View Full Version : BCUK Meetup - Archive
Here’s one for your diaries, 20-22nd August in South Wales. The plan is to have relaxed weekend where we can all get together and enjoy being in the great outdoors. This is open to all members and their families. We will have more information soon on the cost, directions etc. So, Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon/evening…..It’s going to be great for people to catch up with each other and pick the brains of those that know what they’re on about :-) It will be a good opportunity to practice your skills and hang out with like minded people. You will be able to pitch tents, build shelters, use bashas, hammocks etc and the site allows fires so we have somewhere to sit around in the evenings and tell a yarn or two!!
More information will come as soon as we have it, but the dates are fixed so make sure you’re free!
Cheers
Tone
Added 19/06/04
To give you a heads up on what the costs are expected to be.
Adults (over 16) £15 per head
10-16 years £5 per head
0-9 years free
This is what we are aiming at to cover the cost of the site.
payment will be via the paypal donation button, there is a box in the payment procedure that allows you to put in a note about what the payment is for, that way we can keep a record and contact you if necessary
ditchfield
04-06-2004, 18:40
Sounds brilliant! Cheers.
We'll be there, looking forward to it.
Well this will make it three of the Dartmoor8 (makes us sound like escapees) :-D
I little bit of info on where the BCUK meetup will be held
3500 acre private estate near the village of Merthyr Mawr in south Wales, just off junction 36 of the M4 and 10minutes from bridged railway station
The estate has an incredibly varied mixture of terrain with:
300 acres of forest including broad leaf coppice and ancient woodland
5 square kilometres of sand dunes (the second largest and highest in Europe)
4.5 kilometres of coastline (with the second largest tidal change in the world)
6 kilometres of river (with otters)
an estuary
3 natural springs
2 castles
numerous streams and ponds
The outstanding diversity of flora and fauna on this site has earned it no less than five designations.
· SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
· NNR National Nature Reserve
· SPC Special Area of Conservation
· SAM scheduled ancient monument
· Heritage Coast
the base camp in the woods is fully equipped with running water, toilets, showers, lights and a purpose built lecture building
Stuart, the site sounds amazing, I will try and get one of the engineers at work down, He is not used to this, but would be interested if he can get time (I nearly got him to the Wilderness Gathering last year, but he said he would feel out of place :-? ) not knowing that it was the first.
I have tried to impress that we are not all John Rambo's/ Ray Mears and he seems to be more interested than he was before, so this would be good as a learning experience for us both as my experience is through the military. :oops:
the base camp in the woods is fully equipped with running water, toilets, showers, lights and a purpose built lecture building
Ooh... Mains power? I could bring my hair dryer... :twisted:
:lol: no the lighting is gas powered
the base camp in the woods is fully equipped with running water, toilets, showers, lights and a purpose built lecture building
Ooh... Mains power? I could bring my hair dryer... :twisted:
ESPY have you never been informed of solar power??? :-D
Stuart the site still sounds very good (I am watching my language here), I have worked and survived in worse, one of them was classed as adveturous training :shock:
we want people to come along and be able to bring their familys if they wish, so we needed a place with hot water showers etc
but we didnt want to be on a proper campsite, just i nice woodland with clearings
this palce is ideal because although it has all the facilites the shower block and lecture area is situated in the middle of the woods which is teaming with life
foxes, badgers, polecats, stoats, phesants, squirrals, goshawks, owls, mink, otters, rabbits, Hare you cant go 15 minutes without somthing scurrying past you or swooping overhead
Sounds like a great idea. Definitely a date for the diary!
Isn't that the home of Bearclaw Bushcraft?
Isn't that the home of Bearclaw Bushcraft?
Thats what i thought, but he is also in the Epping forest.
Nice one guys, it sounds perfect. Merthyr Mawr is stunning. And the dunes are vast. I am up for it as it is about 20 mins from me. (if i am invited)
Cheers,
Jake :biggthump
(if i am invited)
I think we all are! :lol:
The plan is to have relaxed weekend where we can all get together and enjoy being in the great outdoors. This is open to all members and their families.
:lol: no the lighting is gas powered
Blast. Bang goes that idea (no pun intended). I guess I'll have to make some bellows after all... :roll:
Count me in.
It will be nice to catch-up with the Dartmoor bunch, and meet some new faces.
ATB
Nigel
Nice one guys, it sounds perfect. Merthyr Mawr is stunning. And the dunes are vast. I am up for it as it is about 20 mins from me. (if i am invited)
All members and their families are invited..... It will be nice to meet you all, especialy those local to merthyr mawr.... we could arrange other things to do ;-)
There are going to have to be a few rules.... We can't have everyone having fires for example, but there are 'oil-drum' BBQ's dotted around and well set up a couple of 'communal' fires for people to sit around and chat /cook.
Also, we can't have everyone running around setting snares.... especialy if they don't know what they are doing... The game keeper will be annoyed if we take pheasant by mistake. Stuart and I both have permission to snare and hunt (no fish and no pheasant though) on the estate, and we will be setting up some snare lines over the BCUK weekend..... so anyone interested, give us a shout on the weekend and we'll take a few small groups out.
:-)
Ed
Looks like a great idea!
Although my leave is getting tight...
Same here!
I might have to get a days unpaid leave.
I've heard a lot about the site, from Lithril, (and intend harranging Gary with questions about it on the course in Broadstone Warren in 11 days :lol: ).
Sounds THE best place for bushcraft. Shame about no fish though...
Count me in!
Sounds like a great idea. Definitely a date for the diary!
Isn't that the home of Bearclaw Bushcraft?
Bearclaw bushcraft uses two sites one of which is mythr mawr
I know many of the people who work/run the estate and when Gary approched me asking if i knew of any good sites down my way I did not hesitate to recommend mythr mawr, the same thing happened when BCUK started to look for a site to have a meetup
I cant reccomend mythr mawr enough :-D
Nice one guys, it sounds perfect. Merthyr Mawr is stunning. And the dunes are vast. I am up for it as it is about 20 mins from me. (if i am invited)
every member of bushcraftUk and there familys are invited, a system is being arranged for tickets
As Ed said we have permision to lay snares (in certain parts of the estate which are not protected areas) but it would be irresponsible of us to let everyone lay snares, so Ed and myself will set a couple of snare lines out and take people out to check them in the morning and again every evening
the phesants and the fish are stocked by the estate and must not be touched but the gray squirrels and rabbits are allowed
same with the fires we have permition to have open fires on the site but we do not want multiple fires all over the woods, so there will be a couple of communal fires (and parachutes)
there will also be a number of oildrum BBQ's about, the even will be self catering
The idea of the event is that it will be an informal gathering of BCUK members, BCUK will not be running any courses or workshops but we hope that everyone will share there knowleadge and skills and learn from each other
I love the fact that this is intended to be a family event, but was wondering whether there was a recommended minimum age for attendence?
While I would love to bring my daughter, she'll be not qutie 3 years old - I'm not sure that such a young (and boisterous!) child would be appreciated!!
Oh, I dunno. How does that old McCain(?) advert go?
I love children! But I couldn't eat a whole one...
:rolmao:
I love the fact that this is intended to be a family event, but was wondering whether there was a recommended minimum age for attendence?
While I would love to bring my daughter, she'll be not qutie 3 years old - I'm not sure that such a young (and boisterous!) child would be appreciated!!
The way I see it with families is that the parents are going to be solely responsible for the children they bring, the weekend will be no different than people going camping on any other camp site, and we’re just arranging to go to the same one. It is big enough for people to not be effected by children or other distractions, with a bit of consideration there will be no problems at all.
I love the fact that this is intended to be a family event, but was wondering whether there was a recommended minimum age for attendence?
While I would love to bring my daughter, she'll be not qutie 3 years old - I'm not sure that such a young (and boisterous!) child would be appreciated!!
If you feel that you would like to bringing her along then its fine, as long as you except that she would be your responsibility and so long as your happy with that go ahead
it is important for everyone to understand the nature of this meet up:
BCUK has booked the entire site at myther mawr (a private estate), the BCUK team will be getting together on the 20-22 of august, BCUK are inviting all the members of this website to join them for the weekend
it will not be a trade fair (no commercial activities are allowed) and BCUK with not be organizing or endorsing any activities
however BCUK wishes to encourage the members to organize there own activities and share knowledge and information with each other
for example:
Ed and myself regularly trap rabbits for our own consumption on the estate with the estates permission, as members of bushcraftUK we will be running an active trapping line over the weekend are happy to take other members along to share our knowledge and learn new information from those that we meet
BCUK has not organized this and does not endorse it, and therefore will not be held responsible for Ed and myself actions or the activities of those that choose to come with us
BCUK has booked the site and has agreed with the estates owners to eject any person who violates the rules of the site and retains the right to do so
its all feels very serious doesn’t it :-D
:rolmao:
It will probably be the two of us, myself and my Dad. If he's game. If not i can just come alone!
It would be nice to learn some of these skills that i hear so much about!
Jake
ts all feels very serious doesn’t it
Thats the nature of business. BCUK has to cover itself and cannot be held responsible for other peoples actions.... luckily most here seem very sensible and I foresee very little problems with the weekend.... except people trying to find the site in the first place ;-) .... I got lost last time... and I'm local!!!
:-)
Ed
Thats a point. For those who dont know Merthyr Mawr how are they gonna find the site?!
I got lost last time when getting back to the carpark, and even though i was only abut 30 min walk, i still found it tough.
Cheers,
Jake
yes mythr mawr can be a bit of a wilderness :-D
I will put signs up on my way down (i will hopfully be heading down mid-day on friday 20th)
The way I see it with families is that the parents are going to be solely responsible for the children they bring, the weekend will be no different than people going camping on any other camp site, and we’re just arranging to go to the same one. It is big enough for people to not be effected by children or other distractions, with a bit of consideration there will be no problems at all.
Thanks chaps! It was never a question of responsibility, rather of appropriateness (if there is such a word...)
I think I'll come without Rosie this year, partly for selfish reasons (I want to get stuck in and learn some bushcraft skills), and partly because I doubt there'll be many kids of similar age for her to play with - she is a very social child!
Sounds like it will be a fantastic weekend, sorry can't make it myself, I,m off canoeing in the Ardeche for 2 weeks, but I hope to meet up again at the Wilderness Gathering in September. Enjoy yourselves. Sounds like Adi might be giving GPS lessons :-D
The General
08-06-2004, 04:48
I would love to attend, perhaps bringing along a selection of knives to demo different types and talk about things like steel, rust inhibitors and how to sharpen knives etc. I know a lot of you guys are already good at this, but a different approach may just give you a little info or teach you a trick or two! I certainly want to see a lot of stuff and learn!
My major problem (not being a driver...) is getting there, ideally if someone is going down from North Wales or willing to divert I would be happy to go halves on the jungle juice!
I live in Llandudno BTW
I would definatly like someone to teach me how to sharpen convex in real life! Seems a lot harder doing it just by written advice (very good advice BTW)!!
Cheers,
Jake
PS sorry i am in South Wales.
thats the great thing about having a meet up, there are somthings you just have to see and try to fully understand
The General
08-06-2004, 17:37
Not asking much are you? :wink: LOL!
General looks like you have yourself a sharpening workshop in the making.
i just can't get a razor edge on my knives. Any practical advice would be great.
I'm in too sounds great, anyone going from the South Coast as I can't drive (I'll be living on the Isle of Wight by then!!).
Blue Sky!
Jim. :-D
The General
08-06-2004, 22:13
General looks like you have yourself a sharpening workshop in the making.
i just can't get a razor edge on my knives. Any practical advice would be great.
Sounds good! Now if I can just get the time off and a lift! :lol:
Jim I can give you a lift, I live just outside Southampton anyway. Otherhalfs coming but there should still be plenty of room in the car.
Nice one! Sounds good to me.
Blue Sky, Jim. :-D
Well, im looking forward to this meetup and looking forward to meeting loads of new and interesting people. Ive been to Merthyr Mawr so know how beautiful it is there, which is why im hoping to bring along my niece. Am planing on teaching her a little stalking while we are there, we are gonna sneak up on all the grown ups. :lol:
If there are any other people going with children who can think of any other activities to do with the little uns please let me know and we can arrange something. I love the idea of sharing these experiences with my niece (whos nearly 3) as she'll grow up with the love, knowledge and respect of the outdoors.
Cheers
Karen
That's great Karen. The younger you start them, the more time they have to learn.
Although I don't have any kids to bring, having been a Sunday schools teacher, (yes even with my evil streak), how about somethign like a plant lore quest, see how many different trees or plants the kids can find/identify. The winner getting a bar of chocolate or something.
Rather than defoliate the place they could pick up a 'ticket' attached to the tree, that they write 'oak', 'ash', etc., on or give them a list of trees to find, number some trees (a piece of paper tied to a branch) and get them to match the numbers to the names on the sheet.
I'd be happy to help organise something like that. As Gary says in his signature
Knowledge is a gift the wise will freely share.
I'll even stump for some home made chocolates/cakes or something.
Rather than defoliate the place they could pick up a 'ticket' attached to the tree, that they write 'oak', 'ash', etc., on or give them a list of trees to find, number some trees (a piece of paper tied to a branch) and get them to match the numbers to the names on the sheet.
Thats a great idea for the older kids, i hadn't thought of that!!! For some of the younger ones i was thinking of bringing paper and crayons for leaf and bark rubbings. Thanks for the idea and i welcome all with ideas and help.
The younger you start them, the more time they have to learn
I cant agree with that statement more, and if we arn't willing to teach them, who will!!!
Cheers
Karen[/quote]
Ya but martin it says THE WISE! - :nana:
are you going to teach anything on the weekend gary??
I going to try pestering Rhoda into sharing some of her tracking skills :-D
I see a possible problem. Around the 20th is results day. A and AS level results are around the 20-21-22 possibl later but i will have to check. Bugger.
Jake
I will be demoing the beer drink workshop - closely followed by the falling down workshop!
Will PM u about demo's.
THANK YOU GARY!
Last time I buy any your kit... :nana:
YOUR WELCOME MATE! And you'll be back because you know I have loads of goodies on there that you want!
Seriously though, with the sharing knowledge thing in mind I am more than happy to demo something or other - say firelighting techniques and maybe a couple of fire lays.
Unless anyone has a request otherwise!
<mutters under breath> Yes you do have more kit I want...
Seriuosly though, aside from plantlore and helping organise stuff for the kids (did i really volunteer to do that? (Sarge, the nutter volunteered again!)), I'd be happy to demo camp cooking techniques (and I DON'T mean a la Hudson and Hall or Rciahrd Cawley...).
Can't really think of anything else I used to teach that I can do now :-? Too much beer under the bridge?
I'd be happy to demo camp cooking techniques
Hope you have got a good rabbit recipe ;-) ... really though ... that would be great.
:-)
Ed
This sounds great, If only someone else in my family was interested in bushcraft aswell and then i could go :-( . Ah well i guess i'll have to wait a few years. :cry:
I'd be happy to demo camp cooking techniques
Hope you have got a good rabbit recipe ;-) ... really though ... that would be great.
:-)
Ed
Ed,
I've got somewhere in the region of 10,000+ recipes for practically every food you can imagine.
Do you want stews? Roast? Jugged? Baked? French? Medieval? Shall I stop now?? :lol:
Well, i have to say that this meetup sounds better and better every time i log on!!!! Can't wait!! Not only do the young uns get to learn stuff, so do I. Sorry you can't make it Young Bushman, maybe you can talk to some teachers or youth workers in your area, if you have any. There are always projects going on and they are always looking for new ideas. I will try and get some info for you and maybe you can help set up something in your area. Good luck.
Please PM me if you find anything out or for more info. :-D
Cheers
Karen
Thanks Karen that's really kind of you! :You_Rock_
Cheers,
Scott
Ere, young bushman (and anyone else interested) there are 'Bushcraft' organisations in the UK...they just aren't called Bushcraft Clubs! Bushcraft is after all the craft of the 'bush' - not a UK term really. In the UK we have Woods- hence Woodcraft! Try out the Woodcraft Folk (a quick search should put you in contact)- they have regular meetings and camps (mostly family type camps I believe), alternatively check out the link on my posts- FSC, Forest School Camps are similar to the Woodcraft Folk but specialse in camps for Kids/teenagers instead of Families and meet less often (unless you go to all the Workcamps like me and spend one weekend in 4 camping! As a charity FSC is accessible to anybody if youre interested in FSC contact me and I can pass you on to membership staff....
Additionally I hear occasional rumours of very active woodcraft type activities going on in Scout Groups (you'll probably need to shop around to find a group who are into bushcraft skills).
You never know- there are some scout leaders who are members maybe theres one in your area!
Blue Sky, Jim. :-D
YB,
Jim has it right, there are scout groups that do a reasonable amount of Bushcraft. A mate of mine is an Explorer Scout leader and tries to get as much bushcraft into the Explorers Duke of Edinburgh work as he can; I try to do a simelar thing with my Scout troop.
Have you looked in the Leader chatter section recently? There is a thread sargey (?) put up about a weekend he was helping to run for Scouts, Explorers and leaders that seemed to be pretty good.
the woodcraft folk is great if you like bad singing round a camp fire well from what I remember anyway. DF groups "organise" their own camps
http://www.poptel.org.uk/woodcraft/ is the main web site
though if you tell them you hunt animals with a rifle you will end up with a bit of stick most peopole seem to have a closed mind to that.
I have never actually been to a Woodcraft Folk event, although I know many members, I have camped extensively with FSC :wink: and I must admit that my singing is by far the worst :nana: , all the same thie singing only accounts for an hour out of a normal 7am- 3am camping day and those songs come in handy when the kids have been walking for 5hrs with full packs in the rain and need a distraction from their blisters/ sunburn/ fatigue! :-D . As for hunting, FSC staff don't tend to approve of guns and hunting for it's own sake (especially veges and vegans) however few objections are made to catching and cooking trout, other fish and even spit roasting 50lb lambs! :o\:
Blue Sky,
Jim.
...in the rain and need a distraction from their blisters/ sunburn/ fatigue! :-D .
Sunburn and pouring rain?
Only in Britain... :-D
whats FSC.
DFs are mad, not been on a DF camp but from what I hear drink flows with the merry making.
I'm very upset, though my A level results come out on a thursday (they always do so don't worry other young people) I wont be able to come as I have to go to my sisters wedding on the 21st :cry: :cry: :cry:
This is a real shame because though I've done loads of camping, there has been chance for "bushcraft" and I could have learnt a lot from you peeps
tenbears10
14-06-2004, 22:00
Looks like I might be able to make it. We were going to go to the Gathering but other plans in September so hopefully we can come to this meet up instead. Plans so far sound great!!
Have we got any further on directions/ cost yet? Just wondering mainly because I'm a serial planner :-)
Bill (and my wife Emma for this)
If anyone wants to know about FSC Forest School Camps then check out the link below! It's a charity organization which specialises in taking inner city kids to remote areas :lol: in Britain for camps of between 2 and 13 nights duration, some are mobile some fixed, some involve canoes, boats or bikes others are on foot.
Blue Sky 8-) ,
Jim.
yes directions would be good, is the Merthyr Mawr site near the sewage works? or is this a different place, on the map there is a campsite sign, and some buildings have linked the maphttp://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=286500&y=177500&z =4&sv=286500,177500&st=4&ar=N& mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsea rch.srf&dn=728 is this the place?
steve
thats the place!!!!
dont worry about the sewage works you cant actually see it on the ground, its built into a depression and ringed with dense woodland
The site can be seen on the landranger 170 'Vale of Glamorgan & Rhonnda
area' 1:50000 (the 1:25000 WOULD BE BETTER BUT I DONT HAVE ONE OF THE AREA)
the site car park is roughly in grid 872,773
the site covers the area from the A48 in the north to just the other side of
the B4524 in the south and from the sea in the west to the village of
Merthyr mawr in the east
Adi has a sat photo of the area I'll ask him to put it up
The General
15-06-2004, 19:32
Would it help if I was to catch a train and meet someone at a station like Chester or Manchester etc? Maybe even Hereford?
As someone kindly pointed out, llandudno is not really on anyones 'way' :cry:
Would it help if I was to catch a train and meet someone at a station like Chester or Manchester etc? Maybe even Hereford?
As someone kindly pointed out, llandudno is not really on anyones 'way' :cry:Being so close I really wish I could help out, but we'll have a car full as it is. Sorry mate... :-(
The General
17-06-2004, 00:02
No problem, thanks for the words!
What is the nearest train station? Would anyone be able to pick me up from there?
Thanks!
General, as far as I know the nearest train station is going to be Bridgend.
I don't drive so I too have been looking at how to get there if my lift falls through.
From what I can see Bridgend rail is about 4Km east north east of Merthyr Mawr and the camp site.
If you are coming down from Llandudno it will probably be 2 or 3 train changes depending on the time of day you travel.
I hope this is of use to you,
Leon.
The General
17-06-2004, 01:22
http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/en/journey.php
I would leave Llandudno at 10:47 on the Friday and arrive at Bridgend at 15:59
I would travel back on Sunday departing Bridgend at 10:53 or at 19:43 depending on the situation.
I have told the owner at work if I can't have the holiday time I will make the next three months hell for him!
Question then, would anyone be willing to pick me up and drop me off on the relevent days? I can bribe with chocolate and a tutorial in sharpening! :-D
Hey Wayne, I can meet up with you at the station and we can hike over to the campsite - it's only a few kms :lol:
as were all going to be only 4k away it should be fairly simple for one of us to drive over and pick you up!!
I wont be at the site untill at least 1:00 on the friday but if that is ok (and i might be very late) let me know and i'll try and pick you up
Me too, there will be no problem picking you guys up from there. I would bring you down from Manchester but I've got the family.....If that chages for any reason I'll let you know :wink:
Thanks for the offer of a lift chaps! Might walk it cos after sitting still for 5+ hours I'll be feeling restless!
Wayne, looks like we could meet up on the final leg of the journey from Cardiff Central to Bridgend
Depending on whether I get a lift I may decide to walk the last bit myself. Brigend is only an hour from Reading on Virgin if I remember right, and the walk would do me good.
I walk 1 1/2 miles to the station every morning anyway, so twice that shouldn't be a problem.
Can't wait for it...
The General
17-06-2004, 13:17
Sounds great guys! I would prefer a lift as I will be travelling 'heavy' with all the knives and bits that people are asking me to bring along and demo...
Oh and I'm a bit lazy and slow... :oops: :wink:
Be nice to meet up at Cardiff Boaty!
If anyone who will have a car and is willing... Could you PM your mobile number? Thanks!
Waaaaaaaay good news, I got the time off so I will be there for sure! Wooooooo Hoooooooo!
The General
17-06-2004, 13:19
Me too, there will be no problem picking you guys up from there. I would bring you down from Manchester but I've got the family.....If that chages for any reason I'll let you know :wink:
Great thanks! :lol:
Sounds great guys! I would prefer a lift as I will be travelling 'heavy' with all the knives and bits that people are asking me to bring along and demo...
You want to tell *me* about travelling heavy??? :wink: :-D
Good job I've got a 110 is all I can say...
Be nice to meet up at Cardiff Boaty!
Brilliant! I'll carry a few of your heavy knives for you, and I'll probably even remember to give them back :lol:
Buckshot
18-06-2004, 16:02
YEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
I've just got the green light from SWMBO
All the family are going as well, my lads' 8. I'm looking forward to it - should be great. :-D
Cheers
Mark
Buckshot
18-06-2004, 16:43
Have tickets/ costs been worked out yet ?
Tone, I've just got my lad a childs knife from Dave Barker for his birthday in a couple of weeks. Looks really nice. Weren't you involved in the design?
Cheers
Mark
just think, while all you lot are having a good time playing with sharpe things I have to sit around wearing a suit thats a bit small and dancing with the bridesmaid :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: make sure you get lots of pictures, hope the weather is good for you all
The General
19-06-2004, 01:28
Any requests for me to bring along any particular knives?
Any requests for me to bring along any particular knives?
Just the ones you don't want and you're going to give to me :biggthump
To give you a heads up on what the costs are expected to be.
Adults (over 16) £15 per head
10-16 years £5 per head
0-9 years free
This is what we are aiming at to cover the cost of the site.
( I will also post the costs at the beginning of the thread)
We would like as many of you as possible to pay via the paypal donation button, there is a box in the payment procedure that allows you to put in a note about what the payment is for, that way we can keep a record and contact you if necessary.
As previously stated, the meet up is for us to get together and say hi to each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Families are more than welcome, it’s up to you to decide on who you bring and who you don’t The site is huge so there will be room for all. We will be posting up maps and directions etc and it’s not hard to find.
Many questions have been raised and answered in the thread so have a browse through to get a better picture of what the meet up is about. If you have something new to ask then feel free.
Roger Gregory
19-06-2004, 17:22
Are people intending to use tents, sleep up trees or just eat, drink and talk for the weekend without sleep? :)
I'm just wondering whether to bother with a tent and go with the trusty old bivvy bag. But then it is South Wales in August so it will be peeing it down....
Roger
Are people intending to use tents, sleep up trees or just eat, drink and talk for the weekend without sleep? :)
I'm just wondering whether to bother with a tent and go with the trusty old bivvy bag. But then it is South Wales in August so it will be peeing it down....
Bring what ever you want. I'll be wilding it.... or maybe a hennassy for luxury ;-) but many with children will be in tents. There should be enough hootchies, basha, tarps and parachutes around for you to shelter under if the rain gets that bad ;-) There is also a purpose built classroom.... sort of a wooden roof on wooden pillars, so there is shelter under there.... but not for everyone.
:-)
Ed
tenbears10
19-06-2004, 21:50
Don't know if anyone already asked but is there a problem bringing my dog. He's only little and will be well behaved most of the time.
Bill
Don't know if anyone already asked but is there a problem bringing my dog. He's only little and will be well behaved most of the time.
I'll have to get confirmation on this, but I think we are 'NOT' going to be allowing dogs.
The main reason is the proliferation of wildlife on the site including rabbit, fox, mink, otter, pheasant and hare. If a pheasant was killed we risk loosing access to the land.... we are not allowed to touch them! they are reared by the game keeper for the shoot, and we as BCUK cannot take responsibility for a dog killing one....
We are privaliged to have access to such a wonderful site and we do not want to jepodise our relationship with the estate.... I personaly have no problem with it but I don't think the gamekeeper would like the idea of dogs being in the same woodland a his pheasants.
Sorry :-(
Ed
The General
19-06-2004, 22:36
I for one will enjoy the chance to do some bushcraft such as putting up a camp and lighting a fire the 'proper' way!
However, will things like wood be provided or will we be permitted to forage for wood and stuff?
The General
20-06-2004, 01:07
Any requests for me to bring along any particular knives?
Just the ones you don't want and you're going to give to me :biggthump
LOL! Very funny! :lol:
Seriously though a few rules before anyone asks...
1. No one is to touch anything I have brought without express permission from myself or a fellow Mod.
2. No one is to test an edge by running a thumb along the edge... :roll:
3. No one is to interupt a conversation or interupt while I am in the middle of a demo or similar if I am obviously very busy or concentrating. An exception to this is if someone is doing something dangerious and you must draw my attention to it.
4. If you are given permission to touch a knife, no waving it about or throwing it into the ground. It is a valuable bit of kit and not yours! Treat yourself, others and the knife with respect.
5. Any dangerous behaviour will grant that person a smack in the gob! :wink:
6.Please wipe the blade down with a clean cloth after using the blade or touching the naked steel.
7. I can't have eyes and ears at all points so please help me and keep an eye on what is going on around me.
8. There will be children and young people at the even, please keep an eye on these young people and for goodness sake tell them not to touch anything without asking!
9. I will NOT allow any children to touch or use any of my knives unless the parent is right there and gives express permission to me directly that the young person is safe to handle a knife. Even so I will be very careful and may decide it is not a good idea.
10. No trying to impress me with massive bowie knives or similar. I have seen it all before. If you want to impress me, bring customs and hand made knives for me to see! Very good quality production knives are also something I like! :wink:
11. I don't want to see any illegal knives... please! :shock:
12. My knives are mostly shaving hair popping sharp, unless you are an old hand at using knives you probably can't understand how sharp that really is! BE CAREFUL!!!!
Thats enough for now!
Things I am planning on bringing along...
DMT Duo folding stone and DMT pocket hone. (I won't bring a Spyderco Sharpmaker though I will probably bring a couple of the ceramic sticks.)
Knives.
Him Imports Kukrhi
Randal Model 1-6 stag
Randal Model 2-8 micarta
Farid fixed blade
Alan Wood 5" custom in D2 steel Micarta
Alan Wood Woodlore
Alan Wood Bushcraft knife (if I have it by then)
Small wood Sebenza folding knife
Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie
Bark River Highland Special as well as at least two prototype knives from Bark River!
Spyderco Chinock II
William Henry Damascus 'quest' desgined my Tom Brown
Strider AR Tac folder
Spyderco Military in S30V
Camillus Cuda Aftermath folding knife.
Perhaps my first attempt at knifemaking if I have it by then.
Benchmade Nimravious fixed blade
Benchmade 806 Axis and 710 Axis (space permitting)
My first custom knife designed by myself a Doug Mondt 10" blade in CPM 10V.
Thats 4.5K to 5k value in knives people!
Obviously weight and space will be a major factor, so I won't have the room or space for lots of stones or oils. So feel free to bring along your own! In fact this would be better as I want you to learn how to use your own equipment, not mine! Bring lots of bribes in the form of chocolate and cold fizzy drinks! :wink:
The above list may change if it is simply too much to carry or if I need to change it a bit upon request.
Comments?
All sounds fair enough to me :biggthump
[quote] I personaly have no problem with it but I don't think the gamekeeper would like the idea of dogs being in the same woodland a his pheasants.
How can you say that Ed about such a kind, considerate and knowledgable man???
Just found out the date of my A level results and it is fine...19th! so glad, so i will be coming.
General...You'll be suprised at some of our South Walian Weather, it can get very hot. when ever i see the temperatures on the weather forecast Cardiff is always hottest or near hottest. We had a Temperature of 30 centigrade a few weeks back!
Cheers,
Jake
The General
20-06-2004, 23:03
I do hope it won't be too hot... I hate hot weather! :cry:
Will there be a lot of insects?
The General
20-06-2004, 23:07
Average temp is 20c in Aug.
High of about 24 and low of 17
Thats manageable! :-o
The General
21-06-2004, 02:23
Quick question, will it be possible time permitting to give me some bushcraft basics instructions? I realise there will be no formal lessons etc, but I was hoping that some of the more knoledgeable members would be willing to share? Something like Gary's Greenhorn Bbushcraft basics? I am not a newbee to outdoors stuff, but I have learnt to do the thinks that work best for myself and hope very much to learn the proper way of doing things!
One particular problem is carrying water as I simply don't trust in my own ability to find a source of water. I understand how to treat the water and make it safe, but have never bothered with such kit as I rarely find a site with running water available near by.
Thanks!
(writing from a library in Finnland :-D)
There wil be a lot of people with a great deal of knowleadge at the meetup and all are willing to share what they know
there will not be formal workshops (i know a few people are going to do some informal ones) but if you want to learn somthing specific then just ask and we will find somone with the knowleadge to help you
If you are intrested in how to find water I will take you out onto the dunes and show you how to get at the water under the sand etc and take you to a few natural springs hidden in the dunes
I'll have to get confirmation on this, but I think we are 'NOT' going to be allowing dogs.
Right, the general concensus is 'NO DOGS'. Not only for the reasons outlined above, but there will also be quite a few youngs ones there running around and we don't want them chased either.... ;-)
Hope that clears it up.... please say sorry to your pooch for leaving them at home....
:-)
Ed
Ed, the General and all,
Please bear in mind that while Bearclaw is not in anyway asociated with the organisation of the Meet up I do run courses in the site we will be using and as such I would ask all members to treat the site with the proper respect it deserves. This should go without saying for as Bushcrafter respect and harmonious living with our habitat should be universal practise however I also understand there will be various levels of experience. Ultimately if in doubt ask either one of the moderating team or myself before doing anything which will damage the fabric of the woodland or create possible unrepairable damage.
I am sure Tony and the team, as well as all the members, would like the oppotunity to use the site again and this will only be an option if the best practises are employed at all time.
From my, and likely from the estate owners prospective, I would ask for the following rules to be adverhed to.
1. No felling, cutting or scaring of any green wood - practice low impact camping as professional bushcrafters should. The estate is a working estate and all trees are their property, any trees, young or old, felled maybe chargable as per usual timber company/woodland management prices.
2. Fires are to be lit only in the sandy areas designated and are forbidden in the woodland. Also note there will be plenty of fire wood available for forage without resorting to the above.
3. No dogs - as Ed pointed out the area is abundant in wildlife and those guys (maybe some of you) on next years tracking courses down there will not be happy if bcuk has scared off all the little critters.
4. Take ALL litter home with you or use the bins provided.
5. Hootchies and tents are fine but please dont come down expecting to build log cabins and debris shelters - again low impact camping is the name of the game.
Ultimately we should all be practising and living the old bornian rainforest guides adage -
Take only pictures - leave only footprints.[/b]
Buckshot
21-06-2004, 13:11
[quote] I personaly have no problem with it but I don't think the gamekeeper would like the idea of dogs being in the same woodland a his pheasants.
How can you say that Ed about such a kind, considerate and knowledgable man???
Steady !!! :lol:
The General
21-06-2004, 13:12
I would not have it any other way! :wink:
Ok I have just about all the info I need, so unless anyone has any qyestions for me I will bow out of this thread, I have been enough of a pain already with my question after question! :oops:
Might it be an idea for people to post what they're planning to run the informal workshops on. That way there won't be too much duplication, people could maybe work together, and if there is someting someone particularly wants to learn, that isn't covered, they coudl ask for it?
Well I'm back in the world of Liquid Sunshine...errrr the UK. Though most know this if they follow any of the post over on the Brit. Blades forum. The General mentioned this to me and asked if Nikki and I would like to join in. Nikki is looking into her work schedule. If she is off that weekend or can get time off we will be coming along.
I'll bring a seletion of knives along as well for everyone to have a look at and a feel of. The General has asked if I would bring a Spyderco Sharpmaker and I think this can be arranged should his other source fail to provide such :wink: . I'll bring a selection of other stones as well both natural and synthetics. I should be able to bring a selection of torches so everyone can go running around pointing bright things in their eyes through out the early part of the night. I'll see what else I can find to drag along. As most know I do pasarounds on the Brit Blade forum for knives and gear so having everyone looking at knives and even testing them out will not be a problem.
The Generals rules are pretty much the same for my gear. Treat it like it is suppose to be treated and don't borrow something with out asking first. I'll not be doing the selling of goods or anything as Tony has specifically requested this not to be a trade fair. I'm only providing gear to be looked at and demo. I know alot of the stuff is not things you can walk into your local store and say "hey can I borrow this for a little while and test it out to see if I like it" the store employee would look at like you lost your mind. Some of it you won't find in store at all which will be some custom knives I'll bring along as well.
So with Tony's permission and the rest of the Bushcraft members I would like to come and meet with everyone, talk, and relax for the weekend. If there is a objection to me bringing gear then please let me know and such will not be done. I'll just show up still to have a good time and enjoy the company.
cheers,
Joe & Nikki
This weekend sounds like its gonna be a true success. How about i run an Off Topic Juggling Workshop :wink: :roll: .
Cheers,
Jake
Are people intending to use tents, sleep up trees or just eat, drink and talk for the weekend without sleep? :)
I'm just wondering whether to bother with a tent and go with the trusty old bivvy bag. But then it is South Wales in August so it will be peeing it down....
Roger
Rog, so long as you promise not to eat beans, you can bivvy down on the floor of my moskoselkatan - prolly get Gary all nostalgic for it, but you cant have it back Gary, 'smine now! :lol:
The General
24-06-2004, 03:48
Ok I have to ask, what is a "moskoselkatan" some kind of Japanise sword?
Ok I have to ask, what is a "moskoselkatan" some kind of Japanise sword?
Nordic type tent, a bit like a teepee in shape (inverted, conical).
Ok I have to ask, what is a "moskoselkatan" some kind of Japanise sword?
Sleeping on that..Ouch... :rolmao:
The General
24-06-2004, 13:14
Sharp es ever Tone! :lol:
is it ok to bring my bed of nails? much more cumfy than a perma-rest?! :shock:
The General
24-06-2004, 22:08
Perma rest... a coffin? :shock:
yeah, i thought i mentioned, i'm a vampyre! :evil: i was refering to a therm-a-rest(tm) :-D
Apparently the new ones are great. They've got a non-slip material on one side.
Your mat stays nice and still while your bag slides off... :-? :-? :-? :-?
thats where the bed of nails comes in handy, just turn it upside down and it doesn't move :-? not sure what it would do to your ground sheet mind :shock:
Apparently the new ones are great. They've got a non-slip material on one side.
Your mat stays nice and still while your bag slides off... :-? :-? :-? :-?
Tell me about it, had to set up on a slope in Dartmoor, sitting up right in a sleeping bag and using the thermarest as a slide was fun... ending up in a heap at the bottom of the tent each morning wasnt :evil:
Thought it was you...but couldn't remember
:cry: :cry: :cry:
It looks like i won't make it. The Edinburgh festival is on and my sister is in a string of comedy shows. It is most likely to clash with the meet-up. :-x :-x
It is such a pity as i was looking forward to it so much! Oh well, i hope there will be another. Perhaps it should be made into a yearly thing, once every summer.
Anyway, thanks for the invite and i hope you all have the best time.
Cheers,
Jake
Justin Time
27-06-2004, 08:40
Jake, there's always the Wilderness Gathering in September, I'm sure a lot of us will be there too. and of course it has organised workshops
yep it's looking unlikely for me too, what with the no dogs thing. still, i will be at the gathering.
cheers, and.
yep it's looking unlikely for me too, what with the no dogs thing. still, i will be at the gathering.
cheers, and.
You never know mate if someone brings a strong enough leash and you can get someone to vouch that you won't be out sheep worrying they may let you in :lol:
You never know mate if someone brings a strong enough leash and you can get someone to vouch that you won't be out sheep worrying they may let you in :lol:
my sheep worrying days are over :shock: i'm married! ah! sorry did you mean the dog? :oops: :lol:
cheers, and.
:lol:
Great stuff i should be able to make that. In fact i will make sure i do.
Thanks a lot all.
Cheers,
Jake
RAPPLEBY2000
30-06-2004, 00:18
:-D
hey,
looks like I'm coming!
I have the time off work and, my wife (Miriam)is looking forward to the camping!
i have my new baby Jessica , and Benjamin aged 3!
obviosly with a baby it cries, at unearthly times of night!
i really want to be able to choose a camping spot so any noise is not going to disturb anyone else.
obviously i want to be close enough so we don't miss anything!
it sounds like there may be other children coming, is it worth having an area set aside for a creche or simular?
also another question,
is it £15 per day or
£15 for the weekend? i missed that in the thread.
I'm really looking forward to meeting the rest of you, i can't decide what to take now! :roll:
Well by the sound of it, it will be per head not per day (well I hope so as I have paid already). :-D
its 15 quid for the weekend
Argh! I really want to come! It sounds like such a great thing. Perhaps i will be able to make it for a morning or so as i live nearby, if i came for a few hours, would i have to pay?
Cheers,
Jake
(edit) Looking at the dates, i may be able to come for a day, on the 20th. Be nice to meet some of you.
What is the wilderness gathering? Is it a similiar thing? How much?
Cheers.
Buckshot
30-06-2004, 11:34
Look at www.wildernessgathering.co.uk
It will reveal all.....
Cheers
Mark
Excellent - looks like I can make it too. Will be travelling down from Cheshire / Manchester area on Friday and carrying on to Reading afterward.
Since my wife, kids and car will have gone south to Reading without me a week earlier I'd happily share costs if anyone's heading south with space in their car. Nice chance to put a small pack together for the weekend :-)
Look forward to seeing you all there,
Alick
I was wondering if any of you ex forces or naturalist types would be able to run a class in stalking. silent movement blending with the enviroment camo that sort of thing.
"This is Mr E. R. Bradshaw, of Napier Court, Black Lion Road, SE5. He cannot be seen. Now I'm going to ask him to stand up. Mr Bradshaw will you stand up please?" *bang*
Or was that just my bunch? :D
RAPPLEBY2000
07-07-2004, 23:56
:icon_eek: :icon_ques
not quite with you there ESpy!
RAPPLEBY2000
08-07-2004, 00:07
i did training with the TA and would be happy to share any relevent fieldcraft including camo/stalking. it's a long time ago though!
there are some games and demos you would find interesting.
:icon_eek: :icon_ques
not quite with you there ESpy!
ESpy is a Monty Python fan and was making reference to an old Monty Python Sketch (http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/how_not_to_be_seen.html) found in the link. :wave:
ESpy is a Monty Python fan and was making reference to an old Monty Python Sketch (http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/how_not_to_be_seen.html) found in the link. :wave:
Ooh thanks for sharing that sketch link - I'd forgotten that one!
Wayne, I'm sure there will be lots of discussion at the gettogether about tracking and stealth especially - as the moderators met up there for the tracking weekend last and I'm sure they'll all be comparing notes on how much they've progressed and sharing tips etc! (And I'll be demostrating how to lie under a landrover rigid with fear! :theyareon :11doh: )
MartiniDave
08-07-2004, 09:03
Kath,
"(And I'll be demostrating how to lie under a landrover rigid with fear! )"
While you're under there, you may as well check the oil levels! :icon_smil
Dave
ESpy is a Monty Python fan
Well, that and the fact that we did actually use that as part of our, um, training...
Then there was the SAS (Saunders and Simpkins, specialist caterers IIRC) sequence from Whoops Apocalypse :D
This is a map where the meetup is being held:
http://img57.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/MAP3.gif
RAPPLEBY2000
09-07-2004, 23:34
hey Espy!
:oops: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :yelrotflm
i have to confess i have never seen that sketch before!
me thinks i need to get hold of some more monty python video's!
Kath,
"(And I'll be demostrating how to lie under a landrover rigid with fear! )"
While you're under there, you may as well check the oil levels! :icon_smil
DaveHow do you check the oil levels from underneath a landrover???
:thinkerg: I know! See if it's stopped dripping! :o):
RAPPLEBY2000
09-07-2004, 23:54
any of you old soldiers remember a tactical awareness demo called "night noises"? (it may have just been an anglian regt thing).
if you do, i would be happy to set it up with a little help of a few volunteers!
how about demo's on the various crawling styles?
any views? :wink:
Great Pebble
10-07-2004, 00:43
****,,, I've got a mate's wedding that weekend and a MV run the week after the Wilderness Gathering (which precludes attendance on financial grounds).
Somebody make me a spoon or something.....
How long is the wedding? Come for as much as you can :uu:
The General
10-07-2004, 21:00
I am looking forward to the lets see how well Wayne can stand after the single malt drinking/tasting compo... :-)
Buckshot
12-07-2004, 13:50
Can I just ask...
Does the planned camp area and the layout of the site mean there will be a separate car park area or is the intention to drive the cars onto the field and pitch tent next to it, as you would do on a 'normal' camp site ?
I'm just thinking about what to take/ how to pack it.
It will make a difference if we're supposed to walk a mile or two from the car.
Cheers
Mark
The private car park area & camping area are in a clearing in a nice private woodland.... no long hikes if you pitch in the woods next to your car ;-)
Ed
Next to? I was thinking of "on" :D
The General
13-07-2004, 00:25
So how many are confirmed? Do we have a figure? Will anyone be willing to do a run to local shops for bread etc and the other luxuries... :o):
Speaking of which will anyone be willing to make some trail bread with nuts and maple syryp? Mr Mears did this in one of his shows and I would LOVE to try this! :wink:
Espy you should be sleeping in that beast.
With all the crud on the floor of my beasty? I might get my Thermarest dirty :D
Anyway, the back will be a bit full ;)
Hi guys, slight change of plan! I'll be travelling from London (starting in the NE/ Epping Forest Area) does anyone have room for 1 in their vehicle (happy to share petrol costs and biltong!!!)
Please let me know if you can help! :pack:
Stuart
Hi.
Will you be allowed to snare gray squirrels?
Den :-D
RAPPLEBY2000
16-07-2004, 00:24
Jim FSC
sorry mate, can't help there,
my car will be mostly filled with kids!
as for shopping, Im sure there will be enough transport for local shops!
(some cleaner than others) :nono: Espy :o):
so shall i try to organise a camo demo?
do people want that?
nothing military, just moving and acting carefully?
does anyone want to help me? or join in?
any of you old soldiers remember a tactical awareness demo called "night noises"? (it may have just been an anglian regt thing).
Do you mean the one that you go through in training at DQD Bassingbourne?
RAPPLEBY2000
16-07-2004, 00:50
Bassingbourne? aaaah that brings back memouries!
shouting, marching 5am wake up....i lost a stone in weight in 2 weeks!! :shock:
well bassingbourne is where i trained, the Night niose demo was done on a nearby wooded training area.does, ciggarette, messtins, shovel, torch, talking at night, does that mean anything to you? if it does send me a messege(PM)!
for the night noise demo to be as effective as it was for me, a few secrets need to be kept, as I'm sure you realise.
well for fun anyway :wink:
Hi guys, slight change of plan! I'll be travelling from London (starting in the NE/ Epping Forest Area) does anyone have room for 1 in their vehicle (happy to share petrol costs and biltong!!!)
Please let me know if you can help! :pack:
I'm going down from East London, I'd be happy to take you. Will a Nissan Almera do?
I see a possible problem. Around the 20th is results day. A and AS level results are around the 20-21-22 possibl later but i will have to check. Bugger.
Jake
its the 19th of agust this year....
:yikes: :banghead: :sulk:
How many of you know what KIMS games are? :-)
The old memory test game - yep!
any of you old soldiers remember a tactical awareness demo called "night noises"? (it may have just been an anglian regt thing).
if you do, i would be happy to set it up with a little help of a few volunteers!
how about demo's on the various crawling styles?
any views? :wink:
Yeah, I remeber.
Was quite fun watching the looks of sheer concentration as the recruits tried to figure out what the sounds were...
I'd be happy to help out.
AntarcticFire
19-07-2004, 14:26
Only a month to go tomorrow! Woohoo!!!! :o\\:
A question:
Tone, you've requested that people pay using the Paypal service, are other methods of payment available? Would it be possible to pay on the day?
A question:
Tone, you've requested that people pay using the Paypal service, are other methods of payment available? Would it be possible to pay on the day?
Why not just use the donation button and confirm that its for the event by PM or sumat?
Why not just use the donation button and confirm that its for the event by PM or sumat?
For all those of you desperatly waiting to pay ( :o): :o): :super: ) there is a system in the pipeline that will allow you to do just that - hopefully I will be able to make this system available later today or tomorrow!
Why not just use the donation button and confirm that its for the event by PM or sumat?
because, Jak, me old lad, I do not wish to use Paypal at all. I know it's safe and all that, but deep down I don't really trust it the whole on-line element of it. The only on-line service I'm willing to give accout details to is Amazon.
Fair enough me old china.
Have to say I've never (yet) had any problem with either PayPal or WorldPay.
And you just KNOW what's gonna happen now...
The General
20-07-2004, 22:38
I also dislike Paypal and have been having a lot of trouble with it. If I could pay on the day or send the cash to an address? :wink:
I've paid via Pay Pal and have reecived a receipt via email although I haven't seen anything confirming my attendance from BCUK.
Are you guys (Mods) sending out any confirmations and how do you know who has paid?
I’d also prefer to pay by other methods. :-P
Buckshot
22-07-2004, 15:09
Ditto here, can I send a cheque?
Cheers
Mark
Hi Guys, contacting the people that have paid for the meet up is on my list, I've contacted most so far. A big help for me would be if you can put in your bcuk aliases as well as I general PM people about it, although I think I will start using the email addy's that I get via Pay Pal.
Many thanks for your payment allenko/Paul we're looking forward to seeing you at the meet up.
For those of you that want to pay via Cheque can you PM me and I'll give you the details. It's no problem doing it that way.
Cheers
reminds me I'd better cough up as I'm doing stuff there :oops:
Still need to work out how I'm getting there too...
The donate button has gone and paypal didnt want to play this evening when i tried to pay for my tickets. Any chance of a pay now button for the meet up?
The BushcraftUK Store is now open and ready to take your details (and money :wink: ) for the BCUK Meetup and badges. :o):
http://store.bushcraftuk.net
Currently the store takes payments via PayPal.
Those wanting to pay by alternative means need to get in touch with Tony via PM (http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/private.php?do=newpm&u=5) to arrange payment.
:biggthump
Buckshot
03-08-2004, 14:04
It strikes me that we're going to have loads of people milling around this place who don't know eachother in the flesh.
Would it be an idea for everyone to hang a sign on their tent/ basha/ hammock or whatever with their logon name so everyone else has got a chance of figuring out who you are?
Or is that a bit SAD :?:
Just a thought ??
Cheers
Mark
Actually sounds like a sensible idea.
I was thinking about making a quick badge so that people will know who I am am if they want any plantlore instruction.
"The guy in the walking boots, army gear and hat" could be anyone off this site. :o): Well, maybe not the women...
Yeah.... good idea about the name badges ....please don't get offended if I call you by your BCUK user names..... It gets complicated when I have to remember 2 names for everyone :-( its bad enough with plants having latin names and loads of common names without people doing it aswell.....
:-)
Ed
So long as you get ONE of them right...
And is that plant a geranium or a pelargonium? :naughty:
Yeah.... good idea about the name badges ....please don't get offended if I call you by your BCUK user names..... It gets complicated when I have to remember 2 names for everyone :-( its bad enough with plants having latin names and loads of common names without people doing it aswell.....
:-)
Ed
Nah you got my name right by the end of the weekend.... Stuart on the other hand was introducing me to the public as Lithril ;)
Womble I hear this distrust with spending money online is an age thing... you never know in about 40 years time I might feel the same :o): :nana:
bushwacker bob
04-08-2004, 00:21
How about you get 3 questions to ask and then have to take a guess at each others username :rolmao: :rolmao:
Kath and Adi would be easy, but Raz, under all that lichen and stuff.....
RAPPLEBY2000
04-08-2004, 00:50
badges good idea!
just call me Rapp! :super: i might go for the tent badge too! :biggthump
if you find my son or daughter prehaps i should give them a badge.......
"son of Rapp!" or "daughter of Rapp!" makes me sound like some pagan warrior/god! :rolmao: :rolmao: :o): :roll:
Or some cheap monster flick from the '60s...
If people are interested I could mke up some laminated badges (credit card sized), you'd just have to punch a hole for string or whatever. Would make any sort of meet easier...
All I'd ask would be 40p for making badge and postage...
wouldn't it be easier to distribute them on the day - thus reducing the postage cost?
Yes, so long as people could find me to get them...
Only a few people would know me by sight...
I think that your main problem would be getting a list of all that are going. I was thinking of getting some plain stickers for people to write names on and then stick them on arms etc......
That sounds like a better idea tony .... Just have them at the classroom and people can get/write their sticker when they arrive.
Ed
jamesdevine
05-08-2004, 14:45
I unfortunately am not going but can I be bold enough to suggest they write there user name on the badge/sticker as well. Not every uses their own name.
James
Think Tone already asked that...
I think that your main problem would be getting a list of all that are going. I was thinking of getting some plain stickers for people to write names on and then stick them on arms etc......
After having seen how many have responded to the poll, I can see what you mean and then there are people who will have thier significant others with them as well.
That sounds like a better idea tony .... Just have them at the classroom and people can get/write their sticker when they arrive.
would probably be the easiest and better bet :biggthump
I thought you might like to see the area that the meetup is being held in
these are some pictures of a meet up we had there recently to practice some tracking.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/BCUK.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/bcuk2jpg.jpg
in this picture you can see the classroom to the left
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/bcuk3.jpg
hmmm is that Ed I see in the top pic... nah couldn't be he never wears a hat like that ;)
:oops: yeah thats me....... and the red headed lass looking closely at the track sign is Karen ;-)
Ed
The General
11-08-2004, 01:41
Is that Mr Claycombe in the left of the bottom picture? :pack:
Yeah, that would be him :wink:
AntarcticFire
11-08-2004, 21:52
What time are people planning to get there on Friday?
The General
11-08-2004, 23:52
http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/en/journey.php
I would leave Llandudno at 10:47 on the Friday and arrive at Bridgend at 15:59
I would travel back on Sunday departing Bridgend at 10:53 or at 19:43 depending on the situation.
I have told the owner at work if I can't have the holiday time I will make the next three months hell for him!
Question then, would anyone be willing to pick me up and drop me off on the relevent days? I can bribe with chocolate and a tutorial in sharpening! :-D
This is my current arrival time! :nana:
The General
11-08-2004, 23:54
As an aside I would prefer to catch the later train if possible so as not to miss out on the Sunday.
Buckshot
12-08-2004, 08:48
I think we're planning on getting there late afternoon if all goes to plan.
Cheers
Mark
I'm hoping I can be there quite early, all depends on what time Jakunen and Womble can get up... I know that the aged struggle in the mornings so it might not be till after lunch... :P
Grrrr.... :naughty: :naughty: :naughty:
What time do you want to pick each of us up?
You beat me to it!
Need to know time and place so I can sort out trains Matt...
Can pick you up individually if you want me too, otherwise what about John driving to your house Martin and I pick you both up from there??? Entirely up to the 2 you of you, pick up between 0700-0730 or is that too early, just thought at least that way I can get on the M4 before we get too much traffic build up.
What about our beloved organisers, would you prefer us not to be there too early?
Would suit me perfectly! Your thouhts John?
7-7.30 isn't too early - it's a lie-in!
Might I make a suggestion? Aldershot train station is not difficult to find, and I live beside it. If you picked me up first (and I can be ready for any reasonable time after 6AM), I could direct you - if that is necessary - to Martins.
My Lord, I have a cunning plan! Sounds like a workable plan to me. Means I can get up at about 6:45, so not too early for me!
No probs, I can manage that one, as long as the mods don't mind us getting there for about 0800, if they do we'll just have to find somewhere to have some breakfast first ;)
No probs, I can manage that one, as long as the mods don't mind us getting there for about 0800, if they do we'll just have to find somewhere to have some breakfast first ;)
is that 0800 on the friday or the saturday?? there wont be anyone there that early on the friday
The General
12-08-2004, 13:17
Train tickets booked! Now I must remember to get the cash sent to Tone! :naughty:
0800 on the Friday. We can stop off when we get into Wales and get some breakfast so probably not quite that early. Do you want us to wait until a mod is there before we arrive??
when you turn up at the gate there will be a man named steve taking money for the car park. (you dont need to give him any money)
tell him you are here for the Bushcraft UK meetup weekend and he will open a different gate on the left.
drive into there take the first left and find a clearing to park and find a place to get your basha/tent/hammok set up.
I'm planning to get down there pretty early..... 9:30-10:00ish so I'll see you then is all goes to plan :-)
Ed
I'm planning on getting there for lunch time or there abouts. It's about 4 hours from here (over 7 last time I went!! :cry: )
You guys will be very usefull for setting up the parachute and gate duty :wink: Arrive when you want to, things will be slow enough on the Friday for us to set up move things about etc.
I'm looking forward to it, I'll get some stickers for the names. :biggthump
My company are being difficult about the time off on Friday. :cry: Therefore I may not leave till 1 so probably wont arrive till 4:00.
God i need I new job
Okies. John I'll leave home around 0600 so should be with you about 0630-0645.
AntarcticFire
13-08-2004, 07:27
No fair.... I'm not going to be able to leave work until 1730, so depending
on the traffic I may not get there until 1900/2000 :cry:
At least on the upside, I'll be working in Corsham on Friday so I don't have to
drive all the way from London!
Hi All. I've received monies from quite a few of you but I know that there are other people planning on coming to the meet up that have not paid, worry not!
You can still pay via paypal, or you can send me a cheque. If it comes to the crunch then pay when you're there. It would be easier for me (I've got to pay the estate) if you paid before but hey, the more the merrier.
So, no matter what you're all welcome, get there if you can it really is going to be a great weekend and remember that your friends are more than welcome as well.
Have a good one
T
Okies. John I'll leave home around 0600 so should be with you about 0630-0645.
Fine with me, I'll be outside Aldershot train station from 6.30 onwards. It's the time I usually catch my morning train anyway!
In case you need directions I'll PM you my mobile number.
The General
14-08-2004, 01:56
I will pay on the day then if that is still ok? :biggthump
I'm almost tempted to be a last minute sign up ..... but the thought of Eugene running around with an axe scares the poo poo out of me!! :o\\:
Now if it was in Chester ..... :archer: ... I could defend myself ...
from a safe distance:o):
I think that on this one occasion you should give in to your temptation.....we will protect you, we have bigger axes :rolmao:
we will protect you, we have bigger axes
....and billhooks....... where's the billhook emoticon.... thats billhook'ist not having one :-(
Ed
I've slept rough about 5 times in the last 20 years .... each time was due to being too W**kered to find a bed ..... I'm all out of kit, bag, tent, etc. ... I do have a torch and a knife though ... and lots of paracord thanks to Joe :nana:
I have a feeling I would turn up and there would be Eugene and Somerville and double Oh Blow out with all their latest kit .. and besides ..... they would laugh at my eyebrows :-P :nono:
Just come!
I'm bringing some hammocks for people to try out so there will be somewhere to sleep....you've got a week to mention any other kit you need :wink:
I'm bringing the Ray Meas Eco Hammock, a Hennessy Hammock and a couple of Pods. These are all for people to try out and see what you think.
So, .... purely hypothetically, ..... bare minimum?
Tent?
Bag?
Food and something to cook with?
TP for my bunghole??
what would I need?
Last minute, I know but
IAM COMING :o): yes!!!
See you all there!
something to sleep in/under. Grub and clothing. Anything else and it's a want rather than a need! Like I said though, you can use a hammock....
Last minute, I know but
IAM COMING :o): yes!!!
See you all there!
Fanbloominastic :biggthump
Haven't got any kit though :cry:
YOU, no kit? That's a hard one to swallow! What do you need....hey, the last time I gave you something you gave it away :rolmao:
TheViking
14-08-2004, 19:36
Hi...
Off course I can't come (though i would love too) :wink: but can all of you now have a good time! :biggthump :pack:
YOU, no kit? That's a hard one to swallow! What do you need....hey, the last time I gave you something you gave it away :rolmao:
Having no kit isn't strictly true........I do have a number 9 Opinel!
Tone, I didn't give it away, it was stolen from me...............and I know who it was :naughty:
Having no kit isn't strictly true........I do have a number 9 Opinel!
...and a hat.... don't forget your hat Jack :-)
Glad you are comming down for the fun and games in wales. It will be good to catch up with you. Is your better half and the rest of the tribe comming?
Ed
something to sleep in/under. Grub and clothing. Anything else and it's a want rather than a need! Like I said though, you can use a hammock....
what about somewhere to keep the food? .. if it turns in to a hot day on Saturday, Sunday's brekkie might be a bit high
excuse the dumb questions, I spent part of a month around Font Romeu in the pyrenees when I was 14 living of poached food :naughty: .. but that was a loooooooooooooong time ago ... but fun.
what I really need is a bare minimum kit ....... I mean .. this is bushcraft isn't it? ... living off the land? ..... what's the point in gizmos and gadgets? ... got to have this axe ... got to have that stove ... OK so I bought a surefire :roll: .. but still .. you get my point?
who's bringing the girlies? :o): .. or do I have to bunk up with larry the lamb again? :naughty: :lol:
RAPPLEBY2000
15-08-2004, 00:42
hi simon,
best option i reckon, is to take a tent to use as a base to store your stuff in and work from there.
then you can take variations of kit and try out new stuff, it isn't a test to see who can be the ultimate minimalist (if it was i wouldn't go), just a friendly meet up! no doubt i will cry when i see the tiny amount of kit everyone else takes! :roll:
I'm going to see how much info i can soak up to improve myself, and meet fellow bushcrafters, in a really nice atmosphere, i think that's what most of us are doing.
see you there!
RAPPLEBY2000
15-08-2004, 00:51
just for clarity could someone confirm the opening time for the meetup!
i.e. what is the earliest time and day you want people to arrive?
i feel it all got a bit confused. :?:
You can arrive any time you want. We're not going to be there to set up stuff until lunch/early afternoon. The meet itself will probably really start late afternoon/early evening. I can picture Friday night as people setting up, meeting other people, cooking, messing about and such.
I would imagine that Sat and Sun will be the real get stuck in days. The classroom area has gas lighting so people can collect there. We will also have 2 chutes up so people can get together there.
There will be plenty of space for sorting your accommodation out so there is no rush there. Come, take it easy and get as much out of the weekend as you all want :biggthump
If anyone has specific questions then put them up, I expect that they would benefit all
Cheers
Last minute, I know but
IAM COMING :o): yes!!!
See you all there!
YAY, see you there Jack :o): :super:
Hi All
Did you send out tickets for those who have paid or will there be a list?
glad your coming Jack.
We'll keep a list and just tick people off as they turn up. :biggthump
The General
16-08-2004, 14:07
Me arrive at station at 4pm grunt grunt! :wave: :super:
looks like we might be needing to bring our waterproofs.. :z: :pack:
Have you been to wales much? You get used to it living here ;-) Had some good thunder stoms last week though :-)
Ed
Me arrive at station at 4pm grunt grunt! :wave: :super:
Looks like we're still on to meet up at Cardiff for the last leg of the train jouney
I'll be the one in green carrying a bergan :roll: :o):
I should bring your wellies & souwesters boys & girls :roll:
Neil