Jump to content


Remembered Today:

0

GWF Annual Dinner/Conference


57 replies to this topic

Poll: GWF Dinner/Conference (104 member(s) have cast votes)

If you were interested, what location would you prefer, bearing in mind we want to be as inclusive as possible?

  1. London area (20 votes [16.53%])

    Percentage of vote: 16.53%

  2. Midlands (47 votes [38.84%])

    Percentage of vote: 38.84%

  3. Manchester area (15 votes [12.40%])

    Percentage of vote: 12.40%

  4. Somewhere on the Western Front (25 votes [20.66%])

    Percentage of vote: 20.66%

  5. Not interested in the idea (14 votes [11.57%])

    Percentage of vote: 11.57%

What sort of meeting would you prefer?

  1. Just an evening meal midweek (2 votes [1.71%])

    Percentage of vote: 1.71%

  2. Just an evening meal at the weekend (5 votes [4.27%])

    Percentage of vote: 4.27%

  3. A day conference followed by meal (66 votes [56.41%])

    Percentage of vote: 56.41%

  4. Something longer - perhaps running from Friday to Sunday (31 votes [26.50%])

    Percentage of vote: 26.50%

  5. Not interested (13 votes [11.11%])

    Percentage of vote: 11.11%

When would you like the event to be?

  1. Sept / Oct 2009 (25 votes [18.80%])

    Percentage of vote: 18.80%

  2. Nov / Dec 2009 (11 votes [8.27%])

    Percentage of vote: 8.27%

  3. Jan / Feb 2010 (18 votes [13.53%])

    Percentage of vote: 13.53%

  4. March / April 2010 (31 votes [23.31%])

    Percentage of vote: 23.31%

  5. May / June 2010 (17 votes [12.78%])

    Percentage of vote: 12.78%

  6. July / August 2010 (18 votes [13.53%])

    Percentage of vote: 13.53%

  7. Not interested (13 votes [9.77%])

    Percentage of vote: 9.77%

Vote Guests cannot vote

#26 KevinEndon

KevinEndon

    Major-General

  • R.I.P.
  • 4,387 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Staffs Moorlands

Posted 05 June 2009 - 09:45 AM

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

#27 Brian_Curragh

Brian_Curragh

    Lieut-Colonel

  • Old Sweats
  • 852 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Milton Keynes

Posted 05 June 2009 - 09:59 AM

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


#28 Rockdoc

Rockdoc

    Brigadier-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 2,322 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Derby, UK
  • Interests:Motorcycle touring, aquaria and ponds, family history

Posted 05 June 2009 - 10:02 AM

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

#29 ianw

ianw

    Lieut-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 5,740 posts
  • Gender:Male

Posted 05 June 2009 - 10:28 AM

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


#30 Keith Roberts

Keith Roberts

    Major-General

  • Admin
  • 4,305 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Portsmouth Hants
  • Interests:Researching the war of Greengates, those who served, and the community behind them. Yorkshire regiments, Belgian and other beers.

Posted 05 June 2009 - 10:42 AM

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

#31 Ozzie

Ozzie

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,581 posts
  • Gender:Female
  • Location:North east Vic. Aust.
  • Interests:Reading, Reading, reading.Lighthorse, Aussies on the Western Front.
    At present side tracked with restaurant but have an interior brick wall built in 1914 in the function room that houses my WW1 stuff. It draws a lot of interest.

Posted 05 June 2009 - 12:43 PM

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

#32 Alan Curragh

Alan Curragh

    Major-General

  • Admin
  • 4,699 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Interests:Researching the Great War fallen of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst)

Posted 05 June 2009 - 01:49 PM

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

#33 Ozzie

Ozzie

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,581 posts
  • Gender:Female
  • Location:North east Vic. Aust.
  • Interests:Reading, Reading, reading.Lighthorse, Aussies on the Western Front.
    At present side tracked with restaurant but have an interior brick wall built in 1914 in the function room that houses my WW1 stuff. It draws a lot of interest.

Posted 05 June 2009 - 02:24 PM

Alan, welcome to being an organiser!!

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

You are doing great!

Cheers
Kim

#34 ww1ptepatteson

ww1ptepatteson

    Lieut-Colonel

  • Old Sweats
  • 1,079 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Newtownabbey

Posted 05 June 2009 - 03:04 PM

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

#35 Keith Roberts

Keith Roberts

    Major-General

  • Admin
  • 4,305 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Portsmouth Hants
  • Interests:Researching the war of Greengates, those who served, and the community behind them. Yorkshire regiments, Belgian and other beers.

Posted 05 June 2009 - 03:10 PM

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

#36 Alan Curragh

Alan Curragh

    Major-General

  • Admin
  • 4,699 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Interests:Researching the Great War fallen of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst)

Posted 05 June 2009 - 09:05 PM

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

#37 DavidB

DavidB

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,245 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Canberra
  • Interests:genealogy and classical music, Oh and WW1.

Posted 06 June 2009 - 09:37 AM

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 tongue.gif

#38 Rockdoc

Rockdoc

    Brigadier-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 2,322 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Derby, UK
  • Interests:Motorcycle touring, aquaria and ponds, family history

Posted 06 June 2009 - 10:00 AM

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

Keith

#39 Ice tiger

Ice tiger

    Lieut-Colonel

  • Old Sweats
  • 1,554 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Esher, Surrey & Le Hamel, Somme
  • Interests:Great War Dead of Addlestone, Surrey

Posted 06 June 2009 - 03:14 PM

QUOTE (rgartillery @ Jun 6 2009, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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  laugh.gif

Andy

#40 michaeldr

michaeldr

    Lieut-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 7,728 posts
  • Gender:Male

Posted 06 June 2009 - 03:24 PM

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?

#41 Dragon

Dragon

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 4,449 posts
  • Gender:Not Telling
  • Interests:The Vosges and Alsace in occupation and wartime:
    http://thebluelinefrontier.wordpress.com/
    ~~~
    The Drill Halls Project - www.drillhalls.org
    ~~~

Posted 06 June 2009 - 05:19 PM

QUOTE (Ozzie @ Jun 5 2009, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If one is thinking of a UK based meet up, then  it is another dimension.

Teleconferencing or some such?

#42 Steven Broomfield

Steven Broomfield

    Lieut-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 11,177 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:SO50, SW1 and South West Trains
  • Interests:10th Royal Hussars (PWO), 11th Hussars (PAO), The Royal Hussars (PWO), The King's Royal Hussars

Posted 06 June 2009 - 06:29 PM

QUOTE (Ice tiger @ Jun 6 2009, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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  laugh.gif

Andy

She might appreciate it if you lost a few pounds wink.gif

#43 Alan Curragh

Alan Curragh

    Major-General

  • Admin
  • 4,699 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Interests:Researching the Great War fallen of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst)

Posted 07 June 2009 - 09:24 AM

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

#44 brucehubbard

brucehubbard

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,532 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Maghull
  • Interests:Almost anything to do with the Western Front, dating from research into the war dead of Maghull and Ainsdale. Currently a tour guide, and loving it.

Posted 07 June 2009 - 09:30 AM

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

#45 DavidB

DavidB

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,245 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Canberra
  • Interests:genealogy and classical music, Oh and WW1.

Posted 07 June 2009 - 09:33 AM

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



#46 Brian_Curragh

Brian_Curragh

    Lieut-Colonel

  • Old Sweats
  • 852 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Milton Keynes

Posted 07 June 2009 - 12:37 PM

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

Brian

#47 Jim Smithson

Jim Smithson

    Brigadier-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 2,448 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Bückeburg, Germany
  • Interests:Arras + Somme

Posted 07 June 2009 - 02:53 PM

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

#48 Kate Wills

Kate Wills

    Lieut-General

  • Admin
  • 7,770 posts
  • Gender:Female
  • Interests:concert parties; Salonika esp. 7th OBLI; arts in WW1; my cats; Save the Strays; Northampton Saints RFC

Posted 07 June 2009 - 03:01 PM

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

#49 IanA

IanA

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,316 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Heiton
  • Interests:Music, wildlife, local history and, of course, military history.

Posted 08 June 2009 - 08:13 PM

QUOTE (Kate Wills @ Jun 7 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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?  biggrin.gif  biggrin.gif

#50 Ozzie

Ozzie

    Major-General

  • Old Sweats
  • 3,581 posts
  • Gender:Female
  • Location:North east Vic. Aust.
  • Interests:Reading, Reading, reading.Lighthorse, Aussies on the Western Front.
    At present side tracked with restaurant but have an interior brick wall built in 1914 in the function room that houses my WW1 stuff. It draws a lot of interest.

Posted 09 June 2009 - 04:09 AM

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