An Evening with Ray Mears

[THOaken]

I found out a couple of days ago that Ray is hosting an event in Edinburgh to coincide with Woodlore's 30th anniversary. I've never seen Ray in real life before, so I'm pretty excited about that, but I have a few concerns... I think I read a few posts here which described this event as a boring sales pitch about his new biography. That's what's stopping me from buying the tickets just yet. That and the curious feeling that it might be one of those don't meet your heroes situations. To clarify, however, Ray isn't my hero and I don't idolize him like certain people do...

Has anyone seen his show and did you find it enjoyable?

 

[Man of Tanith]

Saw him a few yrs ago.
Got to say was very enjoyable and interesting
And met him afterwards and he seems a nice guy.
Buy the ticket and go along is my advice

 

[Shewie]

He's not in Leeds until the end of next month, but yeah I'm going, looking forward to it

 

[dwardo]

Saw him a few yrs ago.
Got to say was very enjoyable and interesting
And met him afterwards and he seems a nice guy.
Buy the ticket and go along is my advice

+1 I enjoyed his talk in Liverpool.

 

[Stringmaker]

I've met him, and indeed have been photographed by him.

He was complimentary about my basic bow drill technique so he's okay by me

I'm going to his Colchester talk and am looking forward to it. Of course he is plugging his book, that is what the tour is about. From what I've learned about his life so far it should be an intersting evening.

 

[THOaken]

Of course he is plugging his book, that is what the tour is about. From what I've learned about his life so far it should be an intersting evening.

This I know. I wasn't saying I would be bored to hear his pitch about his book, I just remember someone saying it wasn't what they expected. I'll need to find the real quote.

 

[Tony]

Don't worry about finding the quote, nearly everyone that goes to these things with Ray enjoys them so I don't think you're risking much at all, he's been doing them for quite a few years now and it's fair to say it's well worth it.

 

[Stringmaker]

This I know. I wasn't saying I would be bored to hear his pitch about his book, I just remember someone saying it wasn't what they expected. I'll need to find the real quote.

I know that was what you meant; it's tricky to imply the right meaning in writing sometimes.

 

[Ecoman]

I saw him when he visited Aberdeen last year. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him tell some of his stories and speak about his ethics. I would go and see him again in a heart beat. very enjoyable evening.

Oh but don't ask him to comment on Bear Grylls or Lofty Wiseman....No in fact do.....his and the audiences responses are quite funny!

 

[tamoko]

I think I read a few posts here which described this event as a boring sales pitch about his new biography.

Own experience is often different from other people's opinions.

 

[ADz-1983]

He's not in Leeds until the end of next month, but yeah I'm going, looking forward to it

Same here, Going on the 27th and really looking forward to it

 

[blacktimberwolf]

I've heard him 'plugging ' his bio. on the rardio ......he didn't over do it like some I could mention the book only has a limited audience anyway & I guess the guy is intellegent enough to realise that most folk potentially interested in him, know about it already.
I find him interesting to listen to ( on the media, never seen him in the flesh) even about things non-bushcrafty & his quiet, layed back approach is rather pleasant in this present age where TV personanalities seem to believe that coming across as a hyper-active neurotic is the only way to reach modern audiences.

At least if you do go , you can not only say you have seen the chap for real but also make up your own mind about him rather than having your opinions influenced by others.

 

[mountainm]

Same here, Going on the 27th and really looking forward to it

Ditto - I believe we have the front row all to BCUK.

 

[Perrari]

Saw him a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[udamiano]

Just remember not to ask him if he prefers Scandi grinds, or goes on forums

 

[HillBill]

Me n Rach too all being well.

He's not in Leeds until the end of next month, but yeah I'm going, looking forward to it

 

[andybysea]

Off to the Edinburgh one myself with a mate and my brother(infact making a weekend of it as we have the better halves with us so they can shop whilst we watch the show and have the odd beer)

 

[Stringmaker]

I'm reading his bio at the moment and it is a great read.

 

[ReamviThantos]

Also went to tour date couple of years ago and it was very enjoyable. Met Mr Mears on one of the Woodlore courses and was very impressed by his knowledge. Thoroughly recommended.

 

[Man of Tanith]

Could someone ask him when the field craft and carving books he's writing are actually gonna be printed?