The GatBash started as the AshBash in 2000. After that they became the GatBash. I ran seven of those. They have been successful by and large - but the last one was a hard slog. Many people booked but nearly 30 backed off – their privilege of course - another 8 didn’t turn up and refused to pay for their corner. The Fund lost over £300 as a result. I then used the ultimate ‘PPRuNe Tool’ and banned them.

So, I am going to give the GatBash a rest. Bashes in general are no longer as popular as they were so I think its time to do that. What to do next then? I looked into the question of taking over a pub for the night but that was highly problematical and I gave that up. On the face of it good but with various awkward problems.

One possibility is a DuxBash. A private or shared marquee at Duxford at one of the Flying Legend displays next year (2006). Not cheap though, more a case of you get what you pay for. For a private chalet or marquee we are looking at something in the region of £135 per head and £65-£85 per head respectively. Both are inclusive of the air show, private facilities, cash bar, souvenir programme, flightline views and parking and museum visit. The former would include a lunch/buffet. The latter light bites, and tea/coffee served all day. Good value with everything included I feel. We are dependent of the weather though!

But………… there would also be hotel costs in the Cambridge area if anyone wanted to stay around. I could no doubt get reasonable rates but the whole bundle will be expensive if we have a party in the evening.

I have previously asked for alternatives and while some were good they were impractical for some, and others would have found it too difficult to travel. At least with Duxford the advantage is that Stansted is a few miles down the road if you happen to be travelling by air. Or, I expect, you could fly-in to Duxford if you have the means to do so.

What I would like you to do please is to make up your mind if it is for you. I am NOT looking for bookings. Just indicate below if you would like the day as I have loosely described it. Nothing is confirmed.

The private chalet would be suitable for about 90-150. The marquee is shared so please bear that in mind.

I will leave this up for a 5/6 weeks and see where it goes. Something aviation, without an airshow, is also a possibility but do think of the people who have to travel.

Over to you.

IFR

It's a real shame that you don't get the support and response you deserve for the GatBashes, IFR. The first one I went to, several years ago now, was very well attended and a great night out. Although they've still been fun evenings, they've lost something recently. Nothing specific, or it would be easy to fix.

I did suggest, after the last bash, a summer BBQ/marquee event at North Weald. Not only because I have the contacts there, but it's also within easy reach of London (tube to Epping, then taxi) and elsewhere (Stansted is 10 minutes drive). And there's the aviation context.

Duxford is a nice idea - esp. as I am staff there now, so wouldn't have to pay horrendous amounts. ;)

Come on chaps, these are your events ... what do you think?

Both Pat and myself would love to go to a Duxbash!!!! Either a marquee or chalet, either is fine.... we might even bring along a couple of friends :ok:

IFR

What a shame, I went to my first Bash last Dec and really enjoyed the opportunity of meeting people that I would not normally have had the chance to meet otherwise and to get a chance to find out a little more behind those user names and and the people who use them.

Because of that I have made some really good new friends across the country.

I would love to be able to attend another. Duxford is not such a distance but will take a bit of planning to attend as I have the kids childcare to arrange. One of the airshows would be really good as alot of them are in the Southern part of the UK

Thanks again for a really good Christmas LGW Bash and I hope they will continue

TnT

Have we had a server problem ? I posted a comment that having an after hours bash amongst the exibits at Duxford would be rather special but the post has been deleted.

:confused:

Well if that is what you said it deserved it. :rolleyes:


PPP

IFR,

Nothing really on topic to help you here, but I have watched as you organised your GatBashes and admired your optimism and spirit in the face of all the obstacles. People not turning up then refusing to pay is about as low as it gets, and anybody who’s ever tried to organise anything at all knows about the gunnas who are great supporters till it comes time to putting their hands in their pockets.

I always wanted to go to a GatBash, mainly to meet some of the fascinating people I’ve spoken to, argued with, abused and been abused by over the years I’ve been a member here, but I confess that even from this distance I’ve sensed things had become too big and impersonal lately.

My humble opinion, having contributed not a whit to the whole GatBash experience, is that small and personal is good, smaller and even more personal is maybe even better still. There are a lot of different ways of interacting with other Ppruners, and trying to please everybody is doomed to failure. Any club with 90,000+ members is better off forgetting about it. The regulars, those who can be trusted, and those who prove themselves willing to join that club can have successful get-togethers of their own choosing.

I honestly believe that’s the way to go now; small gatherings at short notice. Leave the Bashes forum open by all means. We’ll be at X at Y time; you’re welcome if you feel like joining us. Those who do will probably then score an invite to the next one. If the numbers justify it, the possibility of charging a few quid a head entry, proceeds to be passed on to the fund, would be worth considering also.

Just a few random thoughts, and congratulations on your past efforts.

I managed a three way Bash at Le Mans which could have been a five way had it not been for the extreme heat, excess consumption of champagne, general fatigue, enormity of the race track, lack of transport etc. etc.

Duxford could be awesome if it can be made to happen :ok:

You should have called me - we had loadsa transport and beer on draught at the campsite. :D

See you at next year's Le Mans :ok:

Back to the topic.... the next UK bash..... what's happening ?

I am sure many will be sad to see the demise of Gatbash, but not that surprised. Gathering large numbers of people together from all round the country is extremely difficult and as IFR said the organisation is immense.

Many of us didn't go to Gatbash this year, about 30 in the end who would have gone but refused to for reasons well known by IFR.

To think that bashes are not going ahead though is way off the mark, what has happened is that they are being arranged by word of mouth and PM and email and they are also now arranged through another forum where posts don't routinely get deleted, I have been to three already this year which have been utterly superb with another very large one going ahead next month and since Gatbash was announced as not going ahead a Christmas Blast is also in the planning stage.

What may seem abhorrent to some though is that the Parties have become very selective , they are now populated by the professionals of the industry and are no longer open to all. This may seem unfair to some but it has changed the events into a far more social event. Some are highly organised but most are just simply extremely enjoyable affairs filled with like minded people not bothered by wannabes, and endless calls for money etc.

What people want when they get together is to have fun, so many of us are still doing that just not through this forum.

Binos has a point. Maybe a really big gathering with large overheads is risky. I have not been to any of your previous bashes and I would love to meet some of the characters on here personally. Duxford would be great but the potential is there for you to get let down again by the unscrupulous. I assume a lot of Pruners would be going to Duxford this year, bash or not. So maybe a not-so-organised meet could be arranged as a prequel to something more grand?
You could use the turn-out to guage the sort of reliable numbers interested and if, you want, even take deposits. Just a thought.

HSG

Thanks Binos and HSG.

Valid points of course but this is just a water testing exercise to see if the change I propose would be welcome. But I have taken your points on board. I have my doubts about this idea. It will soon become clear.

I will make one thing clear. This is not the end of the GatBash. I am giving it a rest. I still have the date open for this Christmas as a matter of fact but the venue has carried out extensive refurbishments and I note that prices have increased somewhat. However, what I am seeking is value for money and a chance to make sure I get it. For that reason I also want the change of venue while still giving everyone sensible and reasonable travel arrangements.

Btw, I note that we still have the knockers who have no wish to be associated with the GatBash anymore but I am frankly surprised they should again use this thread to air their petty snipes like for inctance - where people are not bothered by wannabes, and endless calls for money etc. That's OK, it is to be expected. But the last GatBash was attended by over 70 people who enjoyed it. I also have no doubt that there will be mini bashes throughout the year for people to enjoy.

Oh and we like our wannabes. They are a very important part of PPRuNe who we encourage. Some are now FO's who benefited from the money from the fund and some who are NOW, as we speak, benefiting from the fund. The help I received to build the fund is very much appreciated but I never did bend anyone's arm to get it!

So.........rest assured that I will continue with the big bash but I am, as I have said, giving it a short rest while I seek other opportunities.

IFR

IFR,
please don't think i am knocking Gatbash, i thoroughly enjoyed the two i attended and know just how much you put into it.

All i am suggesting is that people change in what they want, certainly this last year at all the parties and get togethers i have been to, the general consensus was how nice it was to be at a more selective party and not have the wannabees constantly at us for info. There is a time and place and i would say that at a party it is about being social and having fun.

We have gone off on our way to do our own thing, which of course was the completely correct thing for us to do, i suspect other groups will equally do that.

Although the likelihood of myself being involved in any large gathering through this forum again is minimal i do wish anything you should arrange well and imagine it will be a success. I just think people change and ideas change hence the reason why Gatbash has of late not been as well attended as one would hope.

Sorry to hear that Don

Sadly had to miss the last one, but made many before that one and always really enjoyed them and of course we can't forget the fantastic summer bashes either!.

The logistics of organising an event like the Gatbashes must be immense and you deserve a huge pat on the back for your enthusiasm and organisational skills as well as raising so much money for Pprune Fund. I hope to attend the Christmas bash in 2006! and look forward to hearing any announcements about future events.

What has always made an official Pprune Bash unique is the variety of people, from all walks of life and ages getting along because they share a passion for aviation, Pprune, good food and a drink.

PS Similiar idea to Duxford, but Biggin Hill

http://www.airdisplaysint.co.uk/hos-chalets.php

Sagey

I was, like Flower, one of the people who didn't go to GatBash last year for reasons well known to IFR.

Also like Flower, I was getting pretty fed up with some of the political backbiting and point scoring coming out of PPRUNE at the time - including being the subject of a frankly offensive post from a moderator.

I am sure GatBash has a place as a great event in the PPRUNE diary, and long may it continue. I don't however see why PPRUNE isn't big enough to stand carrying news of events west of Offa's Dyke.... why all the censorship??

TA

I've been thinking long and hard about what to post here, as I don't want to be misunderstood....

I've been to all the Gatbashes, ever since the Ash Bash. The Ash Bash was wonderful; it was new and exciting, I was newish to PPRuNe, everyone was delighted to meet all the people they'd been talking to on the forums and in chat. There was lots of yelling and screaming and hugs and new friends made...OK, I think I'm exaggerating a little, but that's how I remember it.

The first Gat Bash was similar. But gradually, for me at any rate, they changed, as all things do and must. It began to be mainly the same people, and while it was nice to see them again, unless they had become real friends, it wasn't that....special. A lot of the wannabees were very young and very shy, and while it's great that we were supporting them, it wasn't quite what I wanted to spend lots of time and money travelling to do...especially when my time and money are both very scarce. Raising money for the PPRuNe Fund was great, but I sometimes felt that had taken over, somehow, from the spontaneous enjoyment priority of the early bashes. A sitdown meal was OK, but I really didn't like the organised seating; I wanted to do my own thing andf sit where I liked.

None of these were a big deal. I still thoroughly enjoyed all of the bashes. But somehow they all added up. So that I was thinking hard about the time and cost of the next one, and if I should go. And I never used to even think about it - it was in my diary as an absolute must from one gat bash to the next!!!

Don, and other organisers, and fellow regular bashees (is that a word?), this is in no way a criticism of any of you. I greatly appreciated your work; I loved seeing all of you. But travelling all that way and paying so much, just to see "old" friends, wasn't quite enough any more. Not for me, anyway.

This is only my opinion, and not that important. I'm only posting it because I'm a fairly normal average person and I suspect I'm not alone. With slight variations, I think this may be roughly how many people feel.

So, what do we need? I think we've somehow got to get back to the freshness and spontaneity of the early bashes. I don't quite know how, but maybe a new place, new format, new ideas, new area....new everything!!!! I think that might just do it. And Duxford could be the place. And I'd certainly give it a try.

Don, please, please PLEASE don't take this as criticism, and thanks a thousand million billion for everything you've done for all the gatbashes. :ok:

I think you’ve summed it up very well, Whirly. I agree with all your points and I think Don has called this one absolutely correctly.

I had to miss the 2003 GatBash and was therefore really looking forward to the 2004 one. This year I was feeling a little less enthusiastic, as December is traditionally a massively busy and hectic month for me – but if I’d missed the bash I’m sure I would have been up for it next year. So, maybe every other year is the answer for the big one – and timing-wise I think either side of October would be worth trying.

Summer airshows are a great place to meet, so long as they’re not so big that you get lost in the crowds – so maybe the smaller regional shows are worth publicising. Shoreham (http://www.shorehamairshow.com/) for instance, has a very good September show and there’s the beach, railway station and loads of good value accommodation within easy walking distance of the airfield. Just a thought....

Helen, none taken. x But I would bear this in mind. Cost was always a factor, some whinged so much about it I thought I must be doing something wrong, that my negotiating skills were letting you down, but in the event it was simply that the hotel industry wanted more and more. I'm not playing that game anymore. As for "freshness and spontaneity" you can only do so much, and you are right it was the 'same 'ol faces' but people DID actually like that. You will never know the places I visited to try new ideas. BBQ with our own marquee, a dinner dance, museum and dinner - all came to nothing because of cost, a marquee would cost around £2000 without any associated food costs and the price spirals - then, as with DUX, there is the cost of a room.

A reasonably priced hotel room with dinner or buffet - and breakfast - is always going to be in the £85 - £100 for a couple. and that is at the cheaper end!

Sagey, not a bad idea. However, the ONE thing against Biggin is the travelling for those without a car. It is a devil of place to get to by public transport although there are special buses from Bromley South on the day. This factor has been against Biggin all these years as the many years I spent there proved to me. That's why I moved my business away. I will not dismiss it however, although the price is similar to Duxford and out of the two DUX would be better. But I would reckon that the price will again be the deciding factor for many.

For others who would like to comment I would be grateful if you would keep to the topic. The GatBash is not dead, one change will do no harm while I find a better venue.

Please also note. I am not getting into reasons why people didn't or don't come. I know them all.


Bigs. Noted: Your post got there before mine. A good point about Oct/Nov time. I have been playing with that one too so if DUX came to nothing that would certainly be an option. Christmas is, well, too near Christmas!;)

IFR

Bigginhill, Eastbourne, Shoreham are all very good venues for me and I am sure for others who live in the SE. Maybe if Danny was in agreement at one of the airshows a small stand, near the beer tent of course, could increase peoples awareness of the site and give people a chance to talk to some who post on here with their expertise and knowledge, even get a few new recruits if not on the site but in the industry.

But then I have to remember that the bashes are not just for us down here but for those further afield.

I do hope there is one as I enjoyed the other so much as I said and meeting people from different walks of life in the industry just adds to ones own knowledge of aviation affairs

TnT

Don, as you well know, whatever you arrange I'll do my best to be there. I always enjoy meeting fellow Ppruners, old and new, and as my alcohol consumption is usually outrageous, for me, each bash brings me the pleasure of 'new' people all over again... (at this point, perhaps I should apologise to all those whose names and previous meetings I've forgotten).

Anyway, a Duxbash sounds great. Biggin Hill, as you suggest, would be awkward, but I'll go with whatever you decide. As for the fund, and Wannabes, should we try to think of different ways of raising money? If people feel that the implied pressure to contribute is detracting from the pleasure of participating to the extent that they don't wish to come.... well, that's a shame. As you say, no one is obliged to put their hand in their pockets, and no derogatory remarks (as far as I know) have been made of those who don't so I really don't see the problem - but then I'm an evangelist (of a kind)! As I see it, the fund gives Pprune, and the Bashes, a purpose over and above just pleasure, which in itself increases my enjoyment of the whole thing.

Whatever, Don - I'll try to be there!

What we need is a big bar and loads of cheap drink, and plenty of chicks!
Don, you'll appreciate my thinking, heh? :}

I recall visiting a great little pub in Cheam! :D Close to public transport and has it's own car park out the back. Not a good idea to park in the street though... :p

Then all we need is a date somewhere between late July and early September! ;)

Having attended two bashes (summer 2001 and summer 2002) I can confirm that it was indeed an excellent night out. The thoughts already mooted regarding the tendancy towards the more formal organised evenings scaring off some of the 'floating' members of the website seem quite possible to me.

From my experience these events were a relaxed way for those interested or considering a career in aviation to mingle freely with those already working within the industry. It was the kind of golden opportunity those living away from airports might otherwise never been privvy to. Sounds like in recent years the number of wannabes has increased so perhaps this has something to do with the decrease in interest from other quarters?

It appears hard to place a finger on the reasons for the decline in interest. In the 'olden days' the site was of course much smaller and the forums like 'Rumours and News' were the social focal point more than they are today. One suspects the majority of those interested in attending a bash now would be more inclined to go based on the contributions of those residing in 'Jet Blast' as that is now the social ground as opposed to the specific forums. However the idea of talking aviation all night might not appeal to your average Jet Blaster so interest may be lighter than expected given it's popularity. Obviously this takes away a certain dynamic which was orginally present so perhaps the Bash has became a victim of the website's massive success and forum categorization/segregation?

Anyway, regardless of all that it is sad that this Christmas shall not see a Bash. Granted, it's been a few years since I last went but believe it or not I was looking forward to breaking the excile this year! Bummer! Oh well, serves me right I guess but Christmas time has been a financial nightmare for me during my training and ever since come to think of it..... Perhaps Binoculars has hit on the right idea for now in encouraging smaller, pub-based gatherings for those who wish to mooley on over for a pint at their leisure....

Whatever happens I hope the bashes continue (in some format) and that the PPRuNe Fund remains alive for those aspiring to join the industry because even as someone now qualified it seems an almost insurmountable mountain to climb once the fires of ambition are alight, made all the more difficult when there're no means of networking amongst the professionals or sharing a beer face-to-face with like minded individuals.

A return to the small pub gathering seems like the way forward.

Well done to Don and the others who have put so much hard work into these events. I feel sure the time will come when a nice big gathering is once more the novelty it originally was and then like moths to a light, the contributors will flock once more!

VFE.

Dagnammit.

I was hoping to make it to the Bash this year too, woulda been the first one for me for a couple of years. For me, work has got in the way of making it to the Bashes of late, working away from home has made it difficult for me to use up a couple of days leave in order to remain in the Gatwick area. However, now I am back in God's own country it's supposed to be easier for me to make these events. (Hmmm..perhaps)

I am one of those who benefitted from the fund and therefore I say thanks to all involved for helping me to get where I am. However, some of the comments made regarding bashes here are valid and are what I have heard, often in hushed tones, from others here. The Ash was superb, the first few bashes were excellent. But, it's always a case of "how do you top that?". And cost, Don's right, hotels are getting more expensive and more difficult to deal with.

I will endeavour to make the next bash, whatever is decided. Oh, and I plan to make a few mini bashes too!!

It is such an irony that since I have (finally) become a professional pilot it has been far more difficult to attend the bashes, (and a recently expanded family has added to the difficulties!).

I have to echo Whirly's words and say that things change and move on and PPRuNe certainly is different now compared to when I attended the Ashbash and the first few Gatbashes!

I must say that I feel extremely priviledged to have been there at the start back in 2000, I have made some great friends and I have learnt an awful lot from the contributors on this site.

I can only say that we'll never re-capture the days of old, but there will still be glory days ahead, they'll be different, but nontheless they'll be legendary to some.

Don, as always, you're the man!! When the phoenix rises from the ashes, I'll be there (as long as I don't bump into Nearly Man ;) :p :ok: )

:{ awww no chrissy bash
though can understand why you giving it a rest don
what about - instead of christmas - having one in autumn? means then folk are more likely to be able to make it as leave and cash are slightly more available than at christmas - with flights down its about £250 for us before we've had a drink -so maybe a "quieter time" might be better - also might be better to get a good deal with hotels as its prob a quieter period for them too
just a thought!

yaffs

Thanks for the compliments. Most appreciated.

Some good comments for me to ponder. One is the idea of an Autumnal bash, that has come up a few times and I think I will keep that top of the pile. It will have appeal I suspect to those who have been flying like gnats for the holiday months and a wind down rest would be good. It will also be cheaper - and I am determined to screw the hotels. They are such a rip-off!

I am not sure about the Duxford idea now. It would undoubtedly be a wow, but it would be over by six and then more expense starts again! An airshow is not out of the question so long as we can stay on site for the evening.

I am on the case!

Good on yer, Don! :ok: :ok: :ok: You're our man, and I reckon you'll come with a great idea, somehow. And screwing the hotels rather than the other way round sounds.....excellent!!!

I'm wondering if somewhere around the Birmingham area might be a good idea. Nearer the middle of the country for those of us driving; plenty of flights for those flying in; hotels far cheaper than in the London area. What do you think?

IFR, I attended my first Gatbash (and indeed first PPRuNe social do) last December and was pleasantly surprised beyond any expectation how good it was - the friendliness of everyone there was out of this world. A great credit to you and those others who helped to organise it. For me, it stands out as one of the best evenings out I have ever had. I only wish I could have stayed longer (I had to take the last train home at 23.00).

Obviously the workload in organising it is immense, I'm sure that all who attended must realise and be appreciative of this. I, for one would be happy to give an alternative venue a try. As for costs I don't really see what the problem is - most of the costs are not the booking fee anyway, for me, at least, the main costs are transport, drinks etc.

A DuxBash sounds good to me and as such I would definitely be interested however I'm generally easy-going about the arrangements whatever is decided upon,

Bien amicalement,

Rich

Hi Rich I remember you. Thanks.

Whirly. To have one mid-country has been voiced before and the same thing applies as it always did. Its suits some but not the majority. Its sad for some but I usually give them a cuddle and all is well. :E

I am constantly looking down all the avenues. I'll come up with something that appeals I am sure.

IFR

IFR, have you looked at Cosford? From what I remember, they do evening functions in one of the hangars with the staff dressed as German aircrew.

I too was very much looking forward to this years GatBash, having not made the previous one due to exams, plus I only registered on prune in January last year. IFR - I have just found the pictures from last year on your MSN album, and it does look a great night - very well done for your efforts.

Whilst I can understand that you guy's don't want wannabe's crawling over you all night, there still seems to be 'something in the air' when it comes to them, as I suppose you could classify me as one.

Anyhow, that's not the point - I went to the Blackpool bash last winter, and even though there was only a few of us, it was a fantastic day, and I met some great people, who I still keep in touch with now, as well as on prune. The way I see it is that I look forward to the next bash in order to meet people, get trollied and have a great time, whether the person I am talking to is a 50 year old Airline Captain, Instructor, or 18 year old college student - it means no different to me. I have found that 99% of the response I have received on prune has been excellent, and very positive - and I can very much imagine that a bash would have the same atmosphere.

I have a car and am no more than 6 hours drive of anywhere in the UK, so it aint much of a struggle for me to drive down on the day and stay over, bringing with me a few others I hope (but that's me).

Very much look forward to meeting you all, and hope we can arrange something......

Lee :ok:

Well, maz, if you want to arrange a Liverpool bash in December, I'll be there! :ok:

I tried that last year sometime on here, and got approximately zero replies :{

Liverpool is a totally fantastic night out though! :ok:

Maz.

As a wannabe you are as welcome as anyone else. You would always be made to feel welcome and mine would be the happy face that would tell you to enjoy yourself and talk your socks off.

Don't worry we will have the GatBash back but not this Christmas.

I am working on making it better believe me.

Best wishes.

Thanks Pop :ok: Look forward to it :cool:

Don

Sorry to hear that there will be no GatBash this year :(

I've had a fantastic time at every bash i've attended, regardless of who's been there, be they professional pilots, air traffic controllers, PPL holders, wannabes and even spotters :)

Why people find it neccessary to divide events such as the Gathbash into cliques is completely beyond me. Why can't we all just get together, get pis*ed, buy AerBabes raffle tickets, wear kilts and leave after lunch the next day looking forward to the next year??

Thanks for your efforts over the last few years Don. Hope to see you in the near future.

Steve

Jam - couldn't have said it better myself! ;)

What no crimbo bash???? :{ :{ :{ :{

Just what am I supposed to do with myself at bash time now????

:confused: :confused:


As a hardened basher, altho I did miss last crimbo due personnel last minute reasons (may I add I still payed!!!!!), I must say that I am looking forward to the next one Don, no matter when it is. As Yaffs suggests an autumn one may be a good idea.

Looking forward to summin eventually,


Babe x

:oh:

I don't beleive it.

Now I really regret my decision not to go last year :uhoh:

ATCBabe Looking forward to summin eventually There is a tentative plan for an East Fortune Museum Bash at the end of September - watch this space :ok:

This isn't on.

I've two vouchers for free return flights to London. One was for Farnborough, and the other was for the Xmas Bash.

*Sigh*

So now what then?

IFR,

First a thanks for the hard work you have put into these - I've only been to one, but it was great fun.

Second, perhaps stating the obvious, but if fund-raising is an objective (not necessarily the only objective!), then the more cheap and cheerful the venue / occasion the more profitable the evening - I don't mean that it should be the church hall and a fish supper, but it doesn't have to be £100 per head excluding accomodation (and alcohol!). I doubt I would attend an event at Duxford for that kind of cost, much as I would like to support PPRuNe.

I would be far more likely to attend an event that cost less per head and channeled more of my available drinking money to the Fund!

Third, a challenge:

How about trying to organise a p**s-up in a brewery?

This caught my eye: www.youngs.co.uk - see the tour section - you can hire the pub for occasions! Nothing to do with the fact that it's down the road from me in Wandsworth!

I'll get my coat...

SD

Sorry nose. Can you get a refund ;)

Saab, I'll look into that. I had thought of taking over a pub but their normal revenue would normally be higher than even our ardent drinkers will spend and they like to close on time. However, if they have applied for 24hrs opening that might different.

I am also looking into other possibles but I have discounted Duxford altogether. It will cost far too much after adding hotel costs to it.

I am also setting a date for early October next year. It is a time, so my e-mails say, that people would like a get together after the summer schedules are running down. So near Xmas did have its problems after the novelty wore off for the first few events.

Anyway keep ideas coming.

IFR

but their normal revenue would normally be higher than even our ardent drinkers will spend
What? :bored:

Hi Don,

I'd like to add my appreciation of the work done by yourself and colleagues previously. I really enjoyed the 2 GatBashes that I made it to. These were in the days when I could take a holiday in the Summer and another in the Winter.

Now that my job has changed, I work furiously during the Summer, so take my hols in Spring and Autumn ("vacations in Spring and Fall" for the Colonial Bretheren!)

At the moment, the Holy Month of Ramadan is a good time for me (starting 4 October for all you "infidels" ;) ) and I'm home for the full month. So the idea of something next October (Ramadan starts about 24 Sept next year) would sure appeal to me.

Cost? Well, I don't make P1 money - or even P2, but a good evening (I agree with Whirley - prefer not to have "sit down arranged" tables) with good company, disgraceful amounts of beer, (and I'm still on for the offer of the "slide exit demonstration" if the Engineers can arrange it!) for sub-hundred quid, seems to be a bargain for me. I'll even travel away from Sussex - on full fare if needs be! (no ID90's for me in UK these days :{ )

Oh yes, and I'll be around PHL from about 17to 25 October, if there's anything going on there:=

Anyone got any ideas, PM me!

no pressure don - but could do with knowing the date by feb march time as i will need to book leave
also - as a small point - might be worth not making it around half term time as some folk go away - and some folk (ie me!!) find it hard to book "school holidays"

looking forward to it :p

louby
rag doll formally known as a wooden bookend