TIBB Convention

[Sticks]

I thought I would carry this on from the Nice to meet you at last !!!!!!!!! (http://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2049) thread.

If we want to make this work, Janette needs numbers to establish the feasibility of this project. So can you U2U her if you want to come.

Go on, go on, go on go on GO ON :thumbs:

The idea is to hold it in the Manchester area, my suggestion is Bury as it is easy to get to on the Metro link from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. (Well as I lived their for 11 years I need a good excuse to see it again :hugesmile: )

I did wonder, instead of a party on one night, would it be possible to extend it to a weekend convention - that way we could tour the local area as well.

Have seminars on internet & BB related issues with guest speakers. Proper catering, maybe a deal on the accomodation, possibly

This could be an annual event going around the country.

It could even be held here in Tyneside one year :hugesmile:

But for them moment we need to get the first one off the go.

So let Janette know if you can make it ASAP

We have just about 2 1/2 months to Nov 2

Lets go for it!

[Princess Pink Pants]

Originally posted by Sticks
would it be possible to extend it to a weekend convention

Then I definitely, definitely could'nt afford it!!!


that way we could tour the local area as well

How about touring the local nightclubs instead? Lol!


This could be an annual event going around the country

Yeah then we could have it waaaaay down south once & I'd be able to afford it!

[Janette]

Ok, Sticks and I have had a long conflab and we have worked out some finer points.


If enough people are interested, then I can arrange accommodation for roughly £10 a night, and I have provisionally got a venue as well!


U2U me if you want to come
:colour: :colour: :colour: :colour: :colour: :colour:

[Sticks]

Absolutely

If we can turn this into a TiBB weekend, then you can get a chance to see one of the oldest outdoor markets, sample the Bury Black Pudding and take a trip on the East Lancashire Railway (http://www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk)

See the link on Bury MBC (http://www.bury.gov.uk/bury/index.asp)

If this is successful, maybe we could hold it in another stomping ground of mine, Bromley in Kent :colour:

Remember U2U Janette today and let her know if you can come

[kaphc]

By November 2nd, I will be almost 7 months pregnant, so I don't think I will feel like travelling up to Manchester by then.

:bawling: :bawling:

You'll all have to have a drink for me though!

:xyxwave: :xyxwave:

[BusyBee]

A week-end type convention sounds great to me. Make the journey worthwhile. I have done a bit of checking around and for anyone who is worried about the cost of getting there, if you go by train and book in advance tickets cost about half price. In fact from Bristol its even cheaper than National Express and obviously much quicker. Would be lovely to meet as many of possible of the fellow obsessives who haunt this forum. :wavey: :wavey:

[Princess Pink Pants]

I looked up how much it would be by train and its still waaay too expensive!

[Princess Pink Pants]

Originally posted by Sticks
If we can turn this into a TiBB weekend, then you can get a chance to see one of the oldest outdoor markets, sample the Bury Black Pudding and take a trip on the East Lancashire Railway

Suddenly Im not quite so gutted that I cant go! :sleep: :sleep:

[Sticks]

Originally posted by Princess Pink Pants
Suddenly Im not quite so gutted that I cant go! :sleep: :sleep:

Oi! :nono:

What is wrong with the culture of the North West

Especially the food of the region has lots of interesting cultural history. Here in Newcastle upon Tyne we have the Stottie cakes, I will have to find one to image.

Meanwhile in terms of the traveling costs there is alway's National Express (http://www.gobycoach.com)

And as Busy Bee pointed out Apex tickets can cut the costs further.

So go on

Send Janette a U2U to let us know you are coming.

Go on, go on, go on go on GO ON :thumbs:

[Sticks]

As if to prove a point

Quote from the railway Newcastle to Manchester about £47.40

Quote on National express (Newcastle to Manchester) £23.00

If I just go to Manchester on the coach I get a better time of

Leave Newcastle 09:15 ----> Arrive Manchester 14:45 :hello:

The link to Bury will be via the Metro link

(Janette could you find out the cost of single and return tickets for Manchester to Bury :thumbs: )


As for accomodation, Thompson Local (http://www.thomweb.co.uk) on the net can give a good variety of Hotels for the Bury Area. Go to the home page select Hotels (or Guest Houses) and Bury. It will quibble which Bury, select Bury Lancashire.

It will then offer Hotels, Guest houses and Hostels as choices.

There are no Hostels :bawling:

There are 2 Guest Houses listed

But 21 hotels listed :dance:

Currently I am waiting for an official list from Bury MBC (http://www.bury.gov.uk) if they have prices I will post them up.

I am also waiting on details of the venue hire.

We will keep you posted.

Just U2U Janette to let us know you are coming.

All we have to do is thrash out the itinery for our TIBB weekend :dance: :thumbs: :xyxwave: :hello: :colour:

:flower:

[Sticks]

As promised the image of a stottie cake

I am afraid it is a relatively small one, as Glitter Babe may confirm.

Don't forget to U2U Janette to let us know you want to come to the TiBB convention

[Romantic Old Bird]

I thought we were going to Manchester.


I was going to ask Discolady if I could kip on her settee, and have her lovely OH sing me to sleep with a lullaby..................

[LEE]

We are going to Manchester ROB.

Bury is next door and Sticks is just getting a bit enthusiastic about his old stomping ground. :laugh:

:flower:

[peachy]

My U2U isn't working but I am interested in the idea of a convention. One day might be all I could manage though, but certainly count me in.

[Sticks]

Bury is part of Greater Manchester.

Just North of Manchester see attached map

It has decent food, a steam railway and was the home of Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the police force

[Janette]

The cost from Manchester to Bury is around £2.50 single, and at weekends I think a return ticket is only £3.50.

You can even have a full weekend ticket for around £5.00


Wherever we have this convention it is going to be fantastic, but it won't happen at all unless people let me know if they want to come. I can't book a venue because they want money up front, and i'm not prepared to do that until I have more interest!


To make this possible, I need to have a set of figures by 2nd September, that gives everyone two months to save up, and give me two months to try and set it all up.

[Maggie]

I have just got back from hols and have only just seen this :hello: you can count me in, :thumbs: I'v been on about this for quite some time :blush: I loved meeting the lovely friends I have made on this site, :joker: and had a wonderful birthday thanks to 3 of them :love: :love: :love:

One thing :dance: :laugh: :dance: how about some Karaoke lol :colour: :dazzler: :dazzler: :colour:
You should know what I'm like, I love Karaoke :blush:

[Princess Pink Pants]

What is wrong with the culture of the North West

Calm down Sticks Im only joking! When you were 18 Im sure you'd have found it boring as well!

Especially the food of the region has lots of interesting cultural history. Here in Newcastle upon Tyne we have the Stottie cakes, I will have to find one to image.

that doesnt interest me either, Im on a diet so dont tempt me!


I live in sussex so theres no way I'll be able to afford to travel to manchester, even by coach, so Im definitely not coming now, I have got £100 saved up but Im putting that straight towards another 18-30 holiday with my galpals next summer before I start uni!

[Maggie]

Maybe a lift with someone else who lives nearer to you ppp, have to check them out first though :thumbs:

[BusyBee]

Perhaps it would be possible to make a block booking for the night somewhere - surely we could get a discount. I am sure there must be somewhere in the area who would be honoured to accept a group of such well behaved, sensible, well brought up, well mannered people who are visiting the area for a cultural weekend!!!!!!

[Janette]

I did look into that Busybee, but unfortunately nowhere seems to do a discount. In fact it's more the opposite! they want non-refundable deposits on group bookings because if we didn't go then they would have loads of empty rooms!

I have, at this moment in time, got quite a few things in the pipeline so watch this space :thumbs:


We still need more numbers though, so U2U me if you want to come!

[splodge0]

May I suggest a Rural venue? Most smaller hotels have rooms more appropriate in size and are more willing to take a risk on a booking of some kind. There are many in the area between Manchester and, say, Warwick who I think would have easy access to train and motorway. :colour: :colour:

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[Sticks]

Originally posted by splodge0
May I suggest a Rural venue? Most smaller hotels have rooms more appropriate in size and are more willing to take a risk on a booking of some kind.

Bury is fairly rural if I remember correctly

Where we used to live, down the hill was a pig farm, and if the wind was in a certain direction ....... :hugesmile:

[Mark]

Originally posted by Sticks

Where we used to live, down the hill was a pig farm, and if the wind was in a certain direction ....... :hugesmile:

Thanks for that Sticks!

:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

- Mark :laugh:

[splodge0]

I'm not saying you do this deliberately, sticks, but you've missed the point, again.....! I was suggesting it might be easier and cheaper in a rural area :colour:

:colour: :colour: :colour:
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[Sticks]

Originally posted by splodge0
I'm not saying you do this deliberately, sticks, but you've missed the point, again.....! I was suggesting it might be easier and cheaper in a rural area :colour:


Actually I have made this point in support of the Bury option. Bury is a small to medium town north of Manchester, so costs will be cheaper than Manchester city centre.

[Janette]

Splodge, you've made a very good point, and because Bury is a bit further out than other places, I've decided that the convention will be nearer the city centre but still in a smaller area where accomodation is cheaper.


Things are running very smoothly at this end, but I still need more people.

Splodge, are you coming or were you just offering advice?

U2U me if you want to come!!!!!!!

[Romantic Old Bird]

how many are there Janette?

[Janette]

We only have about 17 definites so far, but I don't know if those people are bringing anyone with them, family and friends are more than welcome!


If possible, I need to know if you are coming, and how many people you are bringing if at all.


Remember, to make this work, I need a total figure by 2nd Sept so please everyone, let me know :colour:

[cc100]

Y DONT U GET SOMEONE FROM BB1/2/3 TO SPEAK THERE?

[BusyBee]

Just a suggestion perhaps we could invite Dean and all sit round singing Oasis songs from song sheets - oh the memories. Would be great to have a guest of some sort.

Also if anyone is stuck for accommodation, we have a very nice tent to sleep 6 in the attic - though on second thoughts might be a bit cold in November.

[BusyBee]

Further to my last posting - just had a thought. Perhaps we could invite someone from Endemol - then they could find out what the real BB fans thought of BB3. Could do with some audience research.

[Sticks]

So what is the state of play
How many of you will be signing up ?

[blinkinlovely]

Great idea - but it all depends upon the date /timing etc as term time starts next week for me (booooooooooo!)
I haven'y replied eariler by the way 'cos i didn't really find and notice the thread due to holiday /school prep stuff!

[Janette]

Thanks for replying Blinkinlovely :thumbs:

The date is definitely 2nd November, it's a Saturday night so that all our younger members can come.

The venue will be in Manchester, nice and central.

There will be a buffet laid on and entertainment for the night.

There is plenty of accommodation nearby for people wanting to stay over, which I'm sure many members will!

We are still in the early stages but I can assure you that this will be a great night and I hope as many as possible of you can come.



Any questions, just U2U me and I'll get straight back to you :thumbs:

[blinkinlovely]

Thanks for the info Janette - I will ned to consult my diary!

[Graeme]

I have found a list of accomodation in Manchester from a website I found on a search engine. -

LeisureHunt Hotels


Princess Hotel Ref:17181

Location: 101 Portland Street, Manchester
Price indication: Single room from £64 Double room from £75 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms,

Copthorne Hotel Manchester Ref:26604

Location: Clippers Quay, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £79 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms, Parking, Leisure facilities

Renaissance Manchester Ref:27138

Location: Blackfriars Street, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £95 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms, Parking,

Le Meridien Palace Ref:58643 Book online Map Details

Location: Oxford Street, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £99 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms,

Village Prestwich, North Manchester Ref:9060

Location: George Street, Bury New Road, Prestwich
Price indication: Single room from £74 Double room from £94 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms, Parking, Leisure facilities

Gardens Hotel Ref:17153

Location: 55 Piccadilly, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £108 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms,

Le Meridien Victoria & Albert Ref:74001

Location: Water Street, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £100 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms,

Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel Ref:76499

Location: PO Box 107, Piccadilly Plaza, Portland Street, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £95 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms, Leisure facilities

Novotel Manchester West Ref:76500

Location: Worsley Brow, Worsley, Worsley, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £65 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Children welcome, Non-Smoking rooms, Parking, Leisure facilities

Malmaison Manchester Ref:80024

Location: Piccadilly, Manchester
Price indication: Double room from £99 Grade:
Facilities: Ensuite Facilities, In-room TV, Non-Smoking rooms, Leisure facilities



I hope this is a help to some people who are struggling to find accomodation in Manchester.

Graeme :thumbs:

[Sticks]

I hope this is a help to some people who are struggling to find accomodation in Manchester.

Graeme :thumbs:


Those prices are a bit steep :shocked:

Try some of these:

[Sticks]

There is this one, plus others from A1tourism.com (http://www.a1tourism.com/uk/manchester.html)

[BusyBee]

ANY UPDATES ON 2 NOVEMBER. WHAT'S THE TOTAL GOING SO FAR.

[purplequeen]

sorry i carnt go

[Janette]

I'm just bumping this up the board because we've had some new members recently and everyone is welcome to come to the convention.

Right now, i'm just taking names so if anyone fancies a party on 2nd Nov, just U2U me and i'll get back to you :thumbs:

[Sticks]

This is me keeping this thread near the top

Remember to U2U Janette to let us know you are coming

[Sticks]

Elsewhere in this forum, they are talking about hiring dresses and black tie.

I thought this was an informal gathering :shocked:

IS IT A BLACK TIE AFFAIR !!!!!!

Will I have to hire a tuxedo, as I am not in a position to since I was hoping to make this part of a larger sojourn in the North West.

Does this rule me out ?

[Kaz]

You don't have to wear a tuxedo, Sticks - just a black tie! :shocked: :laugh: :shocked: :laugh: :shocked:

Seriously, as LEE has said in another thread, it WON'T be a formal occasion. Pity, I was looking forward to coming in full highland dress. :dazzler:

[Sticks]

All I know of the details being decided is that is on Saturday the 27th September, the fact that is the last Saturday before those of us who are paid at the end of the month does not seem to matter as I seem to be the only one affected, so there :bawling:

The other detail is that it is in London, one of the most expensive places to be . . .

Is this date irrevocably set in stone ? (I heard that Maggie could be excluded because of this and she organises the kareoke :shocked:

What part of London ?

What is the Cost

Can we have some answers so we have more time for preparation ?

[Princess Pink Pants]

So whats happening with this then?

[steve_o]

I don't belive anyone needs 3 months notice, has nobody heard of going on impulse. It's only 1 night. If you can't go you can't go, and that includes me. Stop whinging about it, get a grip, bb4 isnt even over yet, I'm glad I'm not orgainzing it, nobody would go if people maoned all the time. I'm sure Janette and Lee and whoever else is orgainzing are doing there best, Give em a break. You can't expect everyone to be happy for gods sake. :conf: The details will posted when there ready. :spin2:

:spin:

[Princess Pink Pants]

Calm down Steve!

Not all of us can just go on impulse coz of jobs, university, needing to save up money etc, I was only wondering if it where and when it is gonna be has been organised yet, if not then thats ok, u can just say nothings been decided yet, no need to go loopy!

[Janette]

nothing's been decided yet.

:hugesmile:

[steve_o]

So has everyone else we've all got jobs money problems and whatever, I'm not going loopy it's just that some manners wouldn't go a miss instead of a set of demands. If your that bothered about it a please or thank you would look better. Think on!

[Princess Pink Pants]

I didnt make a set of demands, I just asked 1 simple question which Janette managed to answer just as simply, thats all that was needed, cheers Janette :xyxwave:

[Sticks]

I was not making demands either.

I was mearly asking for clarifications of details as elsewhere in the forum, the impression given was that they had already been decided upon.

Janette has told us that nothing has been decided yet.

I would like to think that this means that date and venue given elsewhere can be subject to change from that given elsewhere.

[Janette]

Oh for goodness sake, it means that nothing has been decided yet!!!!!


And by the way, I'm not organising it this year, LEE and Kaphc are, so I'm only confirming what they've told me!

[kaphc]

I've been keeping quiet until now ..... and Janette has "outed" me!! Anyway, just to say that LEE and I are getting together on Saturday to put together some plans and we may be able to start giving you some more idea of what's happening after that.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Well, all I can say is that - arrival of grandchild permitting - I will be there with bells on.

By the way Sticks old chum, what's this about us singing something to do with Paradise as a duet?

I thought we were doing our own inimitable rendition of 'Dead ringer for love'!

Although no doubt those fortunate enough to hear us will think they have been trasported to paradise to hear the heavenly host singing......
http://www.tssphoto.com/vt/xmas5/ACHR0893.jpg:laugh:

[WILDCHILD]

Speaking of the convention, anyone know the link to the photos posted up on the board.The post was put up but i cant find it and as ive lost mine, i just wanted to have a look at them again. Mark, any ideas please?:spin2:

[steve_o]

I thought they'd gone, when the site was hacked as they'd take a while to reload back onto the site, I've got some of them saved and can e-mail them to you if you want.

:spin:

[Di2001]

I'd like to see the Convention photos again too.

Steve could you email me what you have? My address is in my profile. Thanks!

:thumbs: