Winter Ball announcement thread

**Fallen Angel** · 30-07-12, 19:05

As you might be aware, things are a bit up in the air in my world at the moment, and other things are slipping by the wayside. A couple of contributory factors, namely that I currently don't have the time or energy to organise a Winter Ball this year.

ABF isn't available on the weekend I currently still have on hold (last weekend in November) and Wilderhope have upped their prices for full party packages, a combination of this rise plus the fact I would need to be hiring in DJ and/or entertainment for a whole evening would mean prices would have to rise, which I think could be a struggle/issue for people.

However, I do have the suggestion that, if people were up for it, we could still have a Winter gathering at Wilderhope - to chill, chat, drink, eat and gossip - but needed to know if there was any interest.

I have been quoted £24 for b&b at Wilderhope p.p.p.n. and quoted between £15-20 p.p. for a hot evening meal (main and dessert). They have also upped the minimum to keep it exclusive (for b&b basis) to 50 - however two things strike me on this: 1. if we aren't having a big function, then there isn't any need to guarantee it be just us and 2. there have never been anyone outside of our group staying on the Friday night, so see no reason as to why people would book in on the Saturday anyway.

So, this thread is pretty much to see if anyone would be insterested in a Winter meet up regardless - I won't take any offence if people aren't.

If people are, I would also wonder how people would feel about making it "family friendly" gathering (obviously shutting all children into one dorm room with goodies later in the night)?

Obviously I'd love to catch up with everyone who normally attends the Ball (as well as any others who want to come along), but as things are so up in the air, although I would commit to a gathering, we cannot say 100% we would be there as it depends how things go with Metz in the next few months.

Anyhoo, just throwing it out there. Feedback welcomed. Poll coming along shortly...

**echus** · 30-07-12, 20:28

Yes

And just to clarify the votes - I quite like that it is just growedups but there being kids there wouldn't put me off

**gandy** · 30-07-12, 20:35

I am up for a gathering...it is always great to see people and catch up.

If you need any help, just shout....but I am no way in your league

**Yorick** · 30-07-12, 21:04

Us 3 will be there.

It's about time that Elvis tries to live up to the legend that was Homer.

And judging by the reactions in the pubs the last 5 weeks, he is gonna loved just as much

**Noggin** · 30-07-12, 21:16

I think this will be my last weekend in the UK before buggering off to France for another winter. So I'd be up for a gathering too

xxx

**murcan** · 30-07-12, 21:47

Gotta have some excuse, desire, cause, goal, assuaging of conscience, raison detre, reason for further existence. Might as well be a get together with the likes of you. Kids would be a bonus 'cause they wouldn't be a reason for not attending. Geez, how'd you like to be the child minder in the zoo?

We may need to think up some child friendly event for the day time. This will have a different atmosphere than a ball. What's the country walking like around there?

**Silly Car** · 30-07-12, 22:03

My two-penneth and I am prepared for people to offer counter arguments to the following...

£24 B&B pppn is pretty good value, especially when you consider the space that the place has for everyone.
£15-20 for food is good but in some respects is a waste for some, would it possible to arrange self catering / bring your own / takeaway runs?

A kitty of £10 per head buys a shed load of food on a self catering basis, I know people would muck in to help.

Bar, is it absolutely necessary, can people not bring their own?

I know you (FA) have probably answered these questions before...

**LadyB** · 30-07-12, 22:12

I value to opportunity to catch up with TRC friends at Wilderhope, whatever the format is. I think anyone appreciates that you have your plate quite full enough these days to get too involved with the organising that a ball requires. I would very much like the chance to gather everyone that wants to be there again. Child friendly no problem, especially if it makes it easier for some to be there. I'm more than happy to help out in any way you would need.

SC, the self catering thing is a good idea, as long as the small kitchen could cope with it and we have volunteers to do some of the cooking.

xxx

As for Q no 4 - of course there would be cake!!

**murcan** · 31-07-12, 03:24

Originally Posted by LadyB

I value to opportunity to catch up with TRC friends at Wilderhope, whatever the format is. I think anyone appreciates that you have your plate quite full enough these days to get too involved with the organising that a ball requires. I would very much like the chance to gather everyone that wants to be there again. Child friendly no problem, especially if it makes it easier for some to be there. I'm more than happy to help out in any way you would need.

SC, the self catering thing is a good idea, as long as the small kitchen could cope with it and we have volunteers to do some of the cooking.

xxx

As for Q no 4 - of course there would be cake!!

But those caterers put on a hell of a spread, and I won't have to worry about dropping anything in my lap this time.

**Bonners** · 31-07-12, 06:14

Cant really say yay or nay to be be honest. In principle I like the idea, in some ways I prefer it to that of a traditional ball, it means it is cheaper for one thing without having to worry about hiring stuff to wear. Unfortunately finances would dictate, but hopefully should be able to make it. As for the kids thing I dont think I'm too bothered either way, with the amount of people on here with families now it probably makes more sense to allow kids. Havent ticked that box just because I cant 100% guarantee attendance at this stage.

**BananaMan** · 31-07-12, 07:14

I'm not going to tick a box, because almost anything I put could be misleading.

I'd like to attend if I can, and I don't particularly mind either way about children. I'm a former child myself.

If dates work, it would be good to meet some of my ~~facebook~~ TRC friends ...

**Judge** · 31-07-12, 09:12

I'd be up for it if possible. Same thing here with 'up in the air'

**Londongal76** · 31-07-12, 09:18

Originally Posted by BananaMan

I'm not going to tick a box, because almost anything I put could be misleading.

I'd like to attend if I can, and I don't particularly mind either way about children. I'm a former child myself.

If dates work, it would be good to meet some of my ~~facebook~~ TRC friends ...

You rejected my facebook advances...how rude!

I have no idea what weekend this is or where it is, but I will attend if I can.

**Fallen Angel** · 31-07-12, 09:30

It's hidden in amongst my blurb but is the LAST WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER

Yes I agree that we could do food for cheaper if we did it ourselves, and is something I'm thinking, however there was something nice about no-one having to cook.

Re the bar - we wouldn't have a late license, so it would run kinda like how Friday nights have ran. In other words, whilst the bar is open, please buy drinks from there, under no circumstance are we to bring our own for once the bar has closed