If you live not too far away, then I doubt you'll need to bother reading all this. For those unfamiliar with Oxford, however, here are some ways to get to the Meet that we're staging on the 8th November 2003:

From London

By Train

Thames Trains run frequently direct from London Paddington, with journey times at a little over one hour. According to National Rail Enquiries, fares per adult are a little over £15 return. If you're staying overnight, then the 'Network Away Break'fare is almost £20.

By Express Coach

Stagecoach in Oxfordshire's Oxford Tube coach service takes just under an hour and three-quarters from Victoria (Grosvenor Gardens), Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate and the Kensington Hilton. Although it takes longer than the train, it costs just £10 return whether you stay overnight in Oxford or not.

Similarly, The Oxford Bus Company's air conditioned X90 coach service takes just under an hour and three-quarters from Victoria Coach Station. Although it takes longer than the train, it costs just £10 return whether you stay overnight in Oxford or not - and it runs right through the small hours.

From Birmingham

By Train

Virgin Trains run frequently direct from Birmingham New Street, with journey times at around 75 minutes. Fares per adult are around £20 return. If you book before 1800 on the day before, there's a 'Saturday Day Out' fare available at roughly £12 - this includes seat reservation on the journey to Oxford and you can reserve one for the return if you wish, but you don't have to. If you're staying overnight, then planning in advance is cheapest - Virgin Advance fares are available a week in advance at £6.50 each way, but are limited.

By Express Coach

National Express run direct coach services from Digbeth Coach Station to Oxford's Gloucester Green Bus Station, taking just over 90 minutes. There aren't many return journeys in the evening, though. The return fare is £12.50.

From London Airports (if you're crazy enough)

Heathrow

First Great Western run frequently to Reading, where you can change for Thames to Oxford. This takes ninety minutes and costs around £20, or £25 if you return the following day. Slightly quicker is the Oxford Express X70 - 70 minutes each way for £10.

Gatwick

Thames Trains run frequently to Reading, where you can change for Virgin to Oxford. It costs about £20 return, or £25 to travel back the following day. There are also hourly Oxford Express X80 buses direct for £22. Both methods take two hours.

Stansted

National Express run direct coach services from the airport bus station to Oxford's Gloucester Green Bus Station, taking just under three hours. There aren't many return journeys in the evening, though. The return fare is £20. The train involves a change in London, takes as long, and costs at least £7.50 more.

Luton

Virgin Trains run a bus service from the main Luton station to Milton Keynes. Change there for Oxford on another Virgin bus and the journey is just two hours. The return fare's about £20, or nearer thirty if you stay overnight. A similar journey direct from the airport with National Express costs £16.25 return, and takes about as long.

More

• All this info is entirely provisional and was correct when I wrote it. Check your rail travel at National Rail Enquiries or by calling +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50.
• Travel Information from Oxford City Council.