View Full Version : Sussex Group meet in October
Meet Booked: October 8th/9th at Broadstone Warren Campsite, near East Grinsted
Location of the Campsite & details of the Venue
Broadstone Warren is a Scout site situated in the Ashdown Forest in the North of Sussex, midway between the South Coast and London. The site which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) comprises 386 acres of the Ashdown Forest with campsites situated throughout the woodland in many of the glades.
How to get there
http://www.broadstonewarren.org.uk/find_us/
By Road
From the M25 - Leave the M25 at junction 8 following the M23 southbound towards Brighton. Leave the M23 at junction 10, and take the first exit on the roundabout along the A264 towards East Grinstead. When you get into East Grinstead, follow the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne. Remain on the A22, straight through Forest Row. Broadstone Warren is on the left-hand side approximately 2 miles south of Forest Row.
From the South - Follow the A22 northbound crossing the crossroads at Wych Cross (just after the Roebuck Hotel). The main entrance is approximately 500 metres after the junction on the right-hand side.
SAT-NAV - If using Sat-Nav, the postcode for the site is RH18 5JS. As you get close to the site, you need to look out for the signs as the same postcode is used for a number of local properties.
By Rail: The nearest train station is at East Grinstead, which is approximately a fifty minute train journey from London Victoria. When arriving at East Grinstead Broadstone Warren is a bus journey or ten minute taxi ride away.
By Bus: Bus services pass Broadstone Warren from East Grinstead, Uckfield and Haywards Heath.
Times & Booking In
You can stay the Friday night if you want, although the main meet starts on Saturday Morning & normally goes to late afternoon on the Sunday.When you arrive on site, please park in the Rangers' car park and check in at the ranger's office, then go directly to our pitch.
Fees
We have managed to get the discounted day rate of £4.74 (which is £3.95 + VAT). Please note that this is charged on a 24 hour baises from Midnight, so if you arrive on the Saturday & leave on the Sunday then you need to pay for 2 days. Sorry but that is their rules.
Pitch D8
We have been allocated to Pitch D8 at the moment. There is a chance that could change so it's best to look at this thread before you go or ask in the rangers office (or staff member). Site Map (http://www.broadstonewarren.org.uk/files/74571228489970siteplan.jpg)
What we do at the meets
This is an opportunity to meet some local(ish) Bushcrafters, camp out with like minded people & practice/learn some skills. We have had a handful of these meets before, some at other venues, but they mostly follow the same pattern. We tend to do as much or as little as you want but try to have a few sessions where anyone can take part if they want; these are usally things like different ways to make fires, carving, tree id etc.. We cook on the shared fire, often having a communal meal & have tea on the go all the time. We have a few beers round the campfire in the evening but tend not to stay up too much past midninght as others are ofetn asleep by then & we tend to get up early when you wake up in the woods, usually round 7 (although some sleep on for a bit).
The other important stuff
WATER: Standpipes are located at various points around the site.
FIREWOOD: There is ample wood for burning lying around the forest. Under NO circumstances is live wood to be cut or damaged. Chain saws are NOT permitted on the site. (NOTE: I have not yet verified the availability of wood, so if you have access to any, it may be worth bringing some wood or charcoal with you)
PITS: Due to the nature of the ground on site NO pits of any type may be dug.
VEHICLES: NO vehicles are to be driven onto the campsites or parked on the rides other than with the Duty Manager’s permission. On arrival you may be allowed to unload your equipment at your site after which you must park your vehicle in the car park allocated. At the end of your stay, after receiving the Duty Manager’s permission, you will be allowed to take your vehicle to your site to load up your equipment.
CYCLES: To comply with the Forestry Commissions Laws and Natural England, cycles are NOT permitted on the site.
DOGS: NO pets of any description are allowed on site.
NOISE / NUISANCE: As the consideration for other users is paramount, music players, radios and the like must not be audible off your own site. Noise must be kept to a bare minimum between 11pm and 7.30am. Unacceptable behaviour by any users on site will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour includes: Bad language; Trespassing; Vandalism; Consumption of alcohol by minors/excessive consumption by adults; Illegal substance use; Setting fires (with the intent to cause damage); Acting in a way that may cause danger to self or others; Verbal, Emotional, Physical or Sexual Abuse
SECURITY: In the interest of security we would recommend that you do not leave any valuables in tents or buildings.
RUBBISH: Recycling facilities for glass, cans and tins are located at Camp Centre. Please clean all glassware, cans and tins before disposal. All combustible rubbish, where practicable should be burned. All other rubbish should be brought to camp centre and placed in the bins provided, or taken home for disposal.
* Forum members are responsible for themselves, the kit they use and their own actions (and any non member accompanying them)at the Meet.
* Under 18's must be accompanied by at least one parent (or appointed guardian).
* In the highly unlikely event that I need to make use of this ... I reserve the right to stop any individual(s) from attending a Meet. Any individual(s) who I feel endanger our future use of the site will be required to leave the site; outstanding fees will still be owed. This also applies if the site staff have problems with an indevidual. Nothing like this has ever happened but we need to have the standard disclaimer, like those found at other meets.
Hope to see you round the campfire soon
Cant do any of those at the moment, might be able to swing the 8&9th if i can reschedule, but the others are out for me im afraid
8th/9th I'm free. 15th/16th I'm on call and 22nd/23rd I'm working. Didn't go to the wood fair as I forgot about it and had a bad cold anyway so wouldn't have been very sociable
MandaPanda
20-09-2011, 08:31
I'm a bit busy in October but am free on 22/23rd
I can make the 8th/9th, or see what others can make and try to fit myself in.
Where is Broadstone? It Googles up as being near Poole which is a couple counties over. Only an hour and a half drive though so a possibility, but I'll need to see the decided dates. :)
Broadstone is by East Grinstead, West Sussex (to the left of Tunbridge Wells)
I should be available for the 14/15th.
Broadstone if I'm right is at Wych Cross near forest Row.
There you go. http://www.broadstonewarren.org.uk/find_us/
A meet on my doorstep I'll have to try and make it (if you'll have me?). I can do any of those dates.
A meet on my doorstep I'll have to try and make it (if you'll have me?). I can do any of those dates.
The weekend of the 8th/9th is looking like the most popular so far. I will Broadstone tomorrow to see what dates they have & will report back. Then we need to pick a date & confirm it with the camp site.
I can do the 8th, can't promise the 9th- I'll try.
i should be able to make the 8th/9th
pete
im busy on the 22nd and 23 for sure, might be able to do others though
Lonja
SussexRob
21-09-2011, 09:36
One day I'll make the Sussex meet! October is jam packed for me though, 2 Explorer Camps, one at Blacklands Farm, East Grinstead with my Jamboree unit, the other with me Explorer Unit at Pease Pottage. after that I am getting ready for our little fella/little girl to arrive in November.
The Camp with my unit will be a laugh though, themed loosely around I'm a celebrity, and will also be the first time they try using the unit hammocks that we got from DD.
Hope the meet goes well though peeps.
You won't be far away then Rob, Blacklands farm you could walk it and say hello. :rolleyes:
SussexRob
21-09-2011, 10:49
Depends on the date set, if I am around I will certainly come up and say hello if I can. If the 8th/9th or 15th/16th is picked then I'm camping with my units, but other weekedns I may be able to pop up. It would be good to put names to face and meet a few of you.
I would walk from blacklands farm, but unfortunately can't leave the kids on thier own, 36 teenagersl need controlling! It's a lovely route between the two campsites, round the resevoir. I do it a lot with my unit.
I will one day make a meet, especially when it seems to happen a lot of the time in my back yard! Broadstone is my camping home, right from a small cub scout I have been camping there!
Right. I have been in contact with the campsite at Broadstone and they can do any of the 3 weekends proposed. So we just need to sort a date out & then get it booked. The 8th/9th of October is looking like the most popluar, so I am proposing that we go for that date. It is possable to do the Friday night as well, if you want but I would need to check with them first. This is a child friendly campsite as it is a large Scout site but children need to be accompanied by adults at all time. Cost is around the £6 per night but depends on how many come & if we do the same deal as last time, when we got it a bit cheaper in return for doing some training of their staff. I will get the final price per night when I get the booking
Details of the location & the campsite can be found here:
http://www.broadstonewarren.org.uk/find_us/
The other important stuff:
WATER: Standpipes are located at various points around the site.
FIREWOOD: There is ample wood for burning lying around the forest. Under NO circumstances is live wood to be cut or damaged. Chain saws are NOT permitted on the site. (NOTE: I have not yet verified the availability of wood, so if you have access to any, it may be worth bringing some wood or charcoal with you)
PITS: Due to the nature of the ground on site NO pits of any type may be dug.
VEHICLES: NO vehicles are to be driven onto the campsites or parked on the rides other than with the Duty Manager’s permission. On arrival you may be allowed to unload your equipment at your site after which you must park your vehicle in the car park allocated. At the end of your stay, after receiving the Duty Manager’s permission, you will be allowed to take your vehicle to your site to load up your equipment.
CYCLES: To comply with the Forestry Commissions Laws and Natural England, cycles are NOT permitted on the site.
DOGS: NO pets of any description are allowed on site.
NOISE / NUISANCE: As the consideration for other users is paramount, music players, radios and the like must not be audible off your own site. Noise must be kept to a bare minimum between 11pm and 7.30am. Unacceptable behaviour by any users on site will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour includes: Bad language; Trespassing; Vandalism; Consumption of alcohol by minors/excessive consumption by adults; Illegal substance use; Setting fires (with the intent to cause damage); Acting in a way that may cause danger to self or others; Verbal, Emotional, Physical or Sexual Abuse
SECURITY: In the interest of security we would recommend that you do not leave any valuables in tents or buildings.
RUBBISH: Recycling facilities for glass, cans and tins are located at Camp Centre. Please clean all glassware, cans and tins before disposal. All combustible rubbish, where practicable should be burned. All other rubbish should be brought to camp centre and placed in the bins provided, or taken home for disposal.
* Forum members are responsible for themselves, the kit they use and their own actions (and any non member accompanying them)at the Meet.
* Under 18's must be accompanied by at least one parent (or appointed guardian).
Can you add you name to the list below if you want to come to the meet at Broadstone on the 8th/9th of October. Can you do the usual thing of copying the list & putting your name at the end:
1 Neumo
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 etc..
monkey boy
23-09-2011, 21:44
if its ok i would like to come along, im good for any date but will need to come along late afternoon on the saturday, is the place far from epsom
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 etc..
Shame about no dogs, though. Will we be staying in a bit with trees for the swingers amongst us? Will anyone be there who could help me sharpen my knife?
monkey boy
24-09-2011, 07:00
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 etc..
never been to a meet befor will I be able to set my hammock up?
[QUOTE=monkey boy;968380]1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4Neil1
5
6
7
8
9
10 etc..
Lets make it the biggest yet!
Default
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6
7
8
9
10 etc..
Are you putting your name down Jason, it will be a good meet.
Dark Horse Dave
24-09-2011, 14:00
Me please!
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6 Dark Horse Dave
7
8
9
10 etc..
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6 Dark Horse Dave
7 Kep + 1, possibly +4 and subect to work, still trying to reschedule stuff i had to do on the 8th.
8
9
10 etc..
Sorry. Scheduled to be in Scotland for work that weekend.
And I'm off up to the lakes on the 1st and 2nd - two weekends away in a row would probably be a bit much for me to ask of a now heavily pregnant MrsDave even if one is for work....
I'll definitely make it to one of the winter ones though - the last meet was great and worth the effort :)
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6 Dark Horse Dave
7 Kep + 1, possibly +4 and subect to work, still trying to reschedule stuff i had to do on the 8th.
8Peter_t
9
10 etc..
Without wishing to sound a bit thick, what does one do on these meets? I'm looking forward to sleeping out in't'ammock but in the day time what goes on?
Without wishing to sound a bit thick, what does one do on these meets? I'm looking forward to sleeping out in't'ammock but in the day time what goes on?
all sorts of things, sharing skills, ie carving, fire making ie bow drill, hand drill, flint & steel, tracking, plant id, basketry, camp fire cooking, wild foods, bit of mickey taking, in general though just having a good laugh meeting old friends and making new ones, if you just want to sit by the fire, drink tea and chill then do it, nobody will mind, likewise, pick up or practice some skills, everyone will have something to offer and everyone will learn something from you
monkey boy
25-09-2011, 09:04
im well looking forward to this, im like a child waiting for xmas lol
im gonna camp out tonite to warm up for it.
how often does sussex meets happen as i would be willing to do more of them? ;)
the plan was once a month, but it erm, kinda didnt happen for one reason or another, holidays, working etc, for the last couple of months, i think we are still aiming for a monthly meet up though?
monkey boy
25-09-2011, 12:18
nice im gonna do my best to get to as many as poss
Weather due to be good but might get cold at night. Hope Lidl 4-season bag is warm enough (think with a bivi bag & underquilt it should be). I can always run to the car if needs be!
I have booked the site now & will update the 1st post with the details.
Nice one, thanks for doing all the work.
Neumo you are a star.
Got to get myself a comfortable mat to sleep on now.
I can't wait.
Nice one, thanks for doing all the work.
No problem setting this up, as it did ot take that long to sort out. As has been said we had a few of these through the spring & early summer then we stopped for a bit for a number of reasons (holidays, the Mood & Nova/Pink having to give up organising these etc..). I liked them so wanted to get them going again as I really enjoyed the earlier ones. If people are up for it then we can do 1 a month from now on, unless it gets really cold or we get lots of snow (which could be October from what some have said!).
Without wishing to sound a bit thick, what does one do on these meets?
We usually do the following sorts of things:
- set up camp & play with the kit we have bought
- Look at other peoples kit, new toys etc..
- Sit round the fire talking
- practice skills like lighting fires, that some cant do at home
- do lots of cooking over the fire
- Go on walks, learn tree id's etc.. anything you want to do within reason really. Ask and someone may well be able to show you stuff you want to know.
Weather due to be good but might get cold at night. Hope Lidl 4-season bag is warm enough (think with a bivi bag & underquilt it should be). I can always run to the car if needs be!
4 Season bag should be OK but there is only way you find out for sure & thats to spend a night out. A thick pair of socks & a hat are nice things to have a 4 in the morning if you wake up cold. Sleeping bag liners, a bivvy bag or an extra blanket will add a few degrees of warmth on a cold night but it depends on your kit. Meets like this give you the opportunity to look at other peoples stuff & ask people what works for them.
Great stuff. Looking forward to meeting you all. Hoping to light a Swedish torch fire & maybe have another go at a fire bow. Is anyone bringing a sharpening kit? I'll bring some sloe gin...
I'll bring a few things along, bow drill sets, Hand drill, bull roarers etc
I can bring along some knife shapening stuff but am no expert. Hand drill stuff would be good as I want to get into that. We will hopefully have a parachute that Neil is bringing along. I want to have a go at making some bread in the dutch oven, so there should be lots to do.
Arrgh!
Miffed I'm missing this one now. After days like today could do with some time outside.
Have fun all - and +1 vote for trying to get these going monthly again :)
monkey boy
27-09-2011, 22:36
i will be up for monthly meets defo ;)
Might be bringing a friend with me if that's OK but yet to convince him.
MandaPanda
28-09-2011, 11:28
Would love to come to future meets to test out my gear / look at others gear / learn stuff / cook and chill but this one unluckily clashes with a school reunion that I have helped organise....
:(
We are planning to get one meet a month going from now on. Dates are always tricky which is why we go with the most popular date, as was the case here. We can talk about a date for the November meet at this meet & a new thread will be started after this meet has been done. The idea is to get a good group of local bushcrafters togeather at a good location where we can practice skills & do lots of cool outdoor things.
I forgot to say you can come up for the day if you want & would then just pay the site for 1 days of activities. Also need to say that sometimes you need to look around to find the campsite at these meets, as sometimes they are off the main road/track. This site has designated pitches so it should not be too hard in this case.
Might be bringing a friend with me if that's OK but yet to convince him
Yes thats fine as long as they are sensible & dont become a liability, as per the rules in post 1.
Dark Horse Dave
29-09-2011, 08:49
Just to say a big thank you to Neumo (and whoever else is doing things in the background) for making this happen. I know what effort can be involved in organising, so it's much appreciated.
Looking forward to this one!
It's my partners birthday on the Friday (I forgot!) and she's got friends over Saturday night so I'll just be popping in this time to say hello, on the Saturday. I'd be up for a regular meet though, I never knew they occurred down here.
Just to say a big thank you to Neumo (and whoever else is doing things in the background) for making this happen. I know what effort can be involved in organising, so it's much appreciated.
It's a few phone calls to the site & a few hours on this msite, so is not that much of a bother to sort out. Just me doing this one. We tried to get something going last year & at thestart of this year which did not get started. Then Nova & Pinky got involved and Nova sorted out a number of sucessful meets (maybe 5 or 6) before things petered out for a number of reasons. I will be glad to keep sorting these out as we had a lot of fun at the last ones.
I'd be up for a regular meet though, I never knew they occurred down here.
The ads are normally in the South East meet section, where we tend to have the main thread & we do updates on the Sussex Bushcraft group:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/group.php?groupid=10
It will be good to get this going again, so cant wait.
Cheers for that, I'll log in more often and keep an eye out.
Cheers for that, I'll log in more often and keep an eye out.
What time are people arriving on the Saturday? Am going to see if I can get my sleeping bag/underquilt into the Bergen...
Is anyone going to spend Friday night there as I'm thinking of going Friday afternoon.
I hoping to get there mid morning on Saturday but having trouble at the moment getting in touch with some people who i made a prior arrangement with for this weekend, so im still not sure tbh.
As far as grub goes, there was talk of a communual dinner on the Saturday night, is this still the case or would it be better to cook for oneself?
Hope to see you all on Saturday
Is anyone going to spend Friday night there as I'm thinking of going Friday afternoon.
Yes I am planning to be up there on Friday, probably around 6ish but that could vary. If you could sort out some firewood for the friday night that would be helpful. Neil1 may be up there as well. Most people tend to arrive mid morning on the Saturday. Pobably best to check in with the office when you get there to let them know you are on the site.
monkey boy
03-10-2011, 21:25
im gonna get there saturdag arround 3pm if thats ok ;)
As far as grub goes, there was talk of a communual dinner on the Saturday night, is this still the case or would it be better to cook for oneself?
I think it might be better cooking individually as deciding a menu to suit everyone could take a while. No reason not to eat communally, though. I'll aim to get there for about 10am on Saturday. How many "swingers"* are going?
* I should make it absolutely clear I mean hammockers
I think it might be better cooking individually as deciding a menu to suit everyone could take a while. No reason not to eat communally, though.
Sounds like a plan, might bring a rabbit or two along, just got to get out and get them now:cool:
I'll aim to get there for about 10am on Saturday. How many "swingers"* are going?
* I should make it absolutely clear I mean hammockers
I normally hammock, but thinking i might use the Hex3 this weekend, just by way of a change.
Yes I am planning to be up there on Friday, probably around 6ish but that could vary. If you could sort out some firewood for the friday night that would be helpful. Neil1 may be up there as well. Most people tend to arrive mid morning on the Saturday. Pobably best to check in with the office when you get there to let them know you are on the site.
Re fire wood, I'll arrange for some if I'm there Friday which I'm sure I'll be.
might bring a rabbit or two along, just got to get out and get them now
I've never gutted/skinned a rabbit, what state will yours be in? Willing to learn but I'm squeamish
I've never gutted/skinned a rabbit, what state will yours be in? Willing to learn but I'm squeamish
I can bring them along with their jackets on if you like?, they will all be paunched though, mind you i have to get a couple first :)
there was talk of a communual dinner on the Saturday night, is this still the case or would it be better to cook for oneself?
Food is one of those things which is trycky to plan for. In the past we have brought enough to feed ourselves for a couple of days & then the other campsites had 'farm shops' attached so a few us us would buy a couple of bags of ribs or whatever & feed mpost of the rest. We always wanted to do a communual meal but have not really done a meal to feed everyone in one go from a single pot. That said I have a big 8L Dutch oven so there is no reason why we can do a stew or roast a couple of deboned chickens on the camp fire. Let us kmow what you think & I am sure we can get a good feat togeather if we all chip in & communicate. A big pot of rice, potatoes in the fire etc.. let us know what you think.
What about making a large bannock or cake to share? I'll be bringing some walnuts (& possibly hazelnuts) we could shove in it?
Bread is something I want to have a go at baking this time in the dutch oven. I can do good bread at home so this will be a challange on a fire but is something I want to try. A communal stew may work if we all bring bits like rabbit, beef etc.. to put in. We can do a run to the shops Saturday afternoon. Breakfast is usually everyone bringing sausage & bacon, but basically bring enough to feed yourself for a cople of days, plus a bit of bread tea/coffes stuff. If you are vegetarian then that is fine as well. Each to their own but a big communal meal on a saturady is an idea I like & would want to encourage. Bannock is always good. If there are any cooks then bring us a treat along. It is all cooked over a fire or hot coals, usually on a grill over the fire.
Re fire wood, I'll arrange for some if I'm there Friday which I'm sure I'll be.
Firewood on Friday would be good, as I wil probably arrive an hour before dark & spend that time setting up camp. We will need some more on Saturaday for Saturday night, but half an hour of group effort normally sorts that out.
Forgot to say that brining a camp chair of some kind is a good idea, as we tend to spend a fair few hours sitting round the camp fire & logs get a bit hard after a while. Only a few days to go now so looking forward to this one.
monkey boy
04-10-2011, 06:55
im swinging mate, is the anyone going that can help me with a bow drill iv made fire once from one on a course but they were pre-made, i tried to make one but I dont think i was using the rite wood ;)
I think Kepis is the master - I'm keen to use a bow drill too
Dark Horse Dave
04-10-2011, 07:48
I'll be arriving sometime on the Saturday morning, and plan to sleep on the ground. Sounds like we can take a view on the Saturday afternoon about a communal meal, especially if the shops aren't too far away.
My plan for the weekend is to have a go at a try stick and practice feathersticks. Maybe a pot hanger too if I get a chance. I also fancy experimenting with baking a bannock in a billy can.
Cheers all
Nearest shops are in Forest Row - think there's a Tesco Express. I'm aiming to be self contained as I might be getting dropped off
If there aren't enough suitable trees then I'll sling the bivi bag on the ground with the underquilt as a mat
SussexRob
04-10-2011, 10:12
Hi guys,
Your quite right that the nearest shops are in Forest Row, a tesco express, co-op and butcher. There is also a small independent outdoor shop called Global Adventure.
I hope you have a great weekend, if you have any questions about the local area, PM me. Though many of you seem to have been there before anyway.
SussexRob
04-10-2011, 10:14
Ps spandit, there are no shortage of suitable trees at Broadstone Warren, I hammocked last time I was up there.
Ps spandit, there are no shortage of suitable trees at Broadstone Warren, I hammocked last time I was up there
Thought that might be the case... :D
I think Kepis is the master - I'm keen to use a bow drill too
Not a master by any means, just have a bit of experience making and using them. I'll bring a few sets along so people can have a go, will also see if there are a few bits around so we can make a set or two from scratch, apart from that im happy to go with the flow of what people want to do, might do a bit of spoon carving myself though.
I plan to bring the family! SWMBO, an 11, 9 and 7 year old plus dog! I've just pulled my back today though breaking a branch of all the stupid things. I'm sure it'll be okay by Fri night.
I plan to bring the family! SWMBO, an 11, 9 and 7 year old plus dog! I've just pulled my back today though breaking a branch of all the stupid things. I'm sure it'll be okay by Fri night.
Don't think dogs are allowed, otherwise I'd bring mine. I hurt my back today lifting gateposts but my family wouldn't come with me anyway...
Ah, problem then. Time for a rethink.
Would be good to meet up anyway
This is the bit you missed in Neumo's post. To comply with the Forestry Commissions Laws and Natural England, cycles are NOT permitted on the site.
DOGS: NO pets of any description are allowed on site.
I do hope you can come, the more the merrier.
Photog Keith
05-10-2011, 17:47
Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and should be meeting some of you at the weekend. Kepis invited my daughter and me along, so I had to order myself a tentipi safir 7 cp, which should be arriving tomorrow from Nordic Outdoors, who kindly gave me a forces discount (retired). If the weather is terrible, at least we will have a communalish space to sit around the fire.
Look forward to meeting you all :)
It's forecasting rain now, better get my tarp pitched sharpish on arrival as Bergen isn't waterproof (or are they?). Have never slept under a tarp in the rain... looking forward to it!
tis only supposed to rain Sunday afternoon from ive seen:(, mind you it was supposeed to be sunny here today and it's been down right miserable for the best part of the day:confused:
Quite glad it was cool today - been working hard outdoors installing my gates - done now & my measurements were correct (which is a first...)
Photog Keith
05-10-2011, 18:04
It's forecasting rain now, better get my tarp pitched sharpish on arrival as Bergen isn't waterproof (or are they?). Have never slept under a tarp in the rain... looking forward to it!
This is where you discover if your set-up is right! Water running down your hammock and tarp lines, tarp not long enough etc. I've not done much camping under tarp in rain but it is a learning curve in my experience!
Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and should be meeting some of you at the weekend. Kepis invited my daughter and me along, so I had to order myself a tentipi safir 7 cp, which should be arriving tomorrow from Nordic Outdoors, who kindly gave me a forces discount (retired). If the weather is terrible, at least we will have a communalish space to sit around the fire.
Look forward to meeting you all :)
Hi Keith welcome to the forum.
We met in the field on the big picnic day, I was chatting to you at Marks stand.
I'll see you at the weekend mate.
Cheers.
Photog Keith
05-10-2011, 18:27
Hi Hugo. See you there :)
Yes, I am afraid they have a no dog policy, but apart from that you are welcome to come along. Can those attending add their name to the list, by copying the list into a new post & adding your name (+any others). This is standard with these meets, as it helps the organisor keep track of numbers:
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6 Dark Horse Dave
7 Kep + 1, possibly +4 and subect to work, still trying to reschedule stuff i had to do on the 8th.
8 Peter_t
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
etc...
As for the weather, it looks like it will rain on the Saturday night/Sunday morning but Sunday day looks OK. If you are in a hammock then having some carabeaners or a drip line is essential to stop your hammock getting we; ask & we can help you with that if you are unsure. Likewise, setting up a hammock under a trap just needs a bit of attention to detail if it is going to rain hard, to make sure the rain wont get to your hammock and sleeping gear. If we are lucky then we may have a parachute to sit under but a tent with enough space would be good if not. I will be bringing my big 4.5x4.25m polycotton tarp so we will have a few options for a communal area if it rains a lot.
My new Ronnie Sunshines big folding grill arrived today, so we will have a big cooking area over the fire/coals. If anyone has a largeish kettle then that would be good, as we usually have quite a few tea breaks.That's all I can think of for now. Only a few days to go so am looking forward to this.
I can bring a Kelly Kettle. I'll be inside a bivi bag so shouldn't get wet regardless. My tarp is hopefully big enough to cover me & my stuff too
monkey boy
06-10-2011, 09:11
im gonna bring some cake along as a little treat for everyone ;)
Just been told I'm losing my flash car which I didn't want to park there overnight - means I'll have my old car which I can sleep in if I get cold!
I can make both Fri and Sat nights. With visitors as well, but not all staying overnight.
1 Neumo
2 Spandit
3 monkey boy
4 Neil1
5 Hugo
6 Dark Horse Dave
7 Kep + 1, possibly +4 and subect to work, still trying to reschedule stuff i had to do on the 8th.
8 Peter_t
9 widu13 + 4!
10
11
12
13
14
15
etc...
Just been told I'm losing my flash car which I didn't want to park there overnight - means I'll have my old car which I can sleep in if I get cold!
and we'll have the motorhome with heater, toilet and shower ;)
Dark Horse Dave
07-10-2011, 09:03
I've got a big (3.5L) kettle I could bring. That should do us for a few cups of tea.............
and we'll have the motorhome with heater, toilet and shower ;)
Kind of defeats the object of wild camping, doesn't it? :D
I didn't say we were sleeping in it! Mind you how many wildcampers take pressure lanterns, tables, chairs, tipis, bowsaws, large axes, beer! We're going schrafting aren't we. Any fool can be uncomfortable. I could tough it out in a bivvy bag and lean to but I'm not going to!
My sleeping arrangements will the polish poncho/Lavvu for me and a pop up tent for the kids.
We should be there about 5ish tonight. See you all on D8.
I won't be there until tomorrow morning - hope there's enough space for me!
Im just packing all my stuff now, talk about early:D, but i have good reason, i have to be at the lakes all afternoon to see a contractor who has been on site all week with 13 ton machine and a 20 ton roller amongst other things, so i need to make sure all the work they were supposed to do has been done and been done to my satisfaction and that it's all left neat and tidy etc etc etc, before i sign it off and they present with me a big bill :(.
Still, im looking forward to the weekend, tis going to be a laugh, im bringing a few bow drill sets with me, im not going to bring masses of hand drill stuff though, i managed to get one bunny, but i had some of it for dinner last night - soz couldnt resist, the rest is all cooked up so im going to remove the all the meat from the bone and just bring that along, i will have more than enough for me so if anyone wants to try some, you will be more than welcome, might bring some garlic bannock mix with me and a pancake mix as well, will see how time goes today.
Should be there mid morning all being well, btw, im assuming that when we get there and go tto reception we just say we are part of the BCUK group on D8?.
See you tomorrow chaps and chapessess
I've tried sending everyone a PM with my real name but wasn't allowed to send to more than one recipient so you'll have to guess when I arrive!
Perhaps our first activity could be carving name badges? :D
I packed yesterday apart from grub.
SHMBO got me the usual bacon sausage beans, I made a small amount of bannock mix with raisins.
Tarp or ten I'm thinking ? better take both.
See you there guys.
I'm taking a tarp and a Ford Mondeo estate if the weather really gets bad!
Graywolf
07-10-2011, 13:21
Not gonna be able to make this one guys,hopefully will make the next one.In the process of making a underblanket from a sleeping bag so hope to be hanging in the new hammock next one.
Enjoy yourselves as I know you will,its definitely a nice area,as I was at the last meet held there.
I am off in a minuite, so look forarwd to see you all then
Looks like rain :(
Not on the forecasts ive seen:)
I am off in a minuite, so look forarwd to see you all then
see ya in the morning
Anyone else going for 6 months?
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk76/richardspandit/Eco/5ebddc51.jpg
It's not very well packed, admittedly and I haven't used the side pouches but there's not a lot of space left in the Bergen
SussexRob
07-10-2011, 22:14
Have a great time peeps! I'll be with you in spirit, in fact camping just up the road!
What a great weekend! Met some wonderful kindred spirits with ages ranging from 6 to 60, made fire with a bow & carved a spoon. Highlight must have been the walnut bread... :)
Top weekend everyone- thanks. As Spandit now knows he's an amateur at kit portage!!
Great bread cooked in the dark too!
My Sherpa isn't ready yet and I wouldn't call the blazing brilliance of 8 head-torches "in the dark"! :)
I did think I had too much stuff but seeing as one member had a metal barrel full of bricks I don't think I did too badly! Need to take an axe & saw next time...
Just got back & unpacked, so am now sitting at the PC with a cold one, as I am tired but happy. We had a great meet, which worked out much better than I thought: more people turned up, doing more things & learning new skills.. so was a a really good weekend. Met some great new people, most of who are local, so I am definatly up for doing this again. It was great to see people trying the bow drill & getting fire started the old ways, with even the kids getting results. Turned out we had everything we needed, pretty much; the combination of my new grill, Dave's kettle & keith's griddle kept us all fed and watered all the time. The bread turned out better than expected for a first attempt in a Dutch Oven & was demolished by everyone in about 5 minutes, so was happy with that. The bill was all paid up & we had no complaints so everything turned out well. Great meet & hopefully the first of many for the BCUK Sussex Mob... ;)
monkey boy
09-10-2011, 18:21
i agree it was a fab time, just want to say thank you to everyone for welcomming me to the mob, can not wait for the next one, i am really glad to have finally met friend that have the same hobby and interest as I do, great bunch of people ;)
Superb weekend out with some superb people, nice to put some faces to names.
Really enjoyed it Gents, Lady and kiddly winks,:You_Rock_ learnt a few new things as well, already looking forward to the next one, thanks to Neumo for getting it all organised etc.
The Walnut bread was sublime:), i have a few pics that i'll post up later, best bit for me was people getting their first bow drill embers and despite some set backs and frustrations, not giving up on the skill set and acheiving their goal - makes it all worthwhile, im as pleased as punch that you all did it.
I have just started a thread for the November meet (strike while the iron is hot...). Can you add your name to the list AND say what dates you can or can not do in November. The thread is here:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80553&p=975914#post975914
Photog Keith
11-10-2011, 12:11
Just wanted to say thanks to Neumo and everyone else who helped (especially those who helped drag my kit to and from my car)!
It was a great weekend and it was lovely to meet so many like minded and lovely people :)