Lake district 2015???

[dapinky]

Well, it's been mentioned elsewhere on the forum (and frequenly during various meetings), that the camping trip to the Lake District was one of the best LEC events in the past.

Personally, some of my best LEC memories involve meeting other members, camping (or B&B) trips, BBQs, pub meals, curry and scenic drives.

So, maybe it's time to think about arranging something which will include all of the above, as a LEC venture, not 'bolted on' to another Lotus event as a bit of an afterthought.

So this is just to test the waters to see if such an enterprise would garner enough enthusiasm to make it worthwhile.

Sykeside was the site of choice last time, but any other suitable places can be considered - it has certain advantages (on site pub/restaurant), and a choice of 'accomodation' types - Camping (tent, caravan, motorhome), B&B, Cottage rental, bunkhouse (and if you haven't got room for your tent in the car, they will even provide you with a ready-erected one). It is conveniently located, and offers everything likely to be needed.

Firstly, I will state that it isn't likely to be an extremely well organized event ('coz it may be me doing it!), and there is likely to be (at best) an overall plan which is subject to anyone taking or leaving what they want. No pressure to do or not do anything - turn up in an elan (I will), VW camper, Skoda-with-a-caravan, or anything else you want - it's all about the craic and the people - not what you drive onto the field with.

No dates have been booked (obviously), but I would be thinking of somewhere arround the beginning of June (out of school holidays), or end of July (in school holidays) - to see what people would prefer (I'm out of the country at the end of June/beginning of July so won't be going if the majority want it then!).

I assume most would prefer it to be a weekend event, but there's nowt to stop anyone adding a few days either end if you wish to (I may well make a week of it).

So, the first questions are:-

1) Is anyone interested?
2) Sykeside or elsewhere?
3) When?
4) What would you like to do?

I would initially suggest a preliminary plan which *may* be something like:-

Arrive Friday 5th June, set-up camp, go for something to eat (onsite or elsewhere) and a beer.
Saturday, - breakfast, relax, go out for a drive, come back have a BBQ (unless it's raining!) and a beer.
Sunday, - breakfast, relax (pack up tents), drive out and grab some lunch, make your way home.

I have seen that Sykeside state that they don't allow 'groups of adults' to stay, and observe a 'quiet time' after 2300 - so this would need to be explored to see if they could/would accomodate us, otherwise, I'll have to look elsewhere.

So, anyone else want to (provisionally subject to dates, times, location and everything else) come and join us ?????

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2)

[Dico]

Cracking idea!!!!!!!!!!!



1) Is anyone interested? YES!
2) Skyeside or elsewhere? Sykeside. No question about it. Lovely scenery. Lovely pub.
3) When? Open to suggestions. Yours sounds good.
4) What would you like to do? Have fun drink beer, with a nice crowd.


Anyone any pics from the last event? Rambo must have one or two.

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2) Dico & Jayne (possibly Sam...?)

[Dico]

2016???

[Rambo]

Maybe Dave is dyslexic ? I think he means Sykeside and 2015

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2) Dico & Jayne (possibly Sam...?)
3) Rambo (possibly Jock as well ?)

[rip]

1) Is anyone interested? YES!
2) Sykeside or elsewhere? Never been there or heard of it before, so no preference.
3) When? Open to suggestions. Yours sounds good.
4) What would you like to do? As long as the plan is not to sit there & drink all day, I don't mind. A drive out to somewhere for the day (the coast perhaps?) sounds good to me.

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2) Dico & Jayne (possibly Sam...?)
3) Rambo (possibly Jock as well ?)
4) rip

[Rob P]

Lakes is not far for me so I'd be up for a little trip out and a chance to catch up with some of the LEC community. Might have to be me and my lad as the missus doesn't do camping

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2) Dico & Jayne (possibly Sam...?)
3) Rambo (possibly Jock as well ?)
4) rip
5) Rob P and Matt

[dapinky]

2016???

Okay, I admit - that was an error - obviously even I don't need that much notice (now edited to be correct)

[dapinky]

.... Might have to be me and my lad as the missus doesn't do camping......

Nor does Jayne (well, only 'posh' glamping) ....

..... and it is surprising how much camping stuff fits into an elan - Angie likes the 'home comforts' so we have to fit in a largish tent, double airbed, duvet, pillows and enough shoes to keep Imelda Marcos interested

...but there is the B&B option (or find somewhere else local and join up during the daytime?)

[Rambo]

Don't forget, there is a posh bunkhouse on site............ http://sykeside.co.uk/bunkhouse.php

And a posh cottage .....................http://sykeside.co.uk/cottage.php

Not forgetting the camping for the hardmen.......http://sykeside.co.uk/camping.php

PS I think Monty dossed in the bunkhouse so it has probably been downgraded from 5* to 4*

[nicowalker1]

1) Is anyone interested? YES!
2) Sykeside or elsewhere? Not many bad areas in the lakes! Also its a good location for the Sotts to come down!
3) When? Open to suggestions. End of July, I have my finals May/June
4) What would you like to do?

1) Dave & Angie (dapinky)
2) Dico & Jayne (possibly Sam...?)
3) Rambo (possibly Jock as well ?)
4) rip
5) Rob P & Matt
6) Nick, Kim & Isabelle

If my Elan is back on the road by then we may need a seat for Kim

[dapinky]

Well, we were always going to struggle for a date which suited everyone...... but it solves the 'seat required' issue - Kim can drive the Elan with Isabelle, and you stay home to study

Okay, as it's you, I'm now looking at either 17/19 or 24/26 July...

One of which is before schools break up, and the other is the first weekend of (English) holidays... (well, I checked our local schools, Lancashire and even Scotish ones, who work 2 weeks different to us for some reason).

Maybe the first weekend of the Hols is going to be a bugger for traffic?

Anyone got any ideas (good, bad or indifferent)?

Do we go earlier or later in the year?

[Scott J]

24/26 July clashes with Silverstone Classic which a few of us will be going to, Rambo, Muley etc. I would prefer June. Anyway, dates permitting I'm up for it. Sykeside is ideal. As the choice of vehicle is open i'll probably bring my car that looks a bit like a baby élan FHC and is powered by a Ford 2.0l twin cam engine.

[Dico]

The only thing I would suggest is that we don't drag this on for too long. Camp sites tend to get booked up really early. Sykeside has everything we need. Cracking position too. Oh, and a lovely bar...

[dapinky]

OKay then, I think we're all happy with the site/facilities.... I'll give it a week to see if there are any more comments on 'when' to do it then start to firm it all up...

..c'mon everybody, tell me your preferences

[Dico]

Hello Mr Pinky, it's Mrs Dico here! Now we have a bit of a problem with school holibobs etc, Sam finishes on 17th July, and we would prefer not to take him out of school. HOWEVER, we are aware that school hols are not a preference for lots of people, therefore we will go with the majority, and try to work it so we can go up for just one night if necessary. Hope this helps. Glad it's you and not me doing the organising

[Rambo]

Good point Scott - Silverstone in July - a cracking w/e

Maybe i'll come down to Sexside in my new toy

[dapinky]

Well, it looks like the dates I proposed aren't that brilliant (or at least they clash with other things!)... I presume doing it the week before Silverstone wouln't be that great

So....

Spring Bank Holiday? (Jayne, I'm looking on a website which tells me that Spring hols are 25-29th May in Lancashire (is that your area?).... Nicko, how does that fit with your exams? or would August be better for everyone?

[Dico]

Yep that's our half term date. But we'll go with the majority and join you lot a day later if necessary. Or August of course. A long as it doesn't clash with Carfest North

[dapinky]

Well, if you'd organized it you could have just dictated the dates!!!!

[epipete]

Still watching with interest, but, before I sign up, for me it's The May or June dates!

Pete