Wikipedia:Meetup/Birmingham 2

See also: meta:Future UK meetups and meta:Wikimania 2009/UK

Archive - discussion on location, date, possible London meetup in December.

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A meetup of Wikipedians was held in Central Birmingham at 13:00 on 20 October 2007. This is the planning page for it.

More details

OK, now it seems the date will be 20th October. We now need to discuss a time, location, activities etc. I'd personally prefer something during the day (i.e. an afternoon, maybe with lunch before if people can make it). Not too bothered about the actual place. Majorly (talk) 20:36, 14 September 2007 (UTC)

afternoon between about 3 and 8 is the best I can do assuming meeting point is within walking distance of Birmingham New Street (which we have enough pics of).Geni 20:41, 14 September 2007 (UTC)

not going to make it.Geni 01:28, 13 October 2007 (UTC)

• Any time after 1 ish works for me, maybe earlier but thats less certain. Lunch and hang round for the afternoon and evening would be fine, gives time for people to chat and chill a while - it's not like we'll do this every day :) Anywhere that works for others works for me; free parking in walking distance would be nice but not essential. Ideally, access either to New Street or a frequent local trainline just out of town somewhere nice, lunch for those who want it, hang out and chill, maybe a walk or something, stick round till evening :) Anyone up for a walk or something in the afternoon if the weather's good? :) The Random Named 13:21, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

Someone in the afternoon would be best. Give people time to get there in the morning, and time to get home in the evening. Meet for lunch around midday and then hang around B'ham for the afternoon - shouldn't stray too far from the station, that way people can head back at whatever time they need to. --Tango 13:27, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

I'd agree that during the day is probably a better idea for those of us who have to travel. Not really fussed about times though. - Zeibura ^(Talk) 15:46, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

• I can probably make it on the 20th if it's during the day but I'm busy in the evening. Will (aka Wimt) 15:04, 23 September 2007 (UTC)
  • I'm afraid I won't be able to make it now. Sorry to pull out at short notice, but factors have rather conspired against me. I'm always up for meetups though, so hopefully I'll see everyone at the next one! Will (aka Wimt) 00:13, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

• Agh, that's ironic. After putting Brum for first choice on the list, 20th October is the one weekend I'm in .... London. ELIMINATORJR 13:48, 28 September 2007 (UTC)

What do we want to do

It seems we're settled on the afternoon of 20th October, so what do we want to spend the afternoon doing? My suggestion is to start off in a pub/bar that serves food, have some lunch, and then we can probably plan the next step there. --Tango 17:12, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

find a museum that allows pics?Geni 17:14, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

Pub sounds good to me, have some lunch, then take it from there - as long as there's beer, I'm content! :-) Ryan Postlethwaite 17:18, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

So any ideas of what pub? Majorly (talk) 19:35, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

Previous meetup was at the square peg. Mailing list is suggesting The Briar Rose.Geni 22:23, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

The square peg wasn't bad as a meeting place, although it was quite busy as I recall. I'm not familiar with any other pubs in Birmingham. The Briar Rose does get a good write-up. Thryduulf 09:28, 29 September 2007 (UTC)

Rather than decide where exactly to go, can we agree on which train station whatever place we go to will be nearest? Some of us have to catch trains and the earlier we know where to the cheaper the tickets. :) Dev920 (Have a nice day!) 23:42, 30 September 2007 (UTC)

Well, Moor Street is only 5 minutes walk away from New Street and the coach station isn't far either. As long as its in the city centre it'll be accessible from any of them. - Zeibura ^(Talk) 02:23, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

You should warn that the square peg has a dress code. Last time we had a meeting their I wasn't allowed in because I was wearing tracksuit bottoms. To get in I had to buy a new pair of trousers from the nearby market and put them on over my existing trousers when no-one was looking :) G-Man ^? 00:26, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

New Street is easiest for those outside Birmingham. I'll be driving, so anywhere is fine by me. Neil ム 16:56, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

Well G-Man, I think we'll be going to the Briar Rose this time, so it shouldn't be a problem. Majorly (talk) 23:06, 4 October 2007 (UTC)

If we're going to the Briar Rose, then New Street station is much easier. From the station, head for the main exit (signposted "Way Out / Palisades"), up the escalators, through the Palisades shopping centre, as you come out, straight down the road in front of you (McDonald's to the right). When you get to the bottom of the road by the bank (think it's a HSBC), cross the junction, and go left down New Street. Temple Street is (the third or fourth road) on the right - go up there, take a left into Temple Passage, and the Briar Rose is lurking in there somewhere. About five minutes walk from New Street station.

From Moor Street, go into the Bull Ring (you can't miss it, it's massive and made of glass and awesomeness), through the Bull Ring, follow signs for New Street station, and then as above. About 10 minutes walk. There's also a coloured line drawn on the pavement between the two stations to guide you, but cutting through the Bull Ring is quicker. I would recommend going to New Street wherever possible.

Tip - if you're travelling from Manchester by train, look into buying a ticket to Crewe and a ticket from Crewe to New Street, it's often cheaper, and you don't actually have to stop at Crewe. Same goes from London - the train goes direct from Euston to New Street, but look into getting 2 tickets, from Euston to Watford Junction with a local ticket (or a tube ticket) and from Watford Junction to New Street - it can sometimes work out cheaper. Neil ム 14:23, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

I'm pretty sure tickets between Euston and Watford Junction aren't valid on Virgin Trains, and if you're caught with one you'll get charged the full fare to the next station (which will probably only be Milton Keynes, but still, it's risky). I'd advise anyone coming from London to use Chiltern Railways from Marylebone to Moor Street, it's loads cheaper than Virgin and only takes an extra half hour. - Zeibura ^(Talk) 15:26, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

I meant get on the Virgin train at Watford, rather than Euston (go from Euston to Watford Junction on the tube). Neil ム 15:33, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

There appears to be engineering work on the Chiltern line between London and Birmingham on the 20th, so the Euston-New Street route is the only viable option (unless you want to travel via Coventry). Thryduulf 15:20, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

There's also National Express coaches from London. The coach station in Brum is in Digbeth, and it's about a fifteen minute walk (all signposted) back to New Street and the Briar Rose. Neil ム 15:33, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

Link with Wikimedia UK

This should be an informal Wikimedia UK event. – Kaihsu 13:47, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

Time?

Has a time been agreed on for when we'll all be meeting? - Zeibura ^(Talk) 15:28, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

Looking above, times mentioned are 1 and 3... perhaps meet at 2:30? A pretty late lunch I suppose. Majorly (talk) 19:54, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

I'd say 1pm actually, those who can't get there for then don't have to but it gives those who can't make the evening plenty of time. Thryduulf 15:01, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

I'd much prefer a start at 1, or 12 if possible in order to get back. (3.14 etc 17:02, 9 October 2007 (UTC))

Yeah earlier is definitely better for me because, as I say, I need to get elsewhere for the evening so I'll have to head off mid afternoon probably. Will (aka Wimt) 17:46, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

1pm is my preferred time too. – Steel 17:56, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, 1pm at the latest. 12 or 12:30 might be better. --Tango 20:07, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

OK 1pm is the time to meet then. People can come earlier if they want, but we can start at one. 86.29.44.23 22:16, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

1pm fine by me. I'm taking advantage of being in Brum and going out drinking with friends later so won't be hanging round too late. Neil ム 13:58, 10 October 2007 (UTC)

Because of a different set of engineering works my last cheap service home is a replacement coach from New Street at 18:30 (or I could pay another £30 for 1 extra hour, which I can't afford). That is unless someone has a bed for the night in Brum. Thryduulf 19:57, 10 October 2007 (UTC)

Final attendees

We now have the date, time and place to meet. Please sign below, so we know who to expect to see. Thanks.

• Majorly (talk) 17:47, 14 October 2007 (UTC) - Mr Ryan Postlethwaite is meant to be giving me a lift down, but there's apparently issues with work... hope I can still go, but it all depends on Ryan... :/ Majorly (talk) 01:59, 15 October 2007 (UTC)
• - Zeibura ^(Talk) 18:24, 14 October 2007 (UTC)
• Unless the main topic of conversation is going to be Wikimania 2009. If it is, I'm not coming. Having an agenda is also a terrifying thought.Neil ☎ 21:51, 14 October 2007 (UTC)
  • That's what happens at meetups though - we talk about Wikipedia related things :) If you find it terrifying, take a look at some other meetup pages. 86.29.39.5 22:00, 14 October 2007 (UTC)
    • OK, removed the offending section. Majorly (talk) 22:06, 14 October 2007 (UTC)
• Thryduulf 23:43, 14 October 2007 (UTC) I should be there about or shortly after 1, as I get into New Street at 12:50 (assuming the train is on time).
• Still coming. Will be bringing a non-Wikipedian friend, hope that's alright with y'all. Dev920 (Have a nice day!) 01:40, 15 October 2007 (UTC)

  As long as they don't mind us talking about Wikipedia a lot, I can't see it being a problem. --Tango 18:28, 15 October 2007 (UTC)

• I should be there. Might be a tiny bit late - I either have to get a train that gets there an hour early, or one that gets there 9 minutes late... I haven't decided which is better - suggestions (will anyone else be early)? --Tango 18:28, 15 October 2007 (UTC)
  • Should Ryan be able to take me, we will be early for sure. Majorly (talk) 21:59, 15 October 2007 (UTC)
• 3.14 etc, cya there!

Final Place

So it's 1:00 - where? Dev920 (Have a nice day!) 23:34, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Briar Rose (see top section). Majorly (talk) 07:32, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

Are we meeting there, or meeting at New Street and going there together? --Tango 12:24, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

Hmm. Well I don't really mind personally :) Majorly (talk) 16:19, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

I strongly suggest meeting at the pub rather than the station, purely because it's entirely possible that people's arrival times from different locations will differ considerably, and i'm sure most of us would rather wait around in the pub than the station. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 3.14 etc (talk • contribs)

Good point. The pub it is, then. Somewhere near the entrance, if possible, I guess. What's the best way to recognise eachother? I can wear a t-shirt with a geeky slogan if that helps... --Tango 19:55, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

Before the Manchester meet, some of us swapped photos, but in the end we didn't need them, it was obvious enough... :) Majorly (talk) 20:39, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

The London meets I've been to have been obvious enough. The last Birmingham one I was the second person there, and failed to spot the first person until I spotted the printout of the Wikipedia logo on the table. Thryduulf 13:51, 18 October 2007 (UTC)

We could exchange mobile numbers by email - useful for finding people, but also useful to say "I'm running late." Many of us are travelling using the British railways... we need to allow for delays. ;) --Tango 17:49, 18 October 2007 (UTC)

Good thinking. My email is cmckenna@sucs.org. I will try and check it before I leave tomorrow (~9:30) and respond then with my mobile number. I will also try and check it while I'm en route, but cannot guarantee that I will be able to. user:Thryduulf (not logged it) 00:01, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Can i confirm that it is indeed the Briar Rose?

Yes, it is. Majorly (talk) 14:21, 19 October 2007 (UTC)

Well, it's 3am and I am knackered - methinks I will not be there tomorrow... Dev920 (Have a nice day!) 02:00, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

I'm not coming - I had a better offer. Have fun guys! Neil ☎ 10:12, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Post-match analysis

I'm finally home... Dev920, Neil - you missed a good time. We had 7 attendees in the end, which I think was pretty good. Thank you everyone for a very enjoyable day. See you all in December! --Tango 21:05, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Indeed, it was great to meet you all. I'll try and initiate something closer to the time for a London one in December - when Jimmy Wales is supposed to be coming :D Majorly (talk) 21:19, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Who was there? Ryan Postlethwaite 21:20, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Myself, Tango, Thryduulf, Steel359, Zeibura, 3.14 etc and The Random Named (an alt account of an admin who does not wish to be made public here). Majorly (talk) 21:28, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

Gutted I missed it, would have been great to see you guys. Will certainly be up for London - glad you had fun. Ryan Postlethwaite 22:43, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

It was good yeah, i'm up for going to london.(3.14 etc 17:32, 21 October 2007 (UTC))

advertise meets?

sorry I missed this, it just happened to be mentioned at AN/I incidentally today, otherwise I would never have known about it. Is there a way the meets could be somehow advertised more in future? (not just for me, what I mean is numbers will be higher if peope knew about them.)Merkinsmum 01:36, 25 October 2007 (UTC)

Well, there was a request for a geonotice, which would put a message to everyone in the UK, but it obviously wasn't carried out. I think it's best to keep watch on the meetup page, if you're interested. Majorly (talk) 01:44, 25 October 2007 (UTC)

Next?

London Or anything in the new year......? Assuming Time, SonOfPedro and WifeOfPedro allow, I'd love to make the next one. Pedro :  Chat  23:48, 5 November 2007 (UTC)

There's possibly one in December, in London. I should start organising it... apparently Jimmy Wales will be in London, so I'll email him and ask whenabouts. Majorly (talk) 00:03, 6 November 2007 (UTC)

I've watchlisted this page. London would be ideal as I'm Southampton area but keep me in the loop. Pedro :  Chat  00:09, 6 November 2007 (UTC)