Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

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pete9012S
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by pete9012S »

Image

In my wife's works which is a rest home, they charter or hire a canal boat for the residents (around thirty people) and are taken on a nice relaxing cruise on the canal for the day.

They are given a nice meal and drinks/refreshments and they all absolutely love it.
I wondered if we did something like that either on a canal or the Thames and all brought our unwanted Enid Blyton books to swop or sell with each other whether that would appeal?

Enid's characters loved boats and going on adventures/cruises with them.The boat may even alight at a nice pub or two along the way giving the chance to stretch your legs etc...

Just a suggestion,the first that came into my head...sorry if it sounds daft! :D

http://www.canaljunction.com/canal/attraction.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Daisy »

On the face of it that sounds lovely Pete. However, having been on a couple of such outings myself and having to stay seated once you embark, I think it would be rather prohibiting for us. The beauty of a venue like the Spade Oak was the ability to mingle and speak to everyone - some of us only stayed still long enough to eat our lunch! Then in the gardens we could link up with one group or another as we wished.
I agree with Nigel that another place would make a nice change, if we can find one.
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Courtenay »

Katharine wrote:Enid spent her childhood in Beckenham/Bromley in Kent.
I live right near Beckenham and Bromley, but I wouldn't say they're the most exciting or picturesque places in the world these days (if indeed they ever were)! :lol:
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by pete9012S »

Some good points there Daisy.
We need to be able to mingle,move about,enjoy good food,natural beauty,perhaps,gardens,castle,quiz....
The Find Outers used to go on some good day's out.
Cycled to Banshee Towers,mooched around there.
Cycled back to the dairy,or maybe Fatty's shed.

I would love to go to Brownsea Island,but obviously we need a day that accommodates everyone and also that appeals to everyone too! :D
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Katharine »

Courtney, a group of us went on a walking tour of the area last year, and stood outside most of the houses she lived in. We were even lucky enough to have a look around the house she lived in when very young.

Pete, I'm going to Dorset this year for a week, I'm definitely planning to visit Corfe Castle, and as many other Enid Blyton related places as possible. I'd better put Brownsea Island on the list.
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by floragord »

Katharine wrote:Pete, I'm going to Dorset this year for a week, I'm definitely planning to visit Corfe Castle, and as many other Enid Blyton related places as possible. I'd better put Brownsea Island on the list.
Hope you have a lovely time and heavenly weather! We were there earlier this year and loved Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, the Blue Pool, the Purbecks and much, much more - but especially Corfe Castle and Gingerpop!
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Moonraker »

Exbury Gardens would be a good place to visit. As well as the FF tv series being filmed at Exbury, there are tearooms and lovely gardens to visit. I appreciate though that it in the New Forest in the south of England.
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Julie2owlsdene »

Exbury Gardens, sounds brilliant for me too, and I've looked at the link and they do accept dogs. We of course, always take Morgan with us, and even though I like Pete's idea of the boating etc, I'm wondering if it would be too restricted for us having Morgan. They may not even accept dogs. Brownsea Island doesn't accept dogs, and so for me that wouldn't be an option.

Although Morgan doesn't go around Old Thatch Gardens, he just waits in the car. Brownsea, wouldn't even allow him on the island. :cry:

8)
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Francis »

How did Pete catch Anita and I living the high life?
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by John Pickup »

Exbury Gardens looks very nice but it would be quite a trek for me. But, if I want to meet you all, I must be prepared to travel. I would definitely need to stay overnight, though.
Did you pick this venue because of the train, Nigel?
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Carlotta King »

I might be able to make it as long as I could get back the same day; I have just been looking at the transport details, I'd have to get the train to Southampton and then the ferry to Hythe, then it says you should get a taxi, but I'm thinking I could bring my bike and cycle from Hythe to Exbury, it's only 6 miles, wouldn't take long! :D
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Julie2owlsdene »

John Pickup wrote:But, if I want to meet you all, I must be prepared to travel. I would definitely need to stay overnight, though.

On these meet up, and even on the Enid Blyton Days, we always stay overnight for a couple of nights, John. Cornwall is quite a distance away and so we make the most of the meetings, and combine it with a couple of nights break.

8)
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Carlotta King »

John, you could do what Barney does, and break into the house and stay the night there! :lol:
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by Julie2owlsdene »

:lol: :lol:

Cathy, encouraging people to break into an empty house, really! :lol: :lol:

8)
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Re: Meet-up at Spade Oak/Old Thatch, Sun 18th May 2014

Post by John Pickup »

My wife says I struggle to break into a £20 note, especially when she's with me.
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