK/bushcraft/2006_0611Image0005.jpg
Lord Lurcher getting his coal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/LJintheUK/bushcraft/2006_0611Image0008.jpg
And breathing it into fire.
Looking forward to the next meetup hopefully a weekender.
RAPPLEBY2000
11-06-2006, 23:49
prehaps we should note it was Jay-Jay's first ever attempt.
and we don't have a picture of your good self!
ohh i need to lose some weight! :o
cheers for the pics Snifkin. very good!
I have some vids to upload.
Will post some links when i can.
Nice pics Snufkin :)
Good day out too, cheers lads......oh look someones keys :drive:
RAPPLEBY2000
12-06-2006, 14:34
Hi just an idea from Damascus,
how about a mid week meet up for those free midweek?
tell us your best days and i shall organise!
also i just PM'd Biddlesby for info on the scout camp at Garlverston, has anyone else got contact details?
aparently it's a nice site not far from norwich! i shall try to research it!
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/794998L.JPG
Snufkin in action.
Finaly managed to get pics to work yay! So here goes..
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/792839L.JPG
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/792829L.JPG
RAPPLEBY2000 Showing how it should be done.
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/794982L.JPG
Some kind of hammock thingy.
Few video's to follow just as soon as they have been 'moderator approved' :You_Rock_
Yet more photos...
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/795163L.JPG
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/795174L.JPG
My attempt :D
http://media.vidilife.com/image/2006/6/11/719716/795186L.JPG
Lord Lurcher 'givin it sum wellie'
lord lurcher
12-06-2006, 20:00
Firstly many thanks to jay for returnung my keys!!! that was above and beyond the call of duty mate, many thanks. Photos look wicked. Thanks to rich for the bow drill tuition and for organising things i really enjoyed myself, looking forward to another SOON! thanks guys :You_Rock_
Here are the video links. I hope they work ok...
Jim finds out how hard it is. (http://www.vidiLife.com/index.cfm?f=media.play&vchrMediaProgramIDCryp=C058550 0-3A34-45EF-A460-4)
RAPPLEBY2000 making it look simple. (http://www.vidiLife.com/index.cfm?f=media.play&vchrMediaProgramIDCryp=ECD72B0 F-8FE0-41D3-A08D-5)
Lord Lurcher easily lights up another. (http://www.vidiLife.com/index.cfm?f=media.play&vchrMediaProgramIDCryp=EDB0C6E D-E5E3-46DA-91D5-1)
Excellent afternoon spent in the woods. Just wish we'd had more time to spare :D
Look forward to the next one.
Great pics and videos Jay Jay :You_Rock_ .
RAPPLEBY2000
12-06-2006, 23:17
:You_Rock_ :You_Rock_ :You_Rock_
top notch electriktrickry!
Jay jay you've done a fantastic job!
it's wierd it's the first time i've seen myself teach!
i look really relaxed, i never thought i did!(it's special instructor magic! ;) )
well, today i contacted Biddlesby about a campsite at a place called Garlveston which is quite close to Norwich, it's a scout campsite with toilets and areas to light fires in not much in the way of trees for hammocks but from pictures i've seen 2 ,3 or mabey more could be put up! but to be safe i would take a tent or tarp.
anyway thanks to Biddlesby i have the contact details and i've sent an E-mail asking permission to camp there.
if all goes well we should be able to camp there soon!
i shall try to find the thetford details too! as it's a really nice camp!
RAPPLEBY2000
13-06-2006, 23:25
still waiting for a reply :confused:
RAPPLEBY2000
15-06-2006, 22:15
still no luck on the campsite i'm afraid,
i shall try to contact them another way(one of the E-mails is not working).
well my Boss has "let me off" some more days :( so more time to play in the summer! :rolleyes:
when do people want to meet again? any preferred dates?
Biddlesby
15-06-2006, 23:13
Have you tried the phone number?
Looks like good fun, hope I will be there next time.
still no luck on the campsite i'm afraid,
i shall try to contact them another way(one of the E-mails is not working).
well my Boss has "let me off" some more days :( so more time to play in the summer! :rolleyes:
when do people want to meet again? any preferred dates?
Too bad about work :(
I'm not about for a fortnight but what about the weekend of the 15th-16th July?
RAPPLEBY2000
16-06-2006, 09:35
15th-16th july looks free for me
(another time i was ment to be away!)
but on the plus side i can have fun with you guys! :You_Rock_
i'll see what i can sort out.
i just tried calling the Garvlston site but it's on answer, so i'll ring later today. :)
RAPPLEBY2000
16-06-2006, 13:31
Very good news!
i have just booked the Garlveston scout camp site
for the weekend of:
5th-6th August
£1.50p per person/night
(there was no space in july)
it sounds like a really nice site surrounded by trees,
a small wooded area,
huge field
3 flush loos
and a campfire area.
unfortunately we can oly light fires in the "camp fire" area though you can camp near it.
we are welcome to use hammocks but there's not space for many so prehaps be prepared to use a tarp insted, the warden also suggested using pioneering poles to make some sort of structure, :confused: but thats up to you.
many of the "trees" are too small for hammock use.
be aware
there are no shops in garvleston, the nearest is Tescos in dereham several miles away.
there's no mention of showers but hey i'm sure we can rough it! ;)
there are no neighbours apart from a church yard (they don't make much noise).
the site will not have anyone else on it so it's all ours!
so make your excuses to the boss and family,
make space in your diary,
pack your bags,
and come along!
i will need details ASAP about whos coming, to figure out the cost.
RAPPLEBY2000
16-06-2006, 13:51
to get to it i was given some rather confusing directions but i've de-coded it.
from Norwich follow the A47 southern bypass to Dereham,
at Dereham take a left on to the wymondham road B1135,
a few miles down the B1135 is Garvestone, turn right into the village.
aparently the entrance to the camp site is a small track next to a church,
there apears to be 1 church track next to it half way through the village on the right.
grid ref: TG 023 073(if that's any help)
Biddlesby might be able to clarify that one for us a bit!
I'll be there, if someone would be good enough to pick me up from Norwich station. And I'll tarp it to leave space for all you tree dwellers.
As there are flush toilets I suppose there is running water available?
RAPPLEBY2000
16-06-2006, 22:41
i'm sure a lift can be organised for you Snufkin same goes for everyone else too if you need one!
water, yes cold tap water will be available, hmmm...heaven for shaving with :rolleyes: !
i have opened the camping weekend to the East anglia , lincolnshire and peterborough, groups too, as i think it's good for groups to meet up too!
RAPPLEBY2000
16-06-2006, 23:08
just a few pointers for first time bushcraft campers:
Blades
axes and various knives are fine on site, but for your own safety and legal reasons, keep them in your bag till you get there.
food
bring plenty, there are no shops nearby!
by all means experiment with bannock bread, wild foods etc as long as you have enough to fill you up as well.
Water
as i've already said, there is a tap.
cooking
bring your own camping type cooker or feel free to cook on the open fire, just be aware of fire hazards in and near to tarps.
fuel
aparently there is fire wood available but it would be nice to collect from the woods so we don't use it all up!
alcohol
i don't know, i'll have to check it out, usually wardens don't mind a few bevvy's round the camp fire.
First aid
i am a qualified first aider.
(please tell us if you are!)
shelters
it's up to you, you can rough it in a plastic survival bag or bring your mountaineering tent, bashas, poncho's, tarpaulins, hammocks whatever!
Biddlesby
16-06-2006, 23:12
The B1135 is the main road going through Garveston, so try not to go past and miss the village! The track is indeed next to the church, and is opposite to Town Lane which goes down the hill.
Can't see any reason why I can't attend so I should be there. It's about the easiest place possible for me to get to!
lord lurcher
17-06-2006, 12:10
Snufkin, I'll give you a lift mate, i know where the site is as well so we can go straight there! If you guys are up for it i can bring along a few brace of rabbits to cook up. They'll be in the skin tho so you'll have to dress them out! Anyone unsure of how to do this i'd be more than happy to show them. let me know nearer the time if you're up for it ( the ones i've got at the mo might be a bit smelly by then! :lmao: )
Biddlesby
18-06-2006, 10:03
I'm always up for skinning a rabbit!
RAPPLEBY2000
18-06-2006, 20:32
Exellent idea Lord Lurcher!
i'll be up for a skinning too! haven't skinned a rabbit for ages!
i remember washing my hands many times and the smell lingering ! :yuck:
(and no i didn't split the gut! :rolleyes: )
probably worth investing in some plastic hygine gloves!
i was talking to Snufkin 2nd time we met and we were talking about haveing a bushcraft food taster meal, including foods not normally eaten.
with our groups joint knowledge we should be able to find loads.
big thanks goes to Biddlesby for sending me the contact details for the camp site! :You_Rock_
another question for you Biddlesby, are there any local footpaths to the site we could explore for foods?
RAPPLEBY2000
18-06-2006, 22:19
Hi guy's i'm meeting up with Damascus tomorow, for a mooch around his area, possibly involving some dead bunnys
i'll tell you what we get up to! :)
i answered a post of Biddlesby's earlier about hand drills, which got me thinking, please if anyone needs help or advice bring whatever it is along when we meet up and between all of us we should be able to help out!
also if anyone is looking for a material and can't get hold of it for example a piece of holly for a bearing block (which i have loads of).
let thegroup know and hopefully when we meet we can help each other out :grouphug:
and remeber those that don't know:
Very good news!
i have just booked the Garlveston scout camp site
for the weekend of:
5th-6th August
£1.50p per person/night
(check back in the thread for details)
come along all are invited!
Biddlesby
18-06-2006, 22:28
There is a network of footpaths around the area that you can go exploring. How rich a food resource they are might be limited. I've found some reedmace at the other end of the village, and I've been told there are some pignuts in the area. Having only recently got into the hobby I must admit I haven't really explored the potential as much as I should've, particularly not up the scout field way, so it would be interesting to.
RAPPLEBY2000
18-06-2006, 23:11
Cheers can you be our appointed expert guide? ;)
RAPPLEBY2000
19-06-2006, 16:13
well i met up with Damascus today.....right lets get this straight right away...... :eek: :yikes: :Wow: :notworthy can this man fish or what!?
i think Damascus from here-on should be known as Damascus "the fish"!
well what can i say!
i can't(won't) go into too much detail be cause the site we went to was private land and i don't want to advertise the place without Damascus's permission.
well we met up and i followed his car through a village to a very long dirt track near the outskirts of Norwich, after a 5 minute drive we stopped and he showed me a really nice private fishing lake surrounded with dense woodland and farmland of which he is the balif.
after a short time we discussed the group what we've done and how it would be nice to meet at this place, only problem no open fires! (though camping cookers should be fine) it's a very overgrown place, shoulder high in foliage, but plenty of places for hammocks, and even a small stream with fish! :D
otherwise it's a free for all!(if invited!)
also he mentioned another area nearby that would be good for a camp!
which i thought was fantastic,
then he went on to show me how to make a "survival" fishing rod, with a fishing kit bought from poundland, and got out his own telescopic rod to catch around 10 fish in about half an hour! :Wow:
literally cast the line and he'd get a bite in seconds!
i caught 1 fairly big one with my survival fishing rod!(beginners luck! :D ).
we then sat and had boil in the bag army ration for lunch which he kindly supplied! :approve:
with out going into much detail Damascus has an extensive military background with a wealth of experience in survival, hunting and fishing!
unfortunately he has prior engagements with various youth groups so we won't see much of him but I'll definately organise some more meets in the week so others can meet up! :You_Rock_
RAPPLEBY2000
20-06-2006, 16:05
just put up a new thread with the details of the garvestone camp comming up!
don't add comments to it, or we will get confusing overlap of the threads, cheers!
RAPPLEBY2000
21-06-2006, 23:06
does anyone fancy meeting up this monday afternoon or evening coming?
What sort of time are ya thinking of matey ?
I'm always up for a bit of time off work :approve:
RAPPLEBY2000
22-06-2006, 23:31
tell you what, give us an estimate on when you would get here and we'll go on that?
by the way Damascus, has some very good news for us! :D
i shall let him tell us all in good time! ;)
RAPPLEBY2000
25-06-2006, 22:39
ok heres the deal, damascus has found us a plot of woodland only 6 miles from Norwich that we can do whatever on for free!
aparently it's so overgrown we'll need to clear it first! but hey i'm up for it!
i can't go into detail yet as it's a friend of Damascus's, and he just needs to check it's safe etc.
so is anyone wanting to meet tomorrow?
you'll have to tell me pretty quick! :You_Rock_
That sounds great stuff mate, but not today - it's chucking it down :(
Count me in to clear it if you need help and i have a nice new chainsaw if you need to borrow one :D
RAPPLEBY2000
26-06-2006, 11:22
Ahhh rain, :( yes i diddn't see the forecast! oh well!
Count me in to clear it if you need help and i have a nice new chainsaw if you need to borrow one
:You_Rock_ cheers for that mate, i don't actually know what the owner means by "over grown", it might just be weeds!
Damascus did mention "cutting our way in" though! :D
can't imagine that'll be fun :naughty:
what ever happens when we do turn up remember good impressions last! so best behaviour chaps ;) ! and we could spend may meetings there!
hopefully Damascus will get bacjk to us about the details! :)
Damascus
26-06-2006, 18:44
Hi all, I have spoke to and got the go ahead to use the wood :deal: , it is small in lots of ways but he has a bit of farm land connected to it. The site is only a short distance from the farm house so I would like to keep the numbers small say about four the first time we use it and take it from there.
The only thing we need to do now is set a date, problem as Rappleby knows is me finding the time but I plan to do a test drive within the next month or so, I'll keep you posted.
D :lmao:
RAPPLEBY2000
26-06-2006, 20:12
how about we do quick day trip (few hours) to check the place out? so we can do our good impression thing! ;)
Damascus
26-06-2006, 20:20
I had that in mind see PM.
D
RAPPLEBY2000
26-06-2006, 20:43
Well, :D we shall soon be able to use the site!
anyone want to meet up in the next few weeks?
RAPPLEBY2000
30-06-2006, 09:41
A BIG HELLO! :You_Rock_
to all those people i met at the norfolk show! over the last two days on the woodland survival crafts stall (firelighting),
please just dive in!
ask what ever you want!
and please feel very welcome to join us when we meet up!
if you want PM, or E-mail me first if you want to! :D
Westnorfolk
30-06-2006, 13:42
[QUOTE=RAPPLEBY2000]:lmao: :lmao:
if you can give me some details (map ref's)i will check them out next time i'm up that way!
Hi Rap
sorry took so long, had to buy a map, skint and all that. references are TF683293 for the roundabout and woods where the muntjack are and TF647335 for Snetisham beach. was up there a few days ago and its swarming with holiday makers etc. so may be better to leave that for the winter :-0
hope all is well and have a good time at the show.
David
RAPPLEBY2000
30-06-2006, 20:40
Ah i see, i had to search the thread but here is the other reference to your post,
hello there, yes i know leziete, it looks like a good place. one area that is good is near sandringam on the a148 - i spend some time in the woods there waiting for the muntjacks to get run over (hmm tasty) or on the wash, bit crowded this time of year though.
and
references are TF683293 for the roundabout and woods where the muntjack are and TF647335 for Snetisham beach. was up there a few days ago and its swarming with holiday makers etc. so may be better to leave that for the winter :-0
some of the new guy's won't have read the first part of the thread. ;)
well it sounds like a nice place can't say i've been there but it sounds nice
heres a map of the wooded area you mentioned
http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/output1/gam/gam_ordsvywat-sun-17341812950860.png
any bushcrafty camp sites nearby?
cheers! :D
Biddlesby
30-06-2006, 21:02
Exams are finally over. Ended with a three hour (in the stinking heat...) maths extension paper. I will thus be able and (very) willing for some bushcraft foray's/meets over the summer: although for the next two weeks I can only make weekends.
I've been looking forward to getting out there with all this green.
RAPPLEBY2000
01-07-2006, 09:02
:35: :You_Rock_
well done mate, i remember what that was like!
we will be doing more as the year goes on!
i have nothing planned next weekend, haven't got the car this'n seeing parents in law!
does anyone want to have a meet up?
next weekend, Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th of July?
Biddlesby
01-07-2006, 22:22
Sounds good, but where?
How do all, Just got back from my holidays :) . Thanks for the offer of a lift Lord Lurcher, much appreciated :) . And I'd be up for a meet on the 8th (can't make the Sunday).
RAPPLEBY2000
02-07-2006, 14:49
how about up your way snufkin, no ones been that way!
you could take us to your local walk/wooded area
what d'you think?
also Biddleby do you have transport?
i would love to come, would you be staying overnight or just in the day time
i will have to ask my parents
i am 14 would i be able to come on my own or would my dad have to come
leon
RAPPLEBY2000
02-07-2006, 16:14
Hi leon,
i just sent you a PM,
because you are under 18 it's best you bring an adult,
for 3 reasons,
1 it covers our back as far as responsibility goes,insurance, and various child/minor saftey reasons we have nowerdays.
i know it seems patronising but i work in the business and know how easy it is to get into problems with legislation :nono:
2 i know when i was 14, my parents would have been worried about me meeting strange men in the woods! :eek:
3 free taxi service ;) (only kidding)!
yes do bring an adult, it will keep everyone happy!
but on the flip side,
we are friendly, you will learn something, and we have loads of stuff planned!
your dad (or whoever), is welcome to join in with anything we do!
you will read back on previous posts the best stuff to bring i.e.
clothes suitable for a walk in the countryside, alot of the places we go are public which means dog mess is about so don't bring brand new trainers! :yuck:
bring some drink, and food if you want.
also bring along some of your kit if you want to show us or ask questions about!
please note: no big knives or weapons
we are all in the same boat, we're all learning!
but don't feel under pressure, we'll still just be happy to meet you and your dad!
hope to see you soon!
im not sure but i think we are on holiday that weekend is there any other meets, weekends going on in the same sort of area if so please let me know dates etc
thanks leon
RAPPLEBY2000
02-07-2006, 16:45
will do! ;)
how about up your way snufkin, no ones been that way!
you could take us to your local walk/wooded area
what d'you think?
also Biddleby do you have transport?
To tell the truth there isn't much nice stuff around my way. The local wood is forestry commission plantation, so not very exciting, except in mushroom season. We could mooch along Weaver's Way for a bit to Felmingham Heath, it's not very big but it's quite nice. I haven't been up there for a while so I don't know what the gorse is like. If people are interested I could pop up on my bike and have a look and see.
RAPPLEBY2000
02-07-2006, 23:18
it's up to you,
or can you think of somewhere else local you haven't been for a while?
Biddlesby
03-07-2006, 20:10
also Biddleby do you have transport?
Not any of my own, so it's trains and boats and planes - or the parents. Have applied for a provisional licence, though.
RAPPLEBY2000
03-07-2006, 22:58
Hi biddlesby could you PM with not your home adress but your local area so i can figure out the best way for us to all meet up, i know roughly where everyone else is!
prehaps we can meet up some where nearer to you Biddlesby, so it's less difficult to get to?
cheers.
hi am i welcome to this meet up
if so when is it ?
and
where is it ?
thanks leon
RAPPLEBY2000
04-07-2006, 09:12
Leon you are very keen! :rolleyes:
don't worry.....
we'll tell you when it is......
just keep watching the thread,
as i said it takes weeks sometimes to decide on dates and times as many of us have work and families to consider as well!
all in good time....all, in good time!
:240: just chill,
:cool: relax and wait for it to be organised!
;)
as i've said on the thread everyone is welcome, as long as you keep an eye on whats happening on the thread you won't miss out! ;)
yes i will keep an eye out on the thread
RAPPLEBY2000
04-07-2006, 20:28
:lmao:
feels like the whole world is watching :lmao:
Just to explane Leon-b sent me about 6 PM's in half an hour, which is why i said chill. ;)
this next meet is going to be next weekend saturday or sunday it'll be in the norwich area, i'm thinking south norwich?
do you know Ringland hills?
nice place genuinely hilly, :eek: no really, proper hills!
i've done loads of stuff up there its a nice place if you want to see a different part of rural Norfolk also it's really easy to get to from the A47 for those living south of Norwich.
any opionions? :)
i would love to come but i am already camping out that weekend
thanks leon
Biddlesby
04-07-2006, 20:38
Should be able to make that. Hopefully I'll have my tatonaka (sp?) tarp by then. Don't know Ringland Hills specifically - but I've been to the ever popular riverbank there quite a few times. Just wish I had a canoe!
Will have to come late afternoon on Saturday, and leave late afternoon on Sunday.
RAPPLEBY2000
04-07-2006, 20:44
just to clarify we aren't camping overnight! :(
it'll be one day or the other prehaps both if there's enough interest!
that's this week end coming 8th 9th july, hopefully it won't be too hot by then!:)
Biddlesby
04-07-2006, 21:02
Ah that's simpler then. Should be getting cooler towards the end of the week, thank god!
RAPPLEBY2000
07-07-2006, 00:01
ok guys, time is drawing near!
can i have a show of hands for
Saturday or Sunday!
what sat and sunday?
where ?
leon
I can make Saturday. Where and when?
Yep Saturday is good for me too...
RAPPLEBY2000
07-07-2006, 12:07
ok this saturday "tomorow"!
you know what i was saying about watching the thread? ;)
leon-b look at the top of this page 4 posts ago!
OK meet up tomorow, at top carpark in ringland hills.
for those unfamiliar we'll meet nearby then go to it!
meet at Mc Donalds carpark it's on the left just off the A47 as you come into Norwich!
from swaffham direction (south west)on the A47 take the first turning into Norwich, at the roundabout turn left, then on follow the road (longwater lane)and take first left this should lead you towards sainsbury's and turn left again and you'll find Mc Donalds!
from east Gt. yarmouth direction and the A11 (this ones for you Leon-b ;) ) go on to the A47 towards swaffham, take the last turning to norwich (Norfolk show ground, cosstessy, bowthorpe turning), turn Right at the roundabout, then left (onto longwater lane)at the next keep turning left and you'll find Mc Donalds.
we'll meet at 1PM that gives people time to have thier lunch if they want.
if you're meeting us at Ringland hills make it quarter past (13:15)!
ok stuff to bring?
there were some pools of water last time i went, which means there may be Mosquitoes in some areas, so bring at least a long sleaved top and some bug repellent!i went walking recently and got eaten alive!)
Obviously because it's hot bring water!
no big knives or other things that could be seen as weapons!
bring a tarp, hammock, food, drink, new kit you want to try out, kit you want to show off anything really!
how about we do some tarp setting up in the cool shade?
i have several i can bring. i can show you some tarp techniques if you want!
so that's 1pm tomorrow, at the Mc Donalds carpark, long water estate, just of the A47.
Can i see a show of hands so we know how many of us are coming!
(snufkin, i'll have some "kit" for you to take home, remind me when we get there or i might forget!! :)
lord lurcher
07-07-2006, 16:44
I'm in, see you at top car park at 1.15, look forward to it :)
Can some kind person give me a lift from Norwich train station?
Grrr somethings come up so I wont be able to make it today :( . Hope you all have fun though :) . Catch you next time.
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2006, 10:21
oh well,
mabey next time, i was just going to say i could pick you up! :(
oh well,
mabey next time, i was just going to say i could pick you up! :(
Cheers mate, I was going to bring my hand drill set as I finally managed to get a coal last night :D (I cheated slightly by using a thumb loop). I wont be able to demo it until the blisters go down but other folks could have had a try.
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2006, 11:13
Blisters...phew i know what that's like!
and thumb loops isn't cheating! it's a well recognised technique, used by (my boss) Dave Watson himself!
i was looking forward to my steel :(
i guess you were looking forward to your wood supply! :(
prehaps we could meet up in the week?, i'll PM!
Blisters...phew i know what that's like!
and thumb loops isn't cheating! it's a well recognised technique, used by (my boss) Dave Watson himself!
i was looking forward to my steel :(
i guess you were looking forward to your wood supply! :(
prehaps we could meet up in the week?, i'll PM!
I haven't had a chance to fire up the forge yet so no steel. As I can't make the meet up I may have some time later in the day to have a play.
By the way, I used that wood we collected (was it clematis? I can't remember) as my hearth, with a budlea drill.
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2006, 16:04
:D gleeee!
ah clematis, that age old remedy!
i told you my boss has to buy his supply! :lmao: :lmao:
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2006, 16:26
Hi what we got up to today!
well if anyone else had turned up it would have been a crowd :(
anyway "Lord lurcher" and i had a nice walk around Ringland hills
we stopped to try my new home made group shelter, made form 3 IPK sheets, it's not put up as i normally would but you get the idea!
it's a bit shabby from this angle, but theres a Burghaus 100l bag leaned up against it to show scale!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid209/p3eb08b73850c57a72da28fe590397 281/ee1fbd86.jpg
next my glamorous assistant shows the inside set up as a roof & wall.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid209/pf18e2b2076017ffa02af875b16126 a75/ee1fbd6b.jpg
and a side view, it's fair to say if put up correctly it will be fine, but it was wobbly when i took the photos!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid209/pdeef4f7b553bfe669e8a187338a60 4ba/ee1fbd4b.jpg
we came across lloads of BMX/Mountain bike jumps ramps and a seemingly suicidal jump of 8ft+ aimed at a tree i'll take photos next time, you won't believe it!:eek: :eek:
we had a good chat and after exploring the area, which is fairly large and full of bushcraft goodies we stopped and i taught Lordlurcher how to make string from bramble, we also found Birch bark poliphore(?) fungus that's excellent for knife sharpening ember holding/growing, and as shown on ray mears bushcraft programe a sticky plaster (don't ask!).
please if you can't come next time give me some notice as soon as you can! :(
Looks like a useful shelter. I've heared from some of my riding mates that Ringlands is pretty mental. I'm a XC rider an and like to keep my tyres on the ground.
Hopefully I'll be able to make the next meetup, sorry to let you guys down at such short notice :o
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2006, 17:08
Hopefully I'll be able to make the next meetup, sorry to let you guys down at such short notice
that's ok, you gave me loads of warning! ;)
I've heared from some of my riding mates that Ringlands is pretty mental
Mental is putting it mildly :1244: !
i 've seen alot of mad mountain biking in magazines like Mountin bike UK and various videos showing stunts and jumps but the jump we saw was something else! litterally a home made ramp at shoulder height 2ft wide at the most 30 ft long and aimed 8 ft high into thin air!
i can do drop offs and a fair bit of trials skills but seriously you could kill yourself on this'n! :togo: you'd need a seriously expensive bike just to take the stress from the fall! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Biddlesby
08-07-2006, 22:09
Well I tried to come! I realised the meet was on a bit late, and set off at 3:45 on a rickety bike. Took me 45 minutes, and don't mention the hills around ringland. I also cycled in circles a bit around ringland until i realised what was "ringland hills" were the woods I've been numerous times but always thought of as "ringland"! Anyway I had a few experiments (finally got clematis bark to light with a firesteel - and you're right about it being a good hearth for a handrill, rappelby; close but no ember), then cycled home. It would be good to have your mobile number(s) in future!
RAPPLEBY2000
09-07-2006, 16:58
sorry to hear about the wasted trip sounds tiring!
i was with Lord lucher all over the hills so you'd have been lucky to find us anyway! ;)
what i'll do is send a PM with My mobile no.! :)
RAPPLEBY2000
09-07-2006, 17:01
what i'm going to do shortly is start a new thread for this group, as you can see from the page number it's 18 pages!
anyone first wanting to join us will have to read the whole lot to find out what we're about!
what i'll do on the first few pages is show some of our photo's and film! to show newbies what we're about!
don't worry it'll be the same name same people!
RAPPLEBY2000
09-07-2006, 17:51
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
Don't post anything else here theres a new Norwich norfolk group thread!
see you on the new thread! :)