this chuffing country (or is it me?)

[Two_Sheds]

So ... we booked a weekend away in London for the Little Ones (see the Queen, Big Ben, that kind of thing).
Hotel booked, train booked, restaurants booked, detailed timed itinerary worked out ... and then the trains went on strike.

(we drove in the end, which was traumatic for me so soon after my crash; a travel-sick child in the back; plus it took 2 hours to find a 24 hour parking space)

This weekend: Brighton Festival booked. House-sitter booked, pet-sitting sorted, plants prepped, lotty prepped, detailed timed itinerary sorted out.
You can guess the rest.

Festival cancelled at the 11th hour. No realistic prospect of a refund either.


I think I really should just stay at home, because someone is trying to tell me something.

[Capsid]

Was renting a car not an option?

[lizzylemon]

((((((((((((((((major big hugs for you)))))))))))))))))))))))))

I know people have their reasons for striking but 9 times out of 10, it's the ordinary people who get hurt the most by the action not the big cats. It makes me hoping mad when these things 'just' get changed at the last minute for whatever reason. It feels like no one cares and maybe it wouldn't seem so bad but you can never get any money back. So it's not like you can even choose to do something else instead.

I know how much these little treats mean, and how it can keep you going for months. It's everything about it: the arranging and anticipation, followed by the excitement of doing and then the enjoyment of remembering.

Another big hug ((((((((((((()))))))))))))))

[janeyo]

I feel your pain. It's not just you - it happens to us all the time.
It's Broken Britain.

[stupot]

Sorry to hear that TS. I was thinking about going to that festival instead of Reading festy, got friends in Bright-on and it was a good line up. The weather is still set to be fine this weekend - camping on the Downs? Must be some other things going on, Brighton is a fun city (if you stay away from the stag and hen parties!)

[SlugLobber]

Aw shucks, that's not good. No, it's not just you. Public transport is an international joke, here. My sister reckons that she's a couple of hours away, now (she's moved from Blackburn to nr Plymouth). I laughed at her optimism. It probably takes LONGER, not less time, EVERYTHING has to go through London in the SE.

Agree with Stupot, though. Still go to Brighton and visit sights such as Seven Sisters, Seaford and the South Downs. It's a lovely area (although I know zilch about Brighton itself!).

[bluemoon]

I know zilch about Brighton either, but I'd still go. And no, it's not just you it is this country. Hope you manage to have a good time, whatever you decide.

[Seaforth Allotments]

It probably takes LONGER, not less time, EVERYTHING has to go through London in the SE.

For inner contentment, peace and enlightenment (not to mention a real, actual conversation in a pub), and less time spent on South West Trains / Third World Western - or equivalent - move to the North of England!

Failing that, Nepal.

Just don't move up this weekend - trains are screwed around Crewe...

Incidentally: New high-speed rail plan unveiled today.
This should cut journey times from London to Glasgow from 4hrs 10mins to 2hrs 16mins.

[Two_Sheds]

Agree with Stupot, though. Still go to Brighton and visit sights such as Seven Sisters, Seaford and the South Downs. It's a lovely area (although I know zilch about Brighton itself!).

I lived there for 6 years, we were looking fwd to catching up with old friends. tbh, we can't face the drive, the traffic, the parking hassles.
Carrying the tents is impossible by public transport.

So, rather than waste the long weekend, we're camping local, and exploring a little bit of Norfolk we haven't met yet. I've packed some frozen screwdrivers, a couple of books and suncream.
We're going to turn the phones off and just chill out.

[MaureenHall]

Whine as much as you like TS, there's plenty of shoulders here for you ((((((((((((hugs))))))))))) Sorry you've had such a crappy time, one thing after another

[SlugLobber]

For inner contentment, peace and enlightenment (not to mention a real, actual conversation in a pub), and less time spent on South West Trains / Third World Western - or equivalent - move to the North of England!

Failing that, Nepal.

Well, I grew up in Bolton and was there only last weekend! So, since I've already lived in the North, Nepal it is... You comin, TS?

[Seaforth Allotments]

Well, I grew up in Bolton and was there only last weekend! So, since I've already lived in the North, Nepal it is...

Fabulous! Let's all meet up by the, er, mountain?

You comin, TS?

The more the merrier.

Sorry you've had a rotten time, T_S.
I think the screwdrivers will help...

[stupot]

Yep, if it helps I'll drink some screwdrivers in solidarity With the Sky thing I've always found threatening to leave a service provider does wonders.. people have told me Sky in particular are prepared to bend over backwards. Just wondering if you could ask on Freecycle for a second hand box from someone who's given up sky on changed to HD. Just a thought.

I'm such a typical bloke - always looking for solutions when a sympathetic ear is all that is needed.

[Bramble_killer]

hi two sheds, hope you feel better soon. Just to say about the festival tickets and the furniture supplier, if you paid by credit card, contact the credit card companies about getting a refund.

[Two_Sheds]

Just to say about the festival tickets and the furniture supplier, if you paid by credit card, contact the credit card companies about getting a refund.

Tried that, but a good point thanks. Both were via Paypal (who aren't interested in refunding) and debit card, not credit card.