57 replies to this topic

[KevinEndon]

Do we go with a 10 am start, buffet dinner, more talks then finish around 5pm or a 12pm start, no buffet and then evening meal around 7 pm. Option 2 would be the dearer as it would probably mean a night in a hotel or b&b option 1 would make getting home afterwards for the majority rather than a night in a hotel or b&b. Buffet dinner would be cheaper than the meal. Or do you have an early start, buffet lunch, more talks and a late evening meal, thus allowing a full day of talks making the travelling worthwhile. I dont know what would be best to suit the majority.

Kevin

[Brian_Curragh]

Once the original poll has settled down & a general concept has been arrived at - I suspect what will be needed is a refined poll which could deal with the kind of points that Kevin raised.  This would show whichever format is capable of bringing in the most attendees.

Chris' point is also valid - but I think we have more chance of success with a 1 day do initially.  If this one works, no reason of course why the next one couldn't be a longer affair - or even a spin-off version in France/Belgium...

Brian

[Rockdoc]

Another point that's just struck me is the format of the event. If it's on one day, which I suggested on cost grounds, then the chances are it will have to concentrate on one area of WW1. That may not matter to military historians but would put off those of us who have a more specific interest. Going against what I wrote earlier, having the event over a weekend would allow the range of topics to be increased and ought to attract more people.

Keith

[ianw]

Having organised a dinner in Ypres for the LPA buglers (with other Pals assistance) , I can confirm that it's very rewarding thing to do and great to meet up.

Those of us in the South East can nip over to the WF easily but that doesn't apply to a lot of Pals - that said many go over there in any case after  a substantial journey. A Forum day could be tacked onto the planned trip. It's so special to gather "over there", it must be said.

But as has been said, you can't please everyone.  I will go with the majority and make every effort to attend wherever.

Regards Ian

[Keith Roberts]

I think the evening meal at a venue with or close to accommodation is a vital part of any event. There's much more scope to meet each other and chat if we have an overnight.

Another thought is that with a primarily one day event, for example,  the Saturday morning could be a "light" topic as some might still be to arrive, with time for two sessions or three between lunch and the evening meal which need not be too special. If we have an appropriate after dinner speaker, that would leave an hour or two at the bar for some strictly informal exchanges of interests and some Skindling!  Can we have a chocolate fountain please?

Finally - there would be the possibility of a Sunday morning session  - either at the venue, or if on the WF a short walk after checkout.

Keith

[Ozzie]

If one where to think of this as a International meeting, then dates where the most visitors are likely to travel for, might be thought of.
If one is thinking of a UK based meet up, then  it is another dimension.

For the record, I picked Midlands and the Western Front, one day meet, July/August 2010, as I think that  many might travel to Fromelles.

What other dates are going to be big for overseas visitors in 09/10?

Cheers
Kim

[Alan Curragh]

I think we've hopefully established that there is enough interest in this idea - so well done Phil (WW1PrivatePatteson) for suggesting it a few days ago. There are some excellent suggestions and points raised above, so thanks to those who have made them.

What I am suggesting doing is seeing how the votes go over the weekend, and what the preferred option is in terms of format, approximate date and location, then carrying on the discussion from there - maybe a secondary poll to narrow down the options a bit more. At some point a firm proposal will need to be put forward.

I'm also conscious to not be seen to be taking over the process - so please let me know if at any time I seem to be appointing myself organiser against anyone's wishes. As the plan develops, it's going to be very tricky to walk the line between firm decisions and trying to be all things to all men (or women) - but I think it's important to let everyone have their say now, then perhaps a few of us can take it forward.

Thanks

Alan

[Ozzie]

Alan, welcome to being an organiser!!

I always take the safe bet, and go by majority rules!

You are doing great!

Cheers
Kim

[ww1ptepatteson]

If the event goes ahead may I suggest that for the Pals traveling from Northern and Southern Ireland it could start around 11 o`clock as this enable us to stay one night rather than two and make it more affordable as we will also incur flight costs as well.


Alan I would be more and glad for you to take the lead and well done for the work you have done so far.



Regards,

Phil

[Keith Roberts]

Arguably it might be worth planning for lunchtime to lunchtime, with the option for members "Fringe" activities on either side. there could be an opener in late morning, but ultimately all that hangs on the location.

BTW I have no fringe.


keith

[Alan Curragh]

And of course if anyone wants to volunteer early to be a speaker, please feel free!

[DavidB]

Well if you guys cant make up your minds about where you would like to meetup you could add another  option and have
it in Oz.
David

[Rockdoc]

Yes, David. We'll all walk the Yellow Brick Road.......

Keith

[Ice tiger]

Well if you guys cant make up your minds about where you would like to meetup you could add another  option and have
it in Oz.

Not sure I could convince Mrs Ice Tiger that I was just popping out to a GWF dinner if I returned 4 days later & approx £1000 lighter  

Andy

[michaeldr]

Well if you guys cant make up your minds about where you would like to meetup you could add another option and have
it in Oz.
David

Or, somewhere in the middle, like Beersheva?

[Dragon]

If one is thinking of a UK based meet up, then  it is another dimension.

Teleconferencing or some such?

[Steven Broomfield]

Not sure I could convince Mrs Ice Tiger that I was just popping out to a GWF dinner if I returned 4 days later & approx £1000 lighter  

Andy

She might appreciate it if you lost a few pounds

[Alan Curragh]

Any more thoughts on this? At the end of today, I'm suggesting seeing what the poll results are saying and then taking it forward from there

Alan

[brucehubbard]

Me and my big mouth!
I mentioned that this idea had been floated within earshot of Ayesha.
Whenever it is, wherever it is, put me down for two places (thereby doubling the cost....)
If it is a one day in the Midlands, she wants it somewhere near somewhere to stay overnight too!
Nonetheless, it is a cracking good idea, and we will be there....whenever, wherever....God willing.

Bruce

[DavidB]

I'd sooner have it in Rum Jungle. (Hope I've got youse guys on that one) or as Keith suggests in Kansas.

But whatever venue it is  I am sure a great time will be had by all

David

[Brian_Curragh]

Just pushing this back up the list to give anyone else the chance to register their views.

Brian

[Jim Smithson]

I've voted 'cos I think it is a good idea although looking at the results so far I will probably not be ablt to make it as it would involve a trip to the UK and outside summer hols that is not usually a possibility.  Good luck on the venture though and if chance be it that everything fits I will endeavour to be there.

Jim

[Kate Wills]

Why not arrange one to tie in with Ozzie and co's tour next year?

[IanA]

Why not arrange one to tie in with Ozzie and co's tour next year?

With their proposed itinerary, you think they'll be at a loose end?    

[Ozzie]

Ta Kate, but if anything went wrong and we didn't make it, I'd feel terrible if the date was against the majority.
We will be in Fromelles 19th July. Everything else will be around that. So would be hoping to catch up with as many pals as possible there, and on our trips around UK , France and Belgium.


Cheers
Kim