I have firmed up the accommodation for this and bookings are now open.

To remind you will will be meeting in Birmingham, England, from 06 to 09 October 2006 and, with air fares as low as they have ever been across the Atlantic, it's a wonderful opportunity for our US Wordcrafter friends to come and visit the home of the English language.

There is a booking form, courtesy of Arnie, here http://www.greenwich-guide.org.uk/assets/Booking_form.pdf

If you do not have Adobe (which you will need to read it) you can get it free of the Web.

Complete the form and snailmail it to me with a deposit for the accommodation (no deposit is needed if you don't require accommodation).

Let's all look forward to a wonderful gathering.

As I need to start firming up ground arrangements I would appreciate an up-to-date indication of who is likely to be coming to the convention (I have as yet had no booking forms or deposits).

The provisional itinerary includes three nights accommodation at the Thistle, Birmingham, commencing 06 October 2006. Suggested events during the three days include:

A visit to the Hook Norton Brewery
A visit to restaurant to have t typicla English meal
A visit to the Oxford University Press

As I have to know numbers before I can start to arrange these things, could you please:

Let me know if you are coming and how many in your party
Whether you need accommodation
Whether you will want to take the suggested events
What else you want

I am willing to fix everything but I do need to be sure that there will be people turning up to enjoy what I've fixed!

If you won't need hotel accommodation then I don't need a deposit from you, but I do need a definite yes. Or failing that, a definite maybe;-)

You can email me on retraining@pncl.co.uk or pm me on this board.

Here's my definate YES. I'll confirm by post if you like although as I've said I don't need accomodation.

Thank you, Bob. We will liaise.

I have to give the rooms back to the hotel soon and also make arrangements for the various visits.

Could I have a final indication as to everyone's intention (those who've not already told me)?

Richard, our fortunes have improved recently, so Sue (Sunflower) and I should be able to attend. However, we will need the least expensive accomodations possible, as we are still quite impecunious. Also, since neither of us is a red meat eater and Sue's not a beer drinker, the tours of pubs and breweries will not likely be of interest to us, so perhaps you might suggest some alternatives for us.

I hope this does not get to you too late, or that our requirements aren't too burdensome. If we're too late and/or our needs unreasonable, we'll see what we can do on our own.

Best Regards,

Geoff Sanders (Asa Lovejoy)
ama11285@hevanet.com

It will be splendid if you can come.

The accommodation I have booked (details on the booking form link) is cheap for what it is (about half-price) but you might be able to find something less expensive. The Hagley Road is full of hotels of all kinds. However, you will have to accept that accommodation of any kind in England will be expensive to Americans. This is because 1. The dollar is relatively weak at present and 2. We do not have the cheap motel and lodging tradition of the USA.

If Bob reads this he might be able to check out a few places in the Hagley Road - I used to stay in a small hotel in Fountain Road - the name excapes me for the moment - which was pretty good and might be cheaper than The Thistle.

So far as visits are concerned - I have had just about zero feedback about what people would like to do and the brewery trip and the pubs/meals ideas are my own. I would be happy to take any suggestions. Remember, though, that pubs in England are unique and, unlike bars in other countries are not just about drinking. It's difficult to explain to those who have not experienced English pubs, but those who have will surely confirm what I am saying.

Keep us all posted.

The Black Country Living Museum is interesting (although I've been there on school trips often enough to know it inside out) and for groups will arrange guides.


It might however just reinforce the American view of how quaint we are.

As for accomodation, there are, as Richard says, places that are cheaper than The Thistle. There are quite a few web sites that will give you more information about prices and bookings and booking with them on-line should be pretty easy.

Here's one.
Here's another.

Thanks, Richard and Bob! The second link takes one to Brimingham Alabama, USA more than it does to the REAL Birmingham! Oh, welllll... The first link's excellent, however!

Huh.

http://www.aboutbritain.com/towns/birmingham.asp

takes me to my own Birmingham, there's a clue in the "aboutbritain" part of the name.

Here's a direct link to the hotel booking page

http://www.aboutbritain.com/BirminghamHotels.asp

I wish I could remember the name of that hotel I used to sue in Fountain Road - the owner was a chap called John Hanson, that I do recall. I have a feeling that Cat knows the place.

Don't forget, when comparing prices, that I've managed to get a 50% reduction on the Thistle's normal rates, so don't compare any other rates with the Thistle's rack rate.

The Black Country Museum is interesting and, maybe even more so, Ironbridge Gorge - where the industrial revolution actually started.

Is it this one?

quote:

I wish I could remember the name of that hotel I used to sue in Fountain Road

You sound like a typical, litigious American.

Asa, Shu and I are just thrilled to hear that! So wonderful. We are planning to come in on the 6th (must make those reservations!), and stay the 6th, 7th, and 8th in Birmingham. Then we'll take public transportation to London and spend one night there (it's expensive!), and then take the train to Paris for a few days. The dollar exchange is not good these days, so while we'd like to stay for 2 weeks, I just don't think we can. However, you are welcome to share rooms with us or join us along the way, if at all possible. We still have to make the London and Paris reservations (I must get on that!), though I have Hilton points and am hoping to stay at the Hilton in London, as I did last time. It had a great location and really wasn't all that expensive, relative to other prices in London.

Kalleh - you commented on RE's unfortunate typo just as I was about to.

I frequently make that typo; I don't know why.

Bob, I don't think that's the hotel - it's not the name I've forgotten.

Kalleh, the Hilton you stayed in is the Hilton Paddington, not the London Hilton. It's important to get it right as the London Hilton (near Hyde Park Corner) is very expensive, whereas the Hilton Paddington is very reasonable. Plus the Hilton Paddington is only about 5 minutes from "The Victoria" - one of London's best boozers ;-)

Kalleh, You might consider spending a day or two in the south of England, rather than all your spare time in Paris. Paris is a fine city - I've been there many times - but it is "just another city" and you have never truly experienced England's countryside, which is its real beauty.

quote:

Originally posted by Richard English:
I frequently make that typo; I don't know why.

Bob, I don't think that's the hotel - it's not the name I've forgotten.

.

I can't find any other references to hotels in that road on the internet (and pretty good at searching) although there are a number of rest homes, student flat shares and residential care facilities.

Is it possible that there's some sort of spyware on my computer that sees that I'm in the USA, so directs me to Birmingham, Alabama instead of the UK? It really is absurd, IMHO! Anyhow, many thaks for the good links!

Originally posted by Kalleh:

quote:

... you are welcome to share rooms with us or join us along the way, if at all possible.

Wow! Will e-mail you about this!

Richard,
The main reason right now to go to France is to see the Louvre. However, maybe we should just spend this time in England. You might be right about that. Asa...let's talk about what you guys want to do. This is just so exciting! Of course, Scotland would be nice too. It isn't that far from Birmingham, right? I can't believe this late in the game we are still so indecisive! Shu and I will make some final decisions tomorrow so that I can start making reservations. Asa, let's talk.

OK, give us a call tomorrow, please!

quote:

Originally posted by Richard English:
I frequently make that typo; I don't know why.

Perhaps you might sue for forgiveness of the typo? I find it odd that we nowadays only use "sue" as a term of law, not as an entreaty of other kinds.

quote:

Of course, Scotland would be nice too. It isn't that far from Birmingham, right?

By US standards maybe not - but it's still quite a jaunt. And Scotland itself is quite a large country - nearly as big as England.

Richard, I am definitely coming. If it is too late to get a room, please let me know so I can arrange something else. Thanks much.

Richard, dear one, no offense but how are those of us in Chicago, Illinois supposed to send you a deposit in UK currency? Have they not heard of credit cards over there? I have been in England at least 15 times and every place I have been has been fine with MasterCard. I don't have any pound notes lying about the house and am at a loss what I am supposed to do. Please enlighten.

Hello Beth,

Glad to hear that you're coming. What kind of room do you want (single or double) and for how long?

So far as money is concerned, yes, we have heard of credit cards in England - but I am arranging this in my private capacity and I do not have a merchant agreement with any credit card company. There are several ways in which you could pay the deposit: getting a sterling draft from your bank or just exchanging dollars for sterling notes and posting them would probably be the simplest.

However, if it's a major problem, just send me the booking form (by email is fine) and I will arrange things with the hotel.

If you liaise with Kalleh, who is also coming, she will be able to update you.

Richard,

A single room for the nights of October 6-7-8-9. I will not be staying there for any extra days. I've been before and have neither time nor money for extra sight-seeing. Besides, work beckons. Important question: does the hotel have wireless internet? Second best, wired internet? Please let me know before committing me to anything. I'll check with my bank about sterling drafts - didn't know they did that. Thanks. Beth

FWIW Richard, the hotel in Fountain Road is indeed Westbourne Lodge, run (at least in the mid-90s) by John and Norma Hanson.

This is exciting . Hopefully by October I'll be sufficiently recovered to come on at least one outing. Lordi are playing at the Academy in October, so I have to be better by then .

Hello Cat,

Sorry to hear you've been unwell and, of course, I wish you the best.

You're right about the hotel - I certainly remember the Hansons when I used to use the hotel in the late 80s/early 90s. If it's still there it would be a good option for those who want something smaller than the Thistle - though I doubt it'll be much cheaper.

quote:

Lordi are playing at the Academy in October, so I have to be better by then Smile.

I have checked the site. Not exactly a Bach quartet, are they?

Hello Beth,

I'll get back to you about the internet facilities; I am sure the hotel will have everything you need - the Thistle Group are pretty good.

The accommodation held for the group is from the night of the 6th to the night of the 8th and we leave for our final trip on the morning of the 9th. If you need an extra night (that of the 9th/10th) let me know and I'll get onto the hotel to check availability.

Edited to update.

This is the hotel's response about internet facilities:

The room only have dial up in the rooms or there is a computer in the reception you can use to access the internet at a small charge, if you need to know anything else please let me know.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Richard English,

quote:

Originally posted by Richard English:
Hello Beth,

The accommodation held for the group is from the night of the 6th to the night of the 8th and we leave for our final trip on the morning of the 9th. If you need an extra night (that of the 9th/10th) let me know and I'll get onto the hotel to check availability.

Edited to update.

This is the hotel's response about internet facilities:

The room only have dial up in the rooms or there is a computer in the reception you can use to access the internet at a small charge, if you need to know anything else please let me know.

Are there other hotels in the area likely to have serious internet connections in rooms? DIAL-UP for the rates they are charging is an outrage. I have not stayed in a quality hotel with dial-up internet in five years.

I am most likely to be teaching two online classes at the time of the convention and therefore to have to go back to my room and do hours of serious work online. This is not a trivial question.

OK on dates but I do need the night of the 9th as I will get a plane on the 10th. It increasingly sounds, however, as though I may not be at the Thistle. Any info on other hotels will be appreciated. Thanks.

Richard,

I am very sorry to have troubled you with all of this. I have just been hit with a family crisis - my Mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having surgery in mid to late September. I am going to stay with her for a month, so I am afraid I will have to cancel. Really too bad, as I was looking forward to the trip, but I am the only daughter and obligations must be met. I can't leave Mom all alone with this.

Have a great time without me.

Beth

Beth. I am truly sorry to hear of your troubles. I obviously appreciate your situation and decision.

Our delegates seem to be falling by the wayside daily at present :-(

Provisional itinerary.

Only a fortnight to go! This is the provisional itinerary for the Convention; I would appreciate feedback by PM or email to retraining @pncl.co.uk.

Friday 06 October.
Delegates arrive.
1800 meet in the Thistle hotel bar
Evening meal at a local restaurant, details to be advised

Saturday 07 October.
Breakfast at hotel
1000 depart for Black Country Museum by car(s)
Morning and lunch at BCM.
Afternoon, depending on weather, visit other Black Country attraction{s}.
Evening meal at Mad O'Rourkes Pie Factory - transport either by non-drinking driver(s) or cab(s).

Sunday 08 October.
Breakfast at hotel
Morning travel to Oxford to meet John Simpson, Editor of the OED (either train or car(s)), depending on numbers.
Lunch with him in Oxford
Afternoon return to Birmingham possibly visiting an attraction en route
Evening at local pub or restaurant - possibly the Old White Rose

Monday 09 October.
Breakfast at hotel
Delegates depart

As yet I have only had confirmation from those staying at the Thistle of their interest in the various events. Those who are intending to attend for a day or days, please let me know which days you will be coming and which events you wish to attend. If you simply turn up without notice this does mean that you might not be able to join us, as capacity is a problem in some places.

I do hope Kalleh and Shufitz will take a couple of pictures of Sunflower and me along and place them on the wall so we can pretend to be there!

Asa the impecunious, thanks to dental bills

Having just broken a tooth I can appreciate the problem.

Unfortunately our NHS doesn't pay in full for dental treatment (unlike other surgery which is free) and the bills for reconstructive treatment can be quite high, even with the NHS subsidy.

Pie Factory is now booked.

I have somewhere in mind for Friday night from a friend's recommendation (he's a long time lurker who posted exactly once a couple of years ago and may even join us for a meal, work permitting). It's less than 5 mins walk from the Thistle. I'll check it out on Wednesday and get back to you all.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BobHale,

Many thanks to Richard (especially) and to Bob for their hard work in organising the convention. The itinerary looks fine to me. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Dental update.

The denist couldn't save my tooth and had to remove the remains of the root. So now I'm sore as well as poor :-(

Imagine my surprise in reading this thread about our convention and finding an update on Richard's tooth! Sorry about the tooth, Richard.

Yes, thanks so much for setting this all up. Asa, we will be thinking of all of you while we are there.

My sympathies to you, Richard! I'm well past sore, except financially! I hope you are too by now!

I suppose I shouldn't complain; it's the first extraction I've had since I was a teenager.

Couple of additions to the itinerary.
I've now booked our meals for Friday and Saturday as shown below.
Both are booked for eight thirty.

Friday's restaurant is one recommended by my friend John who may possibly be joining us. I found one bad review of it and quite a lot of good ones. It looks a bit scruffy from the outside but apparently has some of the best food in Birmingham. It's less than 5 minutes walk from the Thistle.

Saturday is the Pie Factory that we've discussed before. Transport needs to be sorted out.

Both are booked for 8:30.

quote:

Provisional itinerary.

Only a fortnight to go! This is the provisional itinerary for the Convention; I would appreciate feedback by PM or email to retraining @pncl.co.uk.

Friday 06 October.
Delegates arrive.
1800 meet in the Thistle hotel bar
20:30 Friday meal Milan Indian Cuisine, Birmingham
Before and after meal as required John also suggests the Queens Arms which is nearby. There are other options.

Saturday 07 October.
Breakfast at hotel
1000 depart for Black Country Museum by car(s)
Morning and lunch at BCM.
I'll be picking up Cat and meeting you at the BCLM at approx 10:45.
Afternoon, depending on weather, visit other Black Country attraction{s}. BCLM may take quite a long time. I suggest a stroll around Birmingham for the afternoon as requiring no forward planning, and no set time.

20:30 Evening meal at Mad O'Rourkes Pie Factory - (now booked)- transport either by non-drinking driver(s) or cab(s).

Sunday 08 October.
Breakfast at hotel
Morning travel to Oxford to meet John Simpson, Editor of the OED (either train or car(s)), depending on numbers.
Lunch with him in Oxford
Afternoon return to Birmingham possibly visiting an attraction en route
Evening at local pub or restaurant - possibly the Old White Rose which has the advantage of being on a direct metro link from the Thistle Hotel, 1 minute walk at either end!

Monday 09 October.
Breakfast at hotel
Delegates depart

Here's Bob's link to Friday's restaurant corrected.

Thanks arnie. I should have checked for myself that it was working.

quote:

Only a fortnight to go! This is the provisional itinerary for the Convention; I would appreciate feedback by PM or email to retraining @pncl.co.uk.

It's less than a week, Bob!

And the itinerary is now looking grand (plus we are trying to organise something extra for Sunday morning before we hit the road for Oxford).

Safe trip and best wishes to all Wordcrafters traveling to the Birmingham Bash! Do not pity those of us who have chosen to stay home, avoiding the Gospel of Real Ale and Spotted Dick: we have only ourselves to blame! I'm very impressed that you'll be meeting the editor of the OED, and truly wish that I could have joined you this time, even though I've only known you for a short while.

Perhaps while you're all out living it up, I'll be able to conjure up the weekend's killer Jumbo V anagram --that is, unless Hab and KHC are also staying home, in which case, I retire, pre-defeated, from the field.

Cheers!
Wordmatic

Well, there's always next year and I imagine it'll be the USA - providing someone over there is prepared to organise it.

To all the UK travelers: Have fun! I wish I could be there.

Yes, wordmatic, I must stay at home to work and jumble.

Drink a brew for all of us! Cheers.

Thanks for your good wishes, and I am sure we'll have a great time. I am always ready to host a group here in Chicago in the future.

Just remember, wordcrafters, Shu and I will be gone until the 15th, and we won't have a computer. That will not be easy for yours truly. So I hope you all will keep Wordcraft active...thanks!