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Thread: ANNUAL GATHERING 2020 (Doncaster or alternative)

  1. #1

    Default ANNUAL GATHERING 2020 (Doncaster or alternative)

    Following another wonderful get together at the South Yorkshire Air Museum in Doncaster, the time has come to look ahead to next year. We have discussed an alternative venue a couple of times, so we thought we would present all interested parties with three alternatives and then vote on it... so the choices are as follows (I will open up a vote once we have had all three submissions in)

    1. Doncaster (same as previous six years)
    2. Midland Air Museum in Coventry (championed by Simon Maverick, but I will post the details as he is out of the country for a few weeks)
    3. Andy (Hawkhurst) has offered us the use of his sprawling property in Boston Lincolnshire. Andy will post below the pros and cons.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  2. #2

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    THE CASE FOR DONCASTER

    We have had six successful years at Doncaster, it is an atmospheric venue and next year we should have use of the new room which is 3 times the size of the one we have been using. Cost this year was £280 however this could be less if we are only using one room. There are plenty of accommodation venues within crawling distance and there should be a massive new real ale and craft beer bar a few hundred yards away. Doncaster is fairly central and is easily accessible by road, rail and air. You will have all seen the hundreds of photos from our past gatherings and we know exactly what we will be getting. I could add lots more but I guess I would be preaching to the converted. So if you are happy to stick with what we have then Continuing with Doncaster would be a good choice.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  3. #3

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    Over to you Andy to give the case for Boston

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  4. #4

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    DONCASTER
    I took two photos of the new hall:

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    Ooh thanks Dan

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  6. #6

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    Here are the deatils for OPTION 2 - researched by Simon (Maverick)

    Midland Air Museum ~ The Aviation Museum Coventry
    The Museum includes the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre.

    www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk

    Location: Rowley Road, Coventry CV3 4FR
    Just outside the village of Boginton, Warwickshire,
    backing onto Coventry (Not so International) Airport.

    Access from J17 M1
    or
    J15 M40
    or
    J6 M42
    or
    J3 M6

    Regular main line trains to Coventry
    Then Bus Number 539 from Coventry train station will take you to the
    post office in Boginton, it is a 5 min walk to the museum from the post office.

    Or
    Taxi ~ approx 20 mins from Coventry train station

    Other logistical arrangements could be made with appropriate prior communications.

    The museum has amongst many aircraft a Vulcan Bomber, which if you are able to climb steep and narrow stairs, you can climb into the cockpit for a guide explanation of the aircraft .
    The museum can arrange a fish and chip supper with a guided tour of the museum and access to four cockpits, normally closed to the public, during the tour. (Cost to be advised).

    The museum has a dedicated building (the Argosy Centre) close to the museum entrance which can accommodate up to 80 people seated for meetings / presentations.

    The Argosy Centre located next to the main Museum hangar is a spacious and airy building designed for holding club & society meetings, conferences, product launches, seminars, business meeetings, AGMs, talks, presentations etc. Up to 80 people can be comfortably accomodated within. Power points, projector, screen and flip charts are all available for you to use. Catering facilities are also available. The centre is in regular use with local clubs and societies such as the Coventry & Warwickshire IPMS, Coventry Diecast Group and Junior Model Group.

    We could have total use of the room from 10am Friday morning until 4.30pm Sunday with lockable security to the building within the confines of the grounds of the museum.

    The Museum has a tea rooms and shop, we would be able to have our own refreshment/ beverage making facilities within the Argosy room. Toilets and disabled facilities are by the museum entrance less than 30 yards away from the Argosy Centre.

    Parking space is significant and an area for camping / tents is also available close to the Argosy centre.

    Accomodation
    There are four hotels recommended;
    Citrus Hotel south by compass 0.9 miles away
    Old Mill Hotel 0.9 miles away
    Ibis Coventry 1.2 miles away
    Three horseshoes Inn 1.7 miles away
    (All can be viewed on booking.com) or on line generally

    Cost for the Argosy room was quoted at £250.00 for the duration of time stated.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  7. #7

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    Ok, as this thread has met with thunderous indifference so far, here’s my two-pennyworth to try and stimulate conversation. Provided we get the big room at Doncaster I don’t mind going back there. With Sails in one room and Wings in another this year I felt there was no real interaction between the two groups which was a pity. The only downside of using Doncaster for me is the travel, which is not a major issue when compared to that of our Euro compatriots to get there.

    Perhaps Coventry would make a change, a chance to look at some different aircraft. Seems to have sufficient facilities including tea/coffee (use of fridge?). The cost appears to be roughly similar, but I guess that might increase in the same way the cost of Doncaster is doing. Also, while Donnie is fairly easy as to what time we pack up on the Fri/Sat, do we know what Coventry’s chucking out policy is?

    The Citrus hotel is ex Holiday Inn so I’m guessing the price won’t be that outrageous, but can’t tell as they aren’t allowing online booking that far ahead at the moment. They have a restaurant so I assume they can cater for the post-game gathering, but the restaurant appears to close at 9.30pm.

    The Old Mill Hotel only has 26 rooms, so assume some will be booked by non Wings people. Again has a bar (the place is owned by Greene King) and restaurant, which closes at 10pm. As with the Citrus, can’t get a room price yet.

    The Ibis has what you would expect from an Ibis - some the reviews aren’t great (cold, dim - don’t have room with connecting door was my favourite ).

    The Three Horseshoes also looks a bit small and doesn’t appear to stand out in any way. However, we are not short of hotels to choose from in the area, and we have enough cars to get everyone to the museum I would have thought.

    Travel would be easier for ‘us Southerners’ unless I am holding the map upside down. One advantage would be the new cultural (shopping) opportunities for the ground crew

    In conclusion, I am fairly relaxed at where we end up, obviously this might change once we hear about the Hawkhurst Hotel .

  8. #8

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    Many thanks Steve... just waiting for Andy then we can vote/discuss

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  9. #9

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    My choice would be to stay at Doncaster as I only live 10 miles away and do not have to fork out for a hotel. On the other hand it does mean that I can only have one drink on the Saturday night meal.

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rebel View Post
    My choice would be to stay at Doncaster as I only live 10 miles away and do not have to fork out for a hotel. On the other hand it does mean that I can only have one drink on the Saturday night meal.
    Spoken like a true Yorkshireman Reg
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Guntruck View Post
    Spoken like a true Yorkshireman Reg
    Priorities...

  12. #12

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    I could provide 3 rooms for the use of the weekend

    first room as a full size snooker table in it plus a smaller table about 3 feet by 5 feet

    second room as a table about 4 feet by 8 feet

    third room as a table 3 feet by 10 feet

    could also use another room if required

    will provide some pictures later to show the full size of these rooms

    in the near by area

    there is the following

    Woodhall spa, (16 miles away)
    RAF Coningsby (Battle of Briatin flight based here), (14 miles away)
    Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre where another Lancaster bomber is, (15 miles away)
    International Bomber Command Centre at Lincoln (35 miles away)

    there is plenty of hotels in the area with several more been extended and built which should be available for the time of the gathering

    any money that was to be put aside could be redirected to the Lend Lease as I require nothing for the use of these rooms

    there is a railway station in the town.

    post code for anyone to check is PE21 6BA

  13. #13

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    Thanks Andy.
    Well we have our three options, let the voting begin, let’s see what the consensus is...

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  14. #14

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    As soon as I can remember how to add a poll to this thread.... answers on a postcard to...

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  15. #15

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    looking at Andy's post code there are a number of small guest houses in the area and a Premier Inn about 10 minutes drive.

    Advantages are no cost for the venue my main concern would be parking at Andy's. Especially on Sunday if we've booked out of wherever we are staying.

    Coventry offers up an a similar sized venue and extended gaming day on Sunday with a similar travel time to and from the main hotels that are near. It is further south and more UK central for travelling. This may be more attractive to those who live south of London.

    Doncaster offers up a larger room with the possibility of an extended leave time, where as we in the past seem to leave early from Doncaster on the Sunday. The hotel, main one, is right on the doorstep and within easy walking distance. It also offers the camping facility which I am not sure the others could.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  16. #16

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    Let's wait for Andy's photos - we have plenty of time so we can afford a luxury of making decision with all possible information in one file, ehm, thread.

  17. #17

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    As a non attender of this event I can confirm that Neil is right that Coventry might be more attractive to those who live south of London; it is about an hour and a half closer than Doncaster (and more than that to Boston) from the south coast.
    The Argossy Centre at Coventry (beside the hangar) looks as though it would be fit for purpose too by the look of it.


    http://www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk/facilities.php

    "He is wise who watches"

  18. #18

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    Having a complete Vulcan just isn’t fair lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  19. #19

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    My pennyworth.
    Having only been to Doncaster the once I am more than happy to return there. The large room now available should resolve the issue raised by Steve regarding the isolation of the Sails game. The accommodation was good and close enough to the bar to permit me to stagger to it without getting lost after the Saturday night celebrations. The restaurent was large enough to have us all together for socialising during meals. Parking was never a problem either near the hotel or at the museum. The only downside for me personally was the long drag from Devon. But as Steve pointed out, that wasn't much of an inconvenience given the distances travelled by many others.

    Both Coventry and Andy's pad have excellent things going for them (particularly the free use of rooms in Andy's case), but the accommodation / access to a restaurent at Coventry doesn't sound as attractive or convenient (10.00 am closing huh) and the parking issue at Andy's sounds a little offputting.

    So until something further is offered to persuade me otherwise, my vote still goes to Doncaster.

  20. #20

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    parking at mine would be no problem could easily accept over 20 cars just on the roads around the house
    the house is situated at the end of the road with a huge turning circle plus a side road

  21. #21

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    I think a poll of all potential 2020 attendees would be in order and before Christmas so if there is a change in venue then we are not left chasing our tails.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  22. #22

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    OK Looks like I can't retrospectively add a poll to this thread,

    ThereforeI will start another one with a poll on...

    Are you hoping to come to our gathering next year?

    then

    Would you Prefer each of the options (with an option for able to attend at any venue..)
    Also probably having something that says "I can only attend at 'x' venue" - leave it with me I will get something up on the forum this evening

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  23. #23

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    Chris (Boney10) what was the result of the conversation with Alan at the museum concerning availability (dates) for next year?

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    I think a poll of all potential 2020 attendees would be in order and before Christmas so if there is a change in venue then we are not left chasing our tails.

    Neil
    Agreed


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  25. #25

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    Donnie has the edge in terms of hospitality, informality in terms of setting up leaving and now the big war room. if its a matter of cost I am happy to pay a bit more next yr to stay.
    Saying that a change is as good as a rest and if Coventry can be as flexable to our needs as Donnie has Im willing to give it a go


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  26. #26

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    May we see some photographs from Andy before we vote, please?

  27. #27

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    this is a drone shot of my property as you can see there is available space as the side road goes nowhere

    to gauge scale as I know it is hard the red roof building is a block of 4 2 bedroom houses

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    Attachment 276757

    anyone wishing to see the area on google street maps put in my postcode and the picture above is the front of the house

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    First pic is the large room and the second is the front of the house as Andy's link didn't work

  30. #30

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    Andy (Hawkhurst ) and I will add some more up to date photos over the weekend

  31. #31

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    Excellent M


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  32. #32

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    What was the purpose of the building before it became your house Marian. Looks a bit like a village school.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  33. #33

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    was an old Victorian bath house

    we still have the original baths from that side now repurposed as planters

  34. #34

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    Perfect for the Sails contingent.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  35. #35

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    Perfect for the Sails contingent.
    sails could play in the swim spa or hot tub

  36. #36

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    Quote Originally Posted by hawkhurst View Post
    was an old Victorian bath house

    we still have the original baths from that side now repurposed as planters
    So where do the villages wash now Andy,


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  37. #37

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    You remember those water cannon that Boris bought but couldn’t use???
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  38. #38

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    Quote Originally Posted by Guntruck View Post
    What was the purpose of the building before it became your house Marian. Looks a bit like a village school.
    Quote Originally Posted by hawkhurst View Post
    was an old Victorian bath house

    we still have the original baths from that side now repurposed as planters
    The first thing came into my mind was an old railway station, but aerial photo eliminate this possibility. Anyway, definitely a charming place with english soul

  39. #39

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    as a Rookie, can I vote that I'd like to attend (anywhere)

  40. #40

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    Everyone can vote, and everyone is welcome, it really is a case of the more the merrier

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  41. #41

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    Should members over on the Anchorage be notified of the poll? I know that many people belong to both sites but there may be some who only belong to the Anchorage.

  42. #42

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    Good call.. I will put something on Anchorage when I get home... on Holy Island at moment

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  43. #43

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Chris (Boney10) what was the result of the conversation with Alan at the museum concerning availability (dates) for next year?
    Ah, sorry just seen this, other issues I am afraid.
    The only conversation I had with Alan was we could not get the same week as this year due to other plans. I did ask about the other room but was told it did depend upon what week we asked for.
    They did saywe couldbe ok a week before or a couple of weeks after, so thedate we want needs to be tied down for 2020

  44. #44

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    What about price for the single room and confirmed timings. Ie Friday from say 2pm to Sunday 4pmish?
    See you on the Dark Side......

  45. #45

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    I will speak to the museum tomorrow and confirm availability

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  46. #46

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    IN THE MEANTIME PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THE OTHER THREAD CHAPS.
    Thank you

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  47. #47

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    Got a link to that Chris


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  48. #48

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    Got a link to that Chris
    It’s entitled Annual Gathering 2020 THE VOTE

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  49. #49

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    Ah not in the polls section then


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing



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