North West Meets - Frequency & Venue

[richardwjackson]

Hello everyone!

Following James' post earlier with regards to the venue of future north west meets, I thought I would create a thread in this folder where you can add your individual ideas and thoughts on the matter.

The previous meets at The Romper were very well attended, so much so that the landlord got a little bit upset over the number of cars taking over his car park.....and a small gazeebo! :}

Personally, I think the location is very good - close to Manchester Airport because the motorway links and access are excellent.

There is another pub about a mile away towards Wilmslow with vast parking and I wondered if that would be a good venue. I quite like the idea of booking a table and us all sitting down together - that would be quite nice! :}

What do you all think - any suggestions would be great.

Also, the frequency of meets - monthly, bi-monthly, every 3 months, 6 months?

Please let me know your thoughts and I look forward to seeing you all soon! :}

Richard

[bobgrice]

i would think having the meetings every three months would be about right

i also like the idea from other regions of having a map of members we would then be able to pick locations that were convenient for all members

[richardwjackson]

i would think having the meetings every three months would be about right

i also like the idea from other regions of having a map of members we would then be able to pick locations that were convenient for all members

I think the map is a very good idea Bob. I will try and arrange that ASAP. :}

[James.uk]

Our region is HUGE! innit... from South of Stafford way on up to Scotland! (Not exactly sure where the Southern boundary is).. :o

Nr Mcr airport was fine for Cheshire meets, but as a region I think we should be looking much further North for a meeting place, how about Martin Mere wildlife park? Anyone know anything? car park sizes etc??

Maybe somewhere near Blackpool? Preston area? Formby? Lakes?? Forest of Bowland?

As for when, I wont be attending many meets in the winter, but am happy to attend quite a few in the nice warm weather we call Summer.. :D

Unfortunately I am down in the Southern bit of our region, so can expect to travel eh! :o :)
...

[windrush]

Bluejon could advise you on nice places to have a meet up around the lakes

[Raistlin]

Don't forget the West Midlands invaders :)

[richardwjackson]

I've added a members location map now in the events and meets folder.

From this we should be able to ascertain where most members are based in the region.

[James.uk]

Paul (Raistlin) he said:-

>>>Don't forget the West Midlands invaders <<<

So we better go even further Norf innit!! :p: :D :D

*Thinks Gretna may be good* .. .. .. ;) :D
...

[windrush]

Paul (Raistlin) he said:-

>>>Don't forget the West Midlands invaders <<<

So we better go even further Norf innit!! :p: :D :D

*Thinks Gretna may be good* .. .. .. ;) :D
...

I dont want to marry him:D:D:D

[derekosb]

Paul (Raistlin) he said:-

>>>Don't forget the West Midlands invaders <<<

So we better go even further Norf innit!! :p: :D :D

*Thinks Gretna may be good* .. .. .. ;) :D
...

Gretna was an excellent venue for the Anglo Scottish meet earlier this year and I am sure we could do that again. :}

Derek

[James.uk]

Ellow Derek. :}

Sounds like Raistlin and Windrush are exchanging meaningfull glances, and may soon be taking long walks together in the moonlight... ;)

Gretna is sounding more likely by the week innit.. ;) :D
...

[ace1977lan]

Richard, congratulations on getting the regional sec for the North West mate.

As James said the North West is a big area so what about a North West roadshow. Depending on how often the meet's are arranged we could go to a different venues in the region, for example cumbria then a few months later Lancashire and work our way down to Cheshire, but we always have an established venue like the Romper.

Andy

[derekosb]

Ellow Derek. :}

Sounds like Raistlin and Windrush are exchanging meaningfull glances, and may soon be taking long walks together in the moonlight... ;)

Gretna is sounding more likely by the week innit.. ;) :D
...

:D:D

I'm sure we will end up at Gretna again at some point as they were very helpful and we got an excellent turnout.

Richard, congratulations on getting the regional sec for the North West mate.

As James said the North West is a big area so what about a North West roadshow. Depending on how often the meet's are arranged we could go to a different venues in the region, for example cumbria then a few months later Lancashire and work our way down to Cheshire, but we always have an established venue like the Romper.

Andy

We have had 8 meets (IIRC) in Scotland so far and moved it around the country quite a bit, only returning to Falkirk twice because this year's SARR was there and we had already been there.

There is always plenty of suitable spots for a meet. However I do feel a little envious of some of the areas that have more regular meets at the same venue. Not really sure which is better?:shrug:

Well that post won't have been much help!:getmecoat:

Derek

[richardwjackson]

I like the 'roadshow' idea.

We could maybe have a main central venue as suggested, then have separate venues in the north and south of the north west region and alternate between the three? :}

[bobgrice]

the roadshow idea has my vote

[richardwjackson]

the roadshow idea has my vote

If we proceed with the 'roadshow' idea it would enable members from the Midlands to join us when we have a meet in south of the region, and possibly people from Scotland when we meet in the North.

Members from Yorkshire would be welcome when we have a meet in the Manchester area. :}

[bobgrice]

i like the way you are thinking

[richardwjackson]

Hi Everyone

This week I have been trawling the internet for a new central venue for our meets mainly based on the location of members which have been added to the North West map.

Judging by the amount of people I have contacted this week (nearly 150!!) and the number of people appearing on the map we could need a significant parking area.

Based on these factors I have found a pub in Stretton near Warrington, which is ideally located adjacent Junction 10 of the M56 for good access and also has parking for over 100 vehicles.

Depending on the interest and what everyone thinks of the venue we could book some tables and have a real good day out! :}

Here is some information and photos - let me know what you think.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/imagehosting/84844cbb10c7de4a4.jpghttp://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/imagehosting/84844cbb10c83d29b.jpg

TABLE RESERVATIONS
We take bookings for parties of 8 or more. Bookings are taken Monday - Thursday.
CHILDREN'S MENU
Our Children's menu has all the classic favourites with no artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners.
MEAL TIMES
Monday - Saturday 12noon - 10pm.
Sunday 12noon - 9pm.
MENU
Main Menu - Click here to view. (http://www.pub-explorer.com/orchid/freehousedining/hollowtree.pdf)

FOOD PROMOTIONS
MAIN FOOD OFFER
Available all day, every day.
Two for One on all main meals.
WEEKEND ROAST
Available Saturday & Sunday.
Choice of roast beef, roast turkey or half roast chicken all served with new and roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy. Adult portion £10.25. (Also available Two For One). Junior portion £4.99.
SUNDAY ROAST
Available Sunday only.
2 courses (2 roasts and 2 desserts) for £13.50.


FACILITIES
FACILITIES
Wi-Fi Access, Beer Garden, Al fresco dining area with electric heaters and covers, Wheelchair Access, Disabled Toilet, Separate Baby Changing Facilities, Outdoor Children's Play Area (free).
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Quiet Area, Children Welcome, Car Parking 100+ spaces, Disabled Car Parking. ATM Machine. Debit & Credit Cards accepted.


http://www.pub-explorer.com/images/drink_tray.jpgThe Hollow Tree is a stand alone pub located in Stretton, a suburb of Warrington, an easy venue to find, just a few 100 yards from Junction 10 of the M56. This attractive pub dates back to 1780 and used to be a farmhouse in a previous life, owned by Thomas Whiley from 1780 - 1890 a great university friend of Charles Darwin. There is an inscription by Thomas Whiley relating to Darwin which can still be seen on one of the original oak beams in the bar! We are a contemporary style venue, light with a modern feel. The dining area has 300 covers and we have relaxed seating areas with sofas and bucket seats. This is a place for all the family with excellent facilities both inside and out. The special attraction for our younger visitors is the Fun House, a purpose built indoor play building. Suitable for children under 4ft 9ins tall, there are masses of games and equipment to keep them occupied for hours! Older children are catered for with a good outdoor play area located in the beer garden. We attract a large variety of people, many coming initially for the special Two For One meal deal. This lets you simply order two adult main meals to get the cheapest one free. The test of our quality is that many return again and again! You can choose to dine throughout the pub, in the restaurant or bar area, or on our purpose built al fresco dining area with electric heaters. There is a relaxed, happy atmosphere and families really love everything on offer. Break your journey soon at Junction 10 to come and meet the friendly staff at the Hollow Tree.

[justmicky]

Sounds good to me Richard, may even tempt the family along! Dates are the problem for me, work a 4 week on/off system but hopefully the meets will fall on periods when I am home!

[richardwjackson]

Sounds good to me Richard, may even tempt the family along! Dates are the problem for me, work a 4 week on/off system but hopefully the meets will fall on periods when I am home!


Let me know what dates when you're home and we'll work round it mate. :}

Be also good to get an idea from people when they would like to have the meet - December, January or February?

[bobgrice]

looks good to me .I will go along with the majority

[vindaloo]

Looks good to me & only 20 minutes away from me as well.

[J1MBO]

Things seem to have stalled a bit with this.

The other areas already seem to have something in the pipeline - in fact I've already put my name down for the intended visit to Bruntinghthorpe Museum/Proving Grounds that the midlands area is looking at.

Truthfully, IMHO we could do with a monthly meeting as I'm sure not everbody would be able to make each meet - the location being moved around the area, hopefully at a venue that would attract members.

Not sure if our inaugural meet since Richard has taken over the reigns of the North West area should just be at a pub for a meal and a chat, would consider something at a venue a little more in keeping.

A few suggestions:-

The boat museum at Ellesmere Port http://www.nwm.org.uk/

A meet up in Blackpool and a run through the illuminations http://www.blackpool-illuminations.net/

A little further north the lakeland car museum http://www.lakedistrictletsgo.co.uk/attractions/attractions_pages/cars_starsmotormuseum.html

The Concorde/Nimrod tour at Manchester Airport http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ConcordeTours

That's before we look at the idea of Llandudno, Rhyl, St Annes etc. or a National Trust property.

What's everybody's thought's or am I getting a little ahead of myself.

Regards
Jim

[richardwjackson]

I think that is a little unfair to suggest that things have 'stalled' a bit.

The pub idea was put out to members only 3 days ago and I have been awaiting peoples responses on the idea before committing to a date. Also, the previous North West meet was only 4 weeks ago.

I have also been waiting for more people to reply to PM's sent (over 150) to add their locations to the North West map and add their suggestions regarding the venue and frequency for future meets before finalising anything.

The reason I chose a pub for our first meet with a new regional secretary was to attract as many members as possible, old and especially new, to an easily accessible central location where we can meet each other and discuss the location of future meets in the region.

The large car park at this pub in Warrington also means that like 'The Romper' we can all park together in one area if a large number of members wish to attend.

Jim, I am of course open to all ideas members put forward. However, a meet at Blackpool Illuminations or the Concorde Museum at Manchester airport would be a logistical nightmare to arrange with regards to parking.

99% of car clubs have their regional meets at pubs for that very reason.

A monthly meet is a nice idea, but how many members would attend who like myself have work and family commitments at the weekend.

I appreciate your input and all your suggestions have been added to my list of possible venues. :}

[J1MBO]

I'm sorry Richard if you find my comments unfair - that was not my intention - rather lets get the ball rolling as other area seem to be able to do.

Granted it's only a short time since you put forward The Hollow Tree at Stretton but it doesn't seem to have received much in the way of reaction.

As regards the private message if it's the same one that I received:-

private message removed at request of message originator

it's not really asking for anything, rather it's a statement of fact.

I notice you only comment on two of my suggestions - refering to them as logistical nightmares with regard to parking etc.

1) Blackpool Illuminations, obviously we'd meet earlier in the day at a venue to be decided on and after the meet would convoy through the illuminations to our respective homes.

2) Concorde/Nimrod tour - there's sufficient parking adjacent to the viewing park for this purpose, that's where last November I met up with Dave T, the previous owner of my car, together with in excess of 20 other members.

All people have commitments, me included, but most are in the position to spare half a day a month.

I await with interest how we proceed in the NW area.

Edit: would mention that the offending pm was online for 18 hours before a moderator was asked to remove it - at no time was I asked to edit my post deleting the pm - there are several posts where this request could have been made.

Regards
Jim

[richardwjackson]

As stated I am awaiting peoples responses to the pub idea before committing to a date which I will decide on this week.

Not everyone accesses these forums on a daily basis to respond.

The whole idea of an easily accessible pub location was to create a friendly atmosphere to entice more new members.

At this meet it would be my intention to gather lots of ideas for future interesting venues like the ones you have put forward.

[Wilsy]

Looking at the map members are spread far and wide. Manchester seems like the more central location.

By the way I'm a clay-head from Stoke. It's not my fault I could move:D

[lew1kat]

Let me know where & when and i'm in!!!:hurray:

Looking at the map members are spread far and wide. Manchester seems like the more central location.

By the way I'm a clay-head from Stoke. It's not my fault I could move:D


Where about's in Stoke are you Wilsy?:D

[Alan.F]

2) Concorde/Nimrod tour - there's sufficient parking adjacent to the viewing park for this purpose, that's where last November I met up with Dave T, the previous owner of my car, together with in excess of 20 other members.


Regards
Jim

The only problem with the viewing park idea for parking is that they now charge £3ph to park so would become quite expensive

[J1MBO]

The only problem with the viewing park idea for parking is that they now charge £3ph to park so would become quite expensive


I think you might well find that is incorrect - the viewing park charge is £5.00 - on all the tours the parking is included within the tour charge.

Regards

Jim

[richardwjackson]

Alan you are quite correct. Parking is £3 per hour as per their website...

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ConcordeVisiting

[J1MBO]

As stated I am awaiting peoples responses to the pub idea before committing to a date which I will decide on this week.

Looking forward to that.

Not everyone accesses these forums on a daily basis to respond.

Neither do I - check my post count since I joined.

The whole idea of an easily accessible pub location was to create a friendly atmosphere to entice more new members.

That's my point - the NW is a big area and we need to have a mobile venue to attact members in the nw to it. I guess that's what you meant rather than more "new" members as you said.

At this meet it would be my intention to gather lots of ideas for future interesting venues like the ones you have put forward.

Hopefully you'll get some from others, mine were just suggestions off the top of my head without giving it much thought.

Looking forward to our inaugural meet with you at the helm.

Cheers

Jim

Alan you are quite correct. Parking is £3 per hour as per their website...

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ConcordeVisiting

My mistake - seems that they have altered the scale of charges since I last was there in November of last year when it was £5.00 per day.

However my suggestion was for a tour of Concorde/Nimrod etc. and with the tours the parking charge is included within the tour charge. No matter it seems not to be attracting much in the way of interest.

I guess that's my hand slapped now.

Cheers
Jim

[richardwjackson]

My mistake - seems that they have altered the scale of charges since I last was there in November of last year when it was £5.00 per day.

However my suggestion was for a tour of Concorde/Nimrod etc. and with the tours the parking charge is included within the tour charge. No matter it seems not to be attracting much in the way of interest.

I guess that's my hand slapped now.

Cheers
Jim

It was also £5 last time I visited in April this year.

Give it time Jim, we can thrash out a load of ideas when we meet at the pub in a few weeks time. :}

I'm hoping people will come along with some good ideas and maybe some leaflets from places they've been to that would be suitable for an interesting meet.

[bobgrice]

i think it is a good idea to have our first meet somewere we can can talk and come up with ideas.I agree if we had a list of events people knew about around the region we could vote or agree were the "roadshow" meetings would be.I for one agree we should have the first meeting in the location suggested by Richard

[baconbuttyman]

I dont think Blackpool illuminations would be a good idea, they finish in 2 weeks :getmecoat:
But if you did want to arrange a meeting place in Blackpool, you have 2 good options.
1 the Norbreck Castle Hotel, there are meal facilities and a HUGE car park, also there is a huge B&Q out side blackpool with a nice pub/eatery with a biggish car park

[PMAN01]

Where do I find the events folder? Sorry for the question but these generic forum type websites really do my head in; and I'm in IT!!
Cheers,
Richard

[justmicky]

Where do I find the events folder? Sorry for the question but these generic forum type websites really do my head in; and I'm in IT!!
Cheers,
Richard

Here: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15

[Wilsy]

I'm from the north Lewkat1. Tunstall to be precise, what about yourself?

[Mr Edd]

Although I now live in Shropshire I was born in Manchester and grew up in St Annes so I am interested in attending any of your meets. If you have a newsletter type thing that publicises these events could you include me in them.

I went to the Gretna meet earlier this year (2010) so the travelling doesn't bother me (I also lived in Oz for nearly 30 years). My only issue is the wife and I look after an invalid so on occasions I may have to drop out of a meet at short notice.

I must say the Bruntingthorpe meet was excellent and I am trying to suggest to the Midlands group that we try a meet at Blackpool or at The Prescott Hill Climb where they actively encourage car clubs to meet. They cordon sections off for manufacturers etc. The Bugatti museum is worth a visit and lots of market stalls and food venues there as well as the hill climbing entertainment. From memory the entrance is £10 per car.

To get a feel of the place take a look at these photos I took in 2009 Click Me (http://www.mredd.me.uk/Photos/hillclimb/pressbug.html)

for more info on Prescott events and dates etc... Click Me (http://www.prescott-hillclimb.com/2011prescottevents.aspx)

Edd

[J1MBO]

Although I now live in Shropshire I was born in Manchester and grew up in St Annes so I am interested in attending any of your meets. If you have a newsletter type thing that publicises these events could you include me in them.

I went to the Gretna meet earlier this year (2010) so the travelling doesn't bother me (I also lived in Oz for nearly 30 years). My only issue is the wife and I look after an invalid so on occasions I may have to drop out of a meet at short notice.

I must say the Bruntingthorpe meet was excellent and I am trying to suggest to the Midlands group that we try a meet at Blackpool or at The Prescott Hill Climb where they actively encourage car clubs to meet. They cordon sections off for manufacturers etc. The Bugatti museum is worth a visit and lots of market stalls and food venues there as well as the hill climbing entertainment. From memory the entrance is £10 per car.

To get a feel of the place take a look at these photos I took in 2009 Click Me (http://www.mredd.me.uk/Photos/hillclimb/pressbug.html)

for more info on Prescott events and dates etc... Click Me (http://www.prescott-hillclimb.com/2011prescottevents.aspx)

Edd

All sounds good Edd, I like the suggestions.

Problem Richard stood down as the regional secretary and as yet there has been no mention of him being replaced.

We however have arranged a monthly meet at The Hollow Tree in Stretton WA4 4LX on the third sunday of the month commencing the 16th January 2011, you're welcome to attend for a chat, meal and a Drinl.

Cheers
Jim

[Mr Edd]

Hi Jimbo

I have noted the dates and venue in my calender so I hope to get there.

Thanks for the heads up.

Ed

[vinnythepainter]

Hi all,
I'm new here and been fumbling around the site for quite a while,


Looking at the places or locations for any meets mentioned in the earlier posts.



I'd be more than happy to attend any meets within a 20-mile radius, say the first or last Sunday of the month. So on the: “North West Members Locations” lets all have a look at the map and see if there is any where we could meet up.



I’m all for putting a pin in the middle of the map and finding some where near that area, then maybe the following month move out from the centre of the map and keep moving it round like that.
(In a clock or anti-clock wise direction)


Whichever way you want, lol



I have just had a look at the map and “I lost count” but there are about 60 or 70 members between Preston and Stoke going North to South and Colwyn Bay to just the other side of Manchester going West to East. I know there are more members outside the aera I mentioned
(so don't lynch me) :getmecoat:



Or if there is something going on near you where we could meet up and have a chat about our cars, once you got bored of that (hahahaha) you could have a look at whatever is on offer @ the event.



That way we should all get a meeting near us sooner or later.


What do the other members think about this
“Can we make it happen”?


It’s just an idea !!!
I'm only a poor Painter :shrug:



http://www.mapservices.org/myguestma...ichardwjackson (http://www.mapservices.org/myguestmap/map/richardwjackson)

[James.uk]

This thread is over a year old, would you care to open a new one? :}
...