Tolkien Events 2007

[Lalwendë]

It's time to start thinking about next year, the 30th anniversary of the publication of the Silmarillion, and naturally, there are events planned. Here (http://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/index.php) is a list of some interesting ones, including a course by Colin Duriez (who lectures in Tolkien at University of Central Lancashire) in Keswick and an interesting event run by Heren Istarion (no, not that H-I, but the US based smial) in Brooklyn, New York.

Any more delights to add to a list?

I doubt there will be another 'Oxford Tolkien Conference' as the expensive one put on at Exeter College last year was I hear very sparsely attended (as few as 30 from someone I know who went) and the general 'theme' did not go down well.

Of course, Oxonmoot will be on again, this time from 14th -16th September, but in Lady Margaret Hall where its to be hoped they get the food quantities correct at the banquet and actually do have some quiet bedrooms this year. This is incidentally where Priscilla went and Tolkien rated the college highly above the other women's colleges. It's more out of town, but near the river and also has parking so no need to add to greedy Branson's pockets by travelling on his cruddy trains. You will also get to meet me, davem, narfforc and hopefully Mithalwen again. Temptation enough, methinks. ;)

[HerenIstarion]

Indeed, you have the wrong chap there, yer honour, it ain't me, never been there, never done that... I know, I know, I've been framed, yer honour, now haven't been I?...

To be honest, I was surprised to find that herenistarion@yahoo.com has been taken when I opted for one 6 years back, as I've only found about NY HerenIstarion (herenistarion.org, I believe) only following the nick choice for the Downs forum, not prior to aforesaid choice :)

Though I doubt I'll be able to come over for Oxonmoot (though I know I will one day), I'll be hunting news and would be glad to read reports by those of us to attend the events

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I am a tad disappointed to see so few events taking place in Merry ol' England. Oh well. I can say, quite firmly, that I shall be going to Oxonmoot this year... yes. Not even if Satan himself and his demonic hordes try to stop me.

Maybe I was a tad too over eager. :rolleyes:

But yes. If there is news on British events, you know, ones that folks like me can actually go to, then I'd appreciate it and give onto thee many piles of gold and such.

[Mithalwen]

DVWP I shall go to Oxonmoot at least for the day again.. may even stay up though I am not sure that having had the in hall experience I won't opt for the travelodge ;) - v handy for Wolvercote. :)

[Lalwendë]

Mr Hookbill - those are only the ones the TS have advertised. Thinking about it, there must be some more as I read about some not that long ago. I shall have to go and consult me source and get some more posted up...

Now Oxonmoot is exceedingly student friendly as it's quite simply cheap! Even cheaper if you join the TS (£20 a year and you also get both Amon Hen and Mallorn sent to your house, fab journals both). The accommodations can be made even cheaper by opting not to have certain meals in college, and of course college bars are reasonable too for the essential pint. It's also got that lovely Dealers' Room....and where else can you pranny about like a Hobbit or a Balrog? You have to come along as then there will be three Lancastrians in the gang. Could go to the party as Bert, Tom and William. ;)

No need to go for Travelodge Mithalwen, as if you stay, you get Enyalie thrown in for free, coaches will take you to Wolvercote. I thought at first it might not be nice going to Tolkien's grave in a group but its wonderful. Everyone has time to pay respects and sharing in the remembrance is really touching.

Anyway, no way could any room be worse than the one I had at Somerville. Concrete block with blood stained curtains and school-style shared toilets. No lift and on the third floor. Not good when full of cider but I was lucky enough to have thought on to bring along me manservant to carry me bags. And I'm taking Industrial earplugs.

[Mithalwen]

No need to go for Travelodge Mithalwen, as if you stay, you get Enyalie thrown in for free, coaches will take you to Wolvercote. I thought at first it might not be nice going to Tolkien's grave in a group but its wonderful. Everyone has time to pay respects and sharing in the remembrance is really touching.

.

Actually was thinking more that thravelodge would have private bathroom and a bigger bed and telly :D - probably wouldn't do Enyalie anyway since though I was moved going to the grave I feel I wouldn't want to go in a group..seems a bit odd... but hte travel lodge is also handy for nipping up to Bicester Village or up to have a walk round the grounds of Blenheim palace....

actually you are beginning to put me off .... I have just remembered the foot wig people .... ;)

[Lalwendë]

Actually was thinking more that thravelodge would have private bathroom and a bigger bed and telly :D - probably wouldn't do Enyalie anyway since though I was moved going to the grave I feel I wouldn't want to go in a group..seems a bit odd... but hte travel lodge is also handy for nipping up to Bicester Village or up to have a walk round the grounds of Blenheim palace....

actually you are beginning to put me off .... I have just remembered the foot wig people .... ;)

Oh don't worry about the foot-mirkin-folk, they are just one of those things to keep the majority entertained. You have to stay anyway as Alex Lewis will be in full flow later on and I can't describe this so you have to experience it....

:eek:

Book early enough and you can get private bathrooms or ones shared in a set of two rooms.

Now I thought the same as you about Enyalie but I was surprised at how great it felt to be with all these fellow nutters just paying tribute. It might have been the best thing about it, after meeting people!

Oh and some more dos:

4th Annual Tolkien conference (http://cfp.english.upenn.edu/archive/20th/1953.html) 14th- 16th April in Vermont, USA. I've only got this mailing list info though.

Into The West (http://www.intothewest.org/tolkienfest.html), University of Utah, April 28th. This looks like fun!

A Tolkien/Lewis Christian event (http://www.newbold.ac.uk/newsflashes/humanities-department-taster-days-2007.html) , 18th March, Berkshire UK. Not sure if this will be 'big' following on from the failure of the similar event at Exeter last year.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, England is the home Tolkien Society, of course, but the German Tolkien Society has its activities coming up in 2007 as well, and I'm looking forward to taking part!

The Tolkien Seminar will be taking place from May 4 - 6 in Jena, with the "minor works" being the featured theme - I am very much looking forward to that! Especially as I have suggested a paper on a certain topic, and am working on a quilt with the same idea.

The annual meeting, called the Tolkien Thing ('Thing' meaning a gathering/meeting and/or the location at which it takes place in Old German) will be from July 13 - 15 in the castle in Diez. It has been renovated and is now a backpackers' accommodation, very nice, with an historic feel to it - fancy dress costumes look right at home there! Alan Lee was the guest of honor last year, and though we don't have Tolkien's grave, we do have a lot of great people to make the event special!

I did enjoy meeting Lal, davem, and narfforc in Birmingham last year; I also had my first contact with members of the GTS there and decided to get actively involved in the country which is my home.

If any German-speaking members would like more information, check out the DTG site (http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de/).

[Lalwendë]

So you get two 'Oxonmoots' in Germany! Actually, the UK TS do a seminar too but it's not over a whole weekend, just one day.

Which reminds me...

Sarehole Tolkien Weekend (http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/text/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=95295&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=4&MENU_ID=13788)

The Tolkien weekend, which is free, is on at the Shire Country Park, Birmingham, 19th & 20th May. Apparently its good fun, plenty of events such as weaponry displays etc, and the TS always have a stall there. You might even get to see Bob Blackham who wrote The Roots of Tolkien's Middle Earth - very entertaining and interesting bloke.

[The Might]

unfortunately my age wouldn't allow me to travel very far, I don't think my old Gaffer would understand...
are there any meets a little closer to my home perhaps Estelyn...NRW perhaps ?

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I was actually planing on going to this years Oxonmoot, but as I am planing on going on a longer trip in most of august and as University starts in September I doubt I will be able to go.

First of all my work probably won't give me more vacation, maybe I could get some one to cover for me though. . .

then there is the money issue. . I will probably have used up most funds at september and I am also going to England for Christmas next year. . .

That reminds me. . .I am thinking about going maybe 1 week before christmas, if people are not too busy then I could drop by. This is especially a message to Narfforc as out meeting this year failed. . .


arrgh I really want to go. . .hmm maybe, I have to see if I can work something out.

[Lalwendë]

If you can scrape the pennies together Rune, Oxonmoot's cheap (so long as you keep out of the dealers' room! And, er, the pub...). Plus if you wanted to stay in Oxford a bit longer there's a great guest house - Isis Guest House - near Magdalen and the Botanical Gardens, who do rooms from a very low price (some have shared bathrooms, which are much cheaper), but it's only open July-September because it's a student lodging for St Edmund Hall.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Keeping out of the PUB is not something I think I could do. . . .When I am abroad I tend to end up in Bars quite often.

and I would love to stay for long, but I could not. I should have school to tend to at that time. . .

anywas thanks for the recomendations Lal, I aprichiate it.

[Farael]

There is some sort of free Seminar on Tolkien's Mythology at the University of Winnipeg on March 9th. I'm fairly sure I'm the only Winnipeger here in the 'downs, but if any of you happens to be from Slurpee Capital as well (or if any of you are traveling here early March) you can find more information at www.uwinnipeg.ca If you can't find it, feel free to ask me!

[Holbytlass]

The Vermont one is closer to me and is during my birthday but the Utah one would be great for a chance to meet Mormegil and Nimrodel!

Dealers' room? Is that gambling or extra high priced items?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

I'm surprised to hear that there was a Tolkien event in Exeter last year, since I only live a few miles from Exeter these days and I heard nothing about it. Since there was a definite Christian element I'd expect to have heard something from my sister, who hears about religious events from the parish church grapevine, but no. It looks as though they relied on advertising to Tolkien groups, who are unlikely to respond in large numbers for the usual reasons.

The Sarehole weekend looks interesting, and Oxenmoot is achievable; such a shame that I can't put together a party.

[Mithalwen]

First of all my work probably won't give me more vacation, maybe I could get some one to cover for me though. . .
arrgh I really want to go. . .hmm maybe, I have to see if I can work something out.


It Is a weekend though Rune ..but you may work weekends - I enjoyed my daytrip, though I hope to stay at least Saturday night this year.. Oxford is very accesibel if you could get a cheapo flight ..... maybe...

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I work every other sunday. . . .and friday from 7pm until 1 am.

The other week I have a long weekend though.

I have heard that a new low price flight will open between Copenhagen and Newcastle, which is perfect for when I want to visit my family in Richmond. I better check how the Newcastle-Oxford could be aranged.

I know this is not really an event, but tomorrow I will be attending a LotR movie marathon at the Imperial movie theater.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I just found out that a flight to London should only be around 50-70£. . .so it should be possible to go if school does not come in the way.

Now I just need to find out how much a train ticket is from Stansted to Oxford and who else is going. As much as I love to be Tolkien Geeky I doubt I will be going if there is no prospect of meeting downers. . .

So who is planing on going to the Oxonmoot?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

So who is planing on going to the Oxonmoot?

I are seriously going! :D

The last time I tried I was annoyed to find that I couldn't but not this time! NOT THIS TIME! *runs to the hills*

[Mithalwen]

Coaches will be cheaper and run 24/7

http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/stanstead_rail.htm

and probabaly also cheaper from London to Oxford. They will take longer especially at rush hour though.

I am planning on going at least for the lectures and I probably will stay Saturday night though if it is only Saturday I may make my own arrangements for accomodation.

[Mithalwen]

http://www.tolkiensociety.org/oxon/2007/Info.html

Shall we persuade Dave to do one so I don't get caught in one that turned out to discuss the significance of the a bit of the film I missed because it during my dash to the loo about 2.5 hrs + trailers and a cinema small (ie bucket sized ) drink in. Even the consolation of Murray Smith getting impassioned and sounding just like Feargal Keane wasn't quite enough to help.


And since they have 20 minute slots... well I'd love to expound my theories about Blondes having more fun in ME but I am not sure I could cope with Murray Smith getting impassioned and Feargal Keanlike as he tore my paper apart ..... ;)

Actually the Cambridge Seminar sounds interesting ..and I have never been to the Other Place....

[narfforc]

I always go to Oxonmoot, we should all try and get together for one Barrowdowns picture at least.

[Mithalwen]

Only if I take it. I never have my photograph taken ..it adds at least a stone in weight but would take my soul away. That's a double whammy and so just plain unfair.... :rolleyes:

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I vote for letting some random non-downer take it. . .It would be a fun photo especially since we would need to constraint Mith

[Mithalwen]

Have a go if you think you're hard enough.... :cool:

[narfforc]

Hey Mithalwen just wear some dark shades (not anything like a Ringwraith), keep your eyes closed and you won't know you've had your photo taken, and what's more you won't see it.














.Until it's too late :eek: :)







.

[narfforc]

I'm off to Moreton-in-Marsh next weekend to see Alan Lee and Ted Nasmith, next month I'm off to Sarehole Mill for the Tolkien weekend, I'm going to The Musical in London and of course to Oxonmoot, my orkbeaker runneth over :D :rolleyes:

[Mithalwen]

I won't go if I have to have my picture taken :( But I do have an excellent black rider mask so if I dye afew sheets black and wear my ankle breaking platform shoes... I could disguise myself as a nazgul..

I have Agent Smith Matrix shades so the alternative would be hobbits are a virus..

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just got back from an absolutely wonderful German Tolkien Seminar, filled to the brim with interesting talks by international speakers - including yours truly on "The Autobiographical Tolkien". We had gorgeous weather in a charming city, Jena, and the people were fascinating to meet/remeet. So many of them have said they'll be at Oxonmoot that I am seriously considering going this year; now that I know the German society members and a number of others, it would be fun to see them again - to say nothing of the Downers, of course!

[Child of the 7th Age]

That is SO great, Esty. I would have loved to hear your remarks!

[narfforc]

You must come to Oxonmoot Esty, would love to see you again.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Child, my paper will be published along with the other lectures that were held, so it will be possible for anyone who wants it to read it. However, if anyone really, really can't wait that long, PM me and I'll find a way... ;)

narff, ditto - seeing you and the other Downers again is definitely one incentive for coming to Oxonmoot! :) The international Tolkien gang and something about the programme that a little bird told me are the others.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

After seeing how the costume talk is evolving, I would just like to state that if I should be so lucky and be able to go to the Oxonmoot. Well, then I will not be dressed up.

The only thing that would be a possibility would be one of the Rohirim, but I am just not walking through security wearing a chain-mail!
(this would also require that I did not cut my hair)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The only thing that would be a possibility would be one of the Rohirim, but I am just not walking through security wearing a chain-mail!
(this would also require that I did not cut my hair)

You could always go as Gollum... or Gandalf the Grey Uncl... Wait... I'm not going to say it. :p

As you may have heard, I'll be going as Bombadil. :D

Here is a thing, I wonder if anyone will go as Turin based on the front cover of CoH? :eek:

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

You could always go as Gollum... or Gandalf the Grey Uncl... Wait... I'm not going to say it. :p

As you may have heard, I'll be going as Bombadil. :D

Here is a thing, I wonder if anyone will go as Turin based on the front cover of CoH? :eek:
I should smite thee for those comments!

No, but I have seen it and that was why I made my post.

[Beregond]

Sorry if I'm butting-in, but is there anyone here from Canada who might know of events closer to where I am? Alas, I would love to be able to go to these fine events in England... I was there last summer for the first time and visited Oxford (stayed at the Peartree Travelodge which I think someone above mentioned), but can't see getting back anytime soon. :(

[narfforc]

Just to put the record straight, the Costume Party at Oxonmoot is on Saturday night along with the Ents (entertainments), however it doesn't stop people wandering about all day in costume if they so desire, a word of advice though, don't leave the college waving Sting in the air, Mordor has a Police Force that shoots first and asks questions later.

[narfforc]

I have just returned this week from a wondrous journey. The first part of this took me to London to see The Lord of the Rings Musical and I was left speechless, awesome and spectacular are the only words I can find, of course it is not without it's faults for the purists, however if one approaches this with an open mind and forgets all other medium ie:- The Book, The BBC Radio Play, The Four Films, then it is highly enjoyable, one must also remember the artwork of Nasmith, Howe and Lee who show differing interpretations of the same scenes, if The Lord of the Rings is a room then Tolkien entered through the door and Jackson through the window, this leaves the Musical Director Mathew Warchus (I think) to come down the chimney, all of this is still in essence The Lord of the Rings. The play starts before it starts, whilst people are still arriving and finding their seats the auditorium was filled with Hobbits chasing fireflies and at play, they all spoke to each other by name and seemed to be having a very good time whilst totally oblivious of the audience, seeing Bolgers and Bracegirdles running down the aisles brought the story to you and dragged you in. The scenery was fantastic and the so were the costumes. The scenes of note were that involving the Balrog and the one were we meet Galadriel for the first time, also Gollum climbing down the wall of the theatre, I won't spoil it for you, go and see it.

Some of the songs aren't bad either.

The next part of my journey was to Sarehole for The Tolkien Weekend, this involved:-

1. Sarehole Mill.
2. Moseley Bog Tour.
3. Bus Tour taking in.
a. Perott's Folly and the Victorian Tower of the Edgbaston Waterworks, The Two Towers.
b. Stirling Road where Tolkien lived opposite the widow of Dr Joseph Samson Gamgee.
c. The various Tolkien and family houses such as 264 Wake Green Road opposite Mosely Bog.
4. Watched the play, Farmer Giles of Ham.

All very enjoyable and if you get the chance you must do this.

The last thing I did was visit the little church where John and Mabel married, I left with the sense of wondering that on his special day he would not even have considered how special he was.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Can any of you TS members tell me if booking for Oxonmoot is already underway? The website says it will start in spring, yet there's no further information so far.

By the way, Ted Nasmith will be at the German Tolkien Society's summer meeting next month; Brian Sibley, who's been planning to come for several years, has had to cancel his participation for health reasons.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Can any of you TS members tell me if booking for Oxonmoot is already underway? The website says it will start in spring, yet there's no further information so far.

I sent an E-mail to the T-S and they said that booking would be open in abut two or three weeks.

[narfforc]

Some people have the latest copy of Amon Hen and inside will be the booking form.

[Lalwendë]

Some people have the latest copy of Amon Hen and inside will be the booking form.

We haven't had our copy yet! :( When did yours arrive?

[narfforc]

I was talking to someone who said it had been delivered to a friend or they had seen the letter on the doormat upon breaking and entering someones appartment, I didnt expect some kind of Spanish Inquisition..................

[Lalwendë]

I was talking to someone who said it had been delivered to a friend or they had seen the letter on the doormat upon breaking and entering someones appartment, I didnt expect some kind of Spanish Inquisition..................

.............no-one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

;)

That's one of those lines you wait years to get in...

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

.............no-one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

;)

That's one of those lines you wait years to get in...
Yeah, unfortunately over here everybody says "Hvad er det her, den spanske inkvisition" (What is this, the Spanish Inquisition). . . .and you cannot really use the sentence there.

[narfforc]

Anyway, after being suprised by fear, or was that fear of suprise, my Amon Hen arrived yesterday, inside is the booking form with which I will break my bank managers heart, saying with ruthless efficiency that I have a fanatical devotion to The Moot.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Anyway, after being suprised by fear, or was that fear of suprise, my Amon Hen arrived yesterday, inside is the booking form with which I will break my bank managers heart, saying with ruthless efficiency that I have a fanatical devotion to The Moot.

Yes, an anonymous contributor gave the the info on what the financial implications of Onxomoot will be. It seems that I'll need to raise about £50 before I reserve my place. This will be difficult or easy depending on how soon the TS allows the online bookings.

[Lalwendë]

Yes, an anonymous contributor gave the the info on what the financial implications of Onxomoot will be. It seems that I'll need to raise about £50 before I reserve my place. This will be difficult or easy depending on how soon the TS allows the online bookings.

Meh.

if you're not too bothered about sharing a toilet with anyone else there's not a huge rush on the accommodation front, though you might end up in Apocalypse Towers (complete with sinister, blood stained curtains) like we did last year cause all the quiet rooms had gone. :eek:

narfforc needs his £50 just to secure his yards of ale...

[narfforc]

£50 will do for the first nights quantity of Ork-brew, what worries me is where I will get enough to buy more boooooooks with, last year I spent £500 arggggghhhhhhh.

P.S Blood stained curtains, you lucky lucky b......, what I wouldnt give for some blood stained curtains....

[Lalwendë]

£50 will do for the first nights quantity of Ork-brew, what worries me is where I will get enough to buy more boooooooks with, last year I spent £500 arggggghhhhhhh.

P.S Blood stained curtains, you lucky lucky b......, what I wouldnt give for some blood stained curtains....

I think they must have been left over from Maggie Thatcher's time there when she was doing her blood-letting experiments.

£500?! I didn't think you bought that many!

I was dismayed in that dealers' room because we already had everything and could only buy the things we didn't have - apart from the fancy schmancy editions o' course. But the collectables are quite overpriced there I reckon judging by davem's luck at getting right bargains lately - First edition set for less than the price of a brand new deluxe for example. Muahahaa.... :cool:

[narfforc]

I am a lying son of an orc, it was at Aston that I spent £500, last Oxonmoot I only spent about £200. Did you see the copy of The Hobbit that was going for £30,000, it was the rare one with the cover that Tolkien hated, the one that made Bilbo look like Jeeves or Wooster?

[Lalwendë]

I am a lying son of an orc, it was at Aston that I spent £500, last Oxonmoot I only spent about £200. Did you see the copy of The Hobbit that was going for £30,000, it was the rare one with the cover that Tolkien hated, the one that made Bilbo look like Jeeves or Wooster?

No, they must have hidden that one away when they saw me coming round with me dirty mitts :D I was just taken with those India paper copies of HoME that I thought would go nicely with me matching copy of Rings, and then having a coronary at the prices. Did you see the outrageously priced Canadian box set? Battered more than a Harry Ramsden fish supper and retailing at £30! :eek:

I did however find some loose cheap retro Unwin paperbacks to make up some partial sets I've got around the house.

Did you get that... was it Wainwright?....one about Pagan and Anglo-saxon influences? There's a new Ronald Hutton out now (recently anyway) wth a chapter about Tolkien and Lewis that I have to buy too, specially after that ace lecture he did at Aston.

[Mithalwen]

I'm still not convinced I want to stay in hall...but I will probably stay Saturday night - especially if I drive up this time... hten I can go to Bicester village on Sunday morning

[Lalwendë]

I'm still not convinced I want to stay in hall...but I will probably stay Saturday night - especially if I drive up this time... hten I can go to Bicester village on Sunday morning

:eek:

What about Enyalie? Honest - it's not mawkish (I thought it would be a bit) it's actually nice and everyone's relaxed and that - no weeping and whatnot. On the other hand if you stay you have to endure some cheesy bad singing on Saturday night :D

[Mithalwen]

I have been to the grave in private and feel no need to return en masse. It still feels intrusive.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

:eek:
On the other hand if you stay you have to endure some cheesy bad singing on Saturday night :D
Anyone that cannot handle cheesy bad singing should probably stay away from me. . . at least when I am drinking.

[Mithalwen]

Oh dear ... I think I may come as a day-girl again...... :rolleyes: the rehearsals were bad enough with whatsit wailing along to a Spanish guitar.....with few exceptions, I loathe guitars at the best of times ..and that was not the best of times. THe trouble is that vast numbers of people think they can play the guitar and very few actually can. It is a very instrument specific delusion... if you are a rubbish violinist like I am you keep it to the privacy of your own home..... :rolleyes:

[Lalwendë]

Oh dear ... I think I may come as a day-girl again...... :rolleyes: the rehearsals were bad enough with whatsit wailing along to a Spanish guitar.....with few exceptions, I loathe guitars at the best of times ..and that was not the best of times. THe trouble is that vast numbers of people think they can play the guitar and very few actually can. It is a very instrument specific delusion... if you are a rubbish violinist like I am you keep it to the privacy of your own home..... :rolleyes:

Part of the tradition is to watch sagely as hordes of people decamp from the ents, sweating profusely in wild panic, as 'geetar man' strikes up his songs. It's like a competition to see how fast you can get out of there or to see who can endure it manfully for the longest time. Those who do endure are usually so bevvied up they can barely speak. :smokin:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The T-S has just published some more information about this year's Oxonmoot:

http://www.tolkiensociety.org/oxon/2007/Info.html

Still no booking yet, but it looks to be getting closer for us On-line folk. I'll definitely be joining the T-S before next Oxonmoot... probably.
Looks like a nice sandwich lunch is planned for Saturday, which is very English. Just need tea and scones. :D

I'm assuming most of the 'action' will take place on Saturday. Any Oxon veterans wish to confirm or refute this?

[Mithalwen]

Hmm well having left home extremely early and arrived home late I appreciated having a "proper lunch" but I guess it makes sense for those stayng up. I don't like the sound of this entertainment though... I have a spooky premonition that guitars will be involved....

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I am still debating with myb self about what to do. . .I won't know when school starts until august, but it will probably be around the time of the Oxonmoot.

I am starting to lean towards booking as soon as I can and then just hope that I actually can go.

[narfforc]

Hooky, you are quite right virtually all the action happens on a Saturday (normal Oxonmoot, not extended), however for those who arrive early on Friday there is the welcome dinner that night or the bar where the People of The Quaff-of-Mirthful meet and drink the Ales of Cellarbrewboy. The Sunday consists mainly of the Enyalie, then collecting your gear before treading on The Road.

[Hyarion]

I don't think I realized how many events there were in 2007, nice to see a lot of activity. I had a feeling a lot of it would die out after the films, and while some have, the majority seem to be sticking around. I've gone ahead and created a chronological list of all the events (though I'm sure I'm still missing quite a few) at http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/2007 If you see any I missed feel free to add them.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Nice list, Hyarion! There is one more German event in October: The Ring*Con Convention from Oct. 12 - 14 2007. You can find information here: Ring*Con 2007 (http://www.ringcon.de/main.php?lang=en)

[Hyarion]

How could I forget Ring*Con? Thanks! Now that 2007 is mostly done I've started working on the other years, as far back as 1892. It will be interesting to see how active Tolkien fandom has been over the years, and what Tolkien himself was doing every year.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

https://ssl121.securednshost.com/~tolkiens/oxon/2007/book.php

Oxonmoot online booking is now open, folks! :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Thanks for that info, Hookbill! Now that I'm back from the German Society's "Tolkien Thing" (for those who haven't read the background of the second word of the event's title, it's a traditional nomen for a gathering, not an indeterminate object), I can begin planning for the next event.

The TT took place in an old castle turned hostel, very stylish surroundings! After weeks of cold, rainy weather, we had sun and heat enough to make us glad of the nearby ice cream parlour. This year's special guest was the artist Ted Nasmith; he showed us a slide presentation of his Tolkien art, signed books etc. (in my case, a lovely puzzle of his painting of Arwen and Aragorn), and gave a concert, singing his songs which have now been recorded.

Here's a link to the puzzle, which is a limited edition, out of stock elsewhere: Arwen's Choice (http://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Arwens-Choice-T-Nasmith/dp/1558063331/ref=cm_lmf_tit_8/103-8971584-7866268)

There were several lectures (mostly light-hearted, like my own comparing 'Farmer Giles' and 'Shrek'), some workshops (music, dance, and costume-sewing), a play which was presented by several members, and the obligatory business meeting. Much time was spent hanging out in the courtyard, talking with old and new Society friends. All in all, an enjoyable weekend!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

If you can scrape the pennies together Rune, Oxonmoot's cheap (so long as you keep out of the dealers' room! And, er, the pub...). Plus if you wanted to stay in Oxford a bit longer there's a great guest house - Isis Guest House - near Magdalen and the Botanical Gardens, who do rooms from a very low price (some have shared bathrooms, which are much cheaper), but it's only open July-September because it's a student lodging for St Edmund Hall.

I'm currently in the process of booking for Oxonmoot and have looked back for information on this thread. A couple of questions for you helpful Brits:

Does anyone have an idea how long it takes to get from Oxford to Stanstead Airport? Would that be doable within Sunday afternoon, or cutting it too close timewise? Perhaps it would be better to stay a night and go on Monday.

Friday evening's dinner seems rather expensive - is it worth it? Is that the place to meet lots of people already, or do most skip it?

More questions as they come up...

[davem]

Friday evening's dinner seems rather expensive - is it worth it? Is that the place to meet lots of people already, or do most skip it?
.

Well, last year there was a mix up with the Lamb - they didn't cook enough & there was nearly a riot! (Well, actually, being the Tolkien Society, there were a few people grumbling under their breath....... ). The few times I've had the meal its been fine. The food is usually very good. Avoid the kebab van though, as a few people went down with food poisoning a couple of years back:eek:

Oh, btw, for anyone who hasn't seen it, there's more trouble at t'mill in November http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/1/1187283136

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, it's official now - I'm coming to Oxonmoot! And I'm bringing another Downer - but I'll let her tell (and keep you all in suspense a bit longer). We'll also be seeing the LotR musical in London a few days before the event.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Shall we plan an official Downs meeting at Oxonmoot? It would be nice to get us all together! I haven't found an official programme yet, but it seems that Friday evening would be a good opportunity, if no official activities are planned for then. Will all be in Oxford by then? Otherwise, please suggest alternatives.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

A grand idea Estelyn!
I myself should be in Oxford from around 3 o'clock depending on the trains (or if my older brother does decide to take me after all).
Could someone of better Oxfordian knowledge tell us if the Bird n' Baby is anywhere near Lady Margret Hall and if that would be a suitable meeting place. Although, I expect it will be pretty crowded on an Oxonmoot weekend. :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

According to the website, Lady Margaret Hall is located "a little out of the city centre". That probably means a rather long walk to get to the B&B. As I have no idea what the campus is like, I don't know where we could meet - if the weather is good, outside would work, but who knows that in this rainy summer?!

edit: I checked out the LMH website, and it says it's a 15 minute walk to the city centre.

[Mithalwen]

I was rather younger and fitter in my Oxford days but it is a perfectly easy walk from LMH to the Bird and Baby - I used to have the occasional lecture at Norham Gardens. Obviously not as close as Somervile but ...

I haven't booked yet - I haven't decided if I am staying up yet and if so whether for 1 or 2 nights. But don't let that stop you... it took me hours to pluck up the courage to introduce myself to Dave and Lal so it would take well beyond Friday night to meet people I know less...

I always prefered the Lamb and Flag but I believe it has been tarted up now :( it used to be very Inspector Morse...

[Bêthberry]

Why not meet under Tolkien's pinus nigra in the Botanical Gardens? It's just off High Street by the river, which would provide a meandering walk to Lady Margaret Hall.

As I recall, even with a bad knee, most of Oxford was quite walkable, even from the cemetary to High Street. That includes the B&B, the Lamb, and the Mitre.

If only there weren't those protestors at Heathrow complaining about all the polluting air travellers! And only if such air fair were more reasonable. :(

I suppose I could set up a paypal account and ask for donations for the travel costs. I recall burrahobbit doing that. Think it would work for me? Will Downers help me make my way East? :smokin:

[Guinevere]

Well, it's official now - I'm coming to Oxonmoot! And I'm bringing another Downer - but I'll let her tell (and keep you all in suspense a bit longer). We'll also be seeing the LotR musical in London a few days before the event.

Now I have booked the flight I can tell you that it's me who is coming to the Oxonmoot (for the first time) with Esty!
I am very much looking forward to it and to meeting other Downers. (But a bit scared, too! My spoken English is no way as good as my written :( and since I have shamefully neglected the Downs of late perhaps nobody will remember me anyway...)

Bethberry, I sure would love to meet you too! But the journey is really rather disproportionate...

[Lalwendë]

A grand idea Estelyn!
I myself should be in Oxford from around 3 o'clock depending on the trains (or if my older brother does decide to take me after all).
Could someone of better Oxfordian knowledge tell us if the Bird n' Baby is anywhere near Lady Margret Hall and if that would be a suitable meeting place. Although, I expect it will be pretty crowded on an Oxonmoot weekend. :D

You'd be surprised. We met up with Alan from the TS in there last year on the Friday and it was lovely and quiet! Though the landlord had renamed all his (delicious) pub grub to things like Saruman Stew etc.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Hurrah! I just got my Oxonmoot progress Report through the post! The whole weekend looks like it'll be a whole lot of fun! :D

Also, I was surprised to find my name in the book! Hadnot expected that. Especially as it went along with my 'Hookbill' pseudonym. :cool: I know I could have thought of something a little more Tolkien related, but I went with that just in case any Downers were there and would have no idea who I was.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

My progress report just arrived in the mail this morning! Guinevere's and my name are not yet on the list - I guess we registered after printing. I didn't see narfforc's name either, but since he said he's coming, I assume he registered later as well. I know better than to expect Lal and davem, due to ... circumstances. ;) And I'm happy to know at least a few people on the list from the German Tolkien Society. Among others, Anke Eissmann will be there, and I'm sure she'll bring her folio and some artwork for those interested.

Now that it's out, I can tell you one of the main motivations for my coming - the Cambridge Society's performances! I saw two members at the German Tolkien Seminar this spring, and they told me that they were planning to do both "Lord of the Goons" and the LotR reading. As I have fond memories of both performances from Birmingham in 2005, that was a real incentive! After several days of lectures about Tolkien and his works, I found it refreshing (in Tolkien's own sense of the word) to hear the words of the story itself, and the dramatic reading moved me to tears (no mean feat!). And the parody had me and the rest of the audience in stitches.

The weekend's going to be great! As registration doesn't start till 5:30 pm, Friday afternoon does sound like the best time for an informal meeting of Downers. We could try for the B&B (Eagle and Child); should it actually be too full, we can go elsewhere from there. We'll try to get into Oxford around 3 pm, then allowing for a bit of walking, should be at the pub a bit later. I have no idea what train times will be like, but it'll work out, I'm sure.

It might be a good idea to exchange mobile phone numbers by PM...

[narfforc]

I will be there, and in the bar at opening time quaffing Ork-brew.

[Guinevere]

I know better than to expect Lal and davem, due to ... circumstances. ;)

Why not? ( :rolleyes: have I missed something?) I was looking forward to meeting them! :confused:

[davem]

Why not? ( :rolleyes: have I missed something?) I was looking forward to meeting them! :confused:

We're expecting to hear the patter of tiny (hairy) feet on October 10th. Oxford is a bit far from home at 8+ months pregnant, so sadly we won't be there this year. We're hoping to be there next year for the four day event though, unless the child has bankrupted us & we have to spend the weekend in the garden.

[narfforc]

UGH Lal UGH Davem, that's disgusting, congratulations anyway. :rolleyes:


P.S You're not both pregnant are you, or has Davem been in the fridge again.


.

[HerenIstarion]

We're expecting to hear the patter of tiny (hairy) feet on October 10th

I really doubt s/he will walk right awy :smokin:, but thats good news and no mistake :) Congratulations :)

[davem]

I really doubt s/he will walk right awy :smokin:, but thats good news and no mistake :) Congratulations :)

Well, I hope its not going to take too long about it. I've already got it a paper round & I expect it to be earning its keep by Christmas. I can't do with freeloaders.

[Lalwendë]

It's already practising extreme Kung Fu. I expect it to break through at any moment...:eek:

[Guinevere]

Originally posted by Davem
We're expecting to hear the patter of tiny (hairy) feet on October 10th.

Aha! http://www.myrias.de/Templates/Webprojekt/images/idea.gif It seems I was abit slow on the uptake...
Heartfelt congratulations, Lalwendë and Davem! http://www.myrias.de/Templates/Webprojekt/images/drummer.gif
And I wish your baby an uncomplicated and speedy arrival in due time.