East Anglia Group!

[Fenlander]

The East Anglia Group meets about once every six weeks. Our meets may last just one day or a whole weekend. The meets are often just social gatherings, but workshops and joint meets with a local “green woodworking group” may take place. Locations vary, and anyone is encouraged to organise a meetup. They are a great opportunity to meet people, exchange knowledge, skills and compare/test kit.
So why not join us at the next one?

To see our archive thread with past meetups click here: ARCHIVE (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=7452)

[Fenlander]

Thanks to everyone who attended the meet this weekend (especially jdlenton and family who travelled from Aylesbury :eek: ) good to see you all again. The parachute was very sucessful (especially with all the rain :( ).....

[Fenlander]

The most popular thing during the "Camp cooking workshop" was....."egg in jacket potato :D

Here is a potato with the centre scooped out and an egg cracked into it!

[Fenlander]

and here it is once cooked :D :cool:

[Fenlander]

Thanks for the help with video footage. Having reviewed it now, most people seem to have got their faces in it somewhere, so either lots of editing to do or royalty payments to make :eek: :p . You know who you all are!

Look forward to seeing you all at the next meet!

[Ranger Bob]

Thanks for the help with video footage. Having reviewed it now, most people seem to have got their faces in it somewhere, so either lots of editing to do or royalty payments to make

I'd prefer payment! :D

A really great time. Lots of 'interesting' cooking methods were covered, along with a mini Hangi oven, which worked a treat...except the potatos. There was some cordage making with various materials as well as the obigatory bowdrill sessions :rolleyes: The parachute was easily put up and served as a sleeping shelter for the first night, and even in the heaviest of showers, kept us dry(ish). Lots of other stuff as well.....
Thanks to all...great weekend...nuff said!
Lookin' forward to seeing the rest of the photos!

[VIRULENT SALAMANDER]

sounds like I missed a good time, yet the potato wrapped eggs looks taste!

[Fenlander]

We have ourselves a mascot :D

Found this Lime Hawk Moth caterpillar on the parachute this morning. :cool:

[R-J]

looks like you all had a good time sorry i didnt make it in time (got there about 1) - i'll clear my weekend next time forsure. the potato-eggs look like theyre worth a try!

well, catch up with some of you guys soon,

rob

[Fenlander]

looks like you all had a good time sorry i didnt make it in time (got there about 1) - i'll clear my weekend next time forsure. the potato-eggs look like theyre worth a try!

well, catch up with some of you guys soon,

rob

So was that you on the motorbike?? :confused: We tried to attract your attention as you drove off, but were obviously unsuccessful :( We didn't finish until 3:30.....sorry mate :eek:

This is a Sage& onion bannock, using stuffing mix added to the bannock mix ;)

[Fenlander]

We have some ideas planned for a meet in October (date to be confirmed), but maybe others will organise a September meet ;)

Should be able to confirm dates for the October meet in the next couple of weeks :D

[jem seeley]

A big thanks to Fenlander for organising yet another excellent weekend.Never knew there were so many ways to cook an egg & quite glad I wasn't able to camp Sat. night!!!

[strollon]

Fenlander

thanks for a great week end. my intention was to put into practice what i had read and seen.but as you know i was not prepared enough. i'll have another go in the near future
thanks again Strollon

[Fenlander]

Fenlander

thanks for a great week end. my intention was to put into practice what i had read and seen.but as you know i was not prepared enough. i'll have another go in the near future
thanks again Strollon

Hope to see you next time mate :D

[R-J]

[QUOTE=Fenlander]So was that you on the motorbike?? :confused: We tried to attract your attention as you drove off, but were obviously unsuccessful :( We didn't finish until 3:30.....sorry mate :eek:

LMAO, these things happen eh. yeh, it was me on the bike. "offroading" on a VFR, slightly nerve racking.

well, i'll make the next one for sure, looks like i missed out on a good weekend. i'll try and be there from the start, and find you guys next time... lol

[Biddlesby]

You're remarkably unannoyed, considering that you came from Norwich!

[jdlenton]

I just thought I’d put my two peneth in;

Thanks very much to Fenlander and Ranger bob my self, Angie and Baby Jack had a great day out at the meet on Saturday and Angie says she might consider doing it again if we give her more sage and onion bannock, choci bananas and pancakes ,



Here are some more photos of cooking

Omelette in a zip lock bag and egg in an onion

Before

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/jdlenton/bushcraft/0009.jpg

Middle

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/jdlenton/bushcraft/0010.jpg

After no egg in an onion it got eaten too quickly (v tasty)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/jdlenton/bushcraft/IMG_5756.jpg



Coming to see you guys as strengthened my resolve that there should be something happening more local to me, a Chiltern group and meet perhaps but I’ve yet to have a look for a site and post on the subject. I really want to get to the October meet and stay the weekend but we will have to see if I can get a pass.



All the best James

[weekend_warrior]

...Coming to see you guys as strengthened my resolve that there should something happening more local to me, a Chiltern group and meet perhaps but I’ve yet to have a look for a site and post on the subject....

I'm up for helping in anyway I can! Just let me know what I can do.... :D

[Fenlander]

Hiya James,

What a great post mate :D Hadn't got any pictures of the omlet myself :(

Would be good to see you in October ;) ...I think you might enjoy the next one as well :cool:

[R-J]

You're remarkably unannoyed, considering that you came from Norwich!

meh, if you watched it in a film you'd laugh, and if you cant laught at sommit like that (soooo near, yet soooooo far) then youre taking things to seriously.

i was on my way back from huntingdon, so it was on the way anyhow and its all just an excuse for a ride out to be honest,. would have been nice to meet up with you's, just wasnt the right time (dam them fates!), but my time will come... be warned!

[Biddlesby]

Good philosophy.

Just realised I haven't thanked everybody here yet :o! Thanks all!

[Fenlander]

Good philosophy.

Just realised I haven't thanked everybody here yet :o! Thanks all!

THANK YOU for keeping us entertained :p :D

[Biddlesby]

I'm glad you enjoyed it :D!

[stotRE]

Whens the next one?
I live in cambridge and i feel the need to go native :D

[weekend_warrior]

Any updates on another meet soon? I need to escape for a while... :D

[R-Bowskill]

Anyone up for a forage on mousehold heath ?? There are some apples that cook up into a great crumble, blackberries, elderberries and other bits and pieces although it's a bit early for the chestnuts and beech nuts yet. Seems like a good way to spend a couple of hours and there are still parts of it I've not been to yet.

[R-J]

yeh, i'm up for that. give me a shout when your wanting to go and i'll join in

[Biddlesby]

Count me in :).

[RAPPLEBY2000]

yup i'm for a forage! name the time!

[lord lurcher]

you betcha! just name the time and day, hope i'm not working!!!

[R-J]

while we're out and about, i'd be most greatfull for some pointers on what 'schrooms you can eat...

i've got alot to learn :rolleyes: , anyone who knows i'm eager to learn :)

[R-Bowskill]

How about sunday 11th sept?? any of you available that day?

I've got to go to work at 7 pm but it looks like I'm free all the rest of the day. The giant redwood seems as good a place as any to meet, I'll put directions etc up for anyone who doesn't know where it is in a day or two.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

11th is fine with me!

does anyone want to meet this sunday afternoon, say 2pm at the same place?

i have several different shelter/tarps if anyone wants to learn how to erect them or what they are like.

also i have some tent poles to show how they can be used.

and a hennessey hammock to drool over!

i'm happy to meet up at the same place on mousehold heath i know of some quieter areas away from dog walkers and mountain bikes.

bring some tea/coffee making gear!

it would be great to meet up!

the place to meet:

from the city travel though mousehold on the main road half way through the area flattens out and there is a football pitch and bandstand one side of the road, and a restarant and car park the other there is a giant redwood(tall conifer with very soft spongy dark red/brown bark) to the left of the restarant is the meeting point.

ps do wear old shoes, dog mess unfortunately is abundant! (though i will take you to a nicer area).

[RAPPLEBY2000]

if you are interested in meeting tomorow 2pm tell me ASAP otherwise i will cancel the meet. cheers. :)

[Biddlesby]

I'm interested, but can't garantee my arrival. I'll find out and reply.

[Kane]

Hi all,
New to the forums and very interested to see that there's an East Anglia group (hopefully a displaced Geordie still counts lol) - what sort of basic gear/knowledge is needed for your meets?
Cheers,
Kane

[R-Bowskill]

2Pm on the 11th is good, found another path onto the heath from my new house that takes me past a few good fruit patches.

It's a good place to stock up on tinders, I've seen about a dozen types of fungi when I've been there recently, masses of blackberries, elderberries and things like apples, sloes, rose hips, and other autum goodies to eat.

At the moment there isn't any potable water to speak of so bring your own.

[Biddlesby]

I might have to nick some of those blackberries. I need 2kg for one bottle of some blackberry whiskey. My area should suffice, but it'll be mainly edges of fields....

Should be able to make that time.

[R-J]

sorry you guys couldnt make it today but it was a good wander round with rapley2000 thisafternoon. see yous on the 11th

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hey kane, don't worry just come along and enjoy yourself, we're all learning!

i had a great meetup with R-J today, lovely weather, we spent a little while looking at hammocks and tarps then went for a walk around to see what we could find, loads of berries and fruit and tinder suplies! which we will direct you to on the 11th!

make sure you bring a good container like a 2L icecream box to collect with!


plus i think in the near future we should take a trip to the old norwich-aylsham railway line there should be plenty of food to gather!

looking forward to meeting some more of you soon! on the 11th!

[lord lurcher]

sounds like agood idea, marriots way is rammed with tucker, from roe deer and muntjac deer to blackberriesand sloes! count me in, will be there for the 11th too

[RAPPLEBY2000]

so you'll be hunting then lord lurcher? :rolleyes:

if were lucky we should find the odd crab apple tree too!

does anyone want to plan a meet for mariots way, after the 11th?

i think it would be worth meeting up a fair distance from the city to get away from any rubbish and fumes(believe me theres alot at the city end)!! prehaps near costessey or horsford i have space in my car for 3 people anyone else intrested?
:D

[lord lurcher]

No i dont think i,ll be hunting on marriots way! unless its a wayward mountainbiker!! Def up for it though, there are some good spots around felthorpe and lenwade, I will confirm that i can come nearer the time, we should all meet up as all live so close!

[RAPPLEBY2000]

so first you start on the deer and now you tell us you don't like mountain bikers either? :eek:

we could probably find you some hikers and the odd horse! :D :rolleyes:

then there's the dog walkers! ;)

and fish!

voles?

on the serious side, :o

we could make a day of it and take lunch with us.

[jem seeley]

Fenlander & I are planning another weekend at the site near Bury St. Edmunds for 1st./2nd October. I shall be demonstrating how to ponasse fish and thought that as this time of year offers such abundant foraging we could make Sat. evenings meal just from wild foods. On Sunday we'll break camp & head over to Bradfield Woods for some woodcraft & perhaps some more foraging.We shall be in some expert spoonmaking company there as some of the Bradfield crowd have just returned from Sweden where they have spent time with master craftsman, Wille Sundquist.
Any other offers of workshops welcome either for this weekend or future meets.
More details / directions nearer the time.Cheers.

[R-J]

sounds good, i should be ok to make that weekend.

[Biddlesby]

Looks good for me also.

[Biddlesby]

does anyone want to plan a meet for mariots way, after the 11th?


If it's a weekend, probably yes :D.

[Fenlander]

I'll be bringing a friend.....and it will be her birthday :) I feel a bannock birthday cake coming up :D (will have to buy some more glycerine)

Did you want me to book the site Jeremy :confused:

[Ranger Bob]

Fenlander & I are planning another weekend at the site near Bury St. Edmunds for 1st./2nd October. .

Will be there! :)


Any other offers of workshops welcome either for this weekend or future meets.

I could do some stuff with birch bark. (depending on if I can find the time to gather some from the forest.)

[RAPPLEBY2000]

well i haven't been around much but,
in my time over the last 6 months away from the east anglia group,
i have been working very closely with Dave watson of woodland survival crafts as an apprentice survival/bushcraft instructor,and shall continue to do so (Dave watson was doing friction fire lighting masterclass at the wilderness gathering i was going to be demonstration at his stall but coulden't afford the travel :( )

as for workshops:

i will happily demonstrate fire bow technique,
string making though probably too late in the year ,
whistle making (i can show theory but i'm not perfect at it),
water collection,
also if we have some natrual materials i can make a raised and a sprung bed!

take your chioce! :)

[jem seeley]

Yes,Fenlander, if you would be so kind!(you seem very chirpy-good weekend???)
Rappleby,thanks for the offers.Fenlander has recently covered fire-lighting although I'm sure they'll be some who missed it.Water collection sounds good though.The site is a little short of materials(essentially old parkland-big trees in clumps & grazing meadow)so bed might be a bit thin!
Ranger bob,if you can get some bark still I'd love to have a go.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

[weekend_warrior]

I'd love to come along to this one as I missed the last one - but we have a family Christening! Grr... mumble... %#@* darnit... :(

[Fenlander]

Yes,Fenlander, if you would be so kind!(you seem very chirpy-good weekend???)
.

I don't know what you meen! I Can't seem to find a smilie sticking two fingers up :p :p

I had a very enjoyable weekend with very pleasant company thank you :D George and John made us very welcomed at their campfire :D

[Ranger Bob]

I don't know what you meen! I Can't seem to find a smilie sticking two fingers up

Lol... ....:D

[KIMBOKO]

Me and my shorts would like to come along.... this time I'll be staying/camping.
I also have homemade hammock and tarp to try out. I may also let you see my Great Kilt.

[Fenlander]

Me and my shorts would like to come along.... this time I'll be staying/camping.
I also have homemade hammock and tarp to try out. I may also let you see my Great Kilt.

Will be good to see you again (hopefully without the kilt :p ). Just for info.....unfortunately the site do NOT allow dogs, this was poited out last time when someone brought one :eek:

[Fenlander]

I have booked the site today :D

The cost will be £1.60 per night or £1.00 for day visitors :)

There will be 60 scouts on site, but they will not be anywhere near our camp.

I have also offered our services to run a traing course for scouts on basic bushcraft skills :D

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hi fenlander,
could you send us the details for the camp,
i should be able to come.

i've been pm'ing snufkin (from north walsham) and we should meet him soon, as i can give him a lift!

i have some new gear to try out,
including that hammock underquilt i talked about!
yes i made it, feathers everywhere! :eek:

i'll bring my bushcraft demo bag with me.
hope to see you soon.

[KIMBOKO]

If you are serious about giving a demo I can bring about 15 bowdrill sets and 5 or 6 flint and steels if we want to let the Scouts have a go at fire.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

i would be more than happy to run a demonstration on the bow drill.
(now that's something i couldn't say last year! :eek: )

if you Kimboko can provide training sets that would be excellent!

i am not 100% with flint/steel,( though i will happily demonstrate a Firesteel)
before i can say for sure i need to know times dates of the camp where ect.

[Fenlander]

If you are serious about giving a demo I can bring about 15 bowdrill sets and 5 or 6 flint and steels if we want to let the Scouts have a go at fire.

We are NOT going to demo at our meet, we will organise a special event for that ;) Hopefully you could come along with your kit once a date is organised :D

[KIMBOKO]

I have booked the site today :D

There will be 60 scouts on site, but they will not be anywhere near our camp.

I have also offered our services to run a traing course for scouts on basic bushcraft skills :D

I was replying to the above.
Are we not doing a course training now? Or perhaps a a non fire subject.
Either way is cool.

[Fenlander]

Think I may have confused things!!!

Guys, just forget about running a demo for scouts!!! :eek: I didn't mean the scouts who will be on site when we are there!

If I organise a demo day, I will let you know! :)

We will have nothing to do with scouts at the next meet!

[KIMBOKO]

Message understood.

[Kane]

Lol may be easier to say what youe are going to do :D

Kane

[jem seeley]

We will,of course,say"Hello" if we should happen to bump into some scouts- would seem rude to just ignore them!! ;)

[RAPPLEBY2000]

A big thanks to R-bowskill for organising the East Anglia meetup yesterday.

and thankyou everyone for turning up!

we found R-bowskill making a fishing net.....oops i mean hammock hidden behind the giant redwood, after discussing various uses and the legality of it :rolleyes: , also we found a common interest in canoeing of which we considered ideas such as canoe trips!

R-Bowskill showed us an exciting boat design which i think might catch on for bushcrafters as a good, cheep, and easy to transport, general purpose craft!
R-Bowskill says construction may begin very soon! watch this space!

after our fishing .... :o erm...canoeing discussion we went-a-foraging,
there were many different foods to be found,
some of the foods included:

Bramble
Raspberry(not the berries though)
black/red current
rowan
rosehips
burdock (ready for digging up for roots)
sloe berry
hawthorn
nettle
lime leaves
jews ear fungus
a variety of puff ball fungus

among other things found were:
tinder (rosebay willow herb seeds)
flint stones (bearing blocks)
flints for knapping
clematis and elder for hand drill parts.

Please add to the list if you can remember any more!

Again thanks for meeting as always it’s good to know there are like minded people around!

i think can speak for everyone in saying we all enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the next meetup! :D

[R-Bowskill]

Certain people who shall remain nameless were fortunate enough to find an ice cream plant, and sample it's fruit!!!!

Other things found were:
foods:

elder berries
Apples (although most had fallen and were rotting on the ground)

Squirrel
Pidgeon
Rat

Note no animals were hurt during this forage

Also Rappleby 2000 demonstrated fire starting with a firesteel and birch bark and I think everyone was encouraged to do stuff and learn more skills.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

rat? yuk!

i much prefere desert rat from round the corner!

yes the ice cream plant is quite an unusual one, strange rubbery metallic cylindrical roots and multi coloured leaves it almost loked like some sort of vehicle and the seeds look alot like cadbury's flakes! :rolleyes:

[lord lurcher]

just to say, thoroughly enjoyed weekends forage/mooch about!! Thanks to R.J, rapplesby and mr bowskill for an entertaining and informative time, had to feel sorry for bowskill though having to fish out his fungi ident book every 5 mins after my cries of heres one! What is it? What is it!? Lot of shared interests amongst us (obviously) must do it again soon, maybe find a different strain of ice cream plant - strawberry maybe!!!!!!

[RAPPLEBY2000]

JUST A NOTE FOR THE NORWICH DWELLERS!! :D

the disused railway(now a bike path) that starts behind sainsbury's (queens road), has loads of ripe foods!

i took my boy along the path and we found:

blackberrys
elderberrys
apples(not crab or cookers)
pears though not ripe
greengages(a plum variety ripe when greeny yellow)
the further out of the city the nicer the blackberrys are!

take a push bike and see what you can find

(the railway finishes near texas homecare off hall road)

[RAPPLEBY2000]

just wondered has anyone any photo's from the first east anglia meetup they could put on this thread?

i don't know if you remember but i was using a cheapo digital camera that lost all the pictures.

fennlander or R-bowskill might have some, if not could you bring some (or copies of) to the meet up which i will pay for.

cheers

[R-Bowskill]

I'm sure Tesa took a load of photo's and think she's had them developed but I've not seen them yet. She's up in Birmingham for a couple of weeks but I'll ask her when she gets back to Norwich.

PS. the canoe is taking shape nicely and looks like it'll meet my requirements verry well indeed. Plenty of work to do on it yet as I want to make a good job of it.

[lord lurcher]

G'day guys, could someone let me know how to get details for the meet near bury in cple weeks, i'm definitely coming, looking forward to it!!

[RAPPLEBY2000]

yup, i should hopefuly be there too!

my car's working now, so could give snufkin and 2 others a lift! :D

what is the arranged date? or time? no one has mentioned it :confused:

[lord lurcher]

I believe it is the 1/2 oct,at the bury site? I havent been before so dont know where it is! R there any site rules that need to be adhered to, can we have campfires? R we allowed a cple of beers on the sat night? I'm a bit in the dark as to how these things work! I'm sure you'll all put me in the picture. looking forward to seeing y'all anyway

[jem seeley]

Yes, the next East Anglia meet is on 1st/2nd Oct. at the site near Bury.(please PM me for directions).The site will be open from 9am Sat. We are in our usual position amongst the big limes at the far side of the site. We have a communal fire where we do most of the cooking/socialising.However feel free to bring along a stove if you wish.Sat. evening's meal will be made with 'wild foods' as far as possible so can everyone try to bring some foraged food to cook and share.I'll be demonstrating how to ponasse a fish for those that haven't tried this technique before.If you wish to have a go can you also bring along a whole fish (seabass,trout maybe).You will also need to bring along enough food for the rest of the weekend-do try to bring along ingredients rather than relying on packet and tinned foods as you will get a lot more from the weekend by honing your campfire cooking skills!
The site has limited hammock spaced trees! Be prepared to adapt your sleeping arrangements.We will also be sharing the site with some Scouts athough as we like to keep our presence discreet this should not present any problems (they will not be near us).Needless to say sensible behaviour will be expected with minors around.This is not to say that you can't enjoy a wee tipple by the fireside though :D
On Sunday we are planning to break camp and head over to Bradfield Woods by 10.30am(again PM me if you are only joining us on Sun. & need directions)Other workshops to be confirmed-watch this space.Look forward to seeing you all.

[Biddlesby]

I'll bring the money on Saturday this time....

Sounds good, I'm not one for this city living now I'm boarding at college.

Is ponassing the thing with the sticks and whatnot?

[jem seeley]

Correct,sticks & whatnot. Remember Biddlesby NO sandwiches this time! See you there.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

my wife has been very brave and has decided to come along for one night :D , unfortunately it means i will also only be there for one night, which in turn :( stops me being able to give people lifts to or from the site as my children will be taking up the spare seats for the whole trip to the grandparents,

so sorry guy's but lifts are not an option from me this time, :(

[Biddlesby]

Is it possible to come Friday night? It would be much easier and cheaper for me if I could get the train to Bury Friday night and walk or get a bus or something to/near the site.

[lord lurcher]

if transport is a problem for you, i'm in the norwich area i'm sure me and R.J can fit you in, we will be going sat morn EARLY!

[Fenlander]

Is it possible to come Friday night? It would be much easier and cheaper for me if I could get the train to Bury Friday night and walk or get a bus or something to/near the site.

NO!

There are no buses Harry, so i suggest you take up the offer of a lift ;)

[Biddlesby]

Thank you very much :).

I'll make it late enough so that you don't have to put up with me for too long, and early enough so that it isn't a bother for said lift-er to collect me.

[Fenlander]

Thank you very much :).

I'll make it late enough so that you don't have to put up with me for too long, and early enough so that it isn't a bother for said lift-er to collect me.

Organise a meet nearer to you and we will be the one's having to worry about transport ;)

[Ranger Bob]

I've just arrived back from the forest, after being out today and i'm afraid i've not had much luck in finding any decent birch bark. I've got enough to make a couple of containers, so could do a demostration. If anyone has any reasonably thick birch bark please do bring it.

[lord lurcher]

Hi peeps, dont know if p.m.'s getting through! Could someone in the know p.m. me the directions to the site please? Also can biddlesby contact me to arrange his lift please, and also to Ranger Bob, i have some pretty thick birch bark, does it matter if its dry? Looking forward to the weekend, see y'all then!

[Ranger Bob]

i have some pretty thick birch bark, does it matter if its dry?

Not at all. If you wouldn't mind bringing some so that people can have a go, that would be great! :)

[Biddlesby]

The lift would be on Friday, at whatever time is convienent to the driver after 4'o'clock + however long the train takes (would be under an hour).

[Fenlander]

Fenlander & I are planning another weekend at the site near Bury St. Edmunds for 1st./2nd October.

Please note the above everyone!!!!!!

Why do people keep refering to the Friday :confused:

The meet is Sat 1st and Sun 2nd!!!!!.....that's one night!

[lord lurcher]

excellent! I shall endeavour to procure enough for the group ( no worries! ha ha, got secret stash!) I'm a bit confused about Biddlesby's lift perhaps he could contact me?

[MikeS]

I hope to be there on Sunday. If anyone sees someone (man and boy) in a Green and Silver L200 looking lost on Sunday please shout !!! :D

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hi guy's looking forward to meeting the rest of you!

my wifes starting to worry now! :D but still looking forward to it!

I'll bring along some interesting bits of kit too like my underquilt.

two questions, when we get to the site do where should we park cars?
and how limited are the trees?
i will be making a tarp for my wife do i need to bring tent poles? or is it just strong hammock bearing trees in short supply?
cheers.

[Biddlesby]

Oh, I thought perhaps you and jeremy were staying the previous night (friday) as well. It's going to be more difficult to come on the saturday but I'll sort it.

I will be sleeping on the ground under a tarp. Owing to the fact that the hammock- trees are not above suitable sleeping ground, I have previously hung a tent from a tree and used a tree with stick at the other end; the latter which I plan to be doing this weekend.

[jem seeley]

Rappleby,park up on the gravelled area just inside the double gates.We may be able to park nearer to our site,it just depends how the rest of the site is laid out on the day(i.e.where the scouts are.)We should be able to unload nearer even if we then have to move our vehicles back to the main parking area later.
As for trees-the site is mainly parkland once belonging to a big house therefore the trees are mostly in clumps & of some girth.There is a former shelter belt of Scot's Pine & Larch which provide the most suitable support for hammocks & tarps but they are at 90' to our main fire site so you are likely to be some distance from the hub(you may,of course,not mind this!)The ground beneath these trees is quite soft-something that the local rabbits have made the most of!!
Having said all of this I've enjoyed a few good nights sleep here under a variety of set ups-come with an open mind(and perhaps some poles!) :D

[RAPPLEBY2000]

thanks for that jim,
i think will as you suggest bring tent poles anyway.
i shall bring my hennasey for people to look at but not to sleep in.
the weather forecast says no rain! :D

[lord lurcher]

I take it from the absence of communication Biddlesby, that youwont be requiring a lift on saturday, hopeyouget there o.k. see ya sat!!! :eek:

[MikeS]

Hope evryone has a good time on Saturday and look forward to meeting everyone on Sunday at Bradfield wood at about 10.30.

Mike

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hope to see you all over the weekend, my wife and i will be there ASAP but i'm not sure of an exact time but i should be early morning.

by the way we have our fish fresh from tescos! and are ready to be shown what to do!

[lord lurcher]

Hi to all, my vision of turning up with a huge bundle of birch bark has been dashed by work making me do so many hours!!! I simply havent had the time to pick it up, my apologies if this buggers up the workshop ranger bob! sorry

[Biddlesby]

Thanks to Lord Lurcher and R-J for the lift, and Jem Seely, Fenlander and the others for a good weekend. Specifically, thanks for the advice on the spoon and the trout and whatnot.

I think that about covers it.

[Fenlander]

Thanks to Jem for organising the weekend and to everyone who turned up, for making it a good one! :D

Having got home i have realised i didn't take many pictures :(

Here's Anita carving a spoon.....

[Fenlander]

And here is Jem teacing how to ponasse a fish.

[R-J]

jem & fenlander, thanks for organising the weekend and to everyone else for making it such a laugh. was good to meet up with everyone at last!

never know, i may acctually finnish the spoon... (health warning, dont hold breath) catch up with you all next time

ps, where was dan i ask you!

[lord lurcher]

HAD A BLINDER!!! Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and helpful, special thanks to jem and flatlander :D for organising it, I will put in a big effort to return the favour. It is so good to learn by watching rather than reading, got some good ideas from the weekend, I'LL BE BACK!! Thanks again

[Ranger Bob]

Had a great time! Thanks to Jem for organising the weekend(and the fish), Fenlander for booking the site(and the lift), Lord Lurcher for the pine resin and indeed everyone else for coming.......its always good to see old friends and make a few new ones. Thanks again all!
I'll post some pictures when I get the chance.

[MikeS]

Thanks to everyone for making us both so welcome on Sunday, we had a great time and can't wait for the next one.

Mike & Alex :D

[jem seeley]

Thanks,everyone,for making it such a great weekend.It sounds like you all had a good time.It was good to see plenty of networking going on, with ideas for future meets,workshops & other projects.Big thanks to Ranger Bob for,almost,continuous birch bark workshops over both days-I'm very pleased with my container & am fired up to do more & also pretty jealous of your kuksa(which,readers,was only started on the Wed. before the meet! :eek: )Thanks aswell to Fenlander for organising the site & getting the 'chute up so quickly ;) Sorry for the slight cock-up on Sunday :o -the next Bradfield Woods green woodworking group meet will be next Sunday(9th),followed by the first Sunday in November(6th) if anyone is interested.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

thanks for the weekend!
miriam has taken to carving spoons in a big way! she hasn't stopped since we left the campsite, even our car has shavings in!

we loved it though we both had a terrible nights sleep, due to hard ground and the cold(oh, wheres my hammock :( ) do they make hammocks for two?

miriam and i loved the camp, it was nice to be able to take a backseat and see how other people make bushcraft their own.

hope to see you all again soon! :D

[RAPPLEBY2000]

was working with BTCV today and the leader said she wanted to come on the weekend with her friend, but couldn't make it!

the group continues to grow! :)

[Kane]

BTCV?

Kane

[lord lurcher]

Glad you had a good time rappleby, I thought your wife was a trooper and did extremely well! Didnt get to see much of you but we should meet up in norwich area again soon. Have you any ideas about a site for a meet in norfolk? I've got a few,maybe we should get our heads together over it?

[Biddlesby]

thanks for the weekend!
miriam has taken to carving spoons in a big way! she hasn't stopped since we left the campsite, even our car has shavings in!

I know how she feels. I had to wait an hour for a train, all the while resisting the temptation to get out my knife and whittle!

[Ranger Bob]

BTCV?

Kane

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

[lord lurcher]

I introduced my girlfriend to the subtle pleasures of whittling whilst on holiday in dorset this june, sat round the campfire in the evening whittling she got so hooked i had to make her stop to eat dinner! She nearly severed her thumb despite instruction, after dressing her wound i felt quite guilty but she boldly picked up the knife and carried on!! Theres a lot to be said for the 'simple things in life'

[RAPPLEBY2000]

sorry, yes,
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (or Bad Tools C**p Van!).

good thing about working with them is you get to find where all the local resorces are!
yup, she's definately up for it, with her friend a local worker in a simular area.


the reason you didn't see me much was i was looking after my wife Miriam, she is natrually a shy person anyway but it was also her first ever camp without a tent or stove! so i was making sure she was comfortable with what she was doing/saying etc (i.e. that you don't have to be an expert on bushcraft to enjoy it!)
i'm sure you understand, those who met me before will have seen my other side! ;)


didn't biddlesby have a local site?

and yes i am happy to meet again in/around norwich.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Kane,

another local!

we would love to meet you,
if you can try to get along to one of the local meetups :D

we look forward to meeting you!

cheers

[Ranger Bob]

Bad Tools C**p Van

hehehe....its funny, 'cos it's true! :D

[Biddlesby]

didn't biddlesby have a local site?

Garveston. It doesn't hold a candle to Bury, it's basically a small field with some trees around the edge, but it isn't often used so it's probably quite available if you're looking for somewhere to camp.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

i don't see why we shoulden't try Garveston site, it might allow some of the norwich and north norfolk crew to meet up more easily.

it seems if nothing else we'd have the site to ourselves!

i'm up for it even if it's just a few people, just for the experience. :)

[Fenlander]

This weekend is the the sixteenth Ickworth House Wood Fair. I have never been, others speak very highly of it. It's a chance to by timber products from the estate and see woodcraftsmen/women at work :cool:

Here is the link.....

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-events/w-events-find_event.htm?propertyID=60

I shall be there on Sunday :D Would you like me to pick you up on route Ranger Bob? ;)

[Ranger Bob]

Would you like me to pick you up on route Ranger Bob? ;)

If you wouldn't mind! :D :You_Rock_

[RAPPLEBY2000]

anyone in Norwich area want to meet up this week coming?

prehaps we could meet up at north walsham with snufkin?

i will be able to provide a lift!

get back to us to see whos available and what we can do.

how about a circular walk with a beer stop on the way?

another idea is to meet up with you guys after work for an evening/night walk.

pm me if you have ideas.

[R-J]

lol, sounds drastic i know but the time is just about right.

i'm in germany at the moment (not that fact will make a blind bit of difference to anyone but me) and just as a side note the weather is stunning and the wood's are better than i remember - only been away 4 months :rolleyes: . sorry, i digress for a change. this means that i'll be bringing my much raved about (by yours truely) puffin 12 kayak back with me... (drum roll/sky news crew please! :lmao: )

anyway, to my point. i was wondering if any of you guys would like to meet up next weekend as i'm not working (still sounds odd) and have a play on the water... or, if you must be more grown up, test different styles of kayaks out :D ?

i'm gonna be out come rain or shine (i've missed it so much :( ) and if anyone wants to join me come along! not sure where/when, but give me a shout if you interested and we can arrange something i'm sure. we might even be able to make it in to a mini-moot, or am i thinking to big... lol

anyway, let me know peeps

[KIMBOKO]

Going back to the last camp, did anyone take a picture of the "Elderflowers" if so could I have a look?.

Nick

[Fenlander]

Going back to the last camp, did anyone take a picture of the "Elderflowers" if so could I have a look?.

Nick

Jeremy took some pictures that he is going to put......seems to be taking his him about it though :rolleyes: Maybe they're not very good :p ;)

[KIMBOKO]

Perhaps they gave him hay fever.
:lmao:

[jem seeley]

Not a sufferer Kimboko!Unfortunately I didn't take any shots of your lovely floral display though you were a picture leaving on Sun. with them sticking out of the top of your rucsac :lmao: As for the rest of the photos-patience!!!

[Desperate Dan]

RJ about the kayaking, I'm up for getting together somewhere and having a play, where abouts do you generally go?

[Fenlander]

Don't know whether any of yo guys are interested, but we have a few places left on a fungi foray this sunday afternoon. It will be held on one of the reserves i manage, near Barton Mills (about a mile from the A11). If you would like to attend, pleas PM me ASAP for location details and to reserve a place (it's free by the way :D )

[R-Bowskill]

I've got myself sorted out with a PFD so now can get onto the water a bit, hope the weather stays warm until I get a day off work again!!! then I'll be up for a bit of water based fun.

[MikeS]

Does anyone know if there is another meeting in the near future. :)

[ilovemybed]

Does anyone know if there is another meeting in the near future. :)
Nope, but if there is I wouldn't mind popping along. Have yet to join the East Anglian massive on an expedition but they sound fun!
Mind if I pop along to the as-yet not organised m(ee)(oo)t?

Cheers,
Neil

[lord lurcher]

Howdy peeps! Hope you're all enjoying our beautiful british autumn, and the considerable bounty nature offers at this time of year. I dont know about you lot but i have seen more fungi than usual this year, edible and otherwise. anyway i'm trying to organise a meet in norfolk, not so much as its near me but so that fenlanderand jem etc can come and enjoy withouthaving to organise it!!! So far my efforts to find a site have proved fruitless, although time for such things has been limited, to say the least!!!! I'm thinking of putting together a letterto print off and kind of 'blanket ' send to everywhere i can think of, wot i would like is any ideas/comments on the content of such a letter and possible places. Any ideas would be welcome, do you think its a good idea? Hope to see you all soon, keep the faith :)

[Biddlesby]

A last resort could be Garveston :). Especially good since the scout campsite is up the road.

Glad to hear a meet is being organised. I just need to get a warmer sleeping bag in time...

[RAPPLEBY2000]

lord lurcher i spoke to tony before about a simular idea to contact people in the norwich area to put in shop windows etc , i fear you might not be able to use the "BushCraftUK" name!

it might be better to not use the word "survival", "hunting", or even "firelighting" !

it puts the dampener on the idea but i know landowners get very nervous about strangers doing odd things on thier land!
the problem with using the phrase "BushCraftUK" is that if ever we did get a nutter turn up it would tar every bushcrafter in the uk as a nutter!

remember what happened to "survivalists" when the film rambo came out! suddenly it was assumed every survivalist was indeed rambo! and had a cache of weapons!

i think we should all meet up at a conveinient pub for all of us say in the thetford area and together come up with some ideas for the said letter!

no offence meant i just think we need to be careful :beerchug:

fenlander could you send me details of the fungi walk! cheers

[Fenlander]

fenlander could you send me details of the fungi walk! cheers

Uuuurrrrrrrr........well...... ....40 people attended and it was a really great event :D (it was last Sunday :p )

Keep watching though as another offer will be appearing veeeerrrrrryyyy soon ;)

[lord lurcher]

YOU are so right Rappleby! Having spent years securing hunting rights from the notorious norfolk landowners, and being an ex-keeper myself many of the no-go phrases you mentioned would throw some of these paranoid creatures in to some kind of fit!!! Seriously though a meet up and'brainstorm is a good idea, especially if a pub is involved! :)

[Fenlander]

Been busy today guys :D Thanks for the help Dave :You_Rock_ (I know you watching ;) )

[Fenlander]

Hoping to get a night out this week :D

[Shinken]

Hey Fenlander, I would be interested in coming to a meet if i would be welcome, i live 20 mins from bury!

I am Ash buy the way!

(new here)

[nooky]

Hello I too would be interested in coming to a meet if I could. :)
Andrew.

[Fenlander]

You are both more than welcomed to join us :D

I have no plans to organise a meet before Christmas though :o

and it doesn't sound as though anyone does either :rolleyes:

Keep watching thisthread for something in the New Year though ;)

[nooky]

will do that thank you.Look forward to meeting you all in the near future.
Andrew.

[Biddlesby]

Nice shelter fenlander! Tell us how the night goes....

[Shinken]

Cheers! will do :beerchug:

[KIMBOKO]

At the last meet I said I would investigate a piece of land I knew about for a meet.

[KIMBOKO]

At the last meet I said I would investigate a piece of land I knew about to see if it was suitable for a meet. It is suitable but not during the winter, it is very damp and very wet under foot. Places where there would be a lot of traffic --entrances to tents, round fire etc would rapidly turn into a quagmire. The areas that could support camping are fairly separated. With the leaves off the trees it less secluded than might be desired. So for a winter camp its a no go but perhaps when theres less water around.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

just wondererd if such a camp would be a useful experience anyway?

i have not camped in those conditions before and would like to i like a steep learning curve every now and then!

[nooky]

Fenlander, have you got any dates for your next fungi walk? I could not make your last one and would love to find out a bit more on identifying fungi.

[Fenlander]

Fenlander, have you got any dates for your next fungi walk? I could not make your last one and would love to find out a bit more on identifying fungi.

If you are interested in a fungi workshop on 18th Feb (and anyone else for that matter) email me at kj_warrington@hotmail.com (please do not PM me).

Fenlander

[Biddlesby]

just wondererd if such a camp would be a useful experience anyway?

i have not camped in those conditions before and would like to i like a steep learning curve every now and then!

That's the spirit!

I'm there....wherever the next meet is.

[nooky]

There is a campsite in Suffolk that will allow campfires. I have e-mailed them and they have a wooded area and are happy to use the trees for hammocks and bashas. I have not tried the site myself but im hoping to maybe give them a try next year. It will cost £8 a day per dwelling/pitch and £15 for a load of wood for the fire (I think you have to buy their wood to be able to have a campfire) they say its enough for one days campfire.
Here is the web link.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=2366
The camp owner seems very helpful and the site has had a few good reviews.
I dont know if this will be suitable for a meet as I dont know how big the wood is. Im still trying to find somewhere more local to myself if anyone knows of somewhere near Thetford if they could let me know (the Foresty Commision dont like people camping overnight in the forest :( )
Andrew.

[bilko]

Hi Nooky, thought i'd have a look at your link and to my suprise that's where i took the kids last year purely because they allow campfires.
The site is basically 1 midsized field on a gentle slope about an acre. There is a strip of very sp**** woodland at the bottom of ot next to a mozzy infestested stream. I wouldn't put my hammock up there. When i was there there was pieces of metal everywhere in the wooded bit left by the groups they have. Alien hunters or something. There is some woods nearbyish i was told where aliens landed apparently :lmao: but i never took the kids there.
When i was there the place was being run by the guys son who at my extreme annoyance forget to give me ( or couldn't be bothered ) my wood. I had to walk to the house every evening to ask for it!. He then came round and dumped 5 or 6 big logs which were damp and smelly and wouldn't burn on my pitch.
I told him i wasn't prepared to pay £15 per night ( per pitch as well btw ) for the privilage of having a fire and we came top a reduced rate.
I think this would be a very dissapointing venue for the east anglia group mate. seriously.
hope this helps :)

[nooky]

Thanks Bilko, I was going to do a recce on my own before organising a bigger group, but if its as bad as you say then I dont think I will bother.
Thanks.
Andrew.

[nooky]

Bilko the woods are the ones near to the former RAF Ben****ers/woodbridge were the USAF had the alledged UFO landing as seen by some high ranking USAF personnel (the base security personnel went out to investigate the lights and noises back in the 80s if I remember correctly. :confused:
Andrew.

[Fenlander]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERBODY!!!! :D ......and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[lord lurcher]

Same to you old bean, and to all of the E.A. massive!!!! Look forward to meeting up in the new year :)

[nooky]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody . I hope to meet some of you next year. :)
Andrew.

[Biddlesby]

Merry Christmas all, looking foward to some good 2006 camps.

Oh, and I've lost my knife again...

[Yggdrasil]

Hello all! i hope you are all having a brilliant christmas. My parents have bought me a spokeshave, a lemon wood bow stave, a billy can, a crook knife and a book entitled ''primitive technology, a book of earth skills'' which looks really good. My parents are so cool... :D
I havnt been posting hardly at all recently but i will start again :o
Rob

[R-Bowskill]

Happy Hannaukah, Finally got through the snow and Ice to a computer.

Looks like I'll be having to live bushcraft in a months time as just got notice from the landlord. Added a few more scars and stitches to my face curtousy of real ale.

Apart from that I'm doing OK and will be off to the coast for a forage once this snow stops coming down.

[MikeS]

Happy New Year to Everyone.

Mike

:beerchug:

[R-Bowskill]

Anyone wants a coastal forage I'll be between cromer and overstrand for the next 48 hours. Will be sleeping near overstrand where the greater reeedmace grows.

Anyone is welcome to pay me a visit.

[Biddlesby]

With a bit more notice I would have joined you!

[sam_acw]

I'd be interested in joing up with you guys as I'm back in the UK for the moment.
I'm based near Huntingdon

[Fenlander]

Just to let you guys know (especially all those newby's who have contacted me :D 0) I will be unable to organise an EA meet until at least the middle of March, due to other commitments :(

[Biddlesby]

There is always the garveston site if you're just looking for a field to camp in....

[lord lurcher]

Biddlesby, is that Garvestone between dereham and wymondham?

[Biddlesby]

The very same. I prefer to spell it Garveston, as do some others, but the village sign says Garvestone and a few signs even say Gaverston(e).

[lord lurcher]

Do you know if they will allow a meet there ? we can always go to thje woods for the day? thetford is close and lots even closer! i have been sounding out lots of places, asc yet to no avail :( but i will keep trying!

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hi richard here, anyone planning stuf in the near future, i'm afraid my computers been playing up again so not been able to keep up with news, anyone want to have a local meet?
i have new kit to play with(again)!

biddlesby, if you can get the campsite details i would be up for it.

[tagnut69]

Does the East Anglian chapter meet up regular, or is it only occasionaly. I would love to meet up but sadly I work weekends and 2 evenings during the week. hopefully to change though.

Cheers

Chris

[Biddlesby]

Most meets happen at the weekend, although I'm sure a weekly meet would be possible.

I've emailed the Norfolk Scouts. I will take photos of the site at the weekend.

[lord lurcher]

Nice one biddlesby! Even if the site isnt perfect i'm sure we could all make the best of it, beggars cant be choosers etc etc. Rapplesby i thought you'd been abducted by aliens? :lmao: I'm up for a wander anytime, be interested to see new kit as well, let me know if your about this weekend

[Biddlesby]

The field itself:
http://fatgerbil.kayssplace.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.Download Item&g2_itemId=62&g2_serialNumber=1

There is also a small row of trees down one side.
http://fatgerbil.kayssplace.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.Download Item&g2_itemId=66&g2_serialNumber=1

[edit] Not sure why they're not embedding...
(http://fatgerbil.kayssplace.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.Download Item&g2_itemId=66&g2_serialNumber=1)

[Fenlander]

Caretaker and myself are organising an Easter meet in a woodland he has access to, near Rutland Water. Dates are 14th - 17th April.

The site is approx 42 acres mixed woodland with 2 areas of flat grass, there is an area for parking with portaloo facilities and a standpipe for water. It is run as a Hawk & Owl centre and nature reserve. Most Sundays part of the wood is used by the Rutland Bowmen for archery and axe throwing.

The site is between Oakham & Stamford quite close to Rutland Water. We will send exact details to everyone nearer the time.

A couple of restrictions on its use;

A) there is a part of the wood he does not want us to go in (still leaves 30 acres), B) no alcohol,
C) no rubbish left on site.

Fires are not a problem but care needs to be taken.

The cost for the weekend will be £10 per person.

There is a limit of 20 people for this meet, so get your name down quick ;)

If insufficient numbers from the EA group are interested, it will be advertised to everyone.

Thanks to caretaker for sorting this :You_Rock_

[Biddlesby]

I should be OK to attend, as always.

Cheers caretaker!

[Ranger Bob]

All things being equal....I should be there! :D

[MikeS]

Hi everyone

I am absolutely gutted, :( we are in North Yorksire over the Easter weekend and so can't make it. The site sounds great so have a fantastic time.

Mike

[jdlenton]

sounds like a great idea i'll try and get a pass from SWMBO keep me a place please

James

[Fenlander]

sounds like a great idea i'll try and get a pass from SWMBO keep me a place please

James


Tell her I'll send you back with some sage and onion bannock ;)

[jdlenton]

she says she wants pancakes :lmao:

[Fenlander]

she says she wants pancakes :lmao:

Then pancakes she shall have :cool:

[Burt]

I may be able to do the 14th and 15th (working the next day), would this matter? If ok what sort of things do you all bring?? Not that I have a lot to bring mind you?
Be nice to meet!

[Fenlander]

I may be able to do the 14th and 15th (working the next day), would this matter? If ok what sort of things do you all bring?? Not that I have a lot to bring mind you?
Be nice to meet!

See a post by Biddlesby on page 27 of the archieve thread, accessed from page one of this thread. ;)

[Burt]

cant seem to find it...is this page one? How do i get to the archives?

[Fenlander]

cant seem to find it...is this page one? How do i get to the archives?

This is page 19......here is page 1

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=5262&page=1&pp=10

Click on the word archieve in post 1 and go to page 27 :D

[Burt]

Got it..kitlist! Got most of that and should have no problem getting any I haven't. When would you need to know for definate?

Cheers ;)

[Fenlander]

Got it..kitlist! Got most of that and should have no problem getting any I haven't. When would you need to know for definate?

Cheers ;)

Mid-march :)

[nooky]

Im working Saturday morning and Monday afternoon, would it be OK to come up Saturday afternoon (after work) and stay till Monday morning?
Andrew.

[Fenlander]

Im working Saturday morning and Monday afternoon, would it be OK to come up Saturday afternoon (after work) and stay till Monday morning?
Andrew.

People can come whenever they want to :D

You will still have to make a donation to the owners of the woodland, but probably not the full £10. I will check on that one :confused:

maybe you can convince Dave to join you ;)

[nooky]

I think SHINKEN will come up with me he working the same as me.


maybe you can convince Dave to join you ;)

I will have to give him an e-mail (I have not spoken to him for a while) :)
Andrew.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

hopefuly i could get there, prehaps for 2 days?

i shall contact you nearer the time.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

ps what happened to the local meets in norwich, are they still going on? :confused:

i've been busy with family work ect, but would love to meet up again if only for a drink!

i shall text you later,
cheers.

[Fenlander]

hopefuly i could get there, prehaps for 2 days?

i shall contact you nearer the time.

Mmmm....when i last spoke to Dave i thought he said you would be working that weekend :confused:

[Ranger Bob]

Turns out I can't make this one Kevin... :( :( :(

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Hi guy's and Gals of the east anglia group!

i after a list of problems as long as my arm my computer is finally fixed, up and running!

could i ask of one big favour from all that know me?

the mobile phone i was useing died along with all my accumulated phone numbers i now have a new phone but lost all your numbers!

please Pretty Please if you gave me your mobile/home number before could you give me your number again!

very big cheers!

either e-mail or "PM" me
(RAPPLEBY2000@YAHOO.CO.UK)

AGAIN A BIG CHEERS!

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Hi kevin,

Dave may have the wrong date for me working, i have it as 22-23rd i shall double check though :eek: it's getting busy!

P.s. my birthday on the 19th so any gransfors shaped parcels would be nice! :lmao: :rolleyes:

[RAPPLEBY2000]

just to highlight the point i do not have........

your phone numers!

i would like to get back in touch with you guys but i don't have your numbers! :(

[weekender]

Hi to all
New to the forum and actually trying some of the activites associated with bushcraft but willing to learn, have done camping and hill walking/climbing but really enjoy getting out into the woods,i would like to come to a weekend meet whenever the next one is? (cant do easter of to the lakes),apart from the kit list what else is needed.

Weekender(martin)

[Fenlander]

Please see here for Rutland water meet updates ;)

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?p=155412#post15 5412

If your name is missing from the list, please let us know.

[weekender]

Thanks for the invite fenlander but i shall be away those dates, i see you do your own courses i could well be booking something (more in my price range then other firms :D )but i would be interested if you had any other informal meets coming up soon after.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

whats happened to the East anglia group?

A big thankyou to fenlander for all his hard work in the region.

because we are discovering more and more bushcrafters it may be time to start a more local one?

as an experiment i would like to start a much more local group to Norwich, (call it Norwich/Norfolk as an area).
nothing personal i'm just thinking some of the group have found it difficult to travel.

so as a brother group i am going to try to get a Norwich one started

[MikeS]

I hope everything went well over the bank holiday. If so are there and thoughts of doing it again as we missed out. :sulkoff:

Mike

[Fenlander]

I hope everything went well over the bank holiday. If so are there and thoughts of doing it again as we missed out. :sulkoff:

Mike

Jeremy's working on something at the moment, and I'm sure Andy (Caretaker) would be willing to organise another meet if you hassle him a bit ;)

There's a medieval fayre at Snailwell near Newmarket on 13th & 14th May, where people might like to meet up.

[MikeS]

Hi Kevin

13th and 14th May I am in North Yorkshire again. I'm not doing very well at the moment. I look forward to whatever Jeremy is organising .

Mike

[Fenlander]

Hi Kevin

13th and 14th May I am in North Yorkshire again. I'm not doing very well at the moment. I look forward to whatever Jeremy is organising .

Mike

PM me if you are free this weekend ;)

[MikeS]

Absolutely fantastic day. The site was great, I haven't unwound that much for ages.

Thanks very much.

:You_Rock_

[RAPPLEBY2000]

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 (beech, hawthorn, gorse flower) 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.

[Snufkin]

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 (beech, hawthorn, gorse flower) 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.
Very kind of you to say, don't know that I'm particularly expert at anything. I know very little about alot though :)

[Fenlander]

Absolutely fantastic day. The site was great, I haven't unwound that much for ages.

Thanks very much.

:You_Rock_

....and you got you first success with the bow-drill :)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/Mikesfirstember.jpg

.....and Reed Mace stems and rhizomes for lunch.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/ReedMacestemsrhizome.jpg

plus Bakewell Tart.....I mean Willow catkins ;)

Thanks for coming, it was good to see you again.

The crayfish trap was empty this moring by the way :(

[Ranger Bob]

Congratulations Mike!

[Nod]

Congratulations Mike......it's fantastic and most satisfying when it goes up in flames for the first time isn't it.

After the Rutland Easter met I got home and made up my own drill set with the bits I collected while at the site.

Just to see if I could still do it I nipped into the garden and had a go. Am pleased to say that I had a fire going in about 2 minutes this time. The kids were very impressed.

Thanks to Fenlanders tuition and helping me with the choice of woods for the various parts etc.....it seems so easy now.........the use of "bits" for each end is a great idea......simple but great. It was also really helpful having Fenlander watch and giving advice like "Slow down, use the whole bow,steady, now speed up......" etc etc. I'd been going at it full pelt, ended up knackered and sweating and fed up when nothing happened.

I'll have to try it in a howling gale with driving rain next, and I'll let you know how I get on.

[Fenlander]

Nice one Paul :You_Rock_

[Longstrider]

Hi folks. As I am based in Milton Keynes and my partner (Sandspec) is based in Lowestoft one or the other of us is forever travelling through your area. As "your neck ofthe woods" would not be too far for either of us to travel, would you mind if we came along to one of your meets and said "Hallo" ? I have a strange work rota of shifts, so cannot make many of the wekends that others might, but when I do get a weekend off it tends to be a 4 day affair.

Some idea of when and where you were meeting up would help me to check my rota and see if we can get to the meet.

All the best, Longstrider.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Hi guy's
if all goes well the Norfolk/Norwich group is having a Meet up this sunday at hevingham heath all of you are welcome to join us!
check out the thread for details.

can you PM me details of you next weekend Meetup i'm sure the guys in Norfolk/Norwich group would love to come along!

Cheers
Rich

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Very good news!

i have just booked the Garlveston scout camp site (near Dereham)for the Norwich and Norfolk group, anyone from the East Anglia Group is welcome
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, 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.


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!

the campsite will take 60 people and it'll be all ours!
hope to see you all there!
cheers
Rich

[lord lurcher]

Yep i'm in, all clear with the management! Good on you rich for sorting it out, cant wait! :cool:

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Hi
just interested to see if you guys are still up for meets if i organise one?

i've come across a couple of sites we can use. :D

[RAPPLEBY2000]

any takers? :(

[Nod]

I'm interested.....depending on dates, location, signed chit from SWMBO etc. :)
Wife works some weekends so I have to fit stuff in round that. Can't do the one above though.

[Shinken]

Im interested but i think i am away that weekend :(

[leon-b]

im interested
depends if the dates fit in with my holiday etc
love to come to the meet though
leon

[RAPPLEBY2000]

ok give us some idea of what you guy's want to do and i'll see what i can arrange! :)

[leon-b]

will this be a weekend camp or just a one day meet?
leon

[tagnut69]

Sounds like a great place, count me in, anyone need a lift from Ipswich let me know

[leon-b]

if i could catch a lift that would be great im not sure if im going yet but if i am i will drop you a pm, my dad will also need a lift is this ok
thanks leon

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Ok well this camp is coming up soon!

Garlveston scout camp site (near Dereham)
for the anyone living in East Anglia (or outside if you don't mind the travel! :drive: )also anyone new to the sport known as a :newbie: is welcome also just give us some warning as I need to know how many are coming!
PM or E-mail me if you want!

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 only 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, 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.

here are the directions:
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.
the entrance to the camp site is a small track next to a church,
grid ref: TG 023 073

the campsite will take 60 people and it'll be all ours!
hope to see you all there! :You_Rock_
cheers
Rich

[Fenlander]

I will be demonstrating and teaching cordage making and fire by friction at Wimpole Hall this weekend, more details here: http://www.wimpole.org/archDay.html

If anyone wants to come along and have a go, I'll be under the parachute ;)

[leon-b]

would love to come along as i really would like to have a go at fire by friction but it is a bit short notice for my parents and they probably have something planned
leon

[RAPPLEBY2000]

I'd love to come but it's a bit far for me, cheers anyway! :)
if you can get some photos so we can see what you got up to! ;)

[Fenlander]

I'd love to come but it's a bit far for me, cheers anyway! :)
if you can get some photos so we can see what you got up to! ;)

My stand

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/Wimpole062.jpg

Fire by friction

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/Wimpole067.jpg

The guy next to me was making wattle and daub by mixing clay, cow manure and hay...

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/Wimpole065.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/sufguy1/Wimpole066.jpg

He was using Elm and after a bit of tuition he spent the afternoon making Elm bark cordage :)

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Nice set up mate :cool:
looks like you had a good spot under a shady tree!

could i ask is that a full size parachute, and how you erected it that way? :)

i love the bushcrafty pot hanger! ;)

[Fenlander]

could i ask is that a full size parachute, and how you erected it that way? :)

;)

Suspend from a rope over a branch. Peg down all the shroud lines apart from four for the entrance. Cut two 4'6 - 5' poles and tie the two middle shroud lines to each. Secure the poles with guy-lines. Roll up the sagging material between your "door" and the top of the parachute and tie up using a stone under the gathered material and then secured with cord.

[RAPPLEBY2000]

excellent, i coulden't see the hanging rope and wastrying to figure out how you'd made it stable! i guess you can raise or lower it too!

is this going to be your shelter at the next meetup? ;)

[MikeS]

Hi Everyone

Is anyone planning to go to this years Wilderness Gathering.

Mike

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Iwould do I'm meant to be doing bow-drill demo's for "woodland survival crafts" but i can't afford the petrol/train fare! :(

[Biddlesby]

I don't know much about this Wilderness Gathering, although I've heard of it before. When and where is it?

[MikeS]

It is the first weekend in Sept and near Basingstoke.

http://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/

I went for a day last year and really enjoyed it but I know Fenlander was less impressed.

Mike

[RAPPLEBY2000]

3 DAYS LEFT TILL THE GARVESTONE CAMP!
IT'S THIS WEEKEND FOLKS!
DON'T MISS IT! :You_Rock_

[MikeS]

Its gone very quiet out there, is everyone on holiday ?

[GearGuru]

Hi Mike

Where ru in Peterborough? I'm in Deepin

[MikeS]

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a fantastic new year. I hope the meets may start up again in the new year.

[Nikolai]

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a fantastic new year. I hope the meets may start up again in the new year.
Yeah, i hope there are some more meets too! It'd be great to meet some of you guys (not sure if im in east anglia, i'm used to the term East Midlands lol)

[MikeS]

Fingers crossed. Do you know of any areas people could meet. The East Anglia group tended to meet in Suffolk / Cambs border.