h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Shall I tell him, or will you, Pastey?

What, tell me that Manchester ISN'T in Scotland? I'm not that daft! But it's close enough to Scotland to make a nice week or ten day trip of it.

Actually, to someone who's lived in Texas all his life, they're practically in the same area code.

The main difference between London and Manchester that really struck me during my first visit to Manchester was the difference in drinking culture on a Friday night.

In London, everybody seeemed to be busy getting as drunk as possible before the pubs closed at 11 pm.

In Manchester, people seemed to be more intent on socialising and having a good time with their friends, and drinking more casually.

I'll be a probable ... depending on transport arrangements ... also I'm moving house some point in June (I think) ... so as long as that doesn't also clash

As Manchester is now the main Meet, I'm happy to organise a London Mini-meet for those who can't travel to Manchester.

Like myself...

MMF

As long as its not in the same weekend it would be hoopy, MMF

Some of us might jump at the opportunity to holiday in GB for a week or two

Ti, I think you've nailed the drinking difference. In London people try and cram as much in before they or their friends have to catch the last train back out to the suburbs. It all seems a show. Whereas in Manchester, and other cities up north, the drinking almost plays a side role, it's all about spending the time with your friends.

MMF! You've got to come up! And depending on finances (now I'm not working) I'd love to come down for a mini-meet

Are you eligible for the carer price offer that 2legs mentioned, MMF?

I'm starting to wonder if it'd be cheaper for someone in Nodnol with a car to drive up via 2legs (fnar fnar ) giving everyone a lift

I do have a disabled rail card, which means I get 1/3 off, as does someone travelling with me.

It would be good if my girlfriend could travel with me, but she's something pre booked on Friday nights unless it is half term or end of term, which would be the last weekend of May, i.e. 30th May to 1st June. Would help on the accommodation front.

I'll certainly do my best Pastey. You know how much I enjoy Mancunian hospitality, and I don't need to be invited twice.

Maybe I can plan a Nodnol Meet for September? If there is enough interest, of course.

MMF

*makes a mental note of getting MMF more 'chill pills' in case he does make it to the Manchester meet*

Hmm. That car idea .... I always hire a car when I'm over. Really need to know the dates for early bookings now.

So, any date set yet?

how about, if I hired a car, and drove to London to ... ahh... maybe not...

A London meet circa some other time in the year, towards the autumn might be doo-able too; if I don't stay over in London, just get the last train home, it makes it a lot cheaper, as the rail fare isn't astranomical off-peak and with my railcard

hmm.

Ealier talking of other events with the meet; can we have a lesson before the meet, on this 'Northern drinking culture' thing, it sounds complicated to me...

I think we're looking at the first weekend in June, just need to check that date against stuff like football and other events going on

Looks clear to me
http://www.cavendishg.com/Events-Calendar.html

Epsom Derby that weekend so all the betting types will be down this end of the country.

The 1st of June is a Sunday - does that count as the first weekend?

Aagh, it clashes with One Direction at Wembley.

That's a good clash, surely. There won't be any one direction fans at the meet... gosh... if the meets that* soon, I better start thinking about what to wear...

Was looking at the 7th, the first *full* weekend in June