Things are now being organsied and 'in-principle' slotted into place for next years conference (details within the next 3 weeks) but I have a question.
Firstly for note, the intent of the UKNP conference was to try and cycle the conference around the country and in doing so give everybody a chance to attend.
That said a big consideration at this stage is the cost of the venue verses the location of the venue and each's resultant affect on attendance; a catch 22. Some venues cost quite a lot of money and need to be paid (usually non-refundable) in advance - this is quite a big financial risk which is initally outlayed from my pocket - unless we have an obliging millionaire in our midst!
Given the above points (namely money and original intend to cycle) we have been very fortunate to have been offered a professional venue (at an amazing low rate ) in the north of England, near Carlisle, which is on the Solway, a wonderful place for wildfowl at the proposed time of year.
So to the question, is Carlisle, in January, a 'mile to far' for you, is it excellent, or is it do-able?
In making you decision please consider, the wildfowl will be in the Solway and the north lakes/Pennines etc are within 40 miles of the venue. Beer is cheaper up north.
If this is a go'er we will work at trying to get discounted rates for accomodition with local hotels/B&B etc.
If not I will try and get a more centralised venue. Note last years may not be availiable.
As we've already chatted about - I quite like the idea of the Solway venue - and it will also hopefully be quite well situated to allow some of our followers North of the Border to get to it too. Access via M6 should be good and Caerlaverock isn't too far away for anyone wanting to visit.
I know carlisle really well as im from that part of the woods, nearer whitehaven but know all the really good drinking establishments!! ha ha so if you guys show me the birds ill happily show you the places the drink??
Posted by Colin Pickett on July 21, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Sorry Tom but for me in London it's a bit far (a 5-6 hour drive) for a 9am ish start thats a killer, it turns a one or two day event into a three or four.
Regards
It's still a great venue to visit
Posted by Paul Hillion on July 21, 2007 at 4:24 PM
As I'll be travelling over from Guernsey (if I can make it) a few extra miles won't make that much difference - actually thinking about it I don't even know where Carlisle is I've been looking for an excuse to try out my new satnav that my wife said I'll never use!
ok, it's a log way from the isle of wight but i do love the lakes and would love an excuse to take my wife there. colin if you want to share costs then we can make a plan.
what time of year? any chance of snow? i don't think my u/w wideangles would make much sense at wildfowl, but landscapes would be a good alternative. look forward to learning more about this.
Fine with me as long as you're willing to consider Lands end in Cornwall next year!
I suspect I'm on my own here, but for me that distance for just 2 days from here in Devon is too far Tom... and then drive home with a prospective hangover??? or I could just abstain of course!!
Last w/e in Jan is out for me.
Carlisle area sounds fine, but 5 hrs in a landrover needs something very enticing at the end to get me there.
Posted by Brian Phipps on July 22, 2007 at 4:04 PM
Not sure..........260 miles for me, last one was great, I don`t want to miss this one.
But it will probaly be a no for me at this venue.
Posted by Andy Astbury on July 22, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Carlisle would be okay for me Tom - 2hours max up the M6 - but it's one hell of a jaunt for those from the east and south - surely Manchester or Brum or Liecs/Notts could supply a venue
As I said previously I wouldn't get too hung up on a photo location, the days are short, the weather's usually cr*p and if it didn't run like clockwork a location shoot could possibly waste valuable brain-picking time
Oh well 450miles for me now im in the depths of Cornwall, so i think i will give this one a miss but i must say i would love to come if the distance was not an issue.
Probably a no for me-i would fly into heathrow to meet with others and then be faced with a long drive
Posted by Brian Irving on July 23, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Hi
Just read your post Dave, if it helps, Ryanair fly Geneva to Newcastle this is just 55 miles away from the venue. Doing the reverse of a ski holiday flight a return may be as low as £60.
I think I could make a weekend out of it to justify the distance, particularly if it lives up to last year's standard. Perhaps some car sharing could be organized so that the photo gossip could spread before and after the event? I will do my best to make it.
Posted by Adrian North on July 27, 2007 at 6:10 AM
Mmmm I think the Solway idea sounds OK - the problem for me is the timing - I might be overseas at the end of Jan. If not then I'll be there
Adrian
Posted by John Chapman on July 28, 2007 at 8:50 AM
Hi Tom I will not manage. The distance from Aberdeen is about 250miles and we do not have motorways also at that time of year we could easily have snow. I hope it is a success.
John
Aberdeen
Discussion
26 repliesThings are now being organsied and 'in-principle' slotted into place for next years conference (details within the next 3 weeks) but I have a question.
Firstly for note, the intent of the UKNP conference was to try and cycle the conference around the country and in doing so give everybody a chance to attend.
That said a big consideration at this stage is the cost of the venue verses the location of the venue and each's resultant affect on attendance; a catch 22. Some venues cost quite a lot of money and need to be paid (usually non-refundable) in advance - this is quite a big financial risk which is initally outlayed from my pocket - unless we have an obliging millionaire in our midst!
Given the above points (namely money and original intend to cycle) we have been very fortunate to have been offered a professional venue (at an amazing low rate
So to the question, is Carlisle, in January, a 'mile to far' for you, is it excellent, or is it do-able?
In making you decision please consider, the wildfowl will be in the Solway and the north lakes/Pennines etc are within 40 miles of the venue. Beer is cheaper up north.
If this is a go'er we will work at trying to get discounted rates for accomodition with local hotels/B&B etc.
If not I will try and get a more centralised venue. Note last years may not be availiable.
Comments welcomed...
Not so sure about the beer being cheaper tho'
Phillip.
Paul
Sounds good, What does it all involve??
Pete.
Mark
Rob
Regards
It's still a great venue to visit
ok, it's a log way from the isle of wight but i do love the lakes and would love an excuse to take my wife there. colin if you want to share costs then we can make a plan.
what time of year? any chance of snow? i don't think my u/w wideangles would make much sense at wildfowl, but landscapes would be a good alternative. look forward to learning more about this.
m
I suspect I'm on my own here, but for me that distance for just 2 days from here in Devon is too far Tom... and then drive home with a prospective hangover???
I am being driven considerably by the feedback I recieve from you all at this early stage, so all comments, adverse or good, are really welcomed.
Carlisle area sounds fine, but 5 hrs in a landrover needs something very enticing at the end to get me there.
But it will probaly be a no for me at this venue.
As I said previously I wouldn't get too hung up on a photo location, the days are short, the weather's usually cr*p and if it didn't run like clockwork a location shoot could possibly waste valuable brain-picking time
That's my to'penorth
Brian
Just read your post Dave, if it helps, Ryanair fly Geneva to Newcastle this is just 55 miles away from the venue. Doing the reverse of a ski holiday flight a return may be as low as £60.
Brian
I do know that but if i come over i would see family as well hence the heathrow connection
Steve
T
Sounds good to me - about 2 hrs from Glasgow.
Bestest wishes
Crystin
Adrian
John
Aberdeen