Return of the Ring and Barrow-Downs Mega-moot - Celebrating Tolkien in 2012 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Hookbill the Goomba · 05-23-2012, 04:14 PM

While people sort out the money they now owe me

I think we should start a discussion on what kinds of crazy adventures we want to have!
Ancient castles, hills, parks, mountains, hills, famous landmarks, more hills, Ferris wheels, dancing, hills again, and possibly some forests. BRING COSTUMES!

THIS is the website of the cottage we'll be staying at, and if you click on 'attractions' it'll tell you what's close by. But if there's other stuff you've got your heart set on we will try and fit it in.
Bear in mind I think the Olympics are on around that time so we'd want to steer clear of London if at all possible.

Lalwendë · 05-24-2012, 05:40 PM

The 2012 Robin Hood Festival from 13-19 August.

The tourism site for Nottinghamshire. That one should keep you busy, there's loads on it.

Peak District website. Again, packed with stuff.

Leicestershire and Lincolnshire are also worth looking up.

I think I must have been just about everywhere in the area! It's not possible to get bored! There's even a wurst shop in Bakewell...

Mithalwen · 05-25-2012, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Bear in mind I think the Olympics are on around that time so we'd want to steer clear of London if at all possible.

The Olympics finish on the 12th and the Paralympics don't start til the 29th. Those who haven't been and may not get the chance for a while might want to consider it - though maybe consulting the scheduling.

Oddwen · 06-02-2012, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Ancient castles, hills, parks, mountains, hills, famous landmarks, more hills, Ferris wheels, dancing, hills again, and possibly some forests.

All of these sound fun.

I can't help thinking that we should get our costumey types together and make a film. Maybe follow a secondary Fellowship that ultimately fails because it falls afoul of a theme park?

Lalwendë · 06-03-2012, 08:12 AM

You're lucky for theme parks because you have the UK's most famous and biggest (and most expensive) theme park, Alton Towers nearby! Bear in mind it's the school summer holidays so it will be packed with kids, but the good thing is you might also spot some money off voucher scheme things running or even get a group booking. If I see any then I'll save them or point them out! I have to add, I've never been there because I'm too tight fisted to pay

I'd avoid London at all costs unless there are any masochists in the group - we're in the middle of planning for the O'lympick period at work and have been told to cut workplace attendance down to a maximum of 40%. Our London colleagues have been asked to work from home, from elsewhere in the UK or to take leave. This is if you can get anywhere around the capital - tube and rail stations will be closed.

Folks on fb know about my weather forecasts (my sad weather obsession, you might say) and I think it's going to be a traditional British summer. Some sun, maybe some hot days, but also some rain and cloud and murk. It looks as though the north of the UK will be warmer than average, the south not so much so, but with a general trend in August for warmer, drier weather.

Guinevere · 06-04-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oddwen

I can't help thinking that we should get our costumey types together and make a film. Maybe follow a secondary Fellowship that ultimately fails because it falls afoul of a theme park?

Alas, I am not a costumey type at all...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

"I'd avoid London at all costs." "tube and rail stations will be closed."

And what about changing trains in London?? National Rail Enquiries tells me even that I have to walk from one railway station(St.Pancras) to another(King's Cross) on my way to Retford (which seems the nearest train station to "our" cottage, and I still have to find out how to proceed from there) Anyhow, I would like to know how on earth we are going to get around and see places when so many of us come from abroad and have no car...

Kath · 06-04-2012, 11:09 AM

'Walking' from King's Cross to St Pancras really does mean that as they are quite literally 2 minutes apart. That really won't be a problem.

Guinevere - Car-wise I will certainly have mine as I'll be driving up. I'm there the whole two weeks so can do lifts as needed from train stations. Hook is learning to drive so there will be another car. There are sure to be hire car places around so as long as there is an adult with a driving license we can get hold of more car places when needed.

Bêthberry · 06-04-2012, 12:02 PM

The four of us (two adults, two then teens) plus large suitcases each and carry-ons/back packs easily walked from Kings Cross to the next station on our first trip to London. The architecture along the way makes it a very interesting walk. (We arrived via train from York to discover an emergency had closed King's Cross tube station.)

If you are at King's Cross rail station, do look for platform 9¾.

Not all tube stations will be closed all the time. Here's what the Tube has made available online now for planning:

London Tube during the Olympics

But as Mithalwen said to me, London is very good at moving large numbers of people efficiently.

Lalwendë · 06-04-2012, 12:28 PM

No fear, Guinevere, St Pancras and Kings Cross are virtually the same place and those stations are still OK for access! I hear Liverpool St will be subject to restrictions but that's if you are coming from the south/south west of London. It's if you start wanting to go and look at the 'sights' in London that it will be a bit scary while the running and jumping fest is on. It's not only that Tube stations will be shut but to take one tourist area, Whitehall and Westminster (obviously, where our London offices are) will basically become a sports arena and even access to the parks around the Mall will be restricted.

Hookbill the Goomba · 07-18-2012, 12:24 PM

If you're arriving on Monday 6th August please let me know! I will send you my mobile phone number so you can let us know if you get delayed.
Also, could you give me an estimate on what time you'll be arriving? That'd help get a time table going.
Actually, could everyone give us an estimate of what day and time you'll be arriving so we can figure out how to get you to the cottage if you're not arriving on the first day.

Lalwendë · 07-19-2012, 03:30 PM

You will want to take note of the train strike planned for 6-8 August. This is on East Midlands trains which have the monopoly on the Midland main line from St Pancras to Sheffield, via Loughborough, Derby, Retford and Worksop.

We are heavy users of these trains at work and in the past, strikes have just meant very crowded trains with no seats, as they still run, but there are fewer of them. There's also an option to adjust plans and use the east coast main line. I'll check out any news on this as we will get updates at work.

I also read some incredibly complicated stuff about what is going to be shut/chaotic during the Olympics in London - we are sent info that the general public don't get, only employers. If anyone has any particular plans involving London, post 'em up and I will check this out next week when I'm in the office.

Guinevere · 07-19-2012, 03:46 PM

I do hope that First Capital Connect (from Gatwick to St.Pancras) and East Coast (from King's Cross to Retford) will not be affected; I have booked train tickets for Tuesday 7.8.! All these different train companies seem bewildering to me.

Lalwendë · 07-20-2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guinevere

I do hope that First Capital Connect (from Gatwick to St.Pancras) and East Coast (from King's Cross to Retford) will not be affected; I have booked train tickets for Tuesday 7.8.! All these different train companies seem bewildering to me.

You'll be fine with East Coast, you may get more people onboard though.

Bêthberry · 07-20-2012, 08:07 AM

Okay, Lal, I have a question for you about my best option on arrival at Heathrow to get to New Milton, Hampshire.

Should I go for a bus to Woking and then train to NM? Or should I tube it to Waterloo station (blue line then North line) and catch the rail there?

Which route would be faster/easier? Maybe best to avoid going into London?

Mithalwen · 07-20-2012, 10:21 AM

I would get the bus to Woking and then the train. Really no need to go into central london to catch the same train you will pick up at Woking - you will be doing two sides of the triangle. There may be more trains to Brockenhurst. Or there are National Express coaches to Ringwood but not so frequent.

05-23-2012, 04:14 PM	#1
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	While people sort out the money they now owe me I think we should start a discussion on what kinds of crazy adventures we want to have! Ancient castles, hills, parks, mountains, hills, famous landmarks, more hills, Ferris wheels, dancing, hills again, and possibly some forests. BRING COSTUMES! THIS is the website of the cottage we'll be staying at, and if you click on 'attractions' it'll tell you what's close by. But if there's other stuff you've got your heart set on we will try and fit it in. Bear in mind I think the Olympics are on around that time so we'd want to steer clear of London if at all possible. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket... Last edited by Hookbill the Goomba; 05-23-2012 at 04:29 PM.

05-24-2012, 05:40 PM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	The 2012 Robin Hood Festival from 13-19 August. The tourism site for Nottinghamshire. That one should keep you busy, there's loads on it. Peak District website. Again, packed with stuff. Leicestershire and Lincolnshire are also worth looking up. I think I must have been just about everywhere in the area! It's not possible to get bored! There's even a wurst shop in Bakewell... __________________ Gordon's alive!

06-03-2012, 08:12 AM	#5
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	You're lucky for theme parks because you have the UK's most famous and biggest (and most expensive) theme park, Alton Towers nearby! Bear in mind it's the school summer holidays so it will be packed with kids, but the good thing is you might also spot some money off voucher scheme things running or even get a group booking. If I see any then I'll save them or point them out! I have to add, I've never been there because I'm too tight fisted to pay I'd avoid London at all costs unless there are any masochists in the group - we're in the middle of planning for the O'lympick period at work and have been told to cut workplace attendance down to a maximum of 40%. Our London colleagues have been asked to work from home, from elsewhere in the UK or to take leave. This is if you can get anywhere around the capital - tube and rail stations will be closed. Folks on fb know about my weather forecasts (my sad weather obsession, you might say) and I think it's going to be a traditional British summer. Some sun, maybe some hot days, but also some rain and cloud and murk. It looks as though the north of the UK will be warmer than average, the south not so much so, but with a general trend in August for warmer, drier weather. __________________ Gordon's alive!

06-04-2012, 11:09 AM	#7
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	'Walking' from King's Cross to St Pancras really does mean that as they are quite literally 2 minutes apart. That really won't be a problem. Guinevere - Car-wise I will certainly have mine as I'll be driving up. I'm there the whole two weeks so can do lifts as needed from train stations. Hook is learning to drive so there will be another car. There are sure to be hire car places around so as long as there is an adult with a driving license we can get hold of more car places when needed. __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

06-04-2012, 12:02 PM	#8
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,007	The four of us (two adults, two then teens) plus large suitcases each and carry-ons/back packs easily walked from Kings Cross to the next station on our first trip to London. The architecture along the way makes it a very interesting walk. (We arrived via train from York to discover an emergency had closed King's Cross tube station.) If you are at King's Cross rail station, do look for platform 9¾. Not all tube stations will be closed all the time. Here's what the Tube has made available online now for planning: London Tube during the Olympics But as Mithalwen said to me, London is very good at moving large numbers of people efficiently. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

06-04-2012, 12:28 PM	#9
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	No fear, Guinevere, St Pancras and Kings Cross are virtually the same place and those stations are still OK for access! I hear Liverpool St will be subject to restrictions but that's if you are coming from the south/south west of London. It's if you start wanting to go and look at the 'sights' in London that it will be a bit scary while the running and jumping fest is on. It's not only that Tube stations will be shut but to take one tourist area, Whitehall and Westminster (obviously, where our London offices are) will basically become a sports arena and even access to the parks around the Mall will be restricted. __________________ Gordon's alive!

07-18-2012, 12:24 PM	#10
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	If you're arriving on Monday 6th August please let me know! I will send you my mobile phone number so you can let us know if you get delayed. Also, could you give me an estimate on what time you'll be arriving? That'd help get a time table going. Actually, could everyone give us an estimate of what day and time you'll be arriving so we can figure out how to get you to the cottage if you're not arriving on the first day. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...

07-19-2012, 03:30 PM	#11
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	You will want to take note of the train strike planned for 6-8 August. This is on East Midlands trains which have the monopoly on the Midland main line from St Pancras to Sheffield, via Loughborough, Derby, Retford and Worksop. We are heavy users of these trains at work and in the past, strikes have just meant very crowded trains with no seats, as they still run, but there are fewer of them. There's also an option to adjust plans and use the east coast main line. I'll check out any news on this as we will get updates at work. I also read some incredibly complicated stuff about what is going to be shut/chaotic during the Olympics in London - we are sent info that the general public don't get, only employers. If anyone has any particular plans involving London, post 'em up and I will check this out next week when I'm in the office. __________________ Gordon's alive!

07-19-2012, 03:46 PM	#12
Guinevere Banshee of Camelot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,830	I do hope that First Capital Connect (from Gatwick to St.Pancras) and East Coast (from King's Cross to Retford) will not be affected; I have booked train tickets for Tuesday 7.8.! All these different train companies seem bewildering to me. __________________ Yes! "wish-fulfilment dreams" we spin to cheat our timid hearts, and ugly Fact defeat!

07-20-2012, 08:07 AM	#14
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,007	Okay, Lal, I have a question for you about my best option on arrival at Heathrow to get to New Milton, Hampshire. Should I go for a bus to Woking and then train to NM? Or should I tube it to Waterloo station (blue line then North line) and catch the rail there? Which route would be faster/easier? Maybe best to avoid going into London? __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

07-20-2012, 10:21 AM	#15
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,463	I would get the bus to Woking and then the train. Really no need to go into central london to catch the same train you will pick up at Woking - you will be doing two sides of the triangle. There may be more trains to Brockenhurst. Or there are National Express coaches to Ringwood but not so frequent. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 07-20-2012 at 10:43 AM.

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