Caudata.org UK meet

alan · Oct 31, 2003

I hope to be going up to S.Yorks in a few weeks on some verrucosus-related buisness to see Morg and Chris Mattison. Morg and I have been discussing the possibility of a get together, so, is anyone up for the first annual S.Yorks pre-xmas Caudata.org-UK social gathering? We were thinking about December – Chris, if you're reading this, suggest some dates which are good for you?
The plan: find a pub, spot of lunch, few drinkies, talk newts for a few hours.
Any takers?

morg · Oct 31, 2003

Well obviously Im up for it, and I know that a few people have mentioned a possible meet up in the past so hopefully we can sort out some kind of get together.
Where would be the best place to have this gathering of the newt brigade?
Sheffield,Doncaster or even my house then onto the pub?[thats just me trying to save on travel expenses]
I would be unable to make the 6th, but should be fine for any other date in December

aimee · Oct 31, 2003

Hi Morg and Alan
I would love to meet up with the UK newt fan club! Its good to see someone in the UK trying to arrange something. If I could get the time off from school (Hard working A-level student) and the funds to travel to whereever the meeting is being held - I would definatly try to go. Maybe even travel up with Chris if he's up for this! It would also be good to finally put faces to names =)

john · Oct 31, 2003

I'd like to do it. What's the nearest Ryanair-flying airport to that area?

martin · Oct 31, 2003

I am up for it,
get some dates sorted,
I am sure i will be there.

Martin

alan · Nov 1, 2003

Well, it sounds as if some people are keen! Morg and I originally discussed something more elaborate, such as a weekend involving some conservation activity such as habitat reconstruction/management with associated social activities in the evening(s). Since most sites are heavily protected, this would need to be done in collaboration with some "official" organization such as Froglife:
http://www.froglife.org/
one of the county wildlife trusts:
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=localtrusts
or a local amphibian group:
http://www.froglife.fsnet.co.uk/HGBI/HGBI.htm
Finally we decided to keep it simple to start with - maybe this is an idea for the next meeting?

If only a few people want to come, we could just turn up at a pub. If it starts to get bigger, we will need to book somewhere, especially if it's near Christmas.
John – if you can fly into East Midlands, I could pick you up on the way and drop you back.

chris · Nov 1, 2003

If it's at a weekend, then I'd love to come.
Chris

morg · Nov 1, 2003

Its great to see that there is interest in a meet up.
Now its just finding a date and venue suitable.
I have sent an email to Chris Mattison incase he has not seen this thread and as soon as I hear back we can go about trying to sort it all out.
Anybody else interested?

chris · Nov 1, 2003

Hello Alan, Morg, etc.

Yes, I'd be keen to give it a go. I'll try to put together some dates and ideas over the next week. I will be away from November 13 until December 1, though.

claire · Nov 1, 2003

Hi all

I'd be interested in coming. It's the last few weeks I have in the lab so I wont know if I can make it until a day or two before -depending on if things in the lab behave

Will it be anywhere near a station? I don't drive

morg · Nov 1, 2003

Claire
It looks like the meet will be in Sheffield which does have a rail station.
I too am a non driver so will probably be arriving by train.

john · Nov 1, 2003

Alan, that's a great offer - thank you! Unfortunately, I don't think East Midlands is flyable using Ryanair. Here are the possible airports in the region (please forgive my geographical ignorance of the north of England):

Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester and Teeside.

Are those within spitting distance of anyone?

morg · Nov 1, 2003

Either Leeds or Manchester.
I have emailed somebody from Leeds about the meet, but he has not yet got back to me.
If he is says he is interested I could sus the possibility of a lift for you.

alan · Nov 2, 2003

Our first Caudata.org-UK meeting will be on December 13. We apologize to anyone who is not able to make that date, but if you can't come to this one, perhaps you'll be able to get to the next meeting! Chris Mattison has generously agreed to host a possible slide show (herpetology, not just newts) at his house on the south side of Sheffield, so the plan is:
- Lunch at a pub in the Peak District near Sheffield (details to be announced later).
- It has been suggested that those using public transport meet at Sheffield railway station. If you are coming by car and can offer lifts to ferry people around during the day, please post details here. I'll be driving and can take Morg and 2-3 others. Please try to arrive in good time (perhaps between 11 and 12) to get out to a pub by, say, 1 o'clock.
- After lunch it's back to Chris's house (details to follow) for the slide show and discussions!
All arrangements are provisional at the moment and subject to confirmation, probably in early December. We need some idea of numbers, so if you're definitely coming, please post here.

mike · Nov 2, 2003

Definitely, will bring Aimee.

aimee · Nov 2, 2003

Hi All

Would of course love to come - Great opportunity to meet eveyone and put faces to names.

Thanks Mike for the lift. Just have to convince the parents to let me go and I shall be there! Fingers Crossed...

Looking forward to it!

chris · Nov 3, 2003

I should be coming as well.

I'll need a lift from the station.
Thanks,
Chris

john · Nov 4, 2003

Ok guys I have bad news. Fate has just stepped in and ruled me out of going I'm afraid. I'm sorry about that but it was unavoidable. Please take photos!

morg · Nov 4, 2003

Sorry to hear that John, it would have been good to meet you at last.

mark · Nov 4, 2003

I'd thought i would let you guys know that i cant make it either.

*sigh*
I know how you feel John.

Caudata.org UK meet

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