View Full Version : possibility of a Devon Meetup?
greg2935
10-01-2005, 16:44
Can I have a show of hands for all those who might be interested in a meet up for an hour or two in Exeter one afternoon (preferably afternoon), might be nice to put faces to names.
Greg
arctic hobo
10-01-2005, 17:08
Heres one hand :biggthump though I can't guarantee anything as I can't drive :oops: and I work a 7 day week.
I'm good for that :biggthump
Neil
hi greg.. couple of us have been planning a weekender sometime one a campsite on dart moor but an arvo in exeter sounds good!
I'm up for a meetup, I would need to know a while in advance as I work nights and would probably have to take a day/night off work, it would be good to see the west country bushcrafters :wave:
:biggthump another hand from me (if I can make it on that day) :super:
Mallow Man
10-01-2005, 20:56
Sound tentatively good for me
I don't work 7 days a week and I drive.
Mal :naughty:
You can count me in too. I spend alot of time in Seaton so not to far. :biggthump
Sounds like a brilliant idee, count me in. :super:
greg2935
11-01-2005, 09:19
Okay in that case it looks like the only people who would have a problem are Artic hobo and leon-1, when would be best for you two? I would guess if leon works nights, late afternoon would be best, I do not know when Artic hobo works but assume it is in the day. Therefore would late afternoon suit (4pm-ish)? I am guessing most people would prefer weekends. Anyone know a good spot in Exeter (I've only ever been to the train station)? Oh yeah, I don't drive either, but then I can constantly moan about car exhausts and the damage done to the environment :nana:
Greg
arctic hobo
11-01-2005, 09:23
If we're talking weekends, I can easily have Sunday afternoon from 2pm off. Saturdays are less good. :wave:
Okay in that case it looks like the only people who would have a problem are Artic hobo and leon-1, when would be best for you two? I would guess if leon works nights, late afternoon would be best, I do not know when Artic hobo works but assume it is in the day. Therefore would late afternoon suit (4pm-ish)? I am guessing most people would prefer weekends. Anyone know a good spot in Exeter (I've only ever been to the train station)? Oh yeah, I don't drive either, but then I can constantly moan about car exhausts and the damage done to the environment :nana:
Greg
Greg, I can make most days, my work can be very forgiving as long as they get a weeks notice or I can get a bit of leeway with flexi-time (effectively they have a couple of people that do my job, only one of them is willing to do nights, if they upset me they could be a little stuck :naughty:).
You are correct that after 4 is better for me as it takes a little time to become human again, especially after a full moon :o):
Effectively tell me the time and date and I will get there, I know Exeter to a reasonable degree, I do not drive either so can meet up with people at any of the 3 train stations to move onto any other locations from there.
Exeter Cathedral sits up on the hill in the town centre and is reasonably easy to get to (by train, when you come out of the main entrance to Exeter Central Station head left up the road towards the town center about 250-300 meters, at the T-juncution turn left 30 meters then take a right down an alley between two buildings, I can't remember what the shops are at the moment, you will come out in a nice square with the Cathedral pretty much infront and slightly left).
If you come in by bus it is quite well sign posted from the bus station and not very far, in fact the Cathedral is well sign posted throughout the city centre :-).
Mallow Man
11-01-2005, 19:03
Well Tavern Cathedral Green or
Mill on the Exe (near Station) - okay pub with parking and large inside (does Cornish Beer and can sit outside (for all those hardy bushcrafters grrrrr!!!)
Mak
arctic hobo
11-01-2005, 19:21
The pub sounds nice (which station do you mean?) but I think that the cathedral will be easier to get to and more obvious for everyone. Maybe we should have a BCUK flag to identify ourselves :lol:
After 4 is good on a weekday as I finish 4 30, and I could get evening off on a Saturday.
greg2935
12-01-2005, 08:56
Okay then, how about Well Tavern Cathedral Green, Sunday 23rd January, at 3-ish pm?
Greg
Do you meen the Well House (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~jbdavey/pubs/centre/wellhouse.html) and I don't know if this is still running, but it could be fun (http://www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/Main/foodfestival/beer_trail.cfm) :wink:
The Real Ale Pub Guide has good things to say about it here (http://www.flyingpost.co.uk/beer.html#well)
Date and time are good for me :biggthump
arctic hobo
12-01-2005, 21:10
I see they stock Branoc! One of my best mates owns the brewery (Branscombe Vale Brewery) that's made in. And no, that's not why he's my friend :lol:
Sunday 3pm is brilliant for me :biggthump
greg2935
13-01-2005, 18:49
Right then, I guess everyone is happy with the arrangements, see you all at the Well Tavern Cathedral Green, Sunday 23rd January, at 3-ish pm.
Address:
16-17 Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1HB
Map Address
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=292026&y=92619&z=0&ar=Y
Greg
greg2935
13-01-2005, 18:50
I do mean the well house yes, was recommended by someone at work
Greg
Mallow Man
15-01-2005, 16:34
Sounds good to me.
C U all then for an ale or two!
Mal
p.s. How will everyone know it each other? (Not that the Wellhouse will be busy then)
greg2935
15-01-2005, 17:01
Look for the the people who look like they think a ruck sack is a fashion statement! Seriously though, I dont think youll have any prob working out who is who, I'll probably have some bushcraft/military type kit with me as I want to go shopping at endicots while I'm there. I'll also probably be wearing a wooly pully.
Greg
Endicotts open on Sunday :nono:
Neil
arctic hobo
15-01-2005, 19:50
Why the :nono: ? unless that's the face of the staff when we all descend on the shop!
Never been in actually... I always seem to be in Exeter on Wednesdays :nono:
arctic hobo
15-01-2005, 19:56
I'm none too sure about recognising people either... I'll be the guy in the army polycottons and the norwegian sweater :wave:
James Watson
15-01-2005, 21:22
Hi all,
I've recently moved to Exmouth, so It would be great to meet some people down here. :-)
Look for the the people who look like they think a ruck sack is a fashion statement! Seriously though, I dont think youll have any prob working out who is who, I'll probably have some bushcraft/military type kit with me as I want to go shopping at endicots while I'm there. I'll also probably be wearing a wooly pully.
Greg
If it's ok with you, i'll represent the long haired hippy side of bushcraft :wink:
James
Hi all,
I've recently moved to Exmouth, so It would be great to meet some people down here. :-)
If it's ok with you, i'll represent the long haired hippy side of bushcraft :wink:
James
James the more the merrier :biggthump
greg2935
16-01-2005, 11:14
Oh, umm well, errr I was told they were open on Sunday, if not I guess you wont see me with any new kit :cry:
Greg
I'm sure they are',nt open on Sundays, I'll give Kev a ring and find out.
I know what James looks like, I have a vague idea of what Leon-1 looks like :yikes: , I suggest the rest of you wear a pink carnation in your buttonhole :wink: .
Neil
I know what James looks like, I have a vague idea of what Leon-1 looks like :yikes: , I suggest the rest of you wear a pink carnation in your buttonhole :wink: .
Neil
Yes Ginger with Barmah Bushhat :o):
arctic hobo
16-01-2005, 21:24
I suggest the rest of you wear a pink carnation in your buttonhole :wink: .
Neil
Will pink flowers attract him? :shock: :-| :lol:
Will pink flowers attract him? :shock: :-| :lol:
Only if they are edible or you can make something alcoholic out of them :o):
Mallow Man
17-01-2005, 18:02
So.
Are we sure it is open on Sunday? If not then I would move it to Mill on the Exe nearby.
I thought of bringing one bushcraft item with me as identification - I will ask your opinion as to what it shall be:
1. Billy Can
2. Large black fungus for firestarting
3. Tarp
4. Obvious book on bushcraft
5. A pink carnation sandwiched between my butt-cheeks
6. Something else even more ridiculous for the lay-man but fascinating for the bushlander.
arctic hobo
17-01-2005, 20:00
Let's stick with the current plan, it's a central location and I hear a good pub, certainly has good ale, should be easy to find. :-)
greg2935
18-01-2005, 10:23
Not really the right place to ask but I have a spare copy of Ray Mears Bushcraft (the big book, softcover). Does anyone who is going to this meetup want it? I find it too big to lug around but it does contain some useful info.
Greg
Right guys, there is a hitch in the plans for the meet up, Neil1 has found that The Well House will be closed for rennovation untill Tuesday next week.
As an alternative he has suggested that we meet at the Buckerell Lodge Hotel.
He may be able to get a function room for us to use whilst we are there, so if anyone wishes to bring bits of kit down to talk about that you would not get out in a pub, you could here (specifically edged tools).
Have we any other suggestions for a venue:?:
i dont know the area that well.. so i can suggest anything with out comming a lot closer to me.. which is really out of everyones way!
i dono if i can make it yet but will see what i can do!
Let me know how it goes. :super:
I'm in Bristol at the moment :roll:
i dont know the area that well.. so i can suggest anything with out comming a lot closer to me.. which is really out of everyones way!
i dono if i can make it yet but will see what i can do!
No probs mate :-)
Let me know how it goes. :super:
Will do :o):
greg2935
20-01-2005, 09:19
No worries, I'll be there
Greg
arctic hobo
20-01-2005, 10:31
Right guys, there is a hitch in the plans for the meet up, Neil1 has found that The Well House will be closed for rennovation untill Tuesday next week.
As an alternative he has suggested that we meet at the Buckerell Lodge Hotel.
He may be able to get a function room for us to use whilst we are there, so if anyone wishes to bring bits of kit down to talk about that you would not get out in a pub, you could here (specifically edged tools).
Have we any other suggestions for a venue:?:
That sounds a brilliant idea - solves the problem of us recognising each other too :biggthump
Only thing guys - the bars not open :shock: but tea & coffee available.Meet in the car park by my viechle (has my logo on the wheel cover).
Neil
Mallow Man
20-01-2005, 19:17
Where is this Buckerall Lodge Hotel?
There are plenty of other pubs in Central Exeter
May I suggest
The White Hart just the other side of Cathedral Green
http://www.english-inns.co.uk/Eldridge-Pope/WhiteHart-Exeter/
or a list of them here:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~jbdavey/pubs/#centre
Mal
arctic hobo
20-01-2005, 21:57
Only thing guys - the bars not open :shock: but tea & coffee available.Meet in the car park by my viechle (has my logo on the wheel cover).
Neil
What is your vehicle?
Neil1 drives an older model Suzuki Vitara, short wheel based version, it's blue in colour :-)
arctic hobo
21-01-2005, 16:47
Cheers :biggthump
Mallow Man
21-01-2005, 19:08
So....we are meeting at a 3-star hotel and you are bringing edged 'tools'.
Marvellous. If you can turn up is full camo aswell we will not look out of place at all!
Mal
p.s. shall I get a release 'chit' from the local constabulary in advance?
arctic hobo
21-01-2005, 22:09
Don't like to throw a spanner in the works but it won't be easy for us to get there, it's a bit out of the way... I wouldn't fancy walking there from the centre or getting a bus :?: Also in terms of people who don't know the area getting there. Would there be a possibility of meeting perhaps in the centre and then going there?
greg2935
21-01-2005, 22:42
I really don't mind where we go, I won't be bringing kit as I feel a little uncomfortable wandering round cities with any tools and everyone has seen tarps etc before, I do not mind meeting people before hand, I have to get into Exeter by 10am anyway to look at a room (I'm moving to Exeter). I guess its really up to you guys,
Greg
So....we are meeting at a 3-star hotel and you are bringing edged 'tools'.
Marvellous. If you can turn up is full camo aswell we will not look out of place at all!
Mal
p.s. shall I get a release 'chit' from the local constabulary in advance?
Mal, it was a suggestion and there was the "if" statement in there, at the time no one else had made any suggestions and no one else had checked to see if the Well House was open.
Neil1 and I were talking about the White Hart today and saying that it was a fair suggestion because it is easier to get to than The Buckerell Lodge.
My suggestion is this, we meet at 3 PM in cathedral square outside the Well House as originally planned, then move onto wherever takes our fancy, some of us may meet on the train or at the train station, you never know.
This also means that anyone that has not been keeping up with the thread will not get to the Well House find it closed and nobody there to meet them :-)
That sounds good.
The hotel was merely a suggestion, I have met with other bushcrafters before and know that bits of kit normally are handed around, people want to look at rucksacks or smocks and sometimes knives! I was giving people an option.
Neil
Mallow Man
22-01-2005, 09:41
Hey guys. I was just being flippant (one of my finer traits I am afraid) :rolmao:
I just saw the funny side of going kitted up into a 3-star hotel! I know it was a suggestion. Suggestion and ideas are good :-)
Yup lets meet as per original. If anyone arrives late check out the obvious pubs in the area:
The Ship (down side passage of Clarence Hotel) - just off Cathedral Green
The White Hart (walk down right-hand side of the Cathedral - if you are facing the front of it - through the Church buildings, bear left, past the obvious medieval gate-house), round the right hand bend past Braaz (posh restaurant/bar) and onto a main road - diagonal opposite is the White Hart Hotel - has a public bar with fire and snugs (and full of aging alchies. If this does not take your fancy then a new Wetherspoons has just opened virtually opposite it in a converted Methodist Church (total distance from Cathedral Green 350 yards.
The Rectory (cafe restaurant) in the Cathedral (if open on a Sunday)
Can someone pin a small note to the tree opposite the Well House (nearest tree to it on the Cathedral Green telling latecomers where everyone has headed off to?
And...just ignore my humourous dig at ourselves in the earlier posting - it was unhelpful. But if you can't laugh at yourself sometimes then we all start to lose perspective on things. Without perspective we lack the ability to keep to the path...... :naughty:
MAL
No probs Mal, See you tomorrow :-)
Sorry everyone it doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to make it .The exhaust on my motor has just died and I’m still in Bristol. :cry:
A big thank you to those who got there :biggthump (Mal, Greg, Chris, leon), it was great to meet you all.
Probably won't be able to make the Widecoombe Meet (half trem! :cry: ), but I'll start putting an over-nighter together for another time soon. Hopefully this will be the start of many.
Neil
Mallow Man
24-01-2005, 17:53
Yup,
It was a good evening. Nice to see a bunch of people from very different walks of live passionate about the same thing. It was also good to see that everyone could learn from someone else no matter how little or much the experience. As middle-learner (so to speak) I picked up hints from young and old (not that anyone is old mind you!). :You_Rock_
Last night I heard wisdom on firestarting, I saw a wonderful, rare Fjallraven top and a stupendously beautiful Allen Blade (thanks Leon for bringing them along). I heard about future sub-artic circle expeditions, axes, opinel saws, jews ears, winter truffles, tinder fungus, types of wood, a lovely birch bowl (thanks Neil) army sleeping bags, frozen eye-balls, ticks, limes disease, gutting deer, cold campsites, the wonders of unpredictable Dartmoor, collectible bushcraft books, why everyone dislikes bill-hooks, ventile and why we all got involved in bushcraft - glad to see many are philosophical but pragmatic about it! I even got myself a mild hangover in the process! Thanks all who turned up
I think that another meet-up would be good. A series of overnighters would be a good idea and would be easier to set up. I also think Neil's idea of a room at the Buckerall lodge sometime in the future to look at kit would also be a good idea (apologies for my initial scepticism!). Next time - can we bring the knowledge of wild food with us so we have something to cook on the marvellous fires we will (hopefully) start. :o):
Cheers to all
Mark (MAL)
Good to meet you all, I had a good day :biggthump
I would like to thank Greg for suggesting the meet in the first place, cheers. Arctic Hobo (Chris), good luck with the Norway trip, Mal you weren't the only one with the mild after effects in the morning :wink:
Next time hopefully we will all meet up on the moor or somewhere similair :wave:
arctic hobo
24-01-2005, 19:47
I'd like to echo that, had a great time with you lot :biggthump
Neil I didn't realise that the 18th is half term :shock: hope the moor isn't overrun by families etc. :?: I'll be going anyway because I've already booked it off. What did I miss after I left? :wave:
greg2935
24-01-2005, 20:20
No point in repeating what everyone else said but I will say it was a good night with excellent company. I would also say a few overnighters/meetings/walks in the wood etc would be in order at some point.
You didn't miss much, had a few more beers and went home!
Greg
Neil/Leon can i go a little OT and ask what is/where is your Avatar from if Neil has it on his car.. is i a logo for something?
The logo is my own design and is there to remind me of my relationship with the natural world, a partnership where my actions have an impact on the planet and vice-versa. I'm good to it -its good to me, hopefully :shock:
Neil
Sounds like you had a really good time. You make me wish I could come but I'm at Uni at the moment. :roll:
There's always next time...