Return of the Ring and Barrow-Downs Mega-moot - Celebrating Tolkien in 2012 - Page 6 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 07-15-2012, 08:05 AM

I am as frustrated as Guinevere about the Birmingham tour. Had I known of it just three weeks prior, I would have bought my ticket for a day later in order to accommodate the tour.

Planning has been difficult.

But I am glad at least of seeing Guinevere at RotR and hopefully also Legate and Lommy. It would have been fun to have a "Downs" train party after leaving RotR.

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.

Bêthberry · 07-20-2012, 08:52 PM

Okay, now I understand, mighty Loremistress of the Trains. There's no way I will remember "Brockenhurst" correctly, though. It will always come out "Brocklehurst".

I'm a wee bit apprehensive how long it will take to be processed through Heathrow. I shall message you once I'm on my way and hopefully arrive in time for lunch if not second breakfast.

Mithalwen · 07-21-2012, 02:22 AM

Think of bracken and you will almost get the accent right...

The coach is the quickest journey time (2hrs) but there is only one every hour and a half. 9,15 10.45 so only worth considering if you are "through" at the right time. the rail air bus to Woking goes on the hour and half hour and takes up to 50 mins. Then the trains leave woking for NM on the hour and 16 mins past. The journey takes about an hour and a half - ten minutes less to Brock. Brockenhurst is a pretty forest village and NM isn't so it really depends if you want to get back to the house and settle in first.

Hookbill the Goomba · 07-21-2012, 03:44 PM

I've spent almost all of today (I got up early and everything!!) looking at activities we can do on the moot. I've had ideas floating around but I finally decided to write them down and try to make sense of them.
Below I list them (with post codes so you can find them on Google maps) and a short description. If you've anything to add please post it and I'll pop it on the list. This isn't a strict thing and anything can be added or taken away as long as it is plausible. So let's get this party started, shall we?

__________________________________________________ ____________

Nottingham

- Sherwood Forest (NG21 9HN)
“At the entrance to the country park is Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre with an exhibition on Robyn Hodes Sherwode, two shops and the Forest Table Restaurant. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Nottinghamshires first National Nature Reserve (NNR), the forest is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that live on the dead wood and among the fallen leaves.”

- Nottingham Castle (NG1 6EL)
“Historic site at the heart of the Robin Hood legend and starting point for the English Civil War. Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city and once rivalled the great castles of Windsor and the Tower of London.”

- Belvoir Castle (NG32 1PE)
“This one was remodelled to be a Cavalier's pleasure palace, there's the outer castle which is mostly wrecked apart from the huge riding school (Vienna is not the only place to have had one) and the Little Castle which isn't little, and is amazing.”

- Creswell Crags (S80 3LH)
A set of limestone caves to explore for fun times.

- Alton Towers (ST10 4DB)
I’ve got some free tickets to this, so yeah! It’s got lots of stuff for all ages, and also a water park, apparently. There are also neat gardens and an awesome old castle to explore, too, if you don’t fancy the rides.

__________________________________________________ ____________

York

- Jorvik Viking Centre (YO1 9WT)
Learn all about Rune. Also Vikings. It’s a cool little museum with stuff to buy, too!

- Barley Hall (YO1 8AR)
The building has been restored with high ceilings, exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs, handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England.

- York Minster (YO1 7HH)
The largest medieval gothic cathedral north of the Alps

- Clifford’s Tower (YO1 9SA)
Once the central stronghold of York Castle, the tower is all that remains; it has nice views from the top and looks a neat place to picnic.

- National Railway Museum (YO26 4XJ)
You can see the Hogwarts Express here, as well as various other trains and steam engine things. If you’re into that sort of thing.

- The Deep Aquarium (HU1 4DP)
It’s an aquarium with lots of fish, sharks, stingrays and probably some water as well.

- City of York Walls (YO1 8RY)
Massive walls of defence. Good for shenanigans.

- YorkBoat / Red boats (YO1 7DP)
Boat rides that are ‘safe and easy to drive’

- North Yorkshire Moors Railway (YO18 7AJ)
Ride on a steam train through some pretty landscapes.

__________________________________________________ ____________

Oxford

- Eagle and Child pub
The famous location for Tolkien and the Inklings’ discussion meetings and general tomfoolery

- The Lamb and Flag pub
Alternate Tolkien and co meeting place; has more space than the E&C

- Punting
Old fashioned Newtonian boating

- Oxford walking tour
There’s a Tolkien and CS Lewis specific tour, but we could probably make our own

- Botanic Garden
Nice place for a picnic

- Christ Church College
Place where Harry Potter was filmed, also quite nice otherwise

Bear in mind, though, a trip to Oxford will probably only happen once so we'd have to fit in as much as possible into a day trip. Whereas York and Nottingham are right on the doorstep for the cottage so it's not inconceivable that we can do multiple days with those things.

Please let me know if there's anything else we can do!

07-15-2012, 08:05 AM	#201
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,997	I am as frustrated as Guinevere about the Birmingham tour. Had I known of it just three weeks prior, I would have bought my ticket for a day later in order to accommodate the tour. Planning has been difficult. But I am glad at least of seeing Guinevere at RotR and hopefully also Legate and Lommy. It would have been fun to have a "Downs" train party after leaving RotR. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

07-18-2012, 12:24 PM	#202
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	#203
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	#204
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	#206
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,997	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	#207
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	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.

07-20-2012, 08:52 PM	#208
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,997	Okay, now I understand, mighty Loremistress of the Trains. There's no way I will remember "Brockenhurst" correctly, though. It will always come out "Brocklehurst". I'm a wee bit apprehensive how long it will take to be processed through Heathrow. I shall message you once I'm on my way and hopefully arrive in time for lunch if not second breakfast. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

07-21-2012, 02:22 AM	#209
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	Think of bracken and you will almost get the accent right... The coach is the quickest journey time (2hrs) but there is only one every hour and a half. 9,15 10.45 so only worth considering if you are "through" at the right time. the rail air bus to Woking goes on the hour and half hour and takes up to 50 mins. Then the trains leave woking for NM on the hour and 16 mins past. The journey takes about an hour and a half - ten minutes less to Brock. Brockenhurst is a pretty forest village and NM isn't so it really depends if you want to get back to the house and settle in first. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

07-21-2012, 03:44 PM	#210
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	Things to do I've spent almost all of today (I got up early and everything!!) looking at activities we can do on the moot. I've had ideas floating around but I finally decided to write them down and try to make sense of them. Below I list them (with post codes so you can find them on Google maps) and a short description. If you've anything to add please post it and I'll pop it on the list. This isn't a strict thing and anything can be added or taken away as long as it is plausible. So let's get this party started, shall we? __________________________________________________ ____________ Nottingham - Sherwood Forest (NG21 9HN) “At the entrance to the country park is Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre with an exhibition on Robyn Hodes Sherwode, two shops and the Forest Table Restaurant. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Nottinghamshires first National Nature Reserve (NNR), the forest is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that live on the dead wood and among the fallen leaves.” - Nottingham Castle (NG1 6EL) “Historic site at the heart of the Robin Hood legend and starting point for the English Civil War. Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city and once rivalled the great castles of Windsor and the Tower of London.” - Belvoir Castle (NG32 1PE) “This one was remodelled to be a Cavalier's pleasure palace, there's the outer castle which is mostly wrecked apart from the huge riding school (Vienna is not the only place to have had one) and the Little Castle which isn't little, and is amazing.” - Creswell Crags (S80 3LH) A set of limestone caves to explore for fun times. - Alton Towers (ST10 4DB) I’ve got some free tickets to this, so yeah! It’s got lots of stuff for all ages, and also a water park, apparently. There are also neat gardens and an awesome old castle to explore, too, if you don’t fancy the rides. __________________________________________________ ____________ York - Jorvik Viking Centre (YO1 9WT) Learn all about Rune. Also Vikings. It’s a cool little museum with stuff to buy, too! - Barley Hall (YO1 8AR) The building has been restored with high ceilings, exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs, handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England. - York Minster (YO1 7HH) The largest medieval gothic cathedral north of the Alps - Clifford’s Tower (YO1 9SA) Once the central stronghold of York Castle, the tower is all that remains; it has nice views from the top and looks a neat place to picnic. - National Railway Museum (YO26 4XJ) You can see the Hogwarts Express here, as well as various other trains and steam engine things. If you’re into that sort of thing. - The Deep Aquarium (HU1 4DP) It’s an aquarium with lots of fish, sharks, stingrays and probably some water as well. - City of York Walls (YO1 8RY) Massive walls of defence. Good for shenanigans. - YorkBoat / Red boats (YO1 7DP) Boat rides that are ‘safe and easy to drive’ - North Yorkshire Moors Railway (YO18 7AJ) Ride on a steam train through some pretty landscapes. __________________________________________________ ____________ Oxford - Eagle and Child pub The famous location for Tolkien and the Inklings’ discussion meetings and general tomfoolery - The Lamb and Flag pub Alternate Tolkien and co meeting place; has more space than the E&C - Punting Old fashioned Newtonian boating - Oxford walking tour There’s a Tolkien and CS Lewis specific tour, but we could probably make our own - Botanic Garden Nice place for a picnic - Christ Church College Place where Harry Potter was filmed, also quite nice otherwise Bear in mind, though, a trip to Oxford will probably only happen once so we'd have to fit in as much as possible into a day trip. Whereas York and Nottingham are right on the doorstep for the cottage so it's not inconceivable that we can do multiple days with those things. Please let me know if there's anything else we can do! __________________ 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...