Ship of Fools: Child (and adult!) friendly Scotmeet

Thread: Child (and adult!) friendly Scotmeet - 19th July Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

To visit this thread, use this URL:
http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=027499

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Over lunch today we were pondering the possibility of a Scotmeet that was a bit more enticing for the growing number of mini shipmates around the place. On the way home I was wondering whether Almond Valley might be a good venue - it's a farm in Livingston with lots of animals, play areas and a cafe (or picnic tables), plus tractor and train rides and soft play if you're prepared to pay a bit extra. Works well for kids of all ages (well certainly primary school kind of age - not sure what teenagers make of it) and there are museumy bits too (that I can't tell you much about because we tend to miss them out!)

So, anyone up for it? Or have a suggestion for a better venue. I'm guessing a Saturday might be the best option - any preferences?

[ 12. July 2014, 14:24: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :

I might be interested.

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

I don't know what the Elf Lass will think of Almond Valley, but it looks like the kind of place I'd love [Big Grin]

I'm sure we'd be up for a meet there.

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

It is a nice idea, and a definite possibility. It would be good to see how the various Shiplings are growing.

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

My wife knows the place and thinks the Dafling would enjoy it.

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

I know Saturday is the best day for most, but if we were to do a week day school holidays meet I might be interested.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Surfing we can be persuaded to Almond Valley any time you like! Well, on a Monday at least if it was a weekday.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

I'd love to see you all again. Realistically it needs to be Saturday for me.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

OK, because discussions about dates make my head hurt I've set up a Doodle poll with all the Saturdays for the next couple of months so we can see which one most people can do. Do fill it in!

Surfing, I realise that's rubbish for you, but if you want we can organise a meet for when does work for you and then invite everyone else. Or we could just organise an 'it's too long since we've seen the ducks' meet at some other place and time!

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :

I won't digress too far on this thread, but there may be opportunity for a child-and-adult-friendly-Scotmeet in mid August if people are around. I just need to tighten up precisely what dates the Smudgelet and I are venturing norf... probably the first half of the second full week of August.

OK, as you were.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Ooooh, am I allowed to get excited? Haven't seen you for aaaaaaaaages!

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :

I think a tiny amount of getting-excitedness might be permitted at this stage. It was when I remembered that, the last time I saw you, the sczlet was little more than a hint of a bump, I suddenly realised it was quite a long time since I last visited my brother!

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Goodness, she's quite a lot more than a hint of anything nowadays!

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

Sounds like a great idea. It's been way too long since I've met up with anyone. A Saturday probably works best for me, I'll have a look at the Doodle poll when I'm home - then I shouldn't get messages about the browser not supporting the poll software. At present, my plans for the summer are unformed, at least once past the middle of July as I'll be in Japan before then.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

There are currently two dates tied - anyone fancy joining in to break it? Cottontail? NEQ? Anyone else?

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

Just filled in mine! Don't know if it has helped or hindered. [Smile]

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Currently helped [Smile]

But no doubt that will change....

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

I must say that the Almond Valley link on the poll page is for somewhere that seems more exotic than Livingston.

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :

I've filled it in. Full of Chips might come if it's on July 19, but he might be jet-lagged and just pleased to have a quiet house to himself.

I've messaged cattyish to tell her this doodle poll exists.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Well July 19th is winning at the mo (sorry Kingsfold). Shall we be decisive and go for it and hope anyone else who wants to come can make it, or are there people we should wait to comment? It's so long since I've seen lots of you I've forgotten who's out there! Want to give Macguyver's Apprentice a prod Alan?

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

He's away at the moment, but I can prod him at the weekend when he's back ... but, we may have settled on a date by then and it'll just be whether he comes with us.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

And that's not even a date when I could shoogle stuff around - I'm away all that week. Rats.

Oh well, we might have to find another time/excuse to catch up.

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :

Well I've added our dates in, and we're also away on the 19th.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Trust you to complicate things [Biased]

(And apologies for not thinking to prod you in the first place - brain clearly not functioning this week). We're back to the 5th and 19th being tied (I've not tried adding up numbers of people rather than votes yet). Cattyish?

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

I'm keeping half an eye on this thread, but will wait for votes on dates rather than being a determining factor.

Cattyish, off to give the old dog some extra steroids.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

So we have a tie between the 5th and 19th July. I'm not good at making decisions that will exclude some people [Frown]

If it was down to me I'd go for the 19th because we're out on the evening of the 5th and it would be a lot of excitement on one day, but if anyone else can come up with a better reason for a decision then yell!

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[Waterworks]

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

See, now I've made Kingsfold cry [Frown]

. This is why I don't do decisions.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

'Bout time we met up anyway derf, and we're close enough geographically for it not to be a major logistical feat. So don't worry about making me cry.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Indeed - and with that there Surfing too.

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :

I'm flexible about dates in July, so once a date is agreed by all the grown ups I'll see if I'm able to tag along.

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :

Just to mention I'm hoping to be in Kilcreggan from 11th to 14th August so there might be opportunity for a second child-friendly Scotmeet if anyone else misses the date chosen for the first one [Biased]

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Depending where it is I could do the 11th or 13th August.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Scz now probably has something else on on the 5th, so the 19th works better for us. Shall we go for that, and I'll let someone more decisive attempt to get Kingsfold, Surfing and Smudgie in the same place at the same time!

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

I suspect North East Quine and I will make it. Full of Chips might be full of sleep that day.

Perhaps I'll try to borrow a child [Biased]

Cattyish, happily summer planning.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Hooray! And you can feel free to borrow my child if you don't find another one.

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

Bumping this up, looking forward to it. Just checking it is 19th July we've definitely settled on?

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

I hope so, given that if it was the 5th we've missed it!

I guess at some point we need to think about things like what time we want to meet, whether we want to brave a picnic or just go for lunch in the cafe and so on. Not that we all have to agree on any of those things!

I'm happy to be a vague coordinating point on the day if that helps - anyone who's not got my mobile number and would find it useful I can provide it by PM.

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Derf:
I hope so, given that if it was the 5th we've missed it!

Good point. How long before I can stop using baby brain as an excuse?

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

18 years...

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

Given that this meet is just a week away, perhaps a passing host could do the honours and add the date to the thread title?

What is on offer lunch-wise at the farm? The Elf Lass normally needs a milk feed between 12-1ish and a bit of food afterwards, but it doesn't make much difference if we eat at the farm or go a bit later having eaten here. If they do nice cake that might well sway my decision [Big Grin]

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :

Done!

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Good thought re date - thank you.

Farm cafe does sandwiches, soup, macaroni cheese - that kind of thing. They do do cakes although not necessarily exciting enough ones to make a special trip for, but it's ages since I've eaten in the cafe.

I imagine we'll go down late morning some time, and eat there (either cafe or picnic), then we'll be able to come home when (if!) the sczlet flags and needs a nap. Happy to catch up with whoever whenever. We're just round the corner so folks can always make their way back to ours if that's helpful.

Dafyd I think I said at some point we'd give you a lift from the station - the offer still stands (and for anyone else coming by train).

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

Just to say I'm intending to come over with two smaller Cresswells.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Yay [Smile]

The sczlet will be very pleased to see them (and it'll be good to see you)

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

Have we discussed time of gathering yet? Presumably sometime at or before lunch?
Derf, we would like a lift from Livingston North, thank you.

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :

Cattyish and I are planning our trip. We expect to arrive around 12, unless told otherwise.

[ 14. July 2014, 18:06: Message edited by: North East Quine ]

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Well lunch in our house tends to be around 12 or I have two grumpy people to contend with.... So we'd appreciate gathering by then.

Dafyd do you have my number? - I can't remember.

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Derf:
Dafyd do you have my number? - I can't remember.

I think I do. Last three digits add to 20.
That said, my phone is being temperamental at the moment, so I'm about to go through the hoops of replacing it.

I think we can arrive at Livingston North any time after 11. What will suit you?

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

I can get there for midday as well. Looking forward to seeing folks. [Smile]

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

How about we aim to gather about 12 for lunch. Picnic or cafe?

In which case Dafyd if you aim to be on a train that gets in about 1130 I'll come and get you to join the fun. Phone number sounds right.

Looking forward to seeing lots of people [Smile]

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

There's a train gets into Livingston North at 11.29 apparently. So that should be doable.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

Excellent. I'll collect you from that one unless I hear otherwise [Smile]

Scz and the sczlet will head down to the farm and meet people there.

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

I shall be making this a dual purpose trip. My car will be full of cheer, music and my friend H's stuff to go to the south. That means it'd be best if I only have me and the Quine to transport.

Cattyish, it's all coming together.

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

Update: My car will now have room for two more, even if all the people wanting a lift still want a lift, so let me know.
Cattyish, freed from responsibility, let's party!

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

We'll aim to get there for 11.30-12ish. Trying to stay in denial about the weather forecast... [Help]

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Derf:
Picnic or cafe?

Would the cafe mind if people brought along anything extra they think their children might like?
As Jack the Lass says, it's not looking promising for a picnic.

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

I think the cafe generally cope with people providing their own toddler food if the adults are eating cafe food - it's probably technically not allowed but I'm sure I've fed the sczlet all sorts of things there. They'd probably not be happy if you took cheese sandwiches rather than buying theirs sort of thing.

Haven't looked at the weather forecast, and now don't think I want to! Sounds like we're going for cafe then.

Just doing a quick check through to see who we might be expecting:
Scz, Derf + Sczlet
JtL, TME + the Elf Lass
Alan C + 2 mini Cresswells (+ possibly MA?)
Dafyd + Mrs Dafyd + Dafling
Cottontail
NEQ + Cattyish

Have I forgotten anyone? Not that it matters in terms of numbers or anything, more a case of who are we looking out for.

See you all tomorrow [Yipee]

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

Woohoo! If we get a chance, NEQ and I will drop in on Dundee on the way by.

Cattyish, feeling suitably sociable already.

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :

Lovely to see everybody. The Dafling fell asleep on the train back home. She has since woken up and told us she wants to go back.

Good to meet the sczlet (much bigger) and the wee Elf.

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

Two mini-Cresswells were asleep within 10 minutes of getting in the car. After staying on until they were lose to throwing us out at closing time. Good to meet up again.

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :

It was good to meet up with people again. It seems a long time since I last met many of you.

Thanks to Alan for reminding me about this meet!

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :

It was a great day out, including a mini-meet en route for second breakfast with Surfing Madness.

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

Some pictures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78454650@N02/
Not searchable unless you're watching this thread.
Cattyish.

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :

*What* exactly am I doing in that first photo?!!! Thank goodness you can't see my face, I bet I was gurning.

Thanks so much to Derf for organising this meet, we really enjoyed ourselves and it was great to meet folk again. It will be a good place to go back to when the Elf Lass is a bit older and can appreciate all the goodies on offer!

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :

Or follow you on Flickr, cattyish - they all popped up in my feed just now. And I reckoned those arms were Jack's when I saw it!

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :

I'm jealous you all managed to go on the train given we've still not managed it! Was lovely to see everyone, we just need to arrange better weather next time.

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

That was fun. [Smile]

Thank you, Derf, for organising this. It was great to see folks again, and to see how the various Shiplings are growing.

And yes, JtL, I wondered about that photo too!

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :

I've just had a chance to put some photos together, here.

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
I've just had a chance to put some photos together, here.

Lovely to see your kids again. Give them both a hug from me, willya?

UBB.classic^TM 6.5.0