meetings!

philbyuk · #1 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 07:31 PM

hi ive had a look around the site and wondered if there is a section? for local people who wish to meet up for a day out etc. on the other forum i go on, they have an members activity forum just for this and it seems a great idea(and very popular)? any thoughts on this or anywhere that i can post for suggestions or meets?

Paul mabbott · #2 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 07:38 PM

Seems a good idea. One thing that might help and encourage this sort of thing would be for all members to put something in the location slot of their personal ID! Doesn't need to be too detailed but does give an idea of who is vaguely in your own area!
It's also helpful when people are asking for id's ....

Quote:

Originally Posted by philbyuk

hi ive had a look around the site and wondered if there is a section? for local people who wish to meet up for a day out etc. on the other forum i go on, they have an members activity forum just for this and it seems a great idea(and very popular)? any thoughts on this or anywhere that i can post for suggestions or meets?

philbyuk · #3 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 07:43 PM

when i hit 25 post ill be able to fill the appropraite boxes in..lol

Susie · #4 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 07:50 PM

I don't know if you are able to add meet details to the events section of this forum? Otherwise I guess you could post it here in the Treehouse, although that doesn't seem ideal.

I am sure someone else will have a better suggestion but at least you have something to reply to to get your post count up.

philbyuk · #5 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 07:56 PM

thanks suzie ..for another chance to reply..20 and getting there.lol

John · #6 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philbyuk

hi ive had a look around the site and wondered if there is a section? for local people who wish to meet up for a day out etc. on the other forum i go on, they have an members activity forum just for this and it seems a great idea(and very popular)? any thoughts on this or anywhere that i can post for suggestions or meets?

Hi Phil

There will be a few of us meeting fairly soon to discuss a calendar of meetings and as soon as we have done that we will post them up.

I have to say though that on the face of it, it is a good idea but in practice it doesn't always work. I have organised, or suggested, quite a few meets on WAB. One of them was at Anglesey when only two turned up. One in Cornwall didn't generate any interest and one at Bempton (apart from a few friends that were going anyway) only generated about three or four members.

If you are talking about BF meets they have suffered the same fate. Some can be well attended. I can think of a Minsmeet meet a couple of years ago where over 20 people attended and yet a year later only a handful turned up.

A members meeting forum is a good idea and one that we can talk about when a few of us get together (possibly this weekend).

John

StuartDH · #7 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 08:16 AM

A couple of days ago I've also just added a 'Wild About Britain Events' calendar to the forum and I can also add a feature that will map all members across the UK (once they've added their lat/long co-ordinates). hope the two will let us get a lot more events going next year with a few BBQs etc.

Stu

nightshade · #8 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 08:17 AM

Hi John we must suppose that not everybody is able to travel fairly long distances at the drop of a hat and they possibly work shifts or have family responsobilities.
I have to work around shifts and though I do not mind the driving finding suitable accommadation is always a pain

cherrybee · #9 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

Hi Phil

There will be a few of us meeting fairly soon to discuss a calendar of meetings and as soon as we have done that we will post them up.

I have to say though that on the face of it, it is a good idea but in practice it doesn't always work. I have organised, or suggested, quite a few meets on WAB. One of them was at Anglesey when only two turned up. One in Cornwall didn't generate any interest and one at Bempton (apart from a few friends that were going anyway) only generated about three or four members.

If you are talking about BF meets they have suffered the same fate. Some can be well attended. I can think of a Minsmeet meet a couple of years ago where over 20 people attended and yet a year later only a handful turned up.

A members meeting forum is a good idea and one that we can talk about when a few of us get together (possibly this weekend).

John

Well if you come to my part of Devon I know of 3 that WILL turn up

and we are looking forward to meeting as many Wabbers as possible.So come on you wabbers book a holiday in Sunny Exmouth.Then you can go to Dawlish Warren,Bowling Green Marsh,Halden Forest,Stover and many other places that only take an hour or so to get to from Exmouth

Oh and anyone who is stuck for somewhere to stay I have 2 rooms and 3 beds

John · #10 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 12:15 PM

I tend to travel around the country a lot so will endeavor to try and make a few meets wherever we are but I will be putting forward places like the Farne Islands, Bempton, Minsmere and the North Norfolk Coast (Titchwell and the local area) as starters. These are sites where a real good day will be had but I realise that not everyone can get to them. However even these sites are local to some of our members and the spectacular sights that can be seen at these sites should draw other members from further afield.

I certainly endorse Cherrybee's invitation of her area. It is a wonderful place to visit and I will certainly be visiting that area on at least one occasion next year. I might even take up Cherrybee's offer of accommodation.

I know that one WAB meet that was a total success this year and that was a Dragonfly meet at Wicken Fen and I know that Steve (Fourwings) is keen to do this one again. Steve has suggestions for Woodwalton Fen (I think that's right) as well.

There are a few ideas floating around in our heads at the moment but one note of caution, we can't let a handful of people come up with all the ideas. You are the members and if you feel that you would like a meet in your neck of the woods, and you have a site, or sites, that you think worth visiting then let us know about it. If it generates enough interest then perhaps a meet can be arranged.

Remember just because a meet has been arranged for a given date doesn't mean that another meet can't be arranged elsewhere on the same date.

The biggest problem with arranging meets like this is apathy. I should know as I have arranged countless meets with Birdforum, some well attended, some not. It doesn't inspire confidence in those that are organising events when the only responses you are getting are from those that say they can't make it.

This could be a big thing for WAB members so as long as we go about it properly.

John

littleT · #11 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 03:06 PM

An idea!!!

Regional organisers.
and an over-all national organiser.

Those interested could put their names forward. - Volunteers?
The interest levels could be monitored and more possible meets could be arranged.
This has worked on a variety of my husbands forum sites.

There is the winter solstice moot to take into consideration
WAB Winter Solstice Moot

So if your keen, this could be a good start.

Unfortunately I'm unable to attend this one, however if it were in my region then I'd be more likely to be able to attend.

T

John · #12 (**permalink**) 22-11-2006, 09:49 PM

Well talking about suggestions for meetings seems to have died a death. If meetings are what you want then input is needed. The fact that this thread has been started should have been a catylyst for all sorts of suggestions but it hasn't happened. We have over 6,000 members and yet only eight have responded to this thread.

I was going to get involved in coming up with meets but if it is going to be as poorly attended as this thread then i will just go to the select few that I know want these meets.

The last two meets I have organised on WAB have been disastrous. Anglesey two members, Cornwall none.

Do we want these meets throughout the year. If you do then let start getting some responses.

I am sorry if I come over a bit harsh but apathy seems to be ruling yet again.

For me personally if we can't get a fair number of responses to a thread like this then I won't get involved in coming up with suggestions, or organising any of them. I can't speak for others but I have done this so many times on BF and in the end a lot of these meets suffered the same fate and I just can't be bothered in going through it all again if there is no real interest.

John

Wild-Woman · #13 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 05:23 AM

Hi John.
Just letting you know that I am thinking hard on this one. My other half Chris and myself are extremely keen to go to a meeting and would like to put forward two suggestions.
1- The newly opened Rainham Marshes in Essex. I've yet to know lots more about the site and it's species but I do have strong contacts who would help me out with that. He would be able to inform me of the best timing and what to expect, so I'll get onto that first before I put forward a possible date.
Bill Oddie is a visitor-you never know, we might bump into him!

2-Thursley Common. Somewhere I've promised myself to visit in any case. It's apparently one of the best sites for odonates in the country. Think Steve might be interested in that one!

I'll find out some more details and attach it to this thread.

The trouble with this time of year, and I'm not trying to make up excuses here, is that folk get so involved and busy sorting out Xmas plans(who's going to be where and with whom etc) that the calendar gets a bit crammed. I know through my point of view , things are a little hectic as we are seeing our eldest son off to the Falklands at the weekend for half a year with the forces. We're expecting our daughter home from uni for 2 days and the youngest is busy getting a place sorted for his uni life. I'm off in the middle for a 3 day residential course so it's nuts here!

I'm sure as this hectic season passes, there'll be lots of interest in meetings John. I can't wait to meet the site's grandest birding icon..YOU!
I'm going to pick your brains like a woodpecker too so watch it!

All the best,

Julie

John · #14 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 05:59 AM

Hi Julie

I too have a good contact at Rainham and used him last January to go and see the three Penduline Tits that took up residence for a while. I also used him to get to see the Sociable Plover that was there. A site with plenty of potential and one I could use as a stepping stone to do the North Kent sites the next day. Good suggestion as I am sure that there are quite a few members in your area.

Thursley is a lovely reserve. I used to go there for the Dartford Warblers and I once had 40 Crossbills there that landed on a small tree less than twenty feet from me.

I take your point about being busy but (and don't take this the wrong way) if people have time to respond to any threads (as you have done to this one) then they have time to respond to this thread. After all we are only looking to see if anyone is interested in meets to start with. Actually arranging meets will come later. If we can't get interest now then what sort of interest will there be when meets are actually arranged.

Remember I have already had two failed meets (regarding numbers attending) so I am a bit aprehensive whether this will work. It's up to the members to prove me wrong.

BTW I'm sure we will meet at sometime, as long as a meeting is arranged in your area that I can attend.

John

Oscar2006 · #15 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 07:11 AM

Hi John, I pm'd Fourwings to keep me posted regarding your outings, but I'll have my pennyworth here as well.
I'm very interested in the Farnes idea,

also Woodwalton & Wicken Fen (Never been to Woodwalton, and it's been a very long time since I visited the other two sites)
I would be interested in other places if, as and when time allows.
I have the same problems that you have organising meetings, as I do this for my County ornithological society.
My plan is to go where I fancy and anybody who wants to come along phones/emails me.
That way I do not feel that my time is wasted if there is little response.

scroll to the bottom of the page at the link below for my 2007 itinerary

About LROS

Susie · #16 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 07:43 AM

It isn't apathy, John! I would like to be involved but my house move (or lack of it) is taking up my time at the moment. I simply don't know where I am going to be in a few weeks' time - London or West Sussex - so cannot commit myself to anything at the moment.

I organise meetings on another forum and it can be quite random how many people attend - it just depends on their personal circumstances at the time.

I would like to be involved in WAB meetings in the future but I doubt that I will be able to attend any this year. Next year is a definite though and I would be quite happy to organise meets in my area then.

John · #17 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 07:56 AM

Hi Oscar

I have never been to Woodwalton either so am looking forward to a meet there. I know Steve wants a meet there so we will work on a date to include for the meeting calendar.

With the success of last years Wicken Fen meet it would be foolish to not organise another one so that would seem another inclusion into the diary, obviously date still to be determined.

The Farne's seem another one that a few people would like to attend so this is another one that would seem a certainty.

Bempton is another popular choice and I would have thought that Minsmere would be another, especially the latter where you can spend all day there (including Dunwich Heath) and possibly still not see all of it. I know a couple of the volunteer wardens there and I could ask them to help out.

I could organise the odd meet here in the Midlands but to be honest coastal sites seem to win out most times because of the variety of birds you can find.

I have looked at that web site of yours a few times, seeing as I live in a neighbouring county. I have close connections with a few Leicestershire birders, especially Steve Lister (who I think has been asked to become Leicestershire's next county recorder), and Eyebrook is my favourite Leicerstershire site.

John

John · #18 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susie

It isn't apathy, John! I would like to be involved but my house move (or lack of it) is taking up my time at the moment. I simply don't know where I am going to be in a few weeks' time - London or West Sussex - so cannot commit myself to anything at the moment.

I organise meetings on another forum and it can be quite random how many people attend - it just depends on their personal circumstances at the time.

I would like to be involved in WAB meetings in the future but I doubt that I will be able to attend any this year. Next year is a definite though and I would be quite happy to organise meets in my area then.

Hi Susie

We are not looking to organise meets for the remainder of this year as it is too tight a schedule to work with. Next year is what we are planning for and a few of us are getting together to discuss various ideas (some of which are in the reply before this).

Basically we are hoping members will put forward their ideas for not only general meets, (where members can come from near or far) but also local meets where any local WAB members can get together. This will help build a local WAB community of friends. The web is great to meet people but it is not face to face. This way you will get to meet new friends and possibly form a body of people that can meet up occasionally through the year.

John

Susie · #19 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 08:23 AM

Ahhhhh, gotcha.

Well, I would definitely suggest a meet at Denbies Hillside, nr Dorking, Surrey, for butterflies (in particular Adonis Blues) next summer. Also one to Ruislip Woods, Middx, for butterflies (in particular Heath Fritillaries).

Rainbowmum · #20 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 08:40 AM

I think if a meet was organised in a certain place and posted on here then people may well say they will attend.
I am on a limited budget so could only get to stuff if it was in the North West ie. not too far from me but I'd love to meet other WAB'ers. I plan on doing a bird fair or two next year and will put on here where and when.

speckled wood · #21 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainbowmum

I plan on doing a bird fair or two next year and will put on here where and when.

It might also be worth looking at trying a stall at a car boot sale, I have seen people selling wildlife drawings, paintings and the like and seemingly doing quite well.might be that you can get some ideas for drawings from pictures on the gallery.

Drawing is a skill that I tried once but ended after a motorist caused me to eject from my bicycle and damage my hand.

smartie · #22 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 10:40 AM

Sorry for not responding earlier, John. Not apathetic, would love to join in with meetings within a reasonable driving distance. You've already suggested most of the places I'd have recommended in my area. I'd also support Julie's suggestion of Rainham Marshes.

RogerTheCat · #23 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 12:49 PM

I would be interested in meeting but most of the meets are to far away as I live in torquay, Devon. I more local meeting would be ideal for me, although it would need to be on a weekend. Two friends of mine who are WABers but have not posted in a while would also be interested in attending. So that adds another 3 for Devon