Gauging interest in a UK meetup, summer 2023

[Proxima]

Following on from a chat on the discord today, we are thinking of organising a meetup for those Lemmingsforums folks who live in the UK. It will most likely be in the north, since we discovered that at least three of us are located in Leeds and Liverpool, but nothing is set in stone yet. Some points to discuss before we go ahead with making definite plans:

* Who's interested?
* Anyone responding, please say where you live and whether it's possible for you to travel to a meetup location.
* What dates would be best / are there any dates we should avoid?

[Ste Woz Ere]

I'd be interested.
I live in Derby, so can get anywhere really. (Leeds is quite easy on a train, and I have another friend there)
July/August would be best (except Jul 1-2, Jul 29-30, Aug 25-27), as June is fully booked.

[WillLem]

I'd be up for that, sure. The North is also good for me

[Flopsy]

I'd be interested too.

I live down in Nottingham and have transport to get to a meet up location, Leeds is about 80 miles from me so getting to the north is possible for me provided it doesn't get any more north than that, getting to the north west would be tougher for me though.
Could even pick up others between Nottingham and Leeds (or wherever the meet up ends up to be) who have no means to get to the meet up. My car is not a very big one though.

Concerning dates, my availability is all over the place because of my work schedule, my best time of availability is 25th June-10th July as I am on vacation during that time. Other good times are 4th-7th August or 1st-4th Sept.

[Kingshadow3]

I might be able to go.

I live in South Yorkshire (Rotherham to be precise). I don't drive but Leeds should be easy for me to get to by train from where I am. I'll see if I can also convince my sister to help me plan this meetup as she has more travel experience than I do.

I live down in Nottingham and have transport to get to a meet up location, Leeds is about 80 miles from me so getting to the north is possible for me provided it doesn't get any more north than that, getting to the north west would be tougher for me though.
Could even pick up others between Nottingham and Leeds (or wherever the meet up ends up to be) who have no means to get to the meet up. My car is not a very big one though.

So Rotherham and Sheffield are literally between Leeds and Nottingham so there is a possibility that Flopsy could pick me up on route.

In terms of dates, I think I can do most days. However I cannot do 28th June as that is my birthday and I'll be doing something that day.

[∫tan x dx]

I'm one of the Leeds guys!

A weekend would be best for me - but I can't do the weekend of 17th June - apart from that, I'm most likely available!

[Apjjm]

I'm in the UK too, so depending on when & where I might be able to take a train and stop by too if it isn't too far north.

[Crane]

I'm interested.  I live in Brighton on the South coast but have no difficulty with driving or navigating the trains.

[Proxima]

So, putting everything together... a weekend would be best, and it seems like 8/9 July is one that works for everyone.

We have people coming from Leeds, Liverpool, Derby, Nottingham, Rotherham, and Brighton. That's a lot more north than south, so it seems to be best to find somewhere that suits all the north folks, and Crane can join us by train.

I think we have two main options:

(1) Hold the meet in Leeds -- it's well connected by train, everyone should be able to get there, and two of us live there so it'll be easier to find somewhere for all of us to go. We could meet up in the train station at about 12, have lunch together, and then (depending on the weather) go to a park or walk around the town centre while chatting and getting to know each other.

(2) Choose a location in the middle of all of us -- on looking at a map, that means most likely Sheffield or close to there. Everyone should be able to get there and no-one is prioritised over the others, but the fact that none of us actually lives there could be a disadvantage.

Thoughts? Should I put up a poll?

[Apjjm]

Would probably want to check to see if any train strikes are on those days nearer the time too, maybe have a backup day if it seems really bad? Can check dates here https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action/

[WillLem]

+1 for Leeds. It's about the same for trains, and slightly better for cars.

[Pooty]

I won't be able to make 8th/9th July because I will be at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.

[WillLem]

Is there another date in July that everyone can do? How about 15th/16th?

[Crane]

That date's good for me.

[WillLem]

That date's good for me.

Just giving this another bump.

@Proxima - maybe add a poll to see if people prefer Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th July?

I think pub lunch and a walk around the city sounds great!