Across the sea to Ireland (redux)

[Great Pebble]

Hi folks,

Been thinking about this a bit, I'd still like to get something together some weekend on this side of the Irish Sea.

However, and please don't take this as being in any way personal, I'm not too taken with the idea of bivvying halfway up a Mourne with folks I've never clapped eyes on before.

If, of a Saturday evening, one of you decides to wrap a bandanna round your head and sit cross legged with your machete between your knees, beating yourself with nettles, I'd prefer to be able to just get in the car an...ummm... skedaddle.

(The above actually happened to me about 19 years ago in Co. Clare. Bloody long walk to the main road followed by a "dream hitch" direct to Belfast)

I would like to suggest something along the lines of the BCUK meetup, but on a smaller scale, obviously.

Perhaps using a public campsite, close to woodland, where we could practice or hold demonstrations. but close enough to civilization that if anyone is not happy about what's going on they can opt out without danger or hardship.

I'd also like to attract representatives from the local schools, if they're interested. It's a reasonable opportunity for a "live" advertisment....

I'm easy as to location, North or South of the border, West coast...wherever, just wherever offers "bushcraft territory" near at hand and is convenient for the majority.

I hope this doesn't come across as paranoia, I'm sure you're all stand up guys, and once we establish some common ground, we can make whatever arrangements we reckon are suitable for future meets.

Any thoughts?

[Wayne]

i shall be in NI, Antrim and Lurgan at some point from the 11-14 Oct visiting the wifes family. i might be able to spare an evening for a pint. Not sure about it yet just an idea. If any of you NI bods fancy it?

[Great Pebble]

Seldom been known to refuse an opportunity for a pint.

You know the N.I tradition about the visitor paying, right?

[Wayne]

Seldom been known to refuse an opportunity for a pint.

You know the N.I tradition about the visitor paying, right?


:rolmao:

[jamesdevine]

I would be very interested in meetup here but because of my last attempt at triing to organise a meet up I was a bit reluctant mention it again :icon_redf . So good on you GP. :super:

I known of few others down that would be very interested as well but a date, location and fee set up like the BCUK meeting would make things much easier to get people to commit. If you need hand PM me.

James

[Great Pebble]

So.... Location then?
And who else can we invite?

I'm rather sorry to say that my usual preferred location, Tollymore, has, well, gone down hill a bit.
Full of drunken wife beaters and parties of clubbers having impromptu chill out parties after the clubs kick out. Ranger seems disinterested. Not good.

[jamesdevine]

Well I could say Castlewellan but I have only been there once and Anthonio uses it.

I did a little search and found this (http://scouts.curraghchase.com/) I haven't contacted them yet nor have been there but I will give a try over the weekend.

As for inviting folk I don't personal mind once they have something to share or are interested in learning and not just parting.

When would be thinking off holding it.

James

[Great Pebble]

At the moment, lets just say "soon" :-P

I was also thinking that If we use a campsite the potential exists for families to attend, subject to the usual provisos regarding responsibility for the youngsters.

I'd like to see at least half a dozen, but whatever/whoever/wherever we'll work something.

I'm away from tomorrow afternoon until.....I get bored, probably Monday.

That looks like a nice spot and I've got a mate in that area, who has a wee bit of land himself, which might be interesting, if he's in the country - Lives overseas half the year.

[jamesdevine]

No problem families or better halves It make it a little less formal.

AAAA!!! :yikes: I am out of the country for couple of weeks in September which might be a problem for you if you want to do a weekend soon.

I will still get in touch with the site and get back to you all on Monday with what ever info I can.

James :cry:

[Great Pebble]

Don't panic, at the moment you constitute 50% of the entire potential group, it's unlikely to progress too far without you. :rolmao:

[jamesdevine]

Ture :o): . Enjoy your weekend

James

[rapidboy]

I have a few weekend commitments in September but after that count me in.
I did stay at a camp site in Hillsborough last year ,proper site with shower and toilet block etc but the site was pretty quiet and we had it much to ourselves most of the time.
The owner was pretty laid back and was more than happy for us to light a fire and for me to shoot a few rabbits with the air rifle.
There is a lake and some fields but not much in the way of a forest.
Someone also mentioned a Scout site on the Ards Peninsula a while back?
If wives and kids are going i might bring SWMBO.
RB

[Great Pebble]

Yup, families etc. welcome. That campsite sounds like it could be useful.

[rapidboy]

How many Irish /Northern Irish members do we have on here?

[rapidboy]

How many Irish / Northern Irish members do we have on here?

[Ed]

I do hope you manage to pull this off and make it semi regular as there are a couple of welsh members over here that would love to come over and share some skills :biggthump It would have to be sometime next year though as I'm booked up till christmas :yikes: Please keep us informed and let us know how it all goes :-)

Ed

[Great Pebble]

I'm not sure, maybe we're it.

[rapidboy]

That's ok ,if no one show's we can always go to the pub :lol:

[jamesdevine]

There are a few members list but few of them post. Maybe when things are more orgainised a qiuck PM might be sent out.

ED just remeber Visters rule to NI.

James

[Great Pebble]

Hmm, well so far we can all fit in my tent......

[jamesdevine]

LOL :rolmao:

[Great Pebble]

Looks like we might be it guys.....

Small gathering, but still, little acorns and all that.

Mek!

[jamesdevine]

Well if we bring a friend we will be six.

It might be worth PMing some of the non regular members when we have a venue and dates orgainised mybe a month before hand see who bits and as I said bring a firend or two I have a few that would be up to it but aren't into the net yet. So unless it just a BCUK meet up you had in mind


James

[Great Pebble]

No, no, anyone who's interested........

Castlewellan has been suggested as a possible venue, which I'm quite happy with....

[jamesdevine]

Cool I have few friends and two brothers who are interested.

So there could be a few more then just us three and sure you guys as well will have friends and family. Do you have any idea when you would like this to happen ie before the new year or after it? I am easy so long as I have the notice(only draw back to married life).


James

[Great Pebble]

Like to do it in October, but we'll take a straw poll.

[rapidboy]

October should be fine for me.
Bring anyone who's interested as far as im concerned.
How did you get on with the WS Great Pebble?
Cheers
RB

[jamesdevine]

October sounds OK to me too I can probably at the very least get there on a Saturday morning if I can't make the Friday i only have something on with the scouts on the first weekend so any willing to throw a date in there.

James

[Great Pebble]

Gimmie a chance to contact someone else first, then I'll throw out a date.

Re:- W.S. Last I heard was "Give us a couple of weeks to sort it out". A "couple of weeks" is tomorrow. They will be getting a phone call.

[Little Mole]

How about making a decision on this? I can probably get a couple of days off around 25th October.

[jamesdevine]

Hi little mole. I am still very interest and have been tring to get Anthonio over the weekend but I could get him. I will give it ago again today but I think a back up site might be needed.

I could possible do the weekend before the 25th (which is the Monday and start of Q-end here so unless I was in coma I would be expected to be here) but as I said the weekend might should be fine. Anyone else any thoughts.

James

[Great Pebble]

Aye that weekend might do okay.....

[rapidboy]

Right ,so it's Friday 15th ,Sat 16th and Sun 17th ?
I should be ok for that (SWMBO is already moaning that David Kitt is playing that weekend so can we agree pretty quickly in case this ear ache is all for nothing!!)

rb

[Great Pebble]

Actually I was thinking 22/23/24.

[rapidboy]

The 22/23/24 would be best for me but im easy as long as we can confirm soon.
Any idea of venue yet ?
I have made an enquiry about anothre venue but still no response!

rb

[Great Pebble]

Aye, obviously it suits me too. Can't afford to take the following week... Halloween and lots to do.

Venue.... Is the public site at Castelwellan still open? Or YMCA Greenhill.

All I can think of offhand, had sort of relied upon Anthonio getting back to us.