Hiya,
If you've read the other threads, you'll have noticed that I talk a lot about meets. Nano-veterans will know what I mean by these, but for our newcomers, I thought a brief explanation would be in order:
There are two main types of meet: Social gatherings and Write-Ins.
The Social gatherings consist of: A Kick-Off Party, a weekly relaxation meet, and the all important Thank God It's Over party. They involve people sitting around, talking, drinking and basically having fun and relaxing -something that you'll come to realise is very important during Nanowrimo. :-)
The Write-Ins are exactly what they say on the tin! They're times when we get together to write. We tend to have a very relaxed attitude to all our meets and there's always a small amount of chatter at these things but the emphasis is on writing, so if you aren't planning on writing, please be prepared for someone to ask you to move to a separate table where you can carry on your conversation without disturbing those wanting to get their quota for the day.
Apart from the TGIO. all of the meets run on a 'drop-in' basis. We'll give you a start time and an end time and we (the MLs) guarantee that there will be someone there between those times, so feel free to arrive and/or leave at any point. You are not expected to stay for the entire duration of the meet, unless you want to. Usually both the MLs will be there but occasionally something comes up and one of us won't be able to make it. In the unlikely event of neither of us being able to make it, someone will post on the forum to warn you beforehand, so check the forum before you leave for the meet. If this does happen, you're more than welcome to still go to the meet (our presence isn't essential to these things after all), it's just that if no-one else turns up, you might be there on your own. :-( It's unlikely but it does happen.
For a full list of the meets for this year, please click on the link to the regional calendar at the top of the forum. If you can't get onto the calendar let me know and I'll try to figure out what went wrong.
Returning Wrimos will notice that this year's calendar is very similar to last year's. Last year seemed to work very well, with a lot of people able to make it to one or more meets a week, so we've decided to do the same again.
I realise that there will still be some of you who would like to come to a meet but are unable to make any of the official ones, particularly those people who live a long way from Cambridge and can't get into the city. I apologise for this in advance, but unfortunately we can only organise 'official' meets for times when at least one of the MLs can make it. There is no reason, however, why you can't organise your own meets at a time and place to suit yourself (even if they overlap with ones we've already organised.) If you want to do exactly that, let myself or sniglet know and we'll add it to the regional calendar. The only thing we ask is that if you organise a meet, that *you show up*, as there's no guarantee that we'll be able to.
As this post is getting rather long, I'll post a reply with directions to all the venues straight after this.
----------
*Hugs*
Lottie
107,359 / 50,000
Sep 29, 2008 - 12 15
CB2
This is our most popular venue for Write-Ins (mainly because they're *very* used to people sitting for hours with a laptop open in front of them looking blank. The bistro is situated on Norfolk Street, right next to East Road. Here it is on streetmap:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=546106&y=258406&z=0&sv=CB1+2LD&s...
We'll be upstairs. Go up the stairs to the left of the bar (the stairs are right in front of you when you go in the front door). When you get to the top, turn right and walk along the bar to the steps of the mezzanine level. We've requested the table right at the back of the mezzanine in order to cut down on distractions from people walking past. We'll have a Nanowrimo table tent with us so should be easily identifiable, even if we have to move to a different table, which occasionally happens.
Le Gros Franck
Our venue for Monday Write-Ins aimed at those working in the Station-Hills Road-Trumpington Road area (but open to all of course). It's on Hills Road, very close to the end of Station Road. If coming by train (or bus) walk to the end of Station Road and, with the war memorial in front of you, turn right. The cafe is approximately four doors down on the right. We'll be downstairs, probably opposite the bottom of the stairs as that's where the available plug is. Here's a map:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=545757&y=257381&z=0&sv=CB2+1NT&s...
Clowns
Our final Write-In venue for those closer to the North and West of the city. If you have a fear of clowns (like me) you may find the decor a little scary (although as I'm writing horror this year I'm hoping to use it to my advantage). It's on King Street and the best way to find it is to go to Waterstones in town (I'll presume you'll know where that is) walk all the way through and out the back door onto Hobson Street, turn left and follow the road round until you get to King Street. The cafe's on the right. Here's a map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=545235&y=258689&z=0&sv=CB1+1LN&s...
Lastly:
The Cambridge Blue
Our favourite haunt for our relaxation socials and the Kick-Off party
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=546267&y=258239&z=0&sv=CB1+2LG&s...
It's about ten minutes walk from the station. If you're coming out of the station, turn right and walk through the station car-park to the end of the cycle bridge (you'll know what I mean when you see it). Don't go over the bridge, just walk by the steps up to it and onto Devonshire road instead (the steps will be on your left). Turn right and walk along to Mill Road (Devonshire Road ends in a crossroads here.) Turn left and walk up to another crossroads, this one with traffic lights on. There's a couple of cash machines here so if you need any cash, it's a good place. :-) Cross Mill Road here and continue straight down the sidestreet. This is Gwydir Street. There's a car park on your right which is normally pretty quiet in the evenings so if you are driving it's a good place to park. The pub is about five minutes walk down Gwydir Street on the left.
For the Kick-Off Party, go in the door and turn right. We'll be at the big table just behind the small bar on the left (you won't be able to miss us)
For the other social meets, go in the door and turn left. Walk past the main bar on the right and through into the conservatory. Turn right immediately. We have booked the table just outside the kitchen for these meets. Again, there'll be a big sign saying Nanowrimo, so you'll know straight away that it's us.
With regard to the Write-Ins, I normally remember to bring along a multiplug extension lead so don't worry about having to plug your laptop in - we haven't had a problem with power yet, so hopefully it won't be a problem this time either.
I think that's it. Any questions about any of this, don't be afraid to speak up. :-)
Hope to see some of you there! :-)
0 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 07 29
Probably being stupid, but when I click on the calendar link, it comes up with:
Parameter Error
Invalid calendar id: cambridge_england@nanowrimo.org
66,126 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 08 30
Uhh... where is this calendar link? I can't even find it.
0 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 11 38
Hi Valerie, if you go to: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/280
...then there should be a link at the top, just below "Providing friendship and support for all Cambridgeshire Wrimos, although those from further afield are welcome too, :-)"
107,359 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 13 45
Hiya,
BD is quite right, the text in red just above the list of topics is a link to the calendar.
Sorry that it went off line for a while, that's my fault. They've disabled the old nanowrimo e-mail address which I used to set it up so I had to change the e-mail address earlier today, unfortunately that mucked up the link for some reason. I've reset it now so it should be working again. If not, let me know and I'll try and find out what I've done wrong this time. :-)
56,434 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2008 - 05 23
Of Course, one essential or meets is the ability to tell the time - or at least read the correct time posted. Anyone getting down to CB2 early this afternoon will find me already here, on my lonesome,.... :-(
50,702 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2008 - 09 59
Hi,
I'm hoping to get to some of the social meets - although I live close to Cambridge I don't know it well! I hope I don't get lost and end up driving around all night! LOL!
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 14 31
I'm hoping to get to some of the social meets - although I live close to Cambridge I don't know it well! I hope I don't get lost and end up driving around all night! LOL!
Yay! We'll look forward to seeing you then! Look out for the bright yellow t-shirt and Nano signs on the table. Note that I won't actually be *wearing* the t-shirt, it'll be draped somewhere in view.
:-)
*Hugs*
Lottie
ML for Europe::England:: Cambridge
http://www.nanowrimo.org/mlcontact
2005: Dreaming of Jack - 83k+; 2006: An Ordinary World - 84k+; 2007: Rising Angels, Falling Apes - 121k; 2008 - White Shadows - ??.
56,434 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 08 30
Hi, to those at CB2 tonight. No, i didn't arrive 2 hours early again and then go off in huff because I felt neglected.
I am, instead, taking myself, my nose, and a large box of tissues home, to sit in front of the fire and sniff and possibly consume a glass or two of something warming. Hope to see you saturday. Have a good write-in.
Rik
138,771 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 13 39
Those of you planning to come to the Friday lunchtime meets at Clowns (which you most definitely should of course!) please note: Clowns is *CASH ONLY*!
Bit of a nasty shock to be denied your lovely coffee & lasagne feast due to trying to barter with plastic, so you'll probably want to remember to hit the ATM beforehand....
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 14 31
I am, instead, taking myself, my nose, and a large box of tissues home, to sit in front of the fire and sniff and possibly consume a glass or two of something warming. Hope to see you saturday. Have a good write-in.
Rik
We missed you. Hope you're feeling better soon. :-)
*Hugs*
Lottie
ML for Europe::England:: Cambridge
http://www.nanowrimo.org/mlcontact
2005: Dreaming of Jack - 83k+; 2006: An Ordinary World - 84k+; 2007: Rising Angels, Falling Apes - 121k; 2008 - White Shadows - ??.
53,425 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 16 48
Bit of a nasty shock to be denied your lovely coffee & lasagne feast due to trying to barter with plastic, so you'll probably want to remember to hit the ATM beforehand....
Due to a complete attack of silliness on my behalf my memory reminded me that I can't make Saturday's meet (I will in fact be in or near Wokingham at the time) so I will actually try to be at the Clowns one instead - happily I can flexi-time at work and I'm already owed one hour this week so I will simply extend my lunchbreak as suits and should be there tomorrow, sometime after 12 I reckon.
50,702 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2008 - 14 57
Sorry that I missed the first Wed night meet - had to work late! I never have to work late on Wednesdays!
It's a conspiracy! November is becoming ridiculously busy for me! Price of having two jobs I suppose!
I shall be there come hell or high water next Wed! I shall keep an eye out for the artfully draped yellow t-shirt! LOL!
52,244 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2008 - 05 41
... so, did write-ins used to start at 2PM? Because I only just realised that it started at 11 today, even though my brain claimed it was at two.
Anyone still there (and planning to sit for a while)? :)
I'll reset my brain for next Sunday. Or for one of the virtual write-ins... um, whatever they are. :P
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2008 - 06 02
Anyone still there (and planning to sit for a while)? :)
I'll reset my brain for next Sunday. Or for one of the virtual write-ins... um, whatever they are. :P
Nope, on a Saturday they've always started at 11am I'm afraid. Sunday's they're 3-6pm.
I have to leave soon because I have to go into work for a couple of hours. I've asked around and it looks like everyone else is planning on leaving soon too. :(
There'll probably be one or two people around on the chat room off and on for the rest of the day though, and tomorrow too so feel free to call in there.
Welcome back, by the way. :)
*Hugs*
Lottie
ML for Europe::England:: Cambridge
http://www.nanowrimo.org/mlcontact
2005: Dreaming of Jack - 83k+; 2006: An Ordinary World - 84k+; 2007: Rising Angels, Falling Apes - 121k; 2008 - White Shadows - ??.
10,010 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2008 - 01 31
I won't be at Gros Frank today, I'm afraid - serious attack of work. :-(
50,120 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2008 - 02 32
Hi guys
I will be at Le Gros Franck at lunchtime, barring disasters! My friend Zohra who is up in Cambridge for a gig tonight at the Corn Exchange may be joining us too.
Becks
53,425 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2008 - 03 16
I am eagerly anticipating blowing up one of my characters over lunch and should be over the road in Gros Franck, however the office did go completely offline over the weekend so I will be restricted to just a short break there.
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2008 - 03 56
Hi all,
Just a quick reminder that there isn't a Write-In at CB2 this evening. Unfortunately the whole of the upstairs has been booked for a private party. :(
So, we'll all be in the chat room instead (check out the chat room thread for a link) so if you need some lively interaction with other Wrimos this evening (and the odd word war or three) feel free to show up there any time from 5pm. :)
53,425 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2008 - 05 04
Due to rather spectacular planning or lack thereof (again) I may not make it to the pub tonight, so I expect you all to pick up the slack for me not there by drinking slightly more than usual. Due to it being the cold season, said drink is permitted to be of the hot variety - so tea, hot chocolate, coffee, whiskey, etc.
PS: look at my shiny palindromic word count, isn't it shiny? Doesn't it distract you from the fact that I'm really quite slow? Yes it does, go back to sleep!
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2008 - 07 26
You mean...you have other friends!! :o
You'll just have to drink twice as much next week, to make up for it.
PS: look at my shiny palindromic word count, isn't it shiny? Doesn't it distract you from the fact that I'm really quite slow? Yes it does, go back to sleep!
You do realise that in order for this to continue to make sense, you'll have to either never update your word count again (in which case you'll have to live with our scorn and derision for the rest of your days) or you'll only be able to update palindromes from this day onwards!
*Hugs*
Lottie
ML for Europe::England:: Cambridge
http://www.nanowrimo.org/mlcontact
2005: Dreaming of Jack - 83k+; 2006: An Ordinary World - 84k+; 2007: Rising Angels, Falling Apes - 121k; 2008 - White Shadows - ??.
50,702 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2008 - 08 30
Ok! I'm sorted!
No work tonight. Use of sat-nav so won't drive round Cambridge all night trying to find you!
Look out people - Mabel is on her way (well not just yet - obviously cos I'd be there before anyone else which would just be daft - but you know what I mean!)
Sorry - I babble when nervous!
:)
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2008 - 09 21
Look out people - Mabel is on her way
Yay! We'll look forward to seeing you there. :)
*Hugs*
Lottie
ML for Europe::England:: Cambridge
http://www.nanowrimo.org/mlcontact
2005: Dreaming of Jack - 83k+; 2006: An Ordinary World - 84k+; 2007: Rising Angels, Falling Apes - 121k; 2008 - White Shadows - ??.
50,702 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2008 - 15 54
Yay! I made it!
Nice to meet you all :) Hope to be able to stay longer next time :)
50,044 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2008 - 11 24
Oh no... been ill so i've missed the last few meets... word count's slipping.
Hope to make Monday at Francks and get those words back up.
50,012 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2008 - 12 04
I don't think I am going to make any AND I am about 3 days behind on the writing! Hopefully I can catch up some more tomorrow.
50,096 / 50,000
Nov 16, 2008 - 06 24
Oh... It's nice and warm in my house and horrible and drizzly out there. I think I'll dig myself a writing trench here for today but I will be with you in spirit, those in CB2!
I do hope to make a write in some time before the end of the month.
Keep scribbling folks.
Elaine
64,050 / 50,000
Nov 18, 2008 - 08 19
Having said I'll be at CB2, I'm afraid I'm going to go home and camp out with the hot ribena and box of Kleenex instead. I would have loved to go, but doubt anyone's thinking their schedule could use a dose of my bacilli right now.
As soon as I stopped writing frenetically, I got sick. Let this be a lesson to us all.
50,120 / 50,000
Nov 19, 2008 - 08 30
Sadly I have been struck down by the lurgey too and won't be able to make it tonight :(
The irony is I was meant to be having a flu jab this Friday! Grr.
107,359 / 50,000
Nov 20, 2008 - 02 55
Sorry to see so many people being struck down by the lurgy this week. I hope you're all feeling better soon.
{Except elyoda of course, but that goes without saying. :) }
Just a reminder that there ISN'T a meet at CB2 today. It was already booked again.
There'll be a virtual, on-line meet instead in the chat room so feel free to come and join us in there from 5pm onwards.