Anyone fancy joining forces with a group of knitters (Team Tardis) from Ravelry who are planning to visit the Doctor Who Exhibition, sometime in early September? I don't have a firm date, but it's likely to be the end of the first or second week in September, after the schools go back.

For those of you who have missed earlier announcements, writerconuk are holding Midimeet 2008 from 15th – 17th August, at The Silverthorne Room, The Town Hall, Reading, Berkshire. There are still some places available. Register here. Even if you can't attend, you can take part by joining the Banner Challenge, which is open to artists and writers.

What a grey great day we had yesterday, thanks to kazzy_cee's organisation.

Here's some of the highlights for those who couldn't make it.

( lots of pics )
There were lots of interesting things going on along the Embankment.

( advertising the various exhibitions )
I was disappointed that we couldn't join some of the living statues riding the Carousel, but gillo and I were already way behind the others on the way to the restaurant, as we stopped to take photos.
( The carousel )

We finally caught up with the group in the Studio Restaurant , which is really the Benugo Bar & Kitchen inside the British Film Institute. Gill and I weren't the only ones who had trouble finding the place due to the confusion over its name.

We had a lovely lunch, with attentive serving staff and excellent company.
( Table for 22 )

I'm going to be bringing my dog with me and I was wondering if anyone would like to share a room with us to cut costs? 

We are pleased to announce we have fixed a date, venue, cost, and provisional programme of events for the UK MidiMeet 2007

Dates: 10th-12th August 2007. 6pm Friday to noon Sunday.

Venue: Novotel - Nottingham/Derby

Membership Cost £20.

We have negotiated an accomodation deal with the hotel - £77.00 per night for a Twin bedded room including breakfast. Members will be responsible for booking their own accommodation.

More details will follow very shortly - watch this space.

Please note - membership numbers will be limited to 30 for this event.

I've been playing with names all afternoon and finally came up with,

JACCEF - the Jossverse Arts Community for Creative Expression in Fandom. The initials don't spell anything with meaning, but can be pronounced and it was the best thing I could find to sum us up.

I've printed off the weekend schedule and will bring enough copies for everyone. The only change to the original schedule is the 9pm item on Saturday because kazzy_cee has agreed to lead the artist item. I spoke to the conference room manager and have arranged for our room to be available beyond the 6pm slot. Would gillo please confirm that this doesn't add to the cost of the room as the manager didn't mention costs during our discussion.

I don't have the wherewithal to make all the badges so would everyone remember to do their own.

As calove will not be present, who's bringing the chocolate and should I still bring bubbly for anyone? Fear not bogwitch your Nanny Ogg Scumble is already packed.

Re-drabbles
The word prompts are in the schedule behind the cut and it was proposed that a 'here's one I made earlier' drabble (or more if the Muse strikes) be brought to read during after-dinner drinks. The artists among you were invited to illustrate their drabbles or use the prompt to create some graphics.



( revised schedule )

Hi everyone! Well nearly the big day, I was wondering about us all meeting up, and would it help if I tried to get the hotel to make an announcement at about 8pm at reception? I was going to say 7pm, but might make it an hour later to give everyone a bit more time to get here.

I looked round for some Restaurants in Long Eaton, and found four that might be suitable.

1) American, Branaghans, Jarvis Nottingham Hotel, Bostock Lane
2) The Chandelier Tandoori Resturant, 115-117 Derby Road
3) New Adelphi Restaurant 10-12 Gibb Street
4) Trattoria II Nautica Trent Lock.

I don't know about distance from the hotel, or if we could get some honest to goodness pub meals, these were the ones I found on the internet.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

*waves*

Not long to go now, so I'm just checking what you'd like me to do at the minimeet.

I've agreed to chair the discussion about fic banners, and I can bring something arty along for the word prompts. Do we know if we have access to a computer at the hotel? I'm planning on bringing along my laptop anyway - but it would be nice to know if they have powerpoint or something useful like that.

I'll be arriving at Long Eaton station at 8pm so I'll be at the hotel shortly afterwards to check in. Is everyone eating at the hotel or somewhere else? Is the plan to wear badges (or perhaps attractive large hats) so we can recognise each other?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

I've noticed from a couple of recent posts that people have already written drabbles. I thought we were writing them while we were there. What drabbles are we supposed to have written beforehand?

*is confused*

Well, I finally booked to come today! I had a slight finaicial glitch and wasn't sure I'd be making it, but I'm on the 5pm train from St Pancras and will arrive at Long Eaton at 6:55pm. The hotel is onnly about 2km from the station apparently, so should be there soon after seven.

I got a double room for £45 per night so if there are any other last minuters that want to share feel free.

See you all soon,

Love Xanpet.