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ex-member Raikey

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Sep 4, 2010
2,971
3
- I work every weekend and trying to get time off when you're on the managers "Fave workers list who does his job" is bloody hard.


ha , i,m a manager and tell certain staff they are my "favourites"

It makes it so much harder for them to say no to weekend working ;-)
 

DaveBromley

Full Member
May 17, 2010
2,502
0
40
Manchester, England
just been on my first meet and couldn't agree with the OP more. I had more than a few trepidations about meeting a lot of new people that i had never even chatted with on here, but to my relief from the moment i turned up to the moment i left i was made to feel welcome and almost like part of a family.

I spoke to everyone who attended as a group and on their own as well, I listened to stories of previous meets and other fun times and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

And without reading this thread at the end of the meet whilst talking with Spikey, Wayland and Clive i uttered the words "when's the next one?"

Thanks to all

Dave
 

ArkAngel

Native
May 16, 2006
1,201
22
50
North Yorkshire
I suppose it's that "first meet on my own" thing.

Once you've met a few folks then it seems less scary but to take that first step it seems daunting.

I have most of the stuff needed for a basic meet (tent, stove etc) apart from a ground mat which i am working on.

Despite a few medical issues i really should try to get to one.
 
Yet again Wayland, you put things so eloquently when wording things, I couldn't agree more. Do you fancy doing the advertising for the Bushcrafters of Cambridgeshire, :You_Rock_ being only established for a year now we could do with a boost in numbers. We have a few new faces but by the main, its the usual members attending.

Talking of advertising.. heres our thread Cambridgeshire :rolleyes:

So don't be afraid guys and girls, were all such a diverse cross section of society, from complete novices to.. well.. mediocre stick pokers!

People don't get belittled for having too little kit either!! You will just be seen as 'more hardcore' than the others who bring everything their 4x4 can carry including the kitchen sink! Not many would be 'hard' enough to attend with just a carrier bag to sleep under and a blunt butter knife to cook with! :p (do dress warmly though if you do!)

And if you do fancy socialising (which isn't a requirement) the chatter is not just about Bushcraft. It can range from history to politics to.. well.. whatever you fancy chatting about while out in the fresh air, enjoying good food and a camp fire!

Check the Calendar under the BCUK logo for all the upcoming meets!
 

Eric_Methven

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Apr 20, 2005
3,600
42
73
Durham City, County Durham
Well that brought back some memories (the meet at Sandbender's place). My first meet also.
I haven't managed to get to any sort of meet for - blimey, it'll be nearly 3 years now - how time flies.
Anyway, health issues and financial problems plus the lack of transport kept me indoors most of the time.
The good news is, I hit 60 next week so not only do I get my bus pass, but I have a pension lump sum due so the plan is to buy a car and get out to some meets.
I only hope I can afford the diesel.

Thanks for stimulating the old memory Mary with those photos.

Eric
 

Grendel

Settler
Mar 20, 2011
762
1
Southampton
I’m very tempted to go to a meet but have not camped out for a few years and not sure how my knackered shoulder and arthritic knee would cope with sleeping on the hard ground. Also the whole crapping outside gives me concerns since I would be paranoid some walker would pass you by. If I had a meet near to where I live I would be more in my comfort zone so if it did go pear shape or I had equipment failure I could at least return home easily.

Basically it’s the fear of the unknown for me.
 
Feb 6, 2011
321
0
none
Hi Grendel , forgive me but hopefully i can put your mind at rest , i have a site on Dartmoor , which a meet is organised for 27th - 30th May , and 2 members are coming from Southampton , i have , an elsan toilet in its own tent , so thats the crapping dealt with ! i also have a variety of , quality sleep mats , memory foam even proper mattresses ! so your aches and pains would not be an issue , these meets are brilliant , regardless of gender , ability , age , knowledge , i have only been involved with the bushcraft scene for a short time , and have found everybody to be friendly ,helpful and prepared to share their knowledge . You would be more than welcome to come and enjoy .

atb Ivan...

ps if you look under meetings and gatherings, Dartmoor at Ivans , you can see how the last one went !!
 

Grendel

Settler
Mar 20, 2011
762
1
Southampton
Hi Ivan

One of the chaps from Southampton told me about that meet unfortunately I’m in the process of change of job/career so have no idea what I’m doing weekend wise for the next few months. But will definitely keep it in mind.

Regards

Ian
 
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Grendel

Settler
Mar 20, 2011
762
1
Southampton
Just a quick question. I'm organising a Hampshire meet in July hopefully and wandered what is the maximum amount of people I go up to?

I was thinking between 10-15 people but never done one before so have no idea how many is too many.
 
Feb 6, 2011
321
0
none
Hi Grendel, my first proper meet had 29 come , and before hand i was worried like you , but i have found bushcrafters are a responsible bunch , and pretty much look after themselves , as southey said depends who owns the site , whether the owner has done it before , so he knows what to expect , you dont have to feel responsible for those that come , but it is natural if you are going to host as it were , the only other thing to be aware of is parking . hope this helps , any other questions feel free to ask bud.

atb

Ivan..
 

Grendel

Settler
Mar 20, 2011
762
1
Southampton
Thanks guys.
The site is an Airsoft site I used to play at MANY years ago. It has parking and will have 2 chemical loos but that’s about it. No water there. Also it's going to be £200 for the Sat-Sun rent so having more will reduce the cost per person but then I don’t want too many so we up tripping over each other. I’m hoping to get a few seasoned Bushcraft people along since I’m totally new to it and haven’t a clue if I’m honest.

I’ll contact the site owner to see what is the maximum number he will allow then take it from there.
 

Retired Member southey

M.A.B (Mad About Bushcraft)
Jun 4, 2006
11,098
13
your house!
Sorry what I meant by feeling responsible was just about making a good impression with the site owner for future meets, of course you don't need to worry about peeps safety and stuff, after all your just kind of saying , I'm off for a camp, fancy coming along, then you just have a whip round to ensure the site is as it was found or better if possible. I reckon you wouldn't have much problem covering the cost once you get up and running regular meets.
 

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