Midland Spring time grapefest - Venue is RYTON GARDENS

[VirginVegGrower]

Additional thoughts on this - Snohare is going to have a dog, so we will know who he is - the lonely chap standing in the car park, waiting for me to arrive
So what time is Snohare getting there for and where from, because I'm sure he doesn't want to be standing around waiting for a dog crate on wheels?

[horticultural_hobbit]

Had Aunty Zazen suggested 11 at the cafe? Or the nearest offer

[VirginVegGrower]

Do you know I think I need to find out from Miss Z what is happening, because I don't know if we are meeting at mine or her place or anything. I have been very lax in my organisation.
Are you driving HH? Is Bins?

[snohare]

Snohare is going to have a dog, so we will know who he is - the lonely chap standing in the car park, waiting for me to arrive
So what time is Snohare getting there for and where from, because I'm sure he doesn't want to be standing around waiting for a dog crate on wheels?

No need for food VVG, although a water bowl would be nice. Everything else I will take. (Like an army on the hoof, me.) I will PM you my mobile number.
I'm coming by train from Rugby, where I will have been visiting a friend. I'm not sure what time the trains are exactly, nor what time I am leaving there, but the journey is only about half an hour I believe. I'm not sure what station to get off at - Snow Hill, is it ? I would prefer to catch a bus to the Gardens rather than walk, just in case the dog's arthritis ( or mine) is playing up again, but a ten minute walk would be okay I suppose.
I just found out that I will have internet access between now and Saturday, so not in such a rush.
Now if I could just remember which Newcastle it is I am changing trains at on Thursday...

[VirginVegGrower]

No need for food VVG, although a water bowl would be nice. Everything else I will take. (Like an army on the hoof, me.) I will PM you my mobile number.
I'm coming by train from Rugby, where I will have been visiting a friend. I'm not sure what time the trains are exactly, nor what time I am leaving there, but the journey is only about half an hour I believe. I'm not sure what station to get off at - Snow Hill, is it ? I would prefer to catch a bus to the Gardens rather than walk, just in case the dog's arthritis ( or mine) is playing up again, but a ten minute walk would be okay I suppose.
I just found out that I will have internet access between now and Saturday, so not in such a rush.
Now if I could just remember which Newcastle it is I am changing trains at on Thursday...

I'm not sure where you will come into but it's quite a walk. I could pick up but just let me know if it's New St or Moor St. Not sure if I'm picking Bins up or if she's driving. Not sure on HH either who normally pops to Brum by choo choo. I have five seats with two occupied. When they are gone, they are gone.
Snohare I thought you were coming from Lincoln or has that changed now?
I will stick a chooy in too. I'll PM you mine when you've PMd me yours

[VirginVegGrower]

Snohare - 0948 gets you into Birmingham New Street at 1026 on Sunday 14th. I can pick up if you would like.

[snohare]

I can get off at either Five Ways or New Street, assuming that the service from Coventry goes to both. I am inclined to think New Street is as good as anywhere, I will have already been through there the previous day, when heading to Rugby from Lincolnshire. (I am so definitely going to improve my grasp of English geography on this trip.) There was no way to get from Lincolnshire by train in time on a Sunday, so I had to do it that way.
I've PM'ed you with my mobile, but yes please VVG, that offer of a lift is gratefully accepted, I will plan on that !

[VirginVegGrower]

OK have responded to PM Snohare. I think the Rugby to Brum is direct and then you would have to change to get to 5 ways? Do you? BNS and Moor Street I know; 5 Ways I don't but could find it.
I'll have a look at the NRE or whatever it's called now. But if it costs you more to go via change to 5 ways it's not worth the aggro or the cash.

[Hazel at the Hill]

I think that the Coventry train will be direct to B'hm New St (either the Virgin West Coast line or the London Midland tootle-along), and so it'll be a change at new St to the Cross City Line for one train stop to Five Ways. 10 min walk to the botanical gdns from there, I think.

Fast trains from Cov will take about 15-20 mins to B'hm New St, the cross city line trains run every 12mins (I think); the one stop from B'ham New St to Five Ways will be a matter of a few minutes.

[zazen999]

Are you coming Hazel?

[horticultural_hobbit]

I will be coming with wheels-the car, not skates-all rather nervously as its an alien environment. I'll be the one that can barely see over the wheel. Really is like a military operation. Aunty VVG, you Has the way to get a hold of me

[VirginVegGrower]

I will be coming with wheels-the car, not skates-all rather nervously as its an alien environment. I'll be the one that can barely see over the wheel. Really is like a military operation. Aunty VVG, you Has the way to get a hold of me

I do and I know who you are so will find you in the car park.

For those who are coming by train and either want to save themselves the additional cash or walk, I will be picking up a man and his dog, Snohare from BNS circa 10:30am.
Can you hover at Birmingham New Street or is it still the same old stop and we will ticket you operation? Anyone know?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Are you coming Hazel?

'fraid not - I am on Godmother sitting duties!

[zazen999]

'fraid not - I am on Godmother sitting duties!

Bring them!

[horticultural_hobbit]

now that would be fabulous! grape seedlings!