Just a thougth...

16011996

If you're going to have a frugal meet, why not rent a cottage out of season (presumably you're talking about the New Year sometime anyway). People that love cooking could perhaps cook some of those lovely recipes and there'd be no shortage of cleaning up tips so the cottage would be spotless, and it would be loads cheaper than eg. B & B for an overnight stay.

There must be some pretty place in the Midlands to meet up?

P.S. Caterina - I'm in S.Wales - which is nearer than S.Yorkshire for you - did you forget about Wales?!!

THATS A GREAT IDEA FRAN. SORRY I'M SHOUTING BUT I CANT GET CAPS LOCK OFF. ;D

Galtizz

There must be some pretty place in the Midlands to meet up?

You've never been have you? ;D ;D ;D

Only joking, there are some lovely little villages in the Derbyshire (but then I'm biased, I'm from Derby)

Fran

You've never been have you? ;D ;D ;D

I know the M42 very well!
:P ::)

I once went on a canal boat around the Birmingham area and was really surprised the nice countryside that you don't see from the road. (That's not a suggestion just a comment!)

Galtizz

I know what you mean, I live in an old victorian industrial town near old mills and factories and modern industrial estates but there is a canal that runs near my house and it's really suprising how much countryside there is round it.

Bogof_Babe

I am in Hereford (West Midlands, not far from Cardiff Fran ) and could get to anywhere that is within two hours and max one change on the train - any more complicated than that and I panic!

Hereford is actually very pretty, if I might "play host" (well not literally, the hubby might have something to say! ). There are holiday cottages around, which I'd have to research, and the local Travel Lodge is about £45 a night.

(For "host" read hostess - but I expect the Babe in my login name is a bit of a giveaway - it is also a total lie as I won't see 50 again! Young at heart though ;D).

16011996

that would be about my limit to as far as i could go, had a quick squizz and at present thats about 3 and a half hour train journey, with one change, so would go for staying over, if others were.

VickyA_2

I'm near Cambridge, so anywhere would suit me...... if I'm allowed to come.

Caterina

Fran,

I would be delighted to go to Cardiff - but I was thinking more of how would other people travel down there from say, the Highlands of Scotland (Cathy) or north places, that's why I was thinking more of a mid-point in England.

I can do Cardiff and back in one day no problem.

Your idea of an out-of-season cottage is also very good but it would take a lot of organisation, get the numbers right etc. How about a place like a Butlins or some other caravan park?

Caterina

Fran

I wasn't suggesting Cardiff Caterina! Just mentioning that you'd mentioned Yorkshire and Bristol but not Wales!

I think central would be a good idea too- Coventry's meant to be the central point isn't it? Or somewhere around there? But Hereford would be fine except maybe a bit far for some? Please NOT caravans, they're not even warm by Easter time... :-/ The Landmark Trust have lovely buildings but I'm not sure where they have places - reasonable prices I think - but on their website it appears you have to BUY their guide to see where the places are :-/ - anyone got a copy?

Chris25

Birmingham area might be good as trains from most regions go there, also some express trains which may make long journeys easier.